Palawan is set to take center stage as the Palawan: World’s Best Island Travel and Trade Expo 2025 unfolds from February 5 to 7, 2025, at the Glorietta Mall Activity Center.

This event aims to inspire Filipinos to explore the wonders of Palawan, promoting domestic travel as a significant contributor to the local economy.

It also aims to position Palawan as a must-visit destination for 2025, highlighting its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and commitment to sustainable tourism. It will feature exclusive travel deals, live cultural performances, and networking opportunities.

Domestic Tourism: A Call to Action

Palawan Tourism Council President Rey Felix Rafols emphasized the importance of domestic tourism in bolstering Palawan’s economy.

“Instead of going abroad, we encourage Filipinos to discover the unparalleled beauty of Palawan. By doing so, they directly support local businesses, communities, and sustainable initiatives,” he said during a press briefing.

The call comes as Palawan continues to experience remarkable growth in tourism. According to Ms Maribel Buñi, Provincial Tourism Officer, the province saw an 87.47% increase in tourist arrivals in 2023, reaching 1,527,159 visitors compared to 814,621 in 2022. Of this number, 873,592 were domestic tourists, signaling the vital role local travelers play in the province’s success.

Revenue and Tourism Success

Palawan’s tourism revenue skyrocketed to ₱57.2 billion in 2023, a significant jump from ₱30.5 billion in 2022. Top destinations included El Nido, Coron, San Vicente, Brooke’s Point, and Linapacan, with international visitors primarily hailing from the United States, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain.

Buñi, however, warned against complacency. “While 2023 was a productive year, the tourism industry must continuously innovate to meet evolving traveler demands and ensure sustainability,” she stressed.

Expo Highlights

The Palawan: World’s Best Island Travel and Trade Expo 2025 promises an immersive experience for attendees. Key features include:

· Special Travel Deals: Exclusive discounts on flights, accommodations, tours, and adventure packages.

· Trade Show: Showcase of locally made food products and handicrafts of Palawan.

· Cultural Showcase: Live performances featuring the diverse culture and celebrating Palawan’s rich heritage.

· Industry Networking: Opportunities for industry professionals to connect and explore partnerships.

Upcoming Events in Palawan for 2025

Palawan is gearing up for an exciting year with a lineup of high-profile events:

· IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa on March 2, 2025, attracting athletes from across the globe.

· World Dragon Boat Championships, a qualifying event for the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China.

· Baragatan sa Palawan Festival in June, featuring vibrant street dancing, trade fairs, and cultural presentations.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Beyond promoting its destinations, Palawan is dedicated to sustainable tourism. Under Governor Dennis Socrates, efforts to preserve the province’s natural beauty and empower local communities remain a top priority.

“This expo is about more than just tourism. It’s about creating a sustainable future for Palawan while sharing its wonders with the world,” Rafols pointed out.

Mark Your Calendars

The Palawan: World’s Best Island Travel and Trade Expo 2025 is an opportunity for Filipinos to rediscover the magic of Palawan and contribute to the local economy. Whether planning your first visit or returning to this island paradise, the expo promises to deliver unmatched travel inspiration and deals.

 

All photos are courtesy of the Tourism Office, Municipality of Taytay, Palawan 

SMFI Health and Medical Programs Senior Project Manager Albert Uy inspects the water catchment to ensure it reliability.

In line with the SM Green Movement, the SM group, through SM Foundation, recently established a rainwater harvesting system at the Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The initiative aims to strengthen their goal of preserving the environment and ensuring the health and wellness of future generations.

To enhance water conservation and management in the facility, the system collects rainwater from the roof and gutter, passing it through vinyl-coated mesh filters to help ensure water quality. With an 800-liter storage capacity, the harvested water serves the facility’s non-potable needs like watering plants, cleaning, and toilet flushing.

 Faucets connected to the rainwater catchment are duly marked to help guide the community.

 

The rainwater harvesting facility also operates without electricity and features labeled faucets for intuitive recycled water use. Midwife Narcisa Jagmis, who leads the said birthing facility, said that the facility will help them reduce their reliance on the city’s water supply systems.

 Midwife Narcisa Jagmis observes as the system collects rainwater from the gutters.

 

“Mahalagang hindi kami nawawalan ng tubig sa center, lalo na po pag nagsimula kaming magoperate bilang birthing clinic. Ngunit minsan po, walang dumadaloy na tubig at wala kaming mapagkukunan,” Jagmis shared.

