Staycation be like Bai

MAGELLAN’S CROSS. Mactan Shrine. Basilica de Sto. Nino. Fort San Pedro. Taoist Temple. Casa Gorordo Museum. Temple of Leah.

Been there. Done that. Not once. Not twice. Much more than thrice.

So, what else is there in Metro Cebu to feel all fired up?

A hotel. Yes, a hotel. I discovered this weekend past with Philippines AirAsia’s hop to the Queen City of the South.

A hotel! But not the usual any other. It’s Bai – Cebuano term of endearment for friend – reputedly the biggest outside Metro Manila: 668 rooms from deluxe, premier, executive, penthouse to presidential all with corresponding suites; 12 function rooms, eight gastronomic options.

Right at the lobby is the eponymous lounge serving light meals, desserts and pastries, cocktails and a variety of liquors, and of course what lounge can be without its signature music?

Café Bai is the hotel’s gastronomic flagship. Think here of the Viking Luxury Buffet made extra luxurious in five-star hotel setting at the all-day resto, complete with live cooking stations dishing out the whole expanse of Asian and Western culinary delights. Salad stations, fruits and desserts galore and free-flowing drinks including beer.  

Then, there’s Marble + Grain Steakhouse, of upscale elegance and oh-so-luxuriant ambience the finest custom-aged USDA prime beef, and wine selection worthy of the most discriminating connoisseur.
Irasshai-mase. Ume brings traditional Japanese cuisine whipped up to originality by the authentic resident Japanese chef. Arigato.

Wall Street Coffee + Bar serves signature selection one finds in a traditional coffeehouse and an assortment of freshly baked goodies.

For the corporate honchos and industry captains, there’s the Executive Lounge serving complimentary buffet breakfast, light refreshments, afternoon tea and scones, cocktails and beers. Exclusive to the suite guests.

At the 21^st floor, The Pool Bar serves pastas and sandwiches, fruit shakes and drinks – enjoyed with a drone-view of the city even as one cools down in the infinity lap pool. Yes, there’s a kiddie pool too.

Great views of sunset turn to fantastic city and nightscapes at the Twilight Roofdeck Lounge + Bar, what with its 360-degree view. DJ music, signature cocktails among a wide choice of drinks, and giant chicharon spell ambient chill, chill, chill.

Yeah, Bai is one big chill. Made even “chiller” by cool, cool, cool Bai GM Alfred Reyes. The name is not only familiar but immensely popular to the Metro Clark society. Alfred used to be GM of Widus Hotel and Casino at the Freeport. He was the guy who brought to Clark all those international acts like Rex Smith, the Stylistics, among others.

Perfect staycation at Bai’s. What is there for the frequent flyer to still make out at Metro Cebu?

A craving for sutukil – portmanteau for sugba (grill), tuwa (stew), and kilaw (raw) – the city’s signature dish, much as the Kapampangan’s sisig!

No frills dining – plastic chairs, plastic covered tables – at one joint owned by one Mahusay near the Mactan Shrine. The food was good. The price, outlandish! Eat there and make your wallet weep.

Yeah, should not have stepped even for a minute out of Bai.

(Philippines AirAsia flies daily to Cebu from Clark. Bai Hotel Cebu is a member of World Hotels, an exclusive group of independent hotels and resorts. For reservations, call +6332 3428888 or +6332 3558888. Visit www.baihotels.com and follow Bai Hotel Cebu in Facebook and Instagram for updates)