Imelda Aroma:

Building a paradise in Cebu

December 2002

The province of Cebu is known as one of the golden islands of Southern Philippines. A growing metropolis ringed by unspoiled white beaches and dotted with first class convention halls, luxurious hotels, shopping centers and restaurants, Cebu is a popular site for conventions and exhibitions, and continues to be a favorite vacation haunt for both local and foreign tourists.

It was in this golden island of the south that California-based entrepreneur Imelda Aroma and her family decided to pursue their latest business venture: a resort tucked away in the mountains that cradle the city, a peaceful mountain haven for tourists and residents who want to "get away from it all" without really being that far away from the big city and its famed beaches.

Named after its owner, the Imelda Aroma Mountain Paradise is the only resort of its kind in the south, boasting of air-conditioned luxury cottages with an enormous Bahay Kubo situated in the middle of a river that meanders all throughout the resort site. Some cottages are located atop the mountains overlooking a swimming pool with water slide, and providing some of the best views of nature's wonders. Guests are also delighted at the sight of exotic birds and other animals housed by the resort. The resort's proximity to the ocean provides clean, fresh breezes all year round, while a rooftop restaurant provides gourmet meals and practically anything a guest wants to eat. There is even a "Kiddie Paradise," a child-friendly wonderland for 2 to 8 year-olds.

Imelda Aroma of San Fernando Valley is the owner of Imgime-Aroma land and farming Corporation, the company which developed the mountain resort named after her. Coming from a prominent family in the south, she also owns the biggest mango farm in the provinces of Cebu and Bohol. Believing that family solidarity leads to success, Aroma harnessed the talents and skills of her children, and with unconditional support from her husband Edwin, a well-known Fil-Am community leader, Imelda saw the project to fruition.

Brisk business has also kept the Aroma children on their toes. Eldest daughter Moanna Ghia-Pascual and her husband Ryan manage the resort and the mango farm. Second daughter Imee Marie oversees farm operations. Imelda says the entire Aroma family is confident that their investments and business ventures in the homeland will continue to be successful. More importantly she says, they are proud of the fact that they are doing their share to boost the province's economy by providing much-needed jobs.

Today, Imelda says the resort is fully-booked throughout the year, despite negative reports in the international press about the peace and order situation in the country. The province in fact, Imelda says, is perhaps one of the most peaceful spots in the country. It is no doubt, also among the most beautiful, especially now that Cebu has a "hidden paradise" in its mountains built by a Fil-Am family.