“Kaya napaka laking tulog po ng natural na tubig mula sa rainwater catchment system na. Madali namin itong naaccess upang gamiting panglinis o pandilig dahil konektado ito sa mga gripo. Ang tubig naman mula sa main line ay maitatabi namin para sa aming sterile operations,” she said. .

 

The Royal Treatment at Puerto Princesa

With safety protocols firmly enforced, Puerto Princesa is poised to again welcome tourists with open arms. In recent years, the highly urbanized city and tourist haven has been paralyzed by the Covid-19 pandemic, then pummeled by Typhoon Odette. But it is now on the road to recovery---as spectacularly as its scenic, romantic and gastronomic attractions. “The tourism industry is the lifeblood of Puerto Princesa, along with agriculture. Almost 15,000 people directly or indirectly benefit from tourism. In varying degrees, most of the recent construction and development projects are related to tourism: hotel-building, parks, cruise-ship ports, street lights, roads, and many more. Unfortunately, some of these have been on hold since the onset of the pandemic,” discloses Demetrio “Toto” Alvior Jr., the city tourism officer.

The Royal Connection

Puerto Princesa, the capital of postcard-perfect Palawan, sprawls across 253,982 hectares of captivating coastlines stretched over 106 kilometers. Due to its strategic geographical location, it has sufficient depth to allow ships of all sizes to anchor, earning a reputation as a “Princess of Ports,” or in Spanish, “Puerto Princesa.” There’s no contention that Puerto Princesa is one of the country’s greatest pleasures. A holiday destination universally beloved by travelers, beach-combers, and trekkers; a bustling business center with a rural allure; a provincial vibe with modern amenities; and a clean and green city recognized for its lush forests, fresh air, and frontier character.

Rising Above Covid-19

The city of Puerto Princesa has been struggling to get to its feet since the outbreak of Covid-19 in early 2020. The lack of tourists, which is the main industry, has forced hundreds of tourism-related businesses to close, leaving thousands of tourism workers unemployed.

“The public-health crisis forced them to find alternative sources of income, which was made more difficult because of the restrictions of movement due to several lockdowns,” Mr. Alvior reveals. “One factor of low tourist arrivals is the fluctuating number of Covid cases, which in turn affects the determination of quarantine requirements and national government intervention policies.” Today, Puerto Princesa is experiencing record lows in terms of economic losses, losing around P5 billion a year for the past two years from potential tourist receipts.

Just recently, a new getaway redefines coastal living as they unveil the first of its kind a glimpse of a seaside living with Avara. Experience a great living, the sound of waves crashing on the shore and the sunlight peeking through the window wake you up on a lazy Saturday morning. You slowly open your eyes, afraid that you’re just in the middle of a dream. But you’re not. You stand up as you feel the gentle sea breeze touch your face. You go out of the porch and look at the horizon. You take your time to enjoy the beauty of the blue skies and the deep sea. The yacht will be waiting for you whenever you’re ready, anyway. That’s the promise of Avara Nature & Yacht Club—the easy life of the seaside.


 
Airdance group and Filipina harpist Avonlea Paraiso wow the Avara guests with their performances.

Established by the Seaside Premier Development Corporation, Avara is the first of its kind nature and yacht club located at Calauag Bay in Taytay, which was Palawan’s first capital.
The Avara Balanghai designed and created by Master Sculptor Rey Paz Contreras.

The plan for the exclusive resort was formally unveiled at the Grand Hyatt Manila led by its President and CEO Ms. Veronica C. Young.

“After many months of sailing and voyaging aboard bangkas and riding waves, we found the perfect island in Taytay, Palawan to be the home of our pioneering project. It is with a great pleasure to present to you tonight, Avara Nature and Yacht Club - the first of its kind in the Philippines, bridging the middle class to the lifestyle of the rich and famous. As Seaside Premier Development Corporation’s flagship project, we aim to redefine seaside living, where nature meets luxury,” she said in her opening remarks.

Coastal living redefined

Avara, which means Sunshine Island, is an eco-luxurious resort that use solar panels as a source of renewable energy, utilize a recycled water treatment system, maximize a hydroponic garden, and take advantage of other eco-materials available.

Its accommodation is inspired by the Maldivian architecture. Members can choose to stay in a one-bedroom Water Villa with jacuzzi, two-bedroom Water Villa with private infinity pool, or one- or two-bedroom Beach Casitas.

Aside from the villas and casitas, Avara members will also have an exclusive access to a two-bedroom yacht with crew for an overnight stay or for cruising around the island and nearby areas. Avara’s yacht features two cabins and a family room in the lower deck; a living room, a kitchen and dining area, and a plunge pool in the main deck; and an open dining space and a sun deck in the fly bridge.

