It’s undeniable. Di na talaga matatakasan.
Summer is (almost) here!
In just a few days from now people from the metro would start the exodus to the beaches in Puerto Galera, Batangas and Boracay and filling up hotel rooms for the weekend staycation.
As early as January, I was already firming up my summer 2015 plans. And among the cities i considered for the holiday break is the paradise known as El Nido.
Then suddenly. An email popped up in my mailbox asking me if I wanted to join the Puerto Princesa And El Nido. Media Tour. Without batting an eyelash I immediately confirmed my slot. Hurray!
March 3 – I left Santa Rosa Laguna really early to catch the 945AM Air Asia Philippines flight to Puerto Princesa. The flight is approximately an hour and a half.
onboard the AirAsia flight bound for Puerto Prioncesa
Upon boarding the Airbus 320 plane, we immediately Pushed back and prepare for departure. Everything seemed normal and too routine-ish for me until the fasten seat belt sign was tuned off. It’s time for me to recline my seat And take a quick snooze.
I was pleasantly surprised! Later on I learned that all media participants were all given the warm beef caldereta meal. .
Until I was handed my hot meals complete with pineapple juice water and chocolate chip cookies.
The beef is so tender and flavorful. It actually. Reminds me of my happy days when we had to literally hop from one house to another and feast on caldereta. Afritada and menudo during town fiestas.
Soon enough, the fasten seat belt sign has turned off signaling our arrival in Puerto Princesa, the capital city of the Province of Palawan.
After we picked up our bags and transferred it to the shuttle, our first stop for the day is lunch at KaLui.
I have read a lot of good tales and reviews About KaLui but this is going to be my first time here, so I didn’t have set any expectations.
Upon entrance. One would easily notice the bahay kubo – themed restaurant. Dotted with artworks Hanging on its walls. The food is actually Good.
And their restroom, it has its own interesting story to tell!
The restroom can be easily mistaken for an art gallery. The room has lots of artworks all over it. And the fresh citrus scent complements the mood of the room. Lovely!
After lunch we then checked in to our respective hotels. There were two hotels booked for us: Microtel Hotel and Blue Palawan.
I have stayed with Microtel Palawan before. So I know what to expect, more or less. But I was assigned to Blue Palawan.
Hmmmmm never stayed there before.
Upon check in I only learned from Mr. Jorge Mitra that Blue Palawan. (not to be confused with Blue Lagoon!) has recently opened a few weeks ago. The sand is white and very fine. The rooms are pretty large with two shower heads on the bathroom. Yes they have two!
And just moments later Monica Mitra. Asked us if we wanted to go to the Splash house. Uhhhmmm never heard of that before.
It turns out that Splash house is a new aquaculture facility. Located at the über popular Honda Bay. And not many people is aware of what’s in there to see or experience!
From a distance, splash house can be easily mistaken for a waterpark. . There are trampoline. And waterslides beside the facility. . But upon closer inspection one would notice that they also breed various seafoods here like lobsters groupers bangus etc.
I am always fascinated with lobsters especially seeing live ones. So i immediately grabbed the moment for a photo op!
It was fun. But the best part is yet to come. As what Monica said to us earlier. The most thrilling part of the splsh house experience. Is seeing the thousands of fruit bats move from one island in Honda Bay back to mainland Palawan. And I mean thousands! She further added that the skies would literally Go dark as the creatures flap its wings as it crosses Honda Bay.
We waited. . And waited. And waited….
And none came. :'(
Too bad i was so excited For the show. Maybe next time.
We had to leave the splash house just after sunset to catch our dinner hosted by the provincial government of Palawan headed by. Governor. Alvarez.
During the dinner, a cultural presentation was also performed featuring the rich cultures of thr Cuyonon and the Tagbanwa tribe. The cuyonon dialect which is the lingua franca in Palawan is somewhat similar to the Kinaray-a, the language spoken. In majority of Iloilo province was well as in Antique parts of Aklan and Capiz.
It was very interesting to witness the songs and dances of the Cuyonon people.
Many thanks to Air Asia Philippines for inviting me to join the Palawan. Media Tour! Follow Air Asia Philippines on Twitter and Instagram. @airasiaph