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.

Hamilo Coast's Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club

Hamilo Coast's Pico de Loro cove is one of the thirteen coves being developed by Hamilo Coast as a leisure lifestyle destination near Manila. Pico de Loro cove boasts of a beach and country club, and properties such as residential condominiums, villas, residential lots and a hotel.



We were able to inspect the property recently, see the development happening in the cove, and enjoy what Pico de Loro gives to its members and guests.



Pico de Loro Beach Club offers an unobstructed view of the sea. Some of the activities you could do, besides swimming in the sea and in their pools, includes going through the eco-trail, kayaking, scuba diving, birdwatching, or touring Hamilo Coast's magnificent coves.



On the other hand, Pico de Loro's Country club offers a variety of activities and services everyone can enjoy. It has a huge pool, kiddie center, library, function rooms, tennis, badminton and basketball courts, table tennis tables, gaming consoles room, bowling and billiards area, and a beautiful view of nature.



If a day is not enough to fully enjoy the grandeur of nature and the great scenery, a nearby hotel, Pico Sands Hotel, will give you the chance to extend on overnight or week-long visits - just like what we did! The hotel offers great accommodation, great food, a relaxing spa service, and the right relaxation and rejuvenation one needs, away from a stressful city life.

AFICS Team Building Food

Of course, with any gathering or any activity, there must always be food to satisfy and re-energize the people, right? And so, these are the food pictures I took from the Batangas trip. Obviously, I am trying to make you hungry :P Well, I hope you enjoy! :)

Leslie's Restaurant pics are from Gwen. You can visit Manila Foodistas for our Leslie's Restaurant post. :)

AFICS Team Building Food is part 2 of 2 posts

AFICS Team Building

Alliance of Filipino Chinese Students' representatives and organization leaders from UP, DLSU, ADMU, UA&P and UST left one weekend of last month for Batangas for a team building.

We did some activities, talked most of the time, enjoyed ourselves with the company of each other, in a scenic and fresh escape from the busy and hassle of Metro Manila and academic stuff.

After the weekend off, I would say our ties became stronger, and it not only benefited each and everyone who went, but ultimately our friendships extended within and among different college organizations - making AFICS even stronger.

AFICS Team Building is part 1 of 2 posts
Pictures from Larraine

UPCSA goes to Canyon Cove

The beach was great. The place was great (except for the overly priced food). The company was great too. I would love to go back there some time. I love the beach :3

alvene and pam

my roomies

h4b :)

best buds

the org - c.s.a.