The Avara Island has nothing but the best facilities for its members. Guests will first experience the Avara service upon their arrival at the dock or the harbor. But the ultra-luxurious resort also has a helipad for those who will be coming in by air. VIPs also have the option to skip the reception and go straight to their accommodation.

There will also be a boardwalk open for development to entrepreneurial Avara member. Meaning, Avara members can also be concessionaires to open their own business—it could be a coffee shop, a grocery store, a bakery, a souvenir stop, and similar ventures. As support to the member-concessionaires, Avara will ensure that the business will be the island’s lone supplier for the specific product.

The island can also accommodate as many as 100 guests at their main dining area and at the grill restaurant. But guests will have more dining options since Avara includes a poolside bar, a seaside bar and lounge, picnic areas, and private dining venues.

Avara is fully equipped with a gym, a water sports center, a tennis court, and a golf course to those who want to keep up with their fitness routine.

The island also has a playroom and nursery, spa and massage cabanas, a bonfire area, a clinic with an in-house doctor and nurse, and a gaming area for the enjoyment of the Avara members.

At any given time, Avara will host up to 300 members to ensure quality service.

As a promised paradise for those who love the beach, Avara offers a myriad of water action such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, jet-skiing, banana boat riding, stand-up paddle boarding, wind surfing, scuba diving, island hopping, and fishing in coordination with neighbor islands. The resort also provides options for on land activities like trekking, biking, and vegetable picking.

There are also a lot of activities that Avara members can enjoy outside its vicinity. After all, Taytay, Palawan boasts of picturesque sites like the Canique Waterfalls, the Lake Manguao, the Irrawaddy Dolphins in Malampaya Sound, the Fuerza de Santa Isabel, and the Church of Santa Monica. Taytay is also hope to a paradise-like hidden valley that gives tourists a bird’s eye view of the pristine, idyllic coastal areas of the municipality.

Board of advisors

The executives and board of advisors behind the Avara Nature & Yacht Club.

To ensure nothing but the best of services and facilities at Avara, Seaside Premier Development Corporation tapped some of the industry’s most respected personalities for the resort.

Its board of advisors include the following:

• National Coast Watch Center Executive Director Rear Admiral Joel S. Garcia for Coastal and Marine Management
• Philippine Army’s 7CMO Battalion Commanding Officer Col. Eugene Osias for Security Affairs
• Cebu Port Authority Commissioner for the Shipping Sector Ms. Regina Barleta for Port Management and Shipping
• Incoming Manila Board of Realtors, Inc. President Ma. Teresa R. Bigornia for Marketing
• Motivational speaker John Anthony Calub for Sales
• The Manor’s Le Chef Executive Chef William “Billy” King for Culinary Arts

“We thank these distinguished personalities for believing in our idea. We can’t wait to show you the beauty of Avara,” Ms. Young said.

Avara Nature & Yacht Club will formally open its shores in the summer of 2020. #

About Avara Nature & Yacht Club Avara Nature and Yacht Club redefines seaside lifestyle by combining beach living and seafaring. It is the first harbor-front town in Palawan as launched by the Seaside Premier Development Corporation. It offers access to a world-class resort with customized yachts.

Visit the Avara website (http://avaraisland.com/) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/avaraisland), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/avaraisland/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/avaraisland/) to learn more.

About Seaside Premier Development Corporation
Luxury seaside community developer Seaside Premier Development Corporation was established in 2018. It kickstarted its year by launching its flagship project, the Avara Nature & Yacht Club in Taytay, Palawan. It plans to develop harbor-front townships in the different seaside areas in the Philippines to bring the best beaches and coastal living to every Filipino’s doorstep.

When I attended the Press Conference of the movie Mr. & Mrs. Cruz, I told to my self that I will watch this movie not just because it's created by the same writer and director who gave the Kita Kita movie but because the location of the movie is in Palawan.  This is one of the places that I love very much and I just want to reminisce my memories during my stay in this wonderful island. That was when I was still working.

Wish answered and I did it. I was able to watch the movie and take note I watched it with my hubby.  There were so many #hugotlines (emotional quotes or quotable quotes) in the movie and there were also issues about relationships. Love really conquers all, even yourself are conquered and it really affects your individuality and personality. The whole you is affected. The ideas and thoughts about Commitment, Marriage and Love are all ingredients in this movie, an issues addressed and trying to cope to answer questions about it.
In the movie, both Gela and Raffy are brokenhearted individuals who are looking for the right answer for all the things that happened to them, the reasons and the answer to the whys. The story gave a definite realization on both of the characters, they achieved what they want to know and a good lead to where they are supposed to heading. There are so many issues that were touched by the movie and I think millennials and even the gen x will surely learn a lesson or two.

