Recognizing the importance of addressing health issues properly, Ten Knots Development Corporation (TKDC) recently launched a medical program offering residents of El Nido free medical services all year round. TKDC, owner and developer of El Nido Resorts, renders free consultations and seminars on health and well-being six times a month, through the help of Lagen and Miniloc Island Resorts’ resident doctors. Prior to this program, TKDC has been providing free medical services to its staff’s dependents in El Nido.

9/1/2007
El Nido Resorts celebrates International Cleanup Day

El Nido Resorts, together with thousands of volunteers across the globe, will gear up for the annual celebration of the International Cleanup Day this September 15. Guests and staff of El Nido Resorts will do their part by cleaning El Nido’s beaches and the surrounding waters with coastal cleanup programs and ScubaSura – an underwater cleanup derived from Scuba diving and “basura” (English word for garbage). Other exciting activities also await the participants. So be part of this worldwide effort while having fun! Visit El Nido Resorts and join our ScubaSura. Click here for inquiries on special rates and reservations. Photo above shows staff of El Nido Resorts during last year's International Cleanup Day.

9/1/2007
'Be GREEN' at El Nido Resorts!

El Nido Resorts’ commitment to the environment was reaffirmed with the launching of its “Be GREEN” (Guard, Respect, and Educate El Nido) campaign. A series of five-day training on their environment program for its employees began early August. El Nido Resorts ensures that its staff are well informed and updated of the company’s environmental history and efforts. The staff are an integral part of the education of guests who participate in conservation activities. As environmental advocates, they will be more equipped in encouraging guests to be protective of our environment. Environmental Concerns Manager Mariglo Laririt heads the program which is expected to be completed before the year ends.

9/1/2007
El Nido Resorts boosts dive program with 'Dive Guide Training'

For three and a half days, El Nido Resorts’ Dive Masters plunged into a new adventure when they attended the Dive Guide training program at Miniloc Island Resort last August 4. The training focused on developing a dive master’s skill in guiding underwater photographers and in spotting critters, especially since El Nido is best known for its macro marine life, as well as other underwater skills important in conducting dives. Through this initiative, guests will be assured of a great and safe diving experience without causing impact to the environment. Photo above shows the participants while doing “dry skills” like frog kick, modified flutter kick, and reverse frog kick before their actual underwater practice.

9/1/2007
El Nido Resorts joins 18th PTM

El Nido Resorts is set to participate in the 18th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) this September 7 to 9 at the SM Megatrade Halls 1 to 3. Over 90 private and government participants from the tourism industry are expected to take part in the PTM. This annual event aims to provide a one-stop shop for tourism products and will be visited by foreign buyers, diplomatic community, corporate organizations, and general public. So mark you calendar and visit El Nido Resorts’ booth as a special promo awaits those who will make their reservation on the spot!

9/1/2007
El Nido Resorts included in Smart Travel Asia’s top list

Once again, El Nido Resorts won voters’ trust as Lagen Island Resort was named one of the top Leisure Resorts in Asia in the recently concluded Smart Travel Asia’s Best in Travel Poll 2007. Lagen Island Resort is the only Palawan property making the prestigious list, climbing to 15th from the 17th spot last year. Smart Travel Asia is an online travel magazine, the authority on travel to and within Asia, read by over 90,000 affluent frequent travelers worldwide each month. El Nido Resorts wishes to express heartfelt thanks to those who spent some time to vote. Thank you and till next Smart Travel Asia Poll!

9/1/2007
El Nido Resorts joins Korea's largest wedding expo

To further strengthen its standing as one of the country’s prime honeymoon destinations, El Nido Resorts, along with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and other representatives from the tourism industry, joined the 28th Wedding Exhibition Korea (WEDDEX Korea 2007) held in Seoul last August 11 to 15. El Nido Resorts Marketing and PR Manager Apple Lina and Korean-speaking Sales Assistant Harry Rosaceña attended the largest wedding exhibit in Korea, tapping more than a thousand of potential clients. Korean tourists, mostly honeymooners, are noted to be the second biggest group in the Philippines’ list of arrivals during the first half of the year. Photo above shows the Philippine delegation to the event headed by Maricon Basco-Ebron, Tourism Attache of DOT, Korea.

