Were you aware that Philippine mangoes have been recognized as the finest globally? This title was made possible by an entrepreneur who aimed to showcase our fruits to the world. Now, he is delving into the tourism sector, shifting his focus from promoting the Philippines internationally to inviting the world to experience the beauty of the Philippines.
Here is a firsthand account and a prime example of how my two-day visit to JPark Island Resort and Water Park, Mactan Cebu, completely transformed my perceptions of hotels and resorts. What I initially expected to be a typical collection of thoughts and experiences turned into a remarkable journey uncovering the promising future of Philippine Tourism and local businesses.
Now, writing this article was quite a challenge for me. Not because there’s nothing to write about and I can’t pull anything from my mind; it’s quite the opposite. So much happened in the days and nights I was there that there’s just not enough space to write my experience without this turning into an academic paper. So let’s break it down into three segments: The Resort, The Owner, and The Opportunity he wants to give.
The Resort: Beach-front Tranquility
The lobby of JPark Island Resort and Water Park welcomes guests with a classical charm, featuring marble finishes and grand chandeliers. A surprise awaits at the entrance to the Pororo Park on the left, catering to families with children and offering a positive and family-friendly atmosphere.
The resort is just covered in trees, which I just absolutely loved. Though was pointed out by Jones, our resident photographer. “There are so many trees here, you can’t see the resort fully. It’s a shame.” I nodded to him in agreement, but shared my take on it “Well, for a city boy like me, I appreciate the change of scenery.” And trust me, when you’ve spent months stuck in a hectic and fast lifestyle in the Metro, having trees that sway along the ocean breeze is such a breather.
Now, I’m going to be honest: If you want the best bang for your buck, I suggest you opt out of the room service and not order in. I'd rather that you not stay in your room during your stay. If you want to eat at JPark, I recommend two places: The Abalone and Coral Seafood Restaurant. The Abalone is a buffet-style restaurant that has international-inspired cuisines. From my memory, my breakfast consisted of dishes from the Philippines, Korea, Japan, China, and Europe, all on one plate (maybe two, if I’m being honest).
For a truly unforgettable dining experience, make your way to Coral Seafood Restaurant for lunch. Indulge in their impressive wine selection and savor the delectable charcuterie board filled with a delightful assortment of bread and cheese. While the seafood carbonara, steak platter, and fresh seafood platter were all exceptional, the real standout for me was the incredibly flavorful seaweed butter that perfectly complemented every bite of bread.
As a food lover, I think that the food itself is worth it to give JPark a visit. The ocean view is just the icing on the cake.
The Owner: Mind of a businessman, heart of a Filipino
When you think of "dried mangoes," do you feel your mouth watering at the mere thought of them? I often associate this delicious treat with the Philippine or Cebu brands that line the shelves of grocery stores. What surprised me during my visit was discovering that all these varieties come from one manufacturer: Profood International Corp. It was a delight to meet the owner of this company and resort during my stay.
Justin Uy graciously guided us through his factory, unveiling the intricate operations of his company. It's truly remarkable to witness the journey of this man who once sealed his dried mango packs with a solitary candle, now providing employment opportunities to over 5,000 individuals. His unwavering dedication and passion for his craft shone through as he meticulously showcased each section, ensuring top-notch quality for his esteemed business partners.
His drive in the industry didn’t stop him from finding that one business that would just click, and after three other failed ventures he found his ground in dried fruits, starting with mangoes. Through the years, his company grew to a point where now our mangoes are known throughout the world as one of the best ones. By bringing dried mangoes internationally, we close the gap to gaining interest in the Philippines.
The Opportunity: From Farming to Tourism
Justin's transition from fruit products to hospitality isn't surprising at all once you understand his motives. One of his personal goals is to reshape the world's perception of the Philippines, aiming for a more positive image than when he was growing up. By delivering top-quality products, many of which are now in partnership with renowned international brands like Trader Joe's and Kirkland, he has already made significant strides. And now, he is extending this success into the tourism industry.
He purchased JPark in 2015 and has since been dedicated to transforming it into a family-centered park. His vision is to showcase the beauty of the Philippines to the international community by offering a high-quality experience that highlights our country's natural wonders. He believes that the tourism industry in the Philippines has untapped potential, pointing out that the lack of proper infrastructure is hindering us from fully welcoming and accommodating tourists during their stay.
He is inviting the public and those interested to be part of his park. With an investment starting at around P30 Million, he and his team are confident in its potential. Investors can expect returns in the form of shared quarterly income, along with a 10-year buy-back program for added liquidity options. Justin mentions in his speech that he owes his success to all the people who supported him through the years, and opening up his park is his form of giving back to the Filipinos who made it all possible.
So if you’re in Cebu and you’re looking for a place to stay, you might want to check JPark Island Resort and Water Park out. While I cannot guarantee you’ll have the same experience as I did, I’m sure it’ll be just as memorable.
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