Secret Lagoon in El Nido, among “Top 50 Best Beaches in the World”
Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – Avid travelers and travel enthusiasts alike have probably known the Philippines to be a haven for some of the best beaches in the world, giving merit to its reputation as one of the most visited destinations in Asia. But while hotspots like Boracay and Bohol, to name a few, often make the headlines, some lesser-known places in the country also deserve the same acknowledgment as the frontrunners. One of those locations is a lagoon so hidden within El Nido, Palawan, that it earned the moniker of “Secret Lagoon”.
Secret Lagoon in El Nido by Tuan Nguyen via Flickr cc
The Secret Lagoon is not only interesting for its rather exclusive and secluded location, though. Mystery-aside, this small body of water, which sits alongside the wider ocean expanse, is equally as special for its looks—consisting of a menagerie of stunning rock formations, white sand beaches, and of course, the untouched seawaters. If nature is considered a work of art, this particular spot within the already majestic El Nido is a magnum opus. It is so beautiful that it could, perhaps, make even the greatest painter cry in overwhelming admiration.
But the Secret Lagoon’s presence is not so secretive, after all. Just recently, reputable travel platform Big 7 Travel had uncovered the place and even regarded the closed-guarded gem as the sixth-best beach in the world, overtaking more than 40 others in the overall ranking. The travel website describes the Secret Lagoon as “a hidden bay with crystal clear water, white sandy beaches, and tropical jungle,” though preceded with the more curious instruction on how to get to the place. The process is not necessarily Herculean, but having to enter through a hole in limestone rocks? Not for the faint of heart, but surely, color us all intrigue.
To be fair, the travel platform did not include any of the already popular ones, as the listing focuses on the so-called hidden gems that not many know about. So, unsurprisingly, no Boracay or Bohol on the list. Still, to rank as one of the top 10 in a far longer roster speaks volumes about how the Philippines could compete with many of the bests in the world through this one small region in the entire archipelago alone.
El Nido Palawan by Luca Calderone via Unsplash
Did you find the idea of visiting a shrouded body of water in the greater expanse of El Nido to be truly riveting? Why not consider taking an El Nido tour package that will make your trip easier and more organized and lead you to many of the area’s tourist-worthy places, especially the Secret Lagoon.
AirAsia BIG Sale promo reassures guests of the airline’s continued commitment to democratizing air travel.
Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – AirAsia Philippines, geared at supporting and driving revenge travel, brings back its AirAsia BIG Sale promo, dropping its base fares down to as low as Php 1 from July 25, 2022, to July 31, 2022, for travels happening from October 01, 2022, to October 28, 2023.
AirAsia Philippines’ big-ticket promos like the AirAsia BIG Sale are expected to drive H2 travel demand.
AirAsia BIG Sale covers all 16 domestic routes, including newly opened destinations Dumaguete and Roxas City, and high foot-traffic routes like Caticlan and Tagbilaran. The promotion also boasts a slashed price tag of as low as Php 688 for international destinations like Bangkok and Singapore.
AirAsia Philippines Spokesperson & Head of Communications and Public Affairs Steve Dailisan shares: “The AirAsia BIG Sale is among the many regular promos that we roll out to cushion the fuel surcharge cost. We at AirAsia are solid on our promise of making it possible for everyone to access world-class flying without hurting the wallet. We encourage our guests, especially those giddy to fly home to their families or spend time with their loved ones out-of-town over the holidays, to plan around these promos to maximize their travel budget.”
The world’s best low-cost airline enables guests to further optimize their budgeting through its SNAP flights+hotel bundles. Through the AirAsia BIG Sale, guests can enjoy up to 30% off should they book the aforementioned combination package through the airasia Super App. Guests can also enjoy discounts at TravelMall (50%) by using the code TMSAVE50. To the delight of heavy packers, the extra carry-on baggage allowance is available at 30 percent off, allowing them to bring up to 14 kgs.
Dailisan adds, “there are many ways our guests can hack ticket prices. For instance, they can book 30 days and above in advance, which assures them of the best ticket prices complimented by ongoing promos. Through this, guests can allocate more budget for other travel essentials while enjoying our award-winning world-class service.”
airlineratings.com – the world’s only safety, product, and COVID rating website – recently named AirAsia as one of the top ten low-cost airlines for 2022, besting the almost 400 airlines the rating body vets. AirAsia joins airlines worldwide with a commendable record in safety and service.
Bachelor of Multimedia