Hail & farewell

It caught us by surprise when Plantation Bay Resort and Spa had its usual media cocktails for the business and lifestyle writers two Thursdays ago at the resort’s Savannah Lounge and announced that their very much-loved General Manager Efren Belarmino has retired effective that very same day. The announcement was made by Plantation Bay’s beautiful and dynamic PR Associate Hannah Patalinjug when everyone was already settled and engaged in tete-a-tete. 

It truly was surprising since the invitation never mentioned that it was going to be some sort of a “hail, farewell” thing, rather a simple media cocktails which the resort usually hosts every now and then. When it was Mr. B’s (as we fondly call Mr. Belarmino) time to take the microphone, he thanked everyone who supported him and the resort, as well, during his 16 years of service to Plantation Bay. As expected, everyone felt sad about the news for he became almost everyone’s close friend. Personally, I consider Mr. B as one of the best general managers in the hotel and resort industry in Cebu. Such a gentleman and a very amiable one. 

On the contrary, we were a little bit relieved from the thought of missing him when he mentioned that he will still be around, in a way, since he will still be the resort’s consultant. And also, the one who will follow his throne as the resort’s general manager, Nenette G. Castillon is equally a very pleasing lady. Nenette has been part of the resort even before Plantation Bay Resort and Spa opened in 1996.   As I got to talk to her for quite a while, I figured that the resort will be in good hands. 

To cap the emotional yet memorable night, some of the guests gamely jammed with the acoustic band who provided beautiful songs that night with no less than the very versatile and gorgeous Natasha Cang, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa’s mainstay who incidentally will be leaving, too, next month for New Orleans. She will be settling here for good with her American-musician boyfriend. 

To Mr. B, thank you so much for always extending that warm hospitality,   making me feel at home every time I’m at Plantation Bay whether for business or pleasure for the last 16 years. To Ms. Nennette C., more power to you and congratulations!