9/1/2007
El Nido Resorts holds coastal cleanup contest

El Nido Resorts takes environmental protection seriously. So seriously that coastal cleanup turned into friendly competition during this year’s annual Fun Week activities for the staff last August 4 to 9. Six-man (and woman) teams from Miniloc and Lagen Island Resorts cleaned up the Big Lagoon beach, Lagen’s Cove 3, Shimizu, Dangan beach, PayongPayong, and Pangulasian Island. After each cleanup, the collected trash was segregated and weighed. Marshals from the Environmental Concerns Department kept a running total for the duration of the activity. Miniloc team emerged triumphant with 490.5 kg of trash collected. Lagen wasn’t far behind with their haul of 467.3 kg. Total trash collected was as follows: 352.95 kg plastic, 74.55 kg styrofoam, 129.6 kg rope, 150.75 kg glass, 221.45 kg metal, 22 kg rubber, and 6.5 kg paper, for a grand total of 957.8 kg. Photo above shows the winning team from Miniloc Island Resort.

8/1/2007
El Nido Resorts goes for eco-friendly engines

El Nido Resorts started using eco-friendly boat engines in 2006 and has continuously upgraded its engine maintenance system since then to help minimize the negative effects brought about by carbon monoxide emission. El Nido Resorts now uses eight “E-tec” engines. Aside from being eco-friendly, this kind of engine is also known for its fuel efficiency. It is not too noisy and produces no smoke at all.

8/1/2007
Underwater tunnel in El Nido

Dilumacad Tunnel is located west of Dilumacad Island in Bacuit Bay, El Nido. Its opening begins at 12 meters and the depth inside averages at 10 meters. The entrance is quite large: height is about 4 meters, width about 3 meters. The whole length of the tunnel is about 22 meters. The L-shape tunnel opens up into a pretty big space in the middle where one can swim around. Near the end of the tunnel are holes on the roof through which sunlight penetrates, creating an illusion of dancing lights. Inside, you can find lobsters, crabs, shrimps, gobies, nudibranchs, cowry shells, schools of hatchet fish, angel fish, puffer fish, and sometimes, huge stingrays. Dilumacad Tunnel is an overhead environment, meaning there is no direct link to the surface while inside. Diving in Dilumacad is only for advanced divers with experience in this type of environment. Good buoyancy is a must since you would want to avoid stirring up the bottom made up of sand, rubble, silt, and lime stone. Doing so will decrease visibility inside. This site could be dived as long as there is no typhoon and no north swell. North swells cause too much wave action and would make the site dangerous. When exploring this site, divers usually carry two dive lights (one for back up). When the seas are calm, especially during the months of March to November, exploring the Dilumacad Tunnel would be very interesting and exciting since you’ll never know what you will discover inside the tunnel! Photo above shows the view from inside the tunnel.

8/1/2007
Meet the “Mimicry Trifecta”

Some small reef fishes mimic something unappetizing or dangerous to keep big fishes away. For an avid reef fish photographer, no other fish can do this better than the “Mimicry Trifecta”. The mimic cardinalfish (Cheilodipterus zonatus) and the juvenile pearlscale monocle bream (Scolopsis margaritifer) imitate the striking color pattern of the black-lined fang blenny (Meiacanthus geminatus). Why the black-lined fang blenny? The black-lined fang blenny feeds by darting out from its abandoned worm tube hiding place, biting off scales, mucus, and pieces of fin from unsuspecting fishes. Large fishes avoid this tiny predator, so the mimic cardinalfish and juvenile pearlscale monocle bream are also spared from predation. In addition, the mimic cardinalfish also mimics the behavior of the black-lined blenny. It makes itself active during daytime, darting about in search of small fish for food. This is an unusual behavior because most cardinalfish hover motionless around coral heads and caves during the day. Be on the lookout for these three fishes when you dive in El Nido. Take a good look though as you might also be confused which one is which! Photo above shows Mimic cardinalfish (Cheilodipterus zonatus)

8/1/2007
ISLAND TRANSVOYAGER, INC.

Pioneering the development of carbon emission reduction program in Philippine aviation

