PALAWAN

BY: ABEGAIL SOMONTAN

El Nido Resorts is a group of eco-resorts located in the El Nido-Taytay municipalities in northern Palawan, Philippines. The resorts offer genuine, local hospitality and unique and enriching experiences amidst the beautiful natural landscape.
El Nido Resorts is currently comprised of Miniloc Island Resort and Lagen Island Resort in El Nido, and Apulit Island Resort in Taytay. Opening in early 2012 is Pangulasian Island Resort in El Nido. This will be El Nido Resorts’ most luxurious property in its eco-island collection.
El Nido Resorts has been operating responsibly in an ecologically gifted area. Embracing a strong commitment to sustainability, El Nido Resorts exercise stewardship over the flourishing diverse environment, stressing the importance of preserving nature to all who visit.
Numerous exciting, low-impact activities are offered to guests. These include snorkelling, scuba-diving, kayaking, hiking, and island-hopping to visit fascinating caves, emerald lagoons, and pristine white sand beaches. Lunch barbecues and romantic dinners may be arranged on private islands, and relaxing spa and massage services are available upon request. Guests can also simply relax on the beach or enjoy cocktails at the bar while enjoying fabulous views of the sunset.
El Nido Resorts has been globally recognized for embracing nature-based guest activities and sustainable menus, and for providing environment education programs for staff and guests, and employment opportunities for the local community.
El Nido Resorts has received numerous international awards as testament to its green practices and commitment to sustainable tourism, including the prestigious ASEAN Green Hotel Standard in 2010 and the Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award in 2009. More recently, El Nido Resorts was a winner in the Sustainable Hotel Award – Sustainable Destination Category, and the PATA Gold Award – Environmental Education Programme.

CEBU PLANTATION BAY

By: ABEGAIL SOMONTAN

Discover a resort in a class of its own. Set in 11.4 hectares of secluded grounds yet only 30 minutes from Cebu City, Plantation Bay offers one of the largest privately-owned waterways in the world, with the clean elegance of colonial-plantation architecture. Decompress from life's pressures in the healing tranquility of an environment that truly feels "away from it all." If you have ever spent time at a tropical plantation, you know what we mean. If not, come and discover a refreshingly different Flavor of Life. 

Whether you're traveling for a family vacation or romantic getaway, for business or pleasure, this is far and away your best choice in the Philippines.

Jack Ridge in Davao City

The land on which Jack's Ridge now stand once formed part of the headquarter of the retreating Japanese forces towards the end of the World War II. The Americans had landed in Davao on May 1, 1945, forcing the Japanese to beat a path to Matina Hills where they had a commanding view of the Davao Gulf where the American ships were anchored. Fierce fighting soon erupted between the two forces, and as history shown us, the Japanese lost.

Today, more than half a century later, Jack's Ridge is filled with reminders of its historic past. Caves dug by the Japanese pockmark the area, and once in a while people still find bullets and other war materials in the rocky soil.

There is also talk that hidden somewhere in the caved are gold bullions and other treasure that the Japanese had taken from other countries and brought to Davao.

Whatever the truth is about the treasure, Jack's Ridge maintains the feature that made it an important outpost for the retreating Japanese forces, a commanding view of Davao City and the Gulf, the same view within the premises is also refreshing, since the owner has made its mission to preserve the natural beauty of the place.

By: Jessa Mae Albino

PEARL FARM BEACH RESORT

By: Angel Rey D. Puno

In the idyllic islands of Samal & Malipano,
The Pearl Farm Beach Resort
is a former cultivation farm for luxurious south sea pearls.
Now, it continues its essence of prime luxury
as a premier destination resort of Fuego Hotels
and as a perfect hideaway for those
in search of blissful retreat.

Zipline in forest hill Davao City

Forest Hill is a common venue for social gatherings like birthdays, reunions, and company field trips. It is a simple resort with a swimming pool surrounded by cottages. The resort is situated behind a small hill and guests can follow a trail that leads to the top. 

 

by: Phoebe Escobal

The Giant Crocodile "LOLONG" at Bunawan, Agusan del Sur

       Lolong was caught in a Bunawan creek in the province of Agusan del Sur in the Philippines on September 3, 2011. It was captured with the joint cooperation of the local government unit, residents and crocodile hunters of Palawan. It took three weeks to hunt down the giant crocodile and about 100 people to take it out of the water. It broke twice from restraining ropes before it was properly secured and it became extremely aggressive several times. He is estimated to be at least 50 years old.

       The crocodile is named after Ernesto "Lolong" Goloran Cañete, one of the veteran crocodile hunters from the Palawan Crocodile and Wildlife Reservation Center who led the hunt. After weeks of stalking, the hunt for Lolong took its toll on Cañete's health. He died of a heart attack few days before the crocodile was captured, a memorable reminder for his courage and perseverance.

 

By:  Gretchel Malimbag

Tinuy-an Falls in Surigao del Sur

Tinuy-an Falls is a waterfall in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. It is the main tourist attraction in Bislig, a city known as the Booming city by the bay.

The falls is approximately 95 meters wide and 55 metres (180 ft) high, touted as the Niagara Falls of the Philippines. Tinuy-an is a white water curtain that flows in three levels and is said to be one of the widest waterfalls in the Philippines. Every morning, the area is blessed with a sprinkle of a rainbow that appears between 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Its majestic and unique natural formation makes it one of the best waterfalls in the entire Philippines. Its magnificent scenery had once appeared in the International Travel Magazine.

Tinuy-an Falls is located in Borboanan, Bislig City, a one hour ride from Mangagoy, center of trade and commerce in Bislig City. The falls plunges 55 metres (180 ft) high from the top of the three tiered cascading waterfalls. It is 95 meters wide.

The water cascading down the three waterfalls look like a curtain of white froth that makes the whole six-hour trip from Davao City all worth it. Bathing in its cool waters is definitely an experience that you will never find elsewhere. Aside from this, the whole waterfall area is also a sanctuary of many wild species that makes it a very ideal place for nature tripping. If your are lucky and the water is not so deep, you get to explore every crevice of the Tinuy an Falls and get to enjoy all the wonders that nature has to offer.

By: Catherine Llano