Wishing for a Grand Vacation at El Nido Resorts Apulit Island in Taytay Palawan

Why the heck  would I want to visit Apulit Island Resort in Taytay Palawan?
                                            

Who wouldn't? Apulit Island Resort is said to be El Nido Resorts’ newest property with powdery white sand beaches, blue water, lush, vividly colourful rainforest greenery and a peaceful environment. 

 

Picture this! Apulit Island Resort is said to be situated in a quiet cove, surrounded by impressive limestone cliffs. Formerly known by its former name as Club Noah Isabelle, it boasts of an unspoiled scenery. 

 

I couldn't wait to see with my own two eyes the wonderful flora and fauna of Apulit Island Resort and the pristine rolling hills of coral teaming with colorful tropical fish and friendly sea turtles!

Upon arrival, I could imagine the staff greeting us with a warm performance of a welcoming ceremony. Then they would be putting an everlasting or sampaguita around our necks and would give us a welcome drink, bread and various fruits and then escort us to our rooms.

For my upcoming birthday, I am wishing upon my lucky star that I could stay on Apulit Island Resort's cabana that stands on stilts over deep water. The cabana, tiny as they may look, will be well-equipped and tastefully decorated. I bet, there would be a nice balcony for lounging, with a great view over the bay and a grandstand seat for watching the sunset.

Awww, that would be so romantic. Kilig to the bones! This is so perfect for couples and honeymooners. 

 

There would be an inviting infinity swimming pool where I will be swimming my heart out all night long. Ha ha ha!

The fishes are said to be in all colors of the rainbow and sizes. There would be few eels present, as is the odd reef sharks that are not aggressive and they are only about 2 feet long. I would also probably see Jaw fish and crocodile fish and spot sting ray and turtle too.There would be a big box jelly hunting under the huts with a full eight inch bell and eighteen (18) inches long tenacles and they will be moving towards me so I have to move away, ha ha ha! These various activities will be an awesome experience.

 

I could see myself grinning from ear to ear watching the baby sharks hunt for anchovies under the terrace. Being a nature lover, Apulit Island Resort Wildlife can engross me to watch all day long its colorful birds and fishes. I am in love with tranquility and seclusion.

Having my own snorkeling gears and life jacket wherever I go, I would never miss to have a snorkeling trip with one of the guides and be amazed once again of the sights underwater, the different beautiful and alive coral reefs in the area, plenty of fishes, sharks, and marine plants.

Since it has El Nido's branding, Apulit Island Resort offers many activities for its guest for sure. I'll definitely ask its personnel on what I can do every day since most of the activities are free. I believe Apulit Island Resort personnel offers precise and comprehensive schedule and information for the next day which they usually distribute to the rooms every night. Hiking may even be one of the activities.

I couldn't wait to try all the activities at Apulit resort's list that may include island-hopping, different marine sports, such as snorkeling, swimming in the hidden lagoon, caving, diving, para sailing, kayaking, helmet diving, boating, hobie-catting, wind-surfing and underwater hockey.

I could picture myself enjoying evening events which include traditional local dance performances, playing of guitars and other local musical instrument performances, handicraft making and bonfires. I would love to try a very good and inexpensive massage at the beach by the cabana. A wonderful massage by the sea would be really really awesome! 

There would be romantic dinner by the beach. Food would be a buffet at every meal. It would not be extraordinary, but there would always be lots of fresh greens and fruits, and you could pick out your own meat, fish or seafood which the chefs prepare for you. Sometimes, you could compose you own fried rice, soup or fried noodle which the chefs prepare. There would be something for every taste.

I bet there would always be a thermo of drinking water in our room. Hot and cold showers would be at our disposal. The service would be excellent.  The staff would be very helpful and would quickly fix everything that we ask for. Apulit Island Resort staff would be very courteous and genuinely kind. I bet there'd a good variety of gifts and handicrafts that guests could buy and take home as gifts for their love ones. There would also be an in-house physician in case of emergencies or minor illnesses. 

Apulit Island Resort could also be recommended for families as there are big huts here. The activities are also well suited for kids.

 

Apulit Island in Taytay Palawan is very secluded, private, romantic and adventurous. A great place to go! The world and people could be so spectacular especially in Apulit Island! And yes, for those who need to stay connected, wi-fi works great in the dining and reception areas.

*Credits to the owners of the photos especially to underwater videographer sir Robert "Bobbit" Suntay. I captured them from El Nido Resorts Facebook. If I win this contest, I will come up with my own videos and photos.Thank you.

COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS IN THE 35TH GAWAD URIAN

The following is the complete list of winners in the 35th Gawad Urian: 

Best Picture: “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” 

Best Actress: Maja Salvador “Thelma” 

Best Actor : Paulo Avelino “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” 

Best Director:  Alvin Yapan “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” 

Best Supporting Actress: Jean Garcia “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” 

Best Supporting Actor: Art Acuña “Niño” 

Best Screenplay: Alvin Yapan “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” 

Best Cinematography: Arvin Viola “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” 

Best Production Design: Maulen Fadul “The Natural Phenomenon of Madness” 

Best Editing: Lawrence Fajardo “Amok” 

Best Music: Christine Muyco and Jema Pamintuan “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” 

Best Sound: Albert Michael Idioma and Addiss Tabong “Amok” 

Best Documentary: “Tundong Magiliw” 

Best Short Film: “Sirip” 

The Natatanging Gawad Urian was awarded to cinematographer, Rody Lacap for his works, Itim, Kisapmata, Oro Plata Mata and many more. The event gave tribute to another deserving Filipino genius. 