The story is beautiful and there are so many quotes that can be use and share, some of them are "Nakita ko na si Nemo!", "Basta kulot salot.", "Di ko na kelangan mag-kape, makita lang kita nag-papalpitate na ang puso ko.", "Alin ang mas masakit yong iniwan ka sa araw ng kasal or after ng kasal.", and more.





This movie is for those who needs closure and to move on from the relationship that they have. Very simple yet it pierce through the heart. The lines were interesting enough and so are the characters throwing the lines at each other.
The place, who wouldn't love Palawan. This is the place that I want to go back again and again. There's a local saying there that once you've been there you'll always long to go back and they coined it as "Come back, come back". I've been there with my ex boyfriend turned out to be my hubby now, so it is really memorable. I really love the spots they had the shoot and what's great is that it was taken from an aerial view. It will definitely attract more tourists and local travelers.

Overall it is a great movie in this era. Kudos to all the people behind the creation of this movie!

Have you ever imagined staying in an island exclusively for you and your loved ones? Do you want to experience the luxury of having your own paradise for free? Well, GetGo members are up for the grandest reward of their lives yet with GetGo’s Exclusive Island Escape promo.
Three lucky GetGo members can have a piece of heaven on Earth with round-trip tickets to Coron, Palawan and a 3-day all-expense-paid stay at Bamboo Private Islands.

Bamboo Private Islands lies hidden in the middle of trendy Calamianes but travelers can easily access it with a banca or speedboat ride from Coron. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted with white sands and crystalline waters surrounding the beautiful island.

Individuals, couples, barkadas, and families can enjoy a peaceful escape and soulful getaway with the island’s promise of exclusivity and privacy. Uniquely-designed bamboo huts await guests who want to experience a simple and humble island living. Bamboo Private Islands also boasts of its true farm-to-kitchen dining where everyone can delight in authentic, delicious everyday meals using the best and safest local ingredients from the island’s organic farm.

Likewise, adventure seekers can make the most out of their island stay by indulging in exciting activities where they can see and appreciate the beauty of Calamianes. From snorkeling, diving, kite boarding, paddle boarding, and island hopping, travelers can enjoy breath-taking views of the island’s waters and mountainscapes. Guests can even dine while basking in the picturesque sight of the sunset at the open-air pavilion.

To join and experience the perks of living in the ultimate dream island in the country, members simply have to earn and/or redeem GetGo points from January 31 to March 31, 2018. Each GetGo point earned and redeemed is equivalent to one (1) raffle entry.

More entries, more chances of winning! GetGo members who use their Cebu Pacific GetGo Debit Cards by Unionbank and GetGo Peso+ Prepaid cards get 2 raffle entries for every point earned. Members who use their Cebu Pacific GetGo Gold and Platinum Credit Cards by UnionBank get 3 raffle entries for every 1 GetGo point earned.

So, what are you waiting for? Live the GetGo lifestyle with its wide network of partners to earn and fly your way to Palawan’s Bamboo Private Islands.

For more information on memberships and partners, visit www.getgo.com.ph. Stay updated on the latest promos by liking GetGoPH’s official pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Apat na taon na ang I Juander!  Ngayong Mayo, ipagdiriwang namin ito sa 2-part Special Palawan Episode ngayong May 13, at 20, 2015.

Sa Unang bahagi ng Palawan Special, tutuklasin nina Susan Enriquez at Cesar Apolinario ang mga natatagong yaman ng Palawan at kung bakit nga ba ito ang tinaguriang last frontier ng bayan ni Juan.

 

Samahan si Susan sa kanyang lake hopping adventure.  Ang dalawa sa kanyang pupuntahan, ang pinaka malinis na lawa sa buong Pilipinas.  At ang lawa na pinamumugaran umano ng mga isdang barracuda.

 

Sisisirin naman ni Cesar ang pusod ng karagatan ng Coron para hanapin ang mga barkong lumubog noon pang World War 2.  Ano kayang mga kuwento ng kasaysayan ang kanyang matutuklasan? Abangan din ang close encounter niya sa mga dugong at pawikan.

 

Mag-empake at maki-join na sa Coron Island adventure nina Susan at Cesar ngayon Miyerkules, alas-otso nang gabi sa GMA News TV.  At samahan silang sagutin ang tanong ni Juan:

I Juander, bakit binansagang Philippine's Last Frontier ang isla ng Palawan?