By: Arvi Perez

In May 2007, Island Transvoyager, Inc. (ITI) joined the Business Pilot Group (BPG) of the Philippine Business for the Environment (PBE) which seeks to implement the Philippine Greenhouse Gas Accounting and Reporting Program (PhilGARP) to build the capacity of Philippine companies to measure, report and mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. ITI’s objective in joining the BPG for the development of a greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting and reporting system originated from its triple bottom line policy of having financial, social and environmental targets. ITI’s 2007 environmental target is to reduce its carbon footprint. However, before it can reduce its carbon footprint, ITI has to first measure the size of its current carbon footprint. ITI plans to develop a database for its GHG inventory and monitor quantitatively the amount of GHG it generates and to identify cost-effective GHG reduction opportunities. Its voluntary GHG inventory report will be distributed to its stakeholders, government authorities and customers. As background on the BPG, the PBE entered into a partnership with klima (Climate Change Information Center), the World Resources Institute (WRI), the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to implement PhilGARP which is a voluntary industry program for the development of a GHG accounting and reporting system meant to achieve national goals for GHG reduction and reduce impacts on climate change. The success of this partnership will depend greatly on the BPG pursuing concerted industry action, and serving as industry models to others. The BPG is comprised of more than 20 companies from various industry sectors who will be guided on how to use the GHG Accounting Tool, prepare a GHG inventory quality management plan and a public GHG inventory report which can be used by the company as a basis for designing and measuring the impact of its GHG emission reduction programs.

8/1/2007
El Nido Resorts sponsors 2nd Jack Nicklaus Golf Tournament

El Nido Resorts renewed its partnership with Rustan Marketing Corporation when it sponsored the 2nd Jack Nicklaus “Tournament of Champions” last June 25 at the Tagaytay Highlands/Midlands Golf Club. More than a hundred of the top business CEOs, managers, and business men played in the greens, including El Nido Resorts’ representatives, Baron Travel’s top honcho Marilen Yaptangco and partner Bones Floro. Yaptangco and Floro placed third in the competition.

8/1/2007
DOT conducts ocular inspection of El Nido Resorts

The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) - Region 4 conducted its annual ocular inspection of El Nido Resorts last July 4 to 6. This is a mandatory procedure important in identifying which establishments are recognized by the PDOT. After careful inspection, Lagen Island and Miniloc Island Resorts retained their “AAA” and “A” classifications respectively.

8/1/2007
El Nido Resorts participates in international trade fairs

El Nido Resorts expanded its network and opened new doors for business when it participated in two international travel trade fairs last June – the 21st International Trade Expo (ITE) in Hongkong and the 3rd China Incentive Business Travel and Meetings (CIBTM) in China. Sales Manager Bambi Samson, together with representatives from the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) and the tourism industry, met with more than thousands of foreign buyers during the event to attract more visitors to the country. PDOT’s delegation was headed by none other than Department Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano. Photo above shows Sales Manager Bambi Samson with Marsman Drsydale Operations Manager Eleonor Ng and PDOT Secretary Ace Durano during the CIBTM.

7/1/2007
French reality TV show goes to El Nido

El Nido once again will make another mark in the international reality TV scene as a highly rated French adventure game show traveled all the way to the Philippines to film what might be its best season ever. Contestants of the seventh season of “Koh Lanta”, French TV’s version of the widely popular American adventure game show “Survivor”, were sheltered in a pristine island set in a remote location within the area of El Nido. Among others, Koh Lanta used El Nido’s famous Big lagoon, Snake Island, Cadlao Island, and Dilumacad Island to test the mettle of each contestant in what seemed to be a game of odds. The first of Season 7’s thirteen episodes was shown on French channel TF1 last June 29. Adventure Line Productions (ALP TV), producer of the said show, is one of the top TV production companies in France specializing in adventure game shows. ALP TV, together with El Nido Resorts, the most luxurious resort in the El Nido area, kept an eye on the 16 contestants during the entire shoot. Directors and other executives of the adventure show stayed in Miniloc and Lagen Island Resorts.

7/1/2007
El Nido Resorts educates staff on proper garbage disposal

Recognizing the importance of proper garbage management, El Nido Resorts organized an educational tour for its staff to the resorts’ Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Dagal-Dagal, middle of June. Garbage of both resorts are brought to MRF for segregation and proper disposal. Recyclable items such as plastic and glass bottles, aluminum cans, and paper are sold to junk shops, while biodegradable items like leftover foods are shredded and composted. The resulting compost is used as potting soil in the resorts’ gardens. The MRF is part of El Nido Resorts' ecological solid waste management program.

7/1/2007
You know the rains are coming when…

You know the rains are coming when the Black-Naped Tern (Sterna sumatrana) makes its appearance. Named for the black stripe that stretches from the base of their beaks, around their eyes, and to their napes, this medium-sized (about 30cm long, with a wingspan of 21-23cm) migratory sea bird arrives in El Nido just before the southwest monsoon. They live in the nooks and crannies of the limestone cliffs and feed on small fish and invertebrates. Black-naped terns don't make nests but lay their eggs directly in the cracks of the cliffs. They leave El Nido once their young fly off, which happens around September. For a little bit of info, Black-Naped Terns have been making their presence felt in El Nido since middle of May. Interesting!

