Because there are not a lot of tourists to populate the hotel we discussed having events there that would attract local people so we made a plan to have a Sunday Special. on Sunday locals could pay admission to use the resort for the whole day Including the pool. We did lots of different activities to generate income to help pay for all the extra staff needed this photo shows just a few of them.
One of the hotels that I worked for was a city Hotel.
City hotels are different. Most visitors tend to be business people who don't need entertainment but need good food, room service, etc
This particular hotel had dogs in kennels at the back and these dogs barked every morning at 6 o’clock regular as clockwork.
I tried to put a stop to this and finally did get them to agree not to let the dogs out and have somebody feed them early so they didn’t bark and wake the guests.
However one morning the dogs were barking again. I got out of bed I muttering, damn dogs barking again, what’s wrong with those dogs and then I started to stagger. I couldn't stand still The room was whirling about me and the bed was moving.
it was horrific and thought oh my goodness I ate something and I now have food poisoning and I am sick.
Then I thought about it and the dogs continuing to bark so I looked out of my window and saw everybody running around like crazy and I couldn’t figure out what was going on.
Suddenly I realized we were in the middle of an earthquake!
It shook the hotel and the whole city.
anyway It did settle down and I did not have food poisoning thank goodness
Afterward, we did a complete tour of the hotel, inspected of every detail, discovered some fractured pipes a few other things but no serious damage.
It could have been a lot worse!
City hotels are different. Most visitors tend to be business people who don't need entertainment but need good food, room service, etc
This particular hotel had dogs in kennels at the back and these dogs barked every morning at 6 o’clock regular as clockwork.
I tried to put a stop to this and finally did get them to agree not to let the dogs out and have somebody feed them early so they didn’t bark and wake the guests.
However one morning the dogs were barking again. I got out of bed I muttering, damn dogs barking again, what’s wrong with those dogs and then I started to stagger. I couldn't stand still The room was whirling about me and the bed was moving.
it was horrific and thought oh my goodness I ate something and I now have food poisoning and I am sick.
Then I thought about it and the dogs continuing to bark so I looked out of my window and saw everybody running around like crazy and I couldn’t figure out what was going on.
Suddenly I realized we were in the middle of an earthquake!
It shook the hotel and the whole city.
anyway It did settle down and I did not have food poisoning thank goodness
Afterward, we did a complete tour of the hotel, inspected of every detail, discovered some fractured pipes a few other things but no serious damage.
It could have been a lot worse!
The first Sunday at this hotel I was awakened at 6 am with lots of shouting,
Laughter and clanging and clatter.
Seems the hotel sold admittance to their beach on Sundays.
Soon the whole area was flooded with people carrying pots and pans and chairs and you name it they brought it and then the fun started. Fires were lit, people gathered around, kids ran in and out of the water screaming, it was absolute chaos and for hotel guests extremely distracting. A decision had to be made about this, no room rentals on Saturday nights or close the beach to locals.
even up to the day I left they had not truly decided to put an end to it.
Laughter and clanging and clatter.
Seems the hotel sold admittance to their beach on Sundays.
Soon the whole area was flooded with people carrying pots and pans and chairs and you name it they brought it and then the fun started. Fires were lit, people gathered around, kids ran in and out of the water screaming, it was absolute chaos and for hotel guests extremely distracting. A decision had to be made about this, no room rentals on Saturday nights or close the beach to locals.
even up to the day I left they had not truly decided to put an end to it.
The Cha-li Beach Resort
Had delightful owners. mother, father, and a daughter in her early 20s.
They worked really hard and they sort of understood the hotel business but there were really glaring errors.
For example, right on the waterfront, they had some lovely bungalows.
they were delightful and each one was separated by a screen and they were all very private and lovely.
and they used them as storerooms!
I said don’t know why you’re doing this. Are you crazy? these could be your honeymoon suites!
So with a lot of work, we were able to move the storerooms and relocate them in the back of the main hotel and convert these bungalows into the most delightful little honeymoon suites.
One thing I like to do with resorts is creating interesting little areas for resting and playing. Life-size board games are always fun.
Here is a picture of us creating a simple Tic Tac Toe and a picture of weatherproof seating overlooking the sea.
Here is a picture of us creating a simple Tic Tac Toe and a picture of weatherproof seating overlooking the sea.
I have many other memories of my time in Cagayan De Oro. My gay hairdresser buying great second-hand ladies clothes, mostly Italian from a door-to-door salesman. My favorite restaurant believed every guest should be loudly greeted by all staff members in unison. Visiting miles and miles of pineapple fields. Dining in luxury at the hardly used golf club owned by Delmonte.
Staff enjoying another little resting spot
Refreshments are sold. No bringing your own on The Sunday pass.
Because there is not a lot of tourists to populate the hotel we discussed having events there that would attract local people so we made a plan to have a Sunday Special. on Sunday locals could pay admission to use the resort for the whole day Including the pool. We did lots of different activities to generate income to help pay for all the extra staff needed, this photo shows just a few of them.
A nice farewell card with messages from the staff. It's always nice to know your efforts are appreciated
