Birds of Paradise Resort, a refreshing dip by the roadside

By: Gideon C. Corgue

KUMALARANG, Zamboanga del Sur,  April 20 (PIA) – Providing comfort and leisure to valued guests and customers, the Birds of Paradise Resort is a perfect  place to relax and enjoy this summer.

The  local government through the initiative of Mayor Allan P. Damas    has built, developed and maintained the resort as an economic enterprise which contributes much to the local coffers.  

The resort is situated right beside the national highway in Barangay Sicade and just a 5-minute ride from the town proper. The location offers spectacular scenery, a refreshing sight to behold through the blazing heat of the sun with endless mountain range  and rice paddies.

Birds of Paradise   

The resort was named “Birds of Paradise” because the area is beautifully landscaped and surrounded by birds of paradise flowers, a popular large tropical herb which produces beautiful flowers which reminds you of flying birds.

Economic Enterprise

Acting manager Nellie Toledo said the resort was established in September 2007 with an area of 1.3 hectares.  It is operated and managed under the economic enterprise division of the LGU.

Toledo said Mayor Allan Damas decided to put up a resort when the LGU was confronted with the problem of finding a venue for skills training, seminars, and other related activities for lack of available halls in the town.

“The municipal and barangay officials, and employees as well have been confronted with the problem of finding an appropriate venue for training and seminars,” Toledo said.  “Every time we have trainings and seminars, we have to proceed to Pagadian City and other neighboring cities which would entail big budget cost.  Mayor Damas conceptualized the resort as his pet project and so the resort was built. From then on,   we used to hold trainings and  other events in our resort, so we were able to save money” Toledo said quoting Mayor Damas.

The acting manager said the resort’s service and facilities were opened and extended to the public to generate more  income for the economic enterprise and to sustain its operations  efficiently and effectively.   

Amenities and facilities

To ensure memorable stay of the guests, Toledo said the resort offers a fresh plunge into the 9 ft. deep swimming pool (with a dimension of 12x25 meters). It has a rate of P20 for adults and 15 for children; cottage rate of P100; a function hall which can accommodate more than 200 guests.; and its restaurant, a fabulous dining venue which offers delicious crab dishes and seafoods at  affordable prices. It also offers catering services  for all occasions as well.    

Kumalarang is known  as the “Crab Capital of the Province”.

The good mayor  has proposed the construction of another pool for the kids, a Zipline for the adventure seekers of all ages, and lodging house at the back of the restaurant to provide comfortable stay of the guests.

Noel Gedorio, Jr. , a frequent guest of the resort in an interview said before, he used to go to the beach every weekend  to relax and unwind, but when the resort was built he opted to go to the resort and bring his family.   

“Dihang natukod na ang “Birds of Paradise” wala nako moadto sa beach uban akong pamilya.  Dinhi na mi tigligoan sa maanindot, dako ug limpyo nga swimming pool ning mao nga resort tungod kay duol ra kaayo siya sa highway,  maka-order ta ug mga pagkaon, maabi-abihon ang ilang staff, ug bugnaw ang palibot,” (When the “Birds of Paradise” resort opened, I did not anymore go to the beach.  We used to relax and swim in the large and clean swimming pool because it is near the highway, we can order foods with  courteous and hospitable staff, aside from the fresh air and wholesome environment) Gedorio narrated.

The  resort maintains its standards of service and facilities by continuously serving as one of the tourist destinations in the province.

(ALT/GCC/PIA9-Zambosur)