7/1/2007
El Nido Resorts kicks off end of summer with special promo

Can’t wait for the next summer for that great vacation getaway? No need to worry as world-class El Nido Resorts proudly presents the most exciting promo for this season. El Nido Resorts’ post-summer special entitles local residents to a special rate of Php 20,999 per person at Miniloc Island Resort or Php 25,999 per person at Lagen Island Resort. These promo rates are inclusive of roundtrip airfare and 3-days, 2-nights triple-sharing accommodation. Those who will avail of the promo will get to experience at least 20 exciting land and water activities, with a special itinerary prepared by El Nido Resorts’ Guest Activity Coordinators. This promo is valid only until July.

7/1/2007
Local celebs visit exclusive El Nido Resorts

Famous Filipino celebrities escaped the bustling metro and headed off to the exclusive El Nido Resorts for an enjoyable vacation during the last weeks of summer. “Ms. Saigon” veteran Robert Seña came with teenage son while Fil-Am actor Sam Milby spent his birthday with his sister, both at Lagen Island Resort. Both actors enjoyed the endearing scenery, personalized service, and world-class facilities of the resort. Photo above shows Robert Seña with Lagen Island Resort's Resident Manager Jeffrey Miranda.

7/1/2007
French Ambassador visits El Nido Resorts

The French Ambassador to the Philippines met with fellow French nationals from France’s TV industry when he visited the award-winning Lagen Island Resort early March. Ambassador Gerard Chesnel and wife Ning were invited by Adventure Line Productions (ALP TV), producer of French reality TV show “Koh Lanta”, to come to El Nido Resorts to take a peek at the show, which was still being shot at El Nido during that time. Ambassador Chesnel watched the filming in a TV monitor set-up from afar to avoid being seen by the contestants. The Ambassador was also joined by delegates of the Philippine Department of Tourism headed by Assistant Secretary Cynthia Carrion. Photo shows Ambassador Chesnel (center) with (from left to right) DOT Coordinator Tes Ballester, El Nido Resorts' Marketing & PR Manager Apple Lina, and (seated) wife Ning before their flight back to Manila.

7/1/2007
MUCK and MACRO Diving

Muck diving and Macro diving, the newest trends in scuba diving, are fast becoming popular among diving enthusiasts and professionals.

Macro diving, whose concept resembles that of macro photography, focuses on macro marine life. It aims to look for critters that are too small or to unnoticeable to regular divers. Cryptic creatures like blennies, ornate ghost pipe fishes, nudibranchs, commensal shrimps and crabs, jaw fishes, scorpion fishes, and pygmy seahorses camouflage very well, in holes and crevices, that it is really hard to see them. For most divers, one effective strategy to find these creatures is to know first what kind of habitat they are most likely to be found in. Muck diving, on the other hand, is diving in spots that lack coral reefs. As more divers become advocates for the aquatic environment and their interest for critters grow, they have come to realize that coral reefs are not the only places to see and discover wonderful animals. The usual bottom composition in muck diving are salt and silt with the odd rock, debris or weed lying around, usually with a so-so visibility. This is unusual at first because the main reason you got certified in the first place was to dive pristine coral reefs. But why would someone want to dive in a place like that? After I saw all the amazing, mind blowing creatures that live in these so called “ugly” environments, I knew the answer right away! Recently two world renowned scientists came to El Nido to conduct a fish species count around the area. They documented more than 700 species of fish plus 3 new ones. All three new species were discovered in muck environments. It goes to show that these habitats have the most potential for new discoveries. Photo above shows a flamboyant cuttlefish.

7/1/2007
Fil-Briton football stars fall in love with El Nido Resorts!

Young and fast rising Filipino-British international football stars took time off from their busy schedules in early June and headed to a weekend of fun and adventure at the internationally acclaimed El Nido Resorts. Both competitive in their own right, James Younghusband, 20, and brother Philip, 19, enjoyed competing with each other in the different activities they tried during their 3-day stay at the resort. An exciting race at the lagoons was won by the older Younghusband with partner Mark Sablan, a writer for the Philippine Daily Inquirer. The younger Younghusband, on the other hand, won table tennis match at Lagen Island Resort They also enjoyed rock climbing at Entalula Beach Club, diving and snorkeling at Miniloc, and badminton at Pangulasian Beach Club. According to James, El Nido Resorts is the best among the places they visited here in the Philippines. Phil feels the same about the place. James and Philip both play for the Philippine National Team. Each of them is also affiliated with international clubs: James with Staines Town FC and Philip with Chelsea FC. Just recently, Philip was offered a slot in the prestigious LA Galaxy – the same club where David Beckham plays. Photo above shows the Younghusbands, James and Phil, before their intro dive at Miniloc Island.

6/1/2007
Spanish Ambassador releases baby turtles

Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Luis Arias got the chance of a lifetime to release newborn baby turtles early this month while having his vacation at Lagen Island Resort in El Nido, Palawan. Arias, who was with wife Soledad La Viña, released five hawksbill sea turtle hatchlings that were part of a nest of 93 eggs found in the Small Lagoon Beach. The nest was being raided by a water monitor lizard when El Nido Resorts' Assistant Marine Sports Supervisor Orly dela Cruz spotted it. It was then brought to Lagen Island Resort to ensure safety of the eggs. The hawksbill sea turtle is one of the five endangered sea turtle species present in Bacuit Bay where El Nido Resorts is located. Photo above shows Spanish Ambassador Arias together with wife during the baby turtles release.

6/1/2007
Weddings at El Nido Resorts

Say “I do” amidst the stunning beauty of the sea and the majestic cliffs and seal a lifetime commitment witnessed by mother nature herself. El Nido Resorts offers only the best and will make one's dream wedding by the sea into a reality. With vast and unique destinations ranging from islands and islets with white sand beaches to floating tranquil lagoons with majestic limestone cliffs, El Nido is fast becoming a popular wedding destination in the Philippines. Should the couple opt for convenience, they can also tie the knot at Miniloc's beach ground or Lagen's garden chapel and oratory. Private and personalized, El Nido Resorts wedding supplement includes three long and low flower arrangements, floral bouquet for the bride, boutonniere for the groom, services of a priest/pastor, staff serenade during ceremony, and an El Nido Resorts Wedding Certificate. A private dinner within the resort, complete with wedding cake and champagne will also be provided. A special couple's massage also awaits the newly wed.

6/1/2007
ALIG features El Nido Resorts in meeting

El Nido Resorts was once again invited to be the main speaker in one of Alabang Ladies Interational Group's (ALIG) monthly meeting held last April 26 in Ayala Alabang Village. Account Manager Jaimie Felix's presentation focused on the unique characteristics as well as the environmental efforts of the resort. Over 40 members attended the meeting and three were lucky to receive special gift packs from El Nido Resorts. Felix, together with ALIG's president Leah Llamzon, facilitated the raffle. El Nido Resorts also updated ALIG members with its “Special Last Minute Promo” for the month. ALIG is a group of women, representing 27 countries from all over the world, who now reside in the Alabang area. ALIG, who focuses on providing a support system to foreign families in the area, also aids some charitable institutions in the country like Elsie Gatches Home, Marillac Hills, and Birthright School. El Nido Resorts has been a staunch supporter of ALIG's programs for years now. Photo above shows: El Nido Resorts' Jaimie Felix together with Leah Llamzon of ALIG while facilitating the raffle.

6/1/2007
Take El Nido Resorts home with you!

Guests of El Nido Resorts’ Lagen Island and Miniloc Island will now have a chance to take home more than a memory of their holiday experience! One eye-NAV CD souvenir will be placed in each room the night before the guests' departure. This CD contains 360-degree photos in an exciting new format called IPIX. These innovative photos enable viewers to take a virtual tour of El Nido’s stunning properties and environment.

6/1/2007
El Nido Resorts seals partnership with MasterCard

MasterCard Platinum card holders may now enjoy a more luxurious, well-deserved holiday at El Nido Resorts with the commencement of a new partnership between the two internationally-acclaimed groups. El Nido Resorts and MasterCard Worldwide sealed the much awaited partnership last May 10. Contract signing was attended by Apple Lina, Marketing and PR Manager of El Nido Resorts, and Chris Paraiso, MasterCard International Philippines, Inc.'s Vice President for Acceptance Development & Member Relations. Both parties agree that the tie-up will open up good opportunities in promoting both establishments. El Nido Resorts and MasterCard's exclusive partnership entitles both local and international branded Mastercard Platinum members to avail of the special and exclusive privileges at both Lagen and Miniloc Island Resorts. Photo above shows El Nido Resorts' Apple Lina and MasterCard International Philippines, Inc.'s Chris Paraiso shaking hands to officially seal the partnership.

6/1/2007
Royalty sets foot on El Nido Resorts

Conde Nast Greenlist 2006 awardee El Nido Resorts rolled out its red carpet for His Royal Highness, the Prince Consort of Denmark, when he visited internationally-acclaimed Lagen Island Resort early this month. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Denmark organized this trip to the Philippines to promote its tracking program in the Coral Triangle which focuses on big migrating animals like whale sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays. For that reason, Prince Henrik, who is also the founder and President of WWF Denmark, was joined by select “1001 Club” members. The 1001 Club is a donor group which supports and facilitates WWF's programs and fund raising programs. On their first night, Prince Henrik and his entourage were treated to a cultural dance show after partaking a sumptuous buffet dinner by the pool. To the delight of the crowd, Prince Henrik stood up and danced the Tinikling. The next day, Prince Henrik and the WWF-Denmark group went on a special tour of the Malampaya Sound to see the critically endangered Irrawady dolphins, which are exclusively found in this part of the country only. Prince Henrik was also treated to a unique dining experience with a private dinner at the Lagen Sandbar. His Royal Highness, an avid cook and who has authored the book “Fit for a Royal Dane", personally liked the foods prepared by Chef Ramon Antonio. Prior to El Nido, the group visited the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park in Palawan. They proceeded to Donsol, Sorsogon to see the whales sharks after their El Nido trip.

5/1/2007
El Nido Resorts Celebrates Earth Day

Over 40 resort guests and staff joined El Nido Resorts last April 22 as it celebrated Earth Day via its clean-up and coral monitoring program dubbed as “SCUBAsura”. SCUBAsura participants were divided into two teams – the Lagen Island Resort team and the Miniloc Island Resort team. They were briefed by El Nido Resorts' Dive Instructors Chris Ng and Fernando Morato prior the activities held around Bacuit Bay. The coral monitoring was conducted at Popolcan while other divers tried to look and collect as much garbage as they can in Shimizu. Project Aware Foundation provided CoralWatch kits. The coastal cleaners, on the other hand, went to Ellis Island, Lagen Island's Cove 4, Sandbar, Dilumacad, and 7 Commandos to pick up trash. The total trash haul is as follows: 24 kg plastic, 30 kg of rope, fishing line, and rubber, 21 kg of Styrofoam, 18 kg of glass, and 6 kg of metal. This is markedly lower than the trash recovered in the International Coastal Clean-up in September 2006. Photo above shows the actual underwater clean up of the Miniloc Island Resort SCUBAsura team.

5/1/2007
El Nido Resorts Flies to Berlin for the International Tourismus-Borse

El Nido Resorts flew all the way to Berlin, Germany last March 7 to participate in the International Tourismus- Borse (ITB), the largest and leading trade fair in the field of tourism. Sales and Marketing Director for El Nido Resorts Joy Anne Denoga together with the Philippine delegation headed by the Department of Tourism joined more than 10,000 exhibitors from 180 different countries for a great opportunity to tap the European market. More than 170,000 came to Messe Berlin to explore different holiday destinations from around the world. El Nido Resorts, who has been attending the ITB for years now, boasts its world-class facilities and exciting land and water activities to potential guests during the five-day affair. Photo above shows the Philippine delegation during the ITB.

5/1/2007
El Nido Resorts Updates Travel Agents

El Nido Resorts brought together some of its accredited industry partners for their Travel Agents Product Presentation (TAPP) held last March 20 at the Palawan Center in Makati City. The TAPP was staged by El Nido Resorts’s Sales and Marketing team in its effort to update travel agents with the latest developments at El Nido Resorts. Over 100 local travel agents attended the morning and afternoon interactive presentations which discussed important aspects of the business such as the world-class facilities of Lagen Island Resort and Miniloc Island Resort, the long list of exciting land and water activities, team building program, themed dinners, as well as the booking procedures. El Nido Resorts' new marketing collaterals were also presented by the team. Each session was capped off by raffling holiday packages, two in the morning and another two in the afternoon. Each attendeee was also given a special pack which contains essential items in actively promoting the Resorts such as brochures, pen, standee, poster and eye-NAV CDs. Photo above shows Account Manager Jaimie Felix during the presentation.

5/1/2007
Rescued Sea Turtles Released into the Wild

Two Hawksbill sea turtles were successfully released in Bacuit Bay last April 4, a day after they were captured in Danat River. One turtle was released in front of Lagen Island Resort while the other one was freed in front of Miniloc Island Resort. The release was facilitated by El Nido Resorts Environmental Concerns Manager Mariglo Laririt and was witnessed by numerous resort guests. It was reported that local fishermen spotted the juvenile sea turtles in a fish pen in Danat River near Pinagbuyutan Island. The turtles were immediately turned over to National Integrated Protected Areas Programme – Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NIPAP-DENR) who is one of El Nido Resorts' partners in its environmental campaigns. In partnership with local stakeholders, El Nido Resorts actively campaigns for the release of captured turtles. El Nido Resorts is also a partner of the Protected Area Office in turtle tagging, where before their release, turtles are tagged with a small metal band bearing a unique number recognized internationally, to monitor the turtle's path and age. The turtles released were tagged with bands PH7037 and PH7038. Photo above shows Mariglo Laririt releasing one of the turtles into the Bacuit Bay fronting Lagen Island Resort.

5/1/2007
Now brewing at El Nido Resorts!

Experience the taste and aroma of El Nido Resorts' Espresso Coffee Blends, made from Danesi “Brasiliero” coffee which is a blend of equally imported Arabica beans and Robusta beans. The fine aroma and buttery taste will surely stimulate the senses, a great way to kick off or wrap up a day full of activities. A wide selection is made available to guests, from refreshing and exciting iced coffee to classic and inviting espresso style coffee. Blended iced coffee topped with whipped cream makes a perfect coffee drink for summer while a flavorful cup of espresso, with its thick crema, has a lingering effect that can be enjoyed up to the last sip - any time of the day.

4/1/2007
El Nido Package Winner Delivers Hope to Where it is Most Needed

If serving one's fellow countrymen equates a person to being a hero, serving another's countrymen - in a foreign land, freely and wholeheartedly, makes a person truly admirable and inspiring. For over 20 years now, Mavis Orton, a registered midwife in England, has been living here in the Philippines to serve our less fortunate countrymen. An ACTION missionary and an awardee of the “Member of the Order of the British Empire” (MBE) for her numerous charity works, she founded the Shalom Christian Birthing Center which gives maternity care to the less fortunate. Every month, Orton and a group of students and volunteers from local hospitals help 120 women deliver their babies in a makeshift “clinic” inside her house in Antipolo City. Part of the fund she uses in her activities are donated by some philanthropic Philippine and UK based companies while the rest comes from her own pocket. All the years of providing selfless community work to complete strangers and not expecting anything in return is indeed a heroic act. Her reward came upon her when she won a special holiday accommodation from El Nido Resorts during the British Women's Association's (BWA) fundraising fashion show in 2006. As an additional treat, her friends from BWA generously raised funds to pay for her roundtrip ticket to El Nido. Mavis Orton is currently raising funds for the building of a new birthing facility. For those who are interested to support Orton's fundraising, please do not hesitate to contact her at phone number (632) 6611103 or mobile number (+63926) 7400186. Photo above shows El Nido Resorts Marketing & PR Manager Apple Lina with Mavis Orton herself (right) during the 2006 BWA Fundraising Fashion Show.

4/1/2007
Meet and Greet with the American Expats!

El Nido Resorts strengthened its ties once again with the American expatriate community here in the Philippines when it participated in two of the community's social events organized by the American Recreation Club (ARC) and the American Association of the Philippines. The internationally-acclaimed El Nido Resorts was the only resort to be invited by ARC in their first event for the year dubbed “ARC Art: Philippines Finest.” Guests had an opportunity to learn more about El Nido Resorts’ award-winning facilities, famous destinations, and over 19 exciting land water activities thru an interactive presentation. The tie-up between El Nido Resorts and ARC, which entitles ARC members to special perks at the Resorts, was also announced during the night. Goody bags from El Nido Resorts were also raffled off to lucky guests.

And then there’s the Ball…

Meanwhile, an El Nido Resorts’ holiday package received a very high price bid amongst the featured silent auction items during the 58th George Washington Birthnight Gala. The proceeds of the crowd-drawing gift certificate generously bought by Dr. Noel Chua, along with the other silent auction proceeds, will be used to support AAP’s social welfare services and several blood donor networks for very rare emergency RH negative blood need. Held annually at the Embassy of the United States Chancery Ballroom and Historical Gardens, this event commemorates the birthday of the 1st President of the United States, a tradition which began in 1787. Photo above shows: Sales Account Manager Jaimie Felix, Marketing & PR Assistant Vina Mataganas, guest of honor U.S. Envoy Kristie Kenney, Marketing & PR Manager Apple Lina, and Sales Account Manager Emerald Escueta during the ARC Art: Philippines Finest event.

4/1/2007
El Nido Resorts Goes ECO with the Project AWARE Go ECO Operator Campaign

El Nido Resorts has been recently confirmed as the latest addition to the roster of Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) dive centers worldwide granted with a Project AWARE Go ECO operator status. Project AWARE Foundation, the dive industry’s leading non-profit environmental organization, launched the Go ECO campaign into the Asia Pacific region in 2005. The main objective of Go ECO is for dive centers to minimize their impact on the aquatic ecosystem whilst contributing to environmental, economic and cultural conservation. Dive centers are required to meet best practice environmental guidelines and commit to the Project AWARE Go ECO philosophy. “We are delighted to be awarded with the Project AWARE Go ECO Operator status. As a Go ECO Operator we are committed to providing dive experiences that enhance visitor awareness, appreciation and understanding of the local aquatic environment,” said El Nido Resorts’s Dive Supervisor Chris Ng. Joanne Marston, coordinator of Project AWARE Asia Pacific added, “We are pleased to recognize El Nido Resorts as a Go ECO Operator. We look forward to working with them to implement environmental best practices and educate tourists about how they can travel responsibly.” Go ECO Operators also demonstrate a commitment to conservation and pledge to follow the Go ECO Operator guidelines.

4/1/2007
Prepare for a "Dive in to Earth Day"

El Nido Resorts will be joining tens of thousands of scuba divers, snorkelers, and ocean lovers from around the world for “Dive in to Earth Day”, an international Earth Day event which has been broadening people's knowledge of Earth Day to include the education and conservation of our planet's aquatic ecosystems. It has given communities an opportunity to voice their concern of the rapid degradation of their local aquatic environment and an opportunity to reverse this trend by organizing hands-on educational conservation events such as underwater cleanups, reef restoration projects and snorkel tours for kids, among others. Dive In To Earth Day activities will be taking place in more than 70 countries during the week of Earth Day, April 22. El Nido Resorts will be highlighting the event's ocean conservation campaign via the programs Underwater & Coastal Clean up and Coral Reef Monitoring. Guests of Lagen Island and Miniloc Island Resorts participating in the underwater clean up would have 1 session of dive – free of charge. Also, all participants of the special Earth Day activities will receive a special certificate of participation, to be awarded during the Earth Day Cocktails at the end of the day. “I am proud to say that I am part of Dive In To Earth not only because it promotes community involvement in protecting our underwater world,” explains Host Committee member Stan Waterman, “but it also bonds these communities closer together in protecting something that affects our everyday lives. The eagerness of Dive In organizers and their thousands of participants gives us great confidence that we are making a difference in the health of our coral reefs and other fragile marine environments.” The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) launched Dive In To Earth Day in 2000 to remind Earth Day celebrants that the 72 percent of the planet covered by water requires urgent attention. Dive In has become a huge driving force for environmental awareness and now generates 63% of all registered international Earth Day Activities, engaging communities in over 117 countries and territories.

Photo above shows Lagen Island Resort's Resident Manager Jeff Miranda with the Philippine Basketball Association's superstars during one of El Nido Resorts' Beach Cleanup activities.

4/1/2007
Celebrate an "Egg-citing" Easter at El Nido Resorts

Join the fun as El Nido Resorts celebrate an Easter afternoon filled with “egg-citing” activities this coming April 7, Saturday at the Pangulasian Beach Club. Kids will definitely enjoy egg hunting - the El Nido way - as well as other entertaining craft activities like egg decorating and face painting sessions by the equally-artistic and talented tandem of Pat and Jam, El Nido's budding artists. These and all while enjoying freshly-baked cookies for snacks. Truly an exciting treat for the whole family!

4/1/2007
Tres Marias EcoReefs – Revisited

Since the installation of the first artificial reef technology in El Nido, Palawan, the EcoReefs have been showing favorable results as underwater photos showed that they have regenerated more coral growth in a short span of 2 years. More than 500 artificial reefs were installed within the vicinity of Tres Marias near Miniloc Island Resort. El Nido was only the second in the world to have benefited from this commendable system after Bunaken National Park in Indonesia. El Nido Foundation, which heads the program, is eyeing to add more ecoreefs within the year in addition to the 80 modules installed in Tres Marias last March 15. EcoReef is the first and only artificial reef system that has conservation and eco tourism appeal. It is made of white ceramic, a non toxic, ph-neutral, food grade stoneware which is an eco-safe material ideal for settlement of corals and other invertebrates.

4/1/2007
Philippine Cockatoo