IPI affiliate opens adventure park

CEBU, Philippines - Alliance Aqua Culture Inc., an affiliate of International Pharmaceutical Inc. (IPI),  has poured in an additional P2 million to expand its 36-hectare property in the western town of  Balamban, opening up an integrated recreational and adventure park.

Called as “Wild Wild West  Recreation Center,” the sprawling property originally utilized as prawn farm, is now being maximize  to add to the adventure getaway choices for Cebuanos, and the growing local and foreign visitors. 

 In an interview with Wild Wild West general manager Cristino G. Lim, he said that the long plan of the company is to establish more activities within the property to add to the existing attractions which include  ATV (all terrain vehicle) riding, fishing, horseback riding, race car drifting, camping grounds, and a restaurant.

The prawn farm which supplies exporters in Central Visayas  produces an average 50 to 70 tons a year.

Opened just a year ago,  Alliance Aqua Culture Inc. has already noted an increasing number of visitors to the park. Some had even inquired about overnight accommodations.

 At present, Lim said they are renting out tents for those customers who want to stay over night in the facility as they are still finalizing plan to build  cottages and make the park fully an integrated recreation and adventure facility that will not only attract the all-day visitors, but also groups that will have special functions that require more than a day stay.

 Soon, the company will also roll out attractive and affordable packages for groups and individuals to take advantage of the activities within the property.

As Cebu is becoming a versatile tourism destination in the Philippines, it has evolved into attracting not only business and leisure tourists, but also a growing number of adventure seekers from different parts of the country and the world.

Adventure and eco-tourism related activities are two of the main focuses Cebu is hitting to strengthen, said Department of Tourism (DOT-7) regional director Rowena Montecillo in an earlier interview.

 Montecillo said that more than beaches, cultural heritage, and shopping, Cebu is now moving to intensify its niche in adventure tourism, and other outdoor and nature activities either within the urban cities and countryside destinations.

According to Montecillo her office is now looking for more activities to offer the growing tourists, and respond to the demand for outdoor events.  (FREEMAN)