π½ππππππΌπ: Where Modern Design Meets Timeless Serenity
Bellemar is becoming one of the newest and most interesting places to visit in Panglao, Bohol. With its beautiful architecture, relaxing atmosphere, and variety of food and activities, it offers both locals and tourists a unique experience. Through interviews with visitors, workers, and management, we learned more about what makes Bellemar special.
But before we reached Bellemar, we experienced a bit of a struggle. We had to walk all the way from the airport to Bellemar, which was quite far and tiring. However, the long walk made the trip more memorable for us because we were excited to explore the place and interview different people about their experiences there.
One of the tourists we interviewed was ADD, who is visiting from North Seattle, Washington, USA. It was his first time visiting Bellemar alone, and he shared that he really liked the atmosphere of the place. When we asked him how he felt about the place, he said, βI like it. I like the atmosphere, and itβs nice to sit out here. The music is not too loud, and itβs comfortable.β Although some stores are still not open, he said the place will likely become more vibrant once everything is operating. During his visit, he tried fried chicken from KFC and said the food was good. He also mentioned that Bellemar reminds him of a mall near his home in Seattle because it has both outdoor and indoor spaces, although the weather here is very different.
We also interviewed Doods, a stall crew member from THE LEMON CO., who shared his thoughts about working in Bellemar. When we asked him about the place, he said, βBellemar is a nice place to work because many tourists and locals come here to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Our store usually opens at 2:00 in the afternoon until 10:00 in the evening, and we often get many customers around 5:00 PM.β He also mentioned that customers often enjoy the environment of Bellemar while drinking their lemon juice. According to him, many people give positive feedback about their drinks because they taste fresh and natural. He added that although their business sometimes faces challenges, such as keeping the lemons fresh, they still try their best to provide good quality products and good customer service to everyone who visits Bellemar.
Another perspective came from April, who is from Tagbilaran City but considers herself a tourist when visiting Panglao. She shared that she feels happy because Bellemar provides another convenient and beautiful destination for both locals and tourists. According to her, Panglao continues to grow and innovate by creating places like this. However, since some stores are still not open, she rated her experience 8 out of 10. She believes the place is definitely worth visiting because Bellemar is the only place in Panglao with architecture that resembles Greece. Visitors can also take aesthetic photos in almost every corner of the area.
April also said that the food in Bellemar is budget-friendly, and even average people can afford meals such as those from KFC. She also praised the staff for being friendly and approachable, especially the manager who warmly welcomed their band called BoYoung. When we asked her what she loved most about the place, she said, βOne thing we love about Bellemar is that it is very supportive of Bohol Buskers, a community of musicians who donβt usually get paid but are able to express their love for music and also the spot we love the most is at the center of Bellemar where we usually perform, and we are thankful for the platform Bellemar gives us.β
Lastly, we interviewed Monroie βRoy,β one of the managers of Bellemar. He shared that his role mainly focuses on the marketing aspects of the establishment. For him, it is fulfilling to promote Bellemar because it is a unique space that allows people to imagine the Spanish colonial period through its architecture. He believes that showcasing this kind of structure to the world is a big accomplishment. Bellemar also focuses on promoting local culture, heritage, and art through different events such as gallery exhibits and cultural activities. When we asked him how he felt about Bellemar already becoming popular, he said, βIβm definitely happy that I am effective in my role in helping people see what Bellemar really is and what it has to offer.β
According to Roy, most feedback from visitors is positive, although many are excited to see all the tenants fully open in the future. He also shared that Bellemar practices proper waste management and environmental responsibility. Since Bellemar is connected to the same company as the Bellevue Resort, they follow similar ecological practices to help protect the environment.
The name Bellemar itself has a meaningful background because it means βview by the sea.β The place offers a mix of different food choices depending on what visitors are looking for. There are affordable options like KFC, as well as restaurants that offer authentic Korean food and dishes inspired by local Bohol products. For Mr. Roy, Bellemar is truly worth visiting because each tenant offers something unique for guests to experience.
All in all, Bellemar is more than just a place to eat or relax. It is a destination that combines culture, architecture, music, food, and community. As more stores open and more events take place, it will likely become an even more vibrant attraction for both locals and tourists visiting Panglao, Bohol. Despite the long walk from the airport and the exhaustion we felt along the way, the experience was definitely worth it. Walking through the beautifully designed spaces, seeing people enjoying the atmosphere, and hearing the live music made us appreciate the effort that went into creating Bellemar. It is a place where tradition meets modern leisure, where locals and visitors can connect, and where memories are madeβnot just over food or drinks, but through the culture, community, and experiences it offers. Bellemar isnβt just a destination; itβs a place that inspires people to explore, relax, and enjoy the vibrant life of Panglao.