Anne Raquel’s Resort: From a rocky start to a top tourist draw

Lush greenery, panoramic scenery.

These are reasons to stop and check out Anne Raquel’s Resort, a hilly hideaway nestled at the heart of Olongapo in Zambales. But there’s more to the resort than what pleases the eyes.

Occupying a 10-hectare parcel of land (although only three hectares are currently developed), Anne Raquel is one of the favorite retreats of urbanites who want a break from the maddening crowd in the metropolis.

According to Eduardo Santos, who co-owns and co-manages the resort with his wife, Iluminada, the resort’s advantages is that it is large enough to accommodate a throng of visitors simultaneously without intruding into each other’s privacy.

“Sometimes there will be two or three companies holding a conference at the same time in the resort. And the attendees won’t even be aware of the other visitor’s presence,” said Mr. Santos.

A Rocky Start

“My father used to own this place during the 60’s. Back then it was called Carmen’s Tourist Resort, named after my mother,” recollected Mr. Santos. “During that time, my wife and I were busy with our handicraft business.”

The elder Santos was a local government official in Olongapo, Carmen ‘s resort, according to his son, was built as part of his father’s PR goodwill to the townsfolk.

“Since my father was more of a politician than a businessman, he failed to manage Carmen’s resort properly. It was almost foreclosed by a rural bank in Olongapo,” said Mr. Santos. “I had to plead the bank to give us an extension. They did and eventually we were able to fulfill our financial obligations.”

In 1989, the son took over the ownership and management of the resort, renaming it to Anne Raquel.

Business was running smoothly until it was derailed by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption. When the supposedly dormant volcano released its fury in 1991, nearby provinces including Zambales were buried under tons of ash.

The entire resort was almost ruined,” recalled Mr. Santos. “The damage was unspeakable. Even the machine for the pool conked out.”

“I had to let some of the employees go. Only the long-time and loyal employees were asked to remain,” said Mr. Santos. He and his team then closed the place for one whole year to clean up and put everything back in shape.

Anne Raquel Through the Years

From the change in name to its close call with foreclosure, from its near devastation by the Pinatubo eruption to its going back to serious business, the resort had certainly gone through the best and the worst of times.

And then there were numerous facelifts.

Mr. Santos said, “During my father’s time, the place only had swimming pools.” Now it has dormitories, cabins, family rooms, apartelle, lanai, and poolside rooms, among others. The airconditioned rooms can accommodate from two persons to as much as 40 people, with color television and individual toilet and bath.

They’ve also added function rooms for seminars and training, various sports and recreational facilities, open-air halls, gazebos, a Koi pond, a coffee shop and a lagoon where visitors can have boat rides.

“We’re also trying to be self-sufficient here by planting different fruit trees, vegetables and flowering plants within the property. Recently, we bought Tilapia fingerlings and placed them in the lagoon. We want to maximize the gift of Mother Nature,” he pointed out.

Iluminada Santos, meanwhile revealed that some of the changes were based on feedback from guests. “Some of the outputs were rather outrageous. One suggested that we install a cable car. One advised us on building windmills.”

“But there are also useful suggestions. We kept those in mind and try to incorporate them whenever we have budget for renovation,” said Mrs. Santos.

Secrets to Success

Today, the resort’s success is undisputed. Asked what are the secrets to the business’ turn around, Mr. Santos cited optimism, determination and above all, faith in God. He insisted, “it is not unusual for a business to experience setbacks now and then. The important thing is you do your part, work hard and God will do the rest.”

“Bring Christ to the marketplace – that is the credo of our group,” added Mr. Santos.

“Focus first on giving good service to your clients and profit will just come in as a natural consequence. Be resourceful, they’re especially helpful during lean days,” he advised.