AFTER 10 years of serving as a leisure and relaxation haven for Filipino families and tourists, Island Cove is still going strong and now has more to offer. Located in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite, the resort is only a 45-minute drive south of Manila.

To celebrate their 10th year anniversary, former Cavite congressman and now Island Cove general manager Gilbert Remulla invited local media recently to a sumptuous lunch buffet where a delicious ostrich was served. Media members were also pampered at their Island Spa and enjoyed an overnight stay.

With the collaboration of architect Rachel Remulla-Shah, interior designer Victoria Libano and National Artist IP Santos for the landscaping, Island Cove was launched as a leisure park and resort with features and amenities that should delight every member of the family, including a modern hotel, rustic cottages, an animal farm and more.

Gourmands will appreciate the culinary adventure that Island Cove offers. Families can enjoy a meal together at the new Chinese restaurant Xiang Li, or enjoy fresh seafood and live music at the Fisherman’s Deck.

Island Cove continues to offer unparalleled recreation, diversion and relaxation for the whole family. There is the new Oceania Water Park with its giant water slide. Whether it is invigorating laps or a relaxing dip, one will surely enjoy hanging out at the avant-garde two-layered pool, while kids will no doubt have a blast at the Kiddie Cove and its wading pool with animal slides and showers. After swimming, one may reenergize at the Oceania Kiosk with a cool drink and snacks.

At Animal Island, families can get back to nature and race an ostrich, watch or feed a croc, meet pythons, watch the monkeys at play, or pet a tiger cub. At the Fishing Village, one can take a quick fishing lesson then head off to the three-hectare fishing ground to hook up a variety of freshwater fish, which can be later cooked as you like it and then served with other dishes for a delightful repast.

Coffee lovers can enjoy a freshly-brewed cup along with comfort food at the Island Café, a perfect haven for parents stressed from the hustle of city life. For more physical activities, the Sports Cove allows guests to knock down some pins in a friendly bowling match. Those who just want to hangout can enjoy a casual game of darts and billiards. Families may also do outdoor sports like beach volleyball, tennis and basketball, as well as work up a sweat on the Jogger’s Trail.

In the evening, the Island Songs KTV is a good place to unwind. One can also opt for free coffee along with rich pastries at the café, or relax with a piña colada plus more exotic food offerings at By the Bay. When it’s finally time to go to bed, the entire family will have a restful sleep in the luxurious air-conditioned rooms of the hotel, or enjoy nature’s breeze in the cottage. They can even sleep under the night sky at the Island Cove campsite.

As an anniversary offering, Island Cove is giving a special rate of P250 (adult and child), inclusive of entrance to Oceania, Animal Island and iced tea at the Kiosk. The resort is also offering fun contests such as Super Bowler, Fish That Prize and more, where families may win cash and special prizes until December 2008.

Call 810-3740 or 3728 for reservations, or visit islandcovephil.com.

Boracay on my mind

THERE is something about Boracay that no matter how many times one has been to this island paradise in Aklan, there’s always something fresh and exciting for its visitors.

A tropical paradise just minutes away from the city

AFTER 10 years of serving as a leisure and relaxation haven for Filipino families and tourists, Island Cove is still going strong and now has more to offer. Located in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite, the resort is only a 45-minute drive south of Manila.

Clooney takes a break from movie talk

GEORGE CLOONEY took a break from promoting his latest film Tuesday to meet with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, as he continued pressing governments to speak out about China’s foreign policy in Sudan. 

Reeling: ‘My Blueberry Nights’ and other pies

Wong Kar Wai is one director who deserves to brand a film with his name. “A Wong Kar Wai Film.” He is not the best—some will no doubt argue otherwise—but a film made by Kar Wai is outstandingly different, presenting us with characters with their odd choices, like a blueberry pie in an array of ordinary options.

How to prevent sleep-deprivation damage

FOOD intake can also affect body clocks—and vice versa. The movement of glucose and nutrients through the bloodstream to organs affects appetite, digestion and metabolism.