The 35^th Gawad Urian will air on June 16, (Saturday) at 11:00 p.m. with replays on June 17 at 4:00 p.m. and on June 24 at 10:00 p.m. only on Cinema One. Cinema One is available on SkyCable Gold, SkyCable Silver and other quality cable operators nationwide. For more information about the latest happenings in the Philippines’s number cable channel, visit to http://www.facebook.com/Cinema1channel.

Hurom Slow Juicer Demo by Chef Kel Zaguirre

Last Thursday, June 14, 2012, there was a live product demo By Chef Kel Zaguirre, a faculty at the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde and one of the Chefs behind the highly-successful Junior Master Chefs Philippines. He did an actual demonstration of Hurom Slow Juicer at Mafbex in the World Trade Center, Pasay City.

Chef Kel Zaguirre made two delicious masterpieces. 

              

Ingredients for the Citrus-Patis Vinaigrette:

1 tbsp Juice of Lime
1 tbsp Juice of Lemon
1 tbsp of Green Mango
2 tsp White Wine Vinegar
1 tbsp Red bell pepper Bruniose
1 1/2 tbsp Patis/Fish Sauce
1/2 cup Olive Oil
1 tbsp Sesame Oil
1 tsp Sesame Seeds, Toasted
2 Teaspoon Salt
2 Teaspoon Pepper
2 Teaspoon Sugar

For the Crispy Tilapia:

2 pcs. Tilapia Fillet
2 Teaspoon Salt
2 Teaspoon Pepper
Flour for dredging
1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
Cooking Oil for frying

For the Salad:

150 gms. Mixed Greens (arugula, ice berg lettuce, alfalfa etc.)
1/2 can Mandarin Oranges
1 piece red Raddish, sliced
5 gms. Fresh Mint
5 pcs. Fried Wanton/ Fried Sotanghon

Procedure:

Use Hurom Slow Juicer in the fruits involved in the vinaigrette. Mix all ingredients together and arrange them on a plate. Voila! The finished product!
                                                  
The second Recipe is Grilled Prawns and Watermelon Salad

                        

Ingredients For the Grilled Prawns: 

6 pcs. Jumbo Black Tiger Prawns
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Pepper
1 Teaspoon Paprika
2 tbsp. Olive Oil

                                                              For the Salad:

150 gms. Mixed Greens
40 gms. Feta Cheese
5 pcs. Sliced Watermelons
2 tbsp Pili/Cashew Nuts
50 gms. Yellow Bell Pepper, Julienne
1 tbsp Flat Leaf Parsley 30 gms. Red Onion       
                                                       

                         

For the Watermelon Vinaigrette: 

1/4 cup Juice of Watermelon
1 tbsp White Wine Vinegar
1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
1 tbsp Strawberry Jam
150 ml Olive Oil
1 Teaspoon of Salt
1 Teaspoon of Pepper
1 Teaspoon of Sugar

Procedure: 

Use Hurom Slow Juicer to make Watermelon juice. Mix all the rest of the ingredients according to taste.  Special thanks to ate Myrns Geronimo Roman for the food pix.

 

Hurom Slow Juicer goes well with the expo’s theme of “Back to Basics,” focusing on organic, healthy food choices. Enjoy! 

The author, together with Hurom Philippines distributor Mr. and Mrs. Dy.

 

The author with Hurom's Chef Kel and Mr. Dy

Hurom Slow Juicer is available at all Rustan's Department Stores and The Landmark.

For more details , visit: www.hurom-slowjuicer.com or call 9267782/ 9267786.

Hurom Slow Juicer is distributed is here in the Philippines by Zinven International Corp.

Win a 3N/4D Stay at El Nido Resorts Apulit Island!

Do you want to experience staying in luxurious El Nido Resort in Apulit Island? If you do, then this is your chance to Win a 3N/4D Stay at El Nido Resorts Apulit Island!

Who could join El Nido Resorts Bloggers Contest?

If you are a blogger and you are dreaming of visiting this highly rated island property in Taytay Palawan, then this is your chance!

Here’s how to join El Nido Resorts’ Blogging Contest

• First Like El Nido Resorts on Facebook 

• Then post a creative, fun and unique article on your blog telling your readers why do you want to have an El Nido Resorts Holiday   

• Post a link of your blog post on Facebook and tag @ElnidoResorts

Contest Prize:

Winner gets a 4 days, 3 nights stay for two in El Nido Resorts Apulit Island — All-in! Woooooooooot! This is amazing!

Join now fellow bloggers and share this good news to your readers! Deadline for submission of entries is on July 15, 2012.

2012 Gawad Urian Sidelights

 

The 35th Gawad Urian awards ceremony was held last June 13 at the AFP Theater, Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

At the entrance, stars were interviewed at the red carpet.

 

 The happy crew with Sid Lucero.

 Smile!

 The author together with 2012 Gawad Urian Best actor Paolo

 

 The beautiful Miss Kathy Solis together with 2012 Gawad Urian Best Actor Paolo Avelino.

 

Since 1977, the Gawad Urian Awards which is an annual film awards in the Philippines was . It is given by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (The Filipino Film Critics) and is currently regarded as the counterpart of the United States' New York Film Critics Circle.

 

The Gawad Urian are composed of host of scholars, film writers and other award-winning writers.