Isla: A GMA News and Public Affairs Summer Special with Solenn Heussaff and Mikael Daez

Catch ISLA, a GMA News and Public Affairs Summer Special which will air this May 11, 10:45 pm on SNBO, GMA 7, after Imbestigador. It is an exciting special as Solenn Heussaff and Mikael Daez explore 6 marvelous islands out of the 7,107 islands in the Philippines. ISLA will feature Philippine's best island destinations from Pangulasian Island in El Nido, Palawan; Apo Island in Dumaguete; Danjugan Island in Negros Occidental; Salagdoong Beach in Siquijor; Lobo in Batangas; and Oslob in Cebu.

In Dumaguete, Mikael swims with friendly sea turtles in Apo Island, chills by the beach and discovers why the province is called the City of Gentle People. Solenn also visits a “wild” island known as Danjugan Island in Negros Occidental. Danjugan boasts of an enormous, unexplored bat cave with millions of fruit- and insect-eating bats. Under sea adventures also await as Solenn swims with various sea creatures. In Siquijor, Mikael is enchanted by the famous white sands of Salagdoong Beach and so-called “magical powers” of folk healers. Its mysterious reputation precedes it but Siquijor remains a must-see destination for its natural spring-water resorts and rich heritage.

Aside from being a model-host, Solenn is also a certified medic diver. Her passion for scuba diving was reignited by her visit to Lobo, Batangas. Lobo town sits astride the mountainous corridor in the southernmost coast of Batangas. It is one of the 18 biodiversity hot spots in the country identified by the DENR so the diving is exquisite and unspoilt. Solenn also takes a boat through a mangrove forest where she caught a special type of mud crab which she cooked in the traditional Batangueño way. Finally, Mikael gets up close and personal with one of the sea’s gentle giants, the whale shark, in Oslob, Cebu. The island of Cebu offers a variety of activities for adventure-seekers – from swimming, to kayaking to rock climbing. In Cebu, there’s never a dull moment and there’s always a sight to behold.

I had the privilege to take Ms. Solenn Heussaff around El Nido, Palawan, specifically in El Nido Resorts' newest eco-luxury island resort, Pangulasian. In El Nido, "Solenn goes on a luxury getaway in one of the best resorts in the world. El Nido is also known for natural wonders such as limestone cliffs, caves and hidden lagoons."



Solenn was able to see the villas of Pangulasian, specifically the Kalaw Villa and the Pool Villa, which has its own private lounge pool with an amazing view of the stretch of white sand beach. Also, she was able to enjoy a dip in the main swimming pool of the resort.



Beyond enjoying the luxuries of Pangulasian Island, Solenn was also able to visit the big and small lagoons, the most famous attractions of El Nido, and get to swim and snorkel with the fishes in the house reef.



Solenn Heussaff with the Miniloc Island resort staff.

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.

El Nido Palawan's Newest Eco-Luxury Resort, Pangulasian Island, now opens

Last October 15, the Philippines’ newest premier eco-luxury resort, Pangulasian Island in El Nido, Palawan officially welcomed its first guests to its shores, a Taiwanese couple, who were given a grand El Nido Resorts reception by the resort staff, headed by Pangulasian Island’s resident manager Lei Policarpio.



Pangulasian features 42 deluxe villas, which shares a pristine beach almost a kilometer long. It has a swimming pool, gym, spa, resort center with restaurant, library, boutique and a conference room, among other facilities and activities.

Take a dip at Pangulasian's Swimming Pool

The resort mixes contemporary Filipino and cutting edge “green” design with luxurious amenities and impeccable and personalized service, which makes it the ultimate eco-luxury destination in the Philippines.

The Taiwanese couple who were on their honeymoon stayed in Pangulasian for two nights, while the rest of their 8 days stay was split on Lagen Island and Miniloc Island in El Nido, two of the four island resort properties of El Nido Resorts; the last being Apulit Island in Taytay.

Lei Policarpio leading the couple to the resorts center

The Taiwanese couple meets their personal butler :)

El Nido Resorts now maintains and operates four island resorts in El Nido and Taytay, Palawan, with sustainability and eco-tourism as its thrust, putting a premium on integrating the protection and preservation of the environment, and the beauty of Palawan, with modern facilities, technology, and luxury.

Pangulasian Island resort staff with a grand El Nido Resorts welcome.

For inquiries about Pangulasian Island and El Nido Resorts, give them a call at +63 (2) 813 0000 or email them at holiday@elnidoresorts.com. You may also visit their website at http://www.elnidoresorts.com/ or their Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/elnidoresorts