We were a group of 48 excited LIDE women, who left the industrial estate and our wifey/mommy roles for a 2-day outing at KUTING REEF in the town of Macrohon in Southern Leyte. It took our four-van convoy about four hours to reach our destination, with a brief stop for breakfast at the Maasin City Jollibee.
After the systematic and hassle-free check-in procedures, we went into our assigned cabanas in groups of four, and changed into our beach wear, for the various activities we wanted to indulge in.
Some went swimming in the infinity pool, some strolled on the beach and picked up some stones which are all very smooth, some just relaxed on the bamboo beach lounging chairs, some took a ride on the banana boat, others went kayaking. Some tried to catch up on their sleep in the air-conditioned cavanas, after taking a hot shower. The less adventurous ones had 'live chat' with the others. We even played bingo, which we enjoyed so much. "Sarap buhay."
Kuting Reef's tropical setting with very modern facilities, is a hidden haven for relaxation, for wedding receptions, and corporate events and conferences. It's an ideal hide-away for the stressed and the distressed. They even offer room service 'hilot massage', very ideal for tired and achy bones. They have a souvenir shop and an HONESTY delicacies store (look no sales clerk-customers drop their payments and get their change in the money box themselves!)
Manned with very articulate(they speak Tagalog!), and very courteous staff (headed by Rolan), booking and check-in procedures is a breeze. One could feel their sincerity and willingness to be of service to their guests.
They serve mouth-watering gourmet delights, seafood specialties, pasta, shakes, etc. in the fully air-conditioned dining hall or in the Boardwalk Grill overlooking the blue waters of the sea.
We were very lucky to have seen a garden wedding reception while we were there. What a lovely reception - setting, flowers, food,and all!
I could go on and on,, since there are still so many wonderful things to write about this awesome place, but I guess it would be better for you to check their website: www.kuting-reef.com
Lastly, on behalf of the LIDE LADIES CLUB of LIDE(Leyte Industrial Development Estate), Isabel, Leyte, we thank the very gracious proprietor of Kuting Reef, Ms. Babes Castanares of Laguna and Macrohon. MARAMING, MARAMING SALAMAT PO!
(btw, still wondering how the place got the name KUTING-KUTING REEF. 'kuting' in tagalog is KITTEN. didn't see a single kitten or cat there. it would be nice to know the legend of how it came to be called 'KUTING-KUTING')