I found myself driving at past midnight through the SCTex with friends Ianne Borillo and Nicky Sering, listening to mono-aural versions of Sting. Nicky’s iPod, we discovered only dispensed mono sound, which actually ate him up for a few minutes. The trip through the plains of Pampanga was almost like cruising through the German autobahn. After the opening of the newest freeway from Pampanga to Zambales, travel time to Subic from Alabang was cut in half- no, make that a third, after we decided to run at 130 kilometers an hour. Destination was the Lighthouse Marina Resort Hotel. Ianne managed to drag me into this crazy idea of driving to Subic on the fly on the promise that I could do my work there. There is lightning speed wifi internet, she claimed. We went on the invitation of Zed Avecilla, who did promise us fast internet, and more.
The shipping clan of the Avecillas found inspiration in sailing for their latest business venture. The family, after all, is a lot of self-made businessmen-sailors. As you may have already smartly inferred, the family decided to use the lighthouse as their reference icon for the hotel. The Lighthouse was established about four years ago to provide transient residence to executives of business locators of the Subic free port zone; and for tourists who frequent the port more for its sailing and eco-tourism than its business. Zed Avecilla, current Marketing Manager and default head honcho of the hotel admits that their market profile slowly included young and mobile business people who needed a break from Manila, but yet needed to still remain in touch with the office, albeit, physically insulated from the stress. And it is on this premise that I went there – to work. But, knowing Ianne and Nicky, I had strong doubts it would happen.
Well, I did my assignment bit and found out that one of the original Seven Wonders of the World was a lighthouse, the Alexandrian Lighthouse in Egypt. Having meant to assist mariners through the port of the still existing ancient city of Alexandria, it stood as the tallest man-made structure on the planet for nearly 1,200 years. You won’t find it standing anymore, though. All that remains are the slab foundations resembling more like rubble than building. Although Zed’s Lighthouse may yet be classified as heritage in a few hundred years, it did rise to prominence in the Subic area as the most photographed landmark in the port. So popular it became as a photo-op site, I could’ve very well be likened it to Rockport’s Motif No. 1.
We arrived at 1:30AM and slept through most part of the morning. Sleeping in the best room in the house was not at all a bad, bad idea so I indulged myself and slept in.
Architecturally, the building has quite a stunning composition against the severe grey sand and dark green mountain silhouette background. Done in almost austere Italianate architecture, the hotel main building provided a perfect compliment to the 20 meter light tower done in surprising detail very faithful to naval architecture specifications. The elegantly simplistic hotel façade betrays the edgy Asian Modern interiors which truly reflect Hong Kong and Shanghai high interior design sensibilities. The designer, I gathered, hailed his professional credentials from the two cities.
Done in a field of beige and bi-polar accents of deep reddish brown oil stain and acquamarine rear coated glass, the Grand Lobby welcomes guests with an ensemble of Citterio inspired cubic lounge furniture. An interesting play of contrasting volumes progress as you proceed to The Sands, the hotel’s restaurant. More generous applications of acquamarine accents, but this time, against a stark white field provide this fresh and bright feel. This is only punctuated by dark wooden chairs in local fabric covering. This cold–warm dichotomy of materials promote this inviting ambiance yet cold enough to “leave you alone” to do your own business. The snob factor is strong but does provide a good balance to the warm service given by the waiting staff. They seem to magically know what I would want next.
The designer smartly placed this huge high table, almost four meters long and a third as wide, right at the side of the restaurant. Done in crystal white granite, this “special” counter serves as the conference table of the Avecilla’s whenever they hold breakfast or lunch meetings. This table too, I claimed for myself for the next three days as my personal executive desk. So Ianne was not lying after all when she said I could do a ton of work. I did tap away on my Mac when I slowly noticed Ianne and Nicky claiming the other half of the special table for themselves to work on their respective errands. With fast wireless internet indeed, and over flowing food courtesy of Zed, I managed to forget the hours run by and finished twice the amount of work I wouldn’t have normally done so if I were in Manila.
And the food – Zed brags about their barbecued ribs. I don’t know about him, but I surely would not let a chance pass by for another bowl of Clam Chowder and their huge plate of Pockets of Mahi-Mahi. I’ve tasted chowder in Boston, which they say is the best, but I will swear on this one this time. I will let the crab fat cream sauce that smothers the Mahi-Mahi and risotto speak for themselves when you get to try it. Remember to top this meal with a towering Frozen Margarita, which the restaurant is originally known for. Chef Booj Supe did a rather fine job at the kitchen with these.
The suites, which they call Aqua, are more warmly appointed with generous work table space, strong wifi signal, a 42 inch LCD television and a super king sized bed; all a traveling businessman would ever need. The piece de resistance, though, would be the glass walled bath with a freestanding tub, reminiscent of old world bathrooms were muses ladle you with milk for hours on end as you gorge on over grown grapes. Minus the muses, milk and the grapes, the amenity still surely whips the imagination up to whoever uses – or watches it. But do ask Zed if milk and grapes can go with it. The muses, I suspect are totally a different story.
The lighthouse tower itself holds the 720 Bar, where a bar counter by the shape of a ship’s bow cuts across the floor conveniently to serve around 15 patrons at the same time. Doors all around open up to a stunning view of the harbor. On the opposite side of the bar is the pool and deck where you are afforded a majestic view of the lighthouse tower. It’s the best place to watch it through the sunset.
Zed informs me that apart from their existing facilities, new additions will be introduced like a day spa and gym. Currently, the hotel has a 100 seat Ballroom, perfect for out-of-town seminars and team building holidays. They also have a full service Business Center and a 20 seat Board Room to compliment the Ballroom.
After working myself dry, feeding myself silly and partying myself hoarse; the three days went by quickly. The drive back to Alabang was as fast but not as fun. When you know you’ll be three hours away from the best Mahi-Mahi in the island, it really wouldn’t be. I did tell Nicky to get himself a new iPod.
