Shay Mitchell visits the Philippines and El Nido Resorts

I received an email from Gian Herrera of Styles Entertainment about a possible collaboration in hosting Shannon Ashley Mitchell, or more known as Shay Mitchell, who stars in the hit ABC Family series Pretty Little Liars as Emily Fields. As it was an opportunity not only for El Nido Resorts, but also to show to an international actress the beauty of the Philippines, I immediately set a meeting to finalize things after I got my boss' approval. After everything, we were all set to welcome the Filipino-Canadian actress, who was visiting with her mom for the first time in the Philippines.

Unfortunately, due to the Christmas rush and busy schedule in the office, I was not able to accompany them to Lagen Island Resort, where they spent several nights enjoying the islands and learning about El Nido Resorts' sustainability programs. On the other hand, I was able to send them off, and welcome them back from the resort.

My first impression of Shay is that she's really nice, optimistic, and warm. True enough, she's simply down to earth, funny, and sincere. And after talking to both Shay and her mom, I can see that she got it all from her mother, who raised her up well. I am sure she's very proud of her and what she has accomplished.

It was Shay's first time in the Philippines, and more than 10 years since her mom last visited. I can't believe that the first thing they saw was the beauty and rich biodiversity of our little piece of paradise - El Nido, Palawan. I am even happier that they liked what they saw so much, they wanted to stay longer in the islands.

The timing was perfect! During their first day, some Hawksbill Turtles were hatching on Dilumacad Island or Helicopter Island, so we brought Shay and the group there to help with the release. She was also able to see our newest property, Pangulasian Island, which is hailed by both Conde Nast and Travel+Leisure, as something to watch out for this 2013.

Everything was set-up to be perfect, thanks to all our staff, starting from the plane ride, courtesy of Island Transvoyager Inc (ITI), to the resorts' Resident Managers and their staff (Lagen Island - Ms. Carmel, Pangulasian Island - Ms. Lei and Sir August, Miniloc Island - Sir Noel), and especially our Environmental Office in Lagen, Jamie Dichaves.

Shay and her group were able to undergo our environmental trainings, or more known as the Be G.R.E.E.N. program, where a turtle badge with your name on it is earned by understanding and appreciating the sustainability programs El Nido Resorts has in place in ensuring that the environment and the rich natural resources of the area are well protected.

P.S. Every employee of El Nido Resorts has to undergo the trainings and pass the exam. You have to go through a quiz and pass it to earn the turtle badge. :)

It was an experience for the books for Shay. I am glad that she had a blast during her trip to El Nido Resorts Lagen Island. Check out her blog posts about her trip here and here. For me, I am glad to have met such an amazing person. Can't wait to have her back in the islands! :)


P.S. Photos #1 and #5 are by yours truly, Photos #2, #3 and #4 are by Jamie Dichaves.

Going back to Lagen Island in El Nido Palawan - The Flight

The first time I have been to El Nido in Palawan, was with my thesis mates during college. And after two more times coming back, it was another trip to one of my favorite places in the world - this time for work. I was not complaining, for I know where I will go is paradise on earth.



I trooped to the Island Transvoyager Inc. (ITI) Hangar in the airport complex in Pasay to catch the midday flight (3pm) to LIO airport in El Nido, Palawan. We rode the chartered 19-seater Dornier plane, which will soon be upgraded (to 40+ seater plane in the next few months) to cater to more guests and to make flying to El Nido more convenient and fun.


El Nido Resorts and ITI believe in sustainable tourism and protecting the environment because their business is built in the preservation and beauty of the surrounding of Palawan, particularly in El Nido and Taytay. One of their projects is to protect the environment, and this is taken cared of by "Carbon Offsetting." The amount of carbon emission produced by a round-trip flight by ITI to El Nido, which is 2,268 kg of CO2, is replaced by planting trees, 6 trees per passenger in a round-trip flight, to balance the emission and protect the cycle in which nature can protect itself and regenerate. Isn't that cool? :)



We arrived at LIO airport past 4pm, with the "sex bomb ladies" welcoming us with native Palawan and Cuyonin songs. It was a sight and a treat for first timers to El Nido. LIO airport will close soon, in the next few months, to give way to runway extension and repairs, which will greatly help in attracting more arrivals to El Nido.



We were ushered to a Jeepney, which brought us to the shore for our boat transfer to Lagen Island Resort. The smell of the fresh sea breeze, rushing water to the shore and against our speedboat, and the magical sight of El Nido's limestone clifs, are enough welcome to bring me to a state of peace.