Comments on: They Did It: Ivy's Vine Resort

By: Martin

Martin — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:34:55 +0000

Hi Trent,

No problem! I enjoyed showcasing your resort! You and Ivy are great people and I wish you all the success in growing your business in the Philippines. Thank you for providing a new link to your website.

Cheers!

By: Martin

Martin — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:33:22 +0000

Hi David,

Thank you for your feedback. I am glad to hear you have had some similar experiences to Trent and other successful resort operators out there in the Philippines. In my business, I also rely on word of mouth. It is the best form of advertising, and there is nothing better than a repeat customer. Thank you for your offer to come visit Marinduque. Hopefully some day I can do so. And finally, yes, I hope to offer more ‘They Did It’ columns in the future. It’s important showcasing how people go about being successful at what they do so others can draw inspiration and hopefully launch their own businesses in the future.

Please keep contributing!

By: Martin

Martin — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:27:56 +0000

Hi Klaus,

I recommend visiting Boracay and Carabao if you haven’t been out that way already. I know Samal is close by for you and special, but if you have the time some day, it is well worth the effort.

Cheers!

By: Trent Widdup

Trent Widdup — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 10:17:20 +0000

Hi Martin,

Thanks for doing the article on our place in the Philippines. I would be happy to answer any questions people have. The cottage in the picture is actually the back of the restaurant and it is the coolest spot on the resort as there is a great breeze going through!! check out the new website asianbeachresort.com

By: David B Katague

David B Katague — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:32:02 +0000

Hi Martin, I could really identify with Trent and Ivy’s situation, since I also started a resort business in the island of Marinduque about 4 years ago. Your interview regarding the daily experience of a running a resort is very imformative, especially in how to get repeat customers and word by mouth advertisement. Last Easter we had guests from France. They enjoyed their stay and plan on coming back and inform all their friends about my resortl
They first learned about Chateau Du Mer via my website, but there is nothing more effective in getting repeat customers by good service and giving value for their money. You have a standing invitation to visit Marinduque, any time, but just give us advance notice, to be sure we are there. Please continue your “They Did It column!!

By: Klaus

Klaus — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 08:28:40 +0000

Hi Martin, great idea. We plan to visit Trent and ivy one day…

By: Martin

Martin — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:57:58 +0000

Hi Randall,

Thanks for your comment. I hope to be able to write more ‘They Did It’ columns in the future. My feeling is that it is much more heartening to learn that other foreigners have found success in different ways, and I hope that these columns can provide encouragement and insights to future entrepreneurs in the Philippines.

Cheers!

By: Randall Jessup

Randall Jessup — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 02:31:43 +0000

Hi Martin,

This is a great idea for your column. It’s encouraging to hear stories of others who’ve made a go of it with businesses in the Philippines!

By: Martin

Martin — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 02:42:38 +0000

Hi Dr. Sponk Long,

I’m glad you enjoyed the first ‘They Did It” column. I am slowly building up an inventory of interviews and hope to add more success stories in future columns.

If you’re interested in contacting Trent or Ivy, you can get their contact details off of their website: ivysvineresort.com

Thanks for your comments!

By: Dr. Sponk Long

Dr. Sponk Long — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:04:32 +0000

Hi Martin. “They did it” is an excellent addition. Will Trent and Ivy be responding to questions?

I’m very interested with the design of that cottage in the picture i.e the concrete building roofed by a raisewd open attic which can be used as a patio/veranda. If I’m right this will make for a cooler building (the concrete portion) with the Venturi air flow effect by the difference in the weight of cooler and hotter air. Is that what Trent and Ivy are thinking? Is it effective?

Excellent piece.