Quick break in Cebu

How would you describe a great vacation?  For moms like me, the criteria for accommodations would include kid-friendly facilities, family-friendly ambience and amenities, safety and security for young children, a kids' menu, and the like. In Cebu, Shangri-la Mactan was always our family favorite so when we heard of this place, I wanted to visit and see how it fared in my mommy scale. We finally got the chance to visit Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa the day after our successful run of Expo Mom Cebu.  With our two younger kids, Gary and I decided to take the last flight home to Manila and get ourselves a day pass at Imperial. Z & R were super excited after seeing photos of the place online.  Sadly, our eldest who couldn't join us due to schoolwork:(.It took a little less than an hour to get to Imperial from our hotel near Ayala Center Cebu. Upon arriving at Imperial Palace, we were directed to the lobby area where day guests could register. Our kids immediately noticed the uncanny resemblance of the lobby to Shangrila Mactan so I guess that's why they immediately felt at home.We were happy to find out that each Day Pass already included 1) Towel and Locker use 2) Food worth P1000 3) 1 hour at the Kids Zone 4) 20% off dinner, and of course use of all the pools and the waterpark.They gave each of us these wristbands to wear.After locking up our bags and personal effects in our lockers, we headed straight to the water slides.We each took turns in the slides (except R who was underage).It took a bit of prodding for us to try out this one. You go down the slide in a rubber mat, then go around and around (and around and around) this big bowl. So that's how it feels to be flushed down a toilet haha!We then got our floaters and went around the river...The other pools were great for younger kids so this is where R had lots of fun. There were giant pirate ships, slides and water falls....For lunch we opted to have it by the poolside instead of going for the lunch buffet (which was part of the package anyway) so that we can enjoy the sunlight and relax under the parasolsThey had kid-friendly choices in the menu like chicken lollipops, pizza and these yummy seafood kebabs...It was a fun afternoon in the sun and by the time we knew it, the day had passed and we had to pack up for the airport. We saved our last half hour to spend in the Kids' Play area which turned out to be a great facility as well.While we expected a bigger waterpark (web pics can be deceiving), we had a fun and memorable time. Our mini-vacation, although quick, was a mix of fun, adventure and relaxation because of the great family-friendly facilities of Imperial. We'd love to go back soon!