Angeles City, or as you would say in Kapampangan "Ciudad ning Angeles", is world famous for its unique night life and entertainment scene. As you would expect, AC (as the city is commonly referred to) is host to hundreds of bars, restaurants and hotels catering to the every whim and need of its countless guests. Recently, I experienced firsthand this hospitality. During this, my second visit the city, about half a dozen restaurants and I'm not exactly sure how many bars pandered to my very personal whims and needs. Among all the establishments that I visited, there was one that stood out from all the others. This one place singlehandedly redefined the city's reputation of hospitality and took it to a different level. It was neither a bar nor a restaurant. It was my hotel: The Angeles Beach Club Hotel.

A short disclaimer before you continue reading: bad customer service is one of my pet peeves. I'm relatively tolerable to other shortfalls or inadequacies (which I'm sure can be remedied by a cordial air of constructive criticism), but lack of or bad customer service is, for me, excruciatingly unbearable.

It is said that first impressions are hard to change. Once a first impression is made, it is virtually irreversible. ABC, as I will cordially refer to The Angeles Beach Club Hotel throughout my article, must take this to heart. My first encounter with ABC was, of course, its online presence. The website is esthetically pleasing, reasonably functional and very informative. Within minutes of requesting a reservation I received the typical automated reply, followed more personalized replies from Rose, Abby and Donna. I have to admit that I'm a very picky and somewhat hard to please customer. All these ladies, who also included Melissa, Rica and Ilene, but especially Donna, were exceptionally graceful, and made sure I was a satisfied customer before I even stepped foot in the hotel. She (Donna, that is) continually corresponded with me electronically, providing me with updates about my reservation, hotel amenities and activities. She made me feel like I was already there, even when I was thousands of miles away, making my first impression of ABC and pleasantly indelible one.

Fast forwarding to my touchdown at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and a quick drive from NAIA to the Manila Domestic Airport, and I met Willy Abo, the charming fellow who would be our pilot during our half an hour helicopter flight to AC. Willy and his staff made our flight enjoyable and uneventful. The view was spectacular and the informative commentary from the pilot/tour guide made the trip even more entertaining. I could not ask for anything more. Needless to say, I will never drive again from Manila to AC again.

After another quick and uneventful drive, this time to Don Juico Avenue, we were at ABC. The check-in process was so swift and flawless. The front office ladies were absolutely charming. And literally within minutes I was at the Sky Bar sipping on a cocktail and feasting my pupils on the presence of the enchanting Sky Bar hostesses. Those who were there are probably thinking that I'm suffering from an intentional lapse in memory. I remember going up the elevator to the 5th floor . and then walking up the stairs the Sky Bar. Everything in between is just a big blur. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Where were we? Oh, yes! The Sky Bar! The view: absolutely breathtaking (and I'm not just talking about the scenery). I was never awake in time to see any sunrises (I've heard they are beautiful), but I did experience the sunsets and I can say they are awe-inspiring. But the undeniable mind-blowing beauties are the Sky Bar girls. Jopay's smile, Cheryl's dance moves, Janel's sweetness, Rose's charm, Imee's ingenuousness, Jen's naivet?, Vicki's energy . and all of them drop-dead gorgeous. All the girls have this innate hypnotic and mesmerizing magnetism that make you want to stay there forever. The ambiance at the Sky Bar is sensual, exciting and stimulating, and now that I think about it . so are the girls. I know I'm going to get in trouble for not mentioning every single one of them. I guess they'll have to find a way to make it up to them when I go back. :-) As soon as I get back to ABC, the Sky Bar will be my first stop.

I didn't frequent the Poolside Bar as much as the Sky Bar, but when I did I had a great time. Dhin-dhin, Rose and Imee took great care of me whenever I paid them a visit. I definitely have to stop over more often.

The food at La Maison Restaurant was excellent, as well as the service. I have to admit that I tend to eat out when I'm on vacation. A more diverse menu might motivate me to dine-in more often. The rest of the hotel services, like the 24 hours on-call car service, housekeeping and the Spa , etc., were also very good. I wasn't particularly impressed with the Spa facilities, but I don't use the in-house Spa services very often, so that was a non-factor for me. The car service was definitely a plus. Having a safe and comfortable means to travel around town was absolutely superb.

ABC is a living, breathing entity. From the flawlessly orchestrated, but refreshingly unscripted Maganda Filipina contest (by the way Gerard . great idea for a birthday party, when I grow up I want to be just like you), to impromptu dance contests at the Sky Bar, the ever changing environment makes the hotel's atmosphere delightfully unpredictable. I can't wait to see what we're going to come up with during my next trip. Tic . Toc . the clock is ticking!

Gerard, Jr, VR and Dirk all made me feel like family. They incorporated me in their circle like family. They protected me like family. I felt like I was at home. I have a vague memory of someone trying to get me drunk on Vodka and Champagne. My lack of memory suggests that someone succeeded. For your generosity and hospitality I will be eternally grateful. You will always be family to me.

As I sit here typing on laptop, reminiscing about my AC vacation, I can't help but recall every single one of the exciting moments that made my stay at ABC and unforgettable one. This brought to mind one of Donna's first e-mails, where she promised (and I quote) "your stay with us will be your most unforgettable one". I guess ABC does keep their promises. Talk about living up to the expectations of a first impression.

To everyone at ABC . ?SALUD! See you all very soon.

JC