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.

GoHotels expands in Palawan, Dumaguete, Bacolod and Tacloban

GoHotels will soon launch during the 1st Quarter of 2012 four more budget hotels in addition to the growing GoHotels chain of budget accommodations in the Philippines. Opening early next year are: GoHotels Puerto Princesa Palawan; GoHotels Dumaguete; GoHotels Tacloban; and GoHotels Bacolod.

The new GoHotels in these locations will still retain the concept of if you book early, you will get lower rates. Rooms will be standard, pretty much the same as the flagship branch in Robinsons Pioneer. All GoHotels will be located beside a Robinsons Mall for convenience.

These exciting expansions for GoHotels PH, which first opened its doors to the public last May 2010, will certainly be anticipated, welcomed and appreciated by the Tourism Industry. These developments will certainly boost domestic tourism, as more and more hotels and accommodations, especially those who offer lowest rates, open up in these Philippine tourist destinations for budget travelers, barkadas, and tourists in general.