During this long weekend, I took the time for a little R&R at El Nido, Palawan. My trip led me to the DOUBLEGEM Beach Resort at Barangay Corong-Corong whose scenic view was the stunning sunset of Bacuit Bay. Added to this was the warm welcome of its owners Delia Magtoto and Darwin Hortel inclusive of its personnel and staff. So, what makes this beachfront establishment different from the rest?

Well, besides the pristine beach area yet to be conquered by the mass volume of tourists; this resort is for me a perfect example of a reconstruction of “leisure” beachfront market boundaries within the “red ocean of competition”.

To understand this Doublegem (which by the way means “Double Gemini” because both owners — Delia and Darwin — has their birthdays within the Gemini Zodiac Sign) formula, consider this mindset: Why would tourist and backpackers choose hostels and small rented rooms for their accommodations? Surely, it’s not because of the amenities and services rendered. Rather, they choose hostels and small rented rooms for only one reason: costs.

On the other hand, these hostels and small rented rooms avoid the high up-fronts of leisure resorts. So what made Doublegem Resort stand out in its “Blue Ocean Strategy”? Here tourists and backpackers get all the conveniences of a leisure resort (e.g. Air-conditioned rooms, hot & cold showers, cable TV, WIFI, swimming pool, beachfront activities, top-class personnel services and beachfront restaurant & bar, etc.) at the price a bit higher than a hostel and/or rented room but much lower than a high-class leisure resort. A Blue Ocean Strategy applied excellently.

Just for your reference, Blue Ocean Strategy is a business strategy concept published in a book released in 2005 and was written by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne, professors at INSEAD and co-directors of the INSEAD Blue Ocean Strategy Institute. Based on a study of 150 strategic moves spanning more than a hundred years and thirty industries, Kim & Mauborgne argue that companies can succeed not by battling competitors, but rather by creating ″blue oceans″ of uncontested market space.

Kim and Mauborgne assert that these strategic moves create a leap in value for the company, its buyers, and its employees while unlocking new demand and making the competition irrelevant.

The book presents analytical frameworks and tools to foster an organization’s ability to systematically create and capture blue oceans.

Going back to my Doublegem Experience, allow me to illustrate my Blue Ocean Strategy analysis by quoting a recent feedback from a companion I brought with me. Stephen shares: “My first excursion to El Nido was a mixed bag … Though thanks to this “Hidden Gem” I can only give rave reviews about this particular establishment. After a delayed flight due to the inclement weather, we arrived at the secluded and picturesque town of El Nido. I had earlier seen this hotel on the Internet whilst waiting for our flight to depart Manila … and I felt excited … most of which were because of the favorable reviews.

Once we finally arrived … with the local hospitality we were welcomed by the front desk staff … she was indeed a breath of fresh air. The accommodation is neat clean and large with a wonderful view of the sea. Close enough to throw a stone. The room itself was large, comfortable and inviting. The suite was modern with all conveniences … working … including hot water. Breakfast was included with our stay at the restaurant, seated almost on the sea. But I really appreciated Mam Dell’s brother, Mr. Cesar Lucero (aka “Chairman”) as he really made sure to share a meal with us every Lunch and Dinner.

We were fortunate enough to meet the owners who were themselves (Darwin and Dell) visiting there from Manila. They were kind enough to show us their new development, which will be beside the restaurant and again on the seaside. I for one would recommend this establishment highly … far higher than the 3 stars awarded and would not hesitate to recommend this gem to couples searching for a romantic interlude … within a stone throw of the busy city center. My only gripe is that I had to leave and return to the hustle and bustle of corporate life. I cannot wait to return to this secluded paradise. My sincere thanks and praise to the owners, management and staff that made our romantic getaway so special.”

“People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” (Maya Angelou) And for that, this is what made my Doublegem Experience truly unforgettable — the soul of hospitality and the heart of humanity is a welcome characterized love, friendship and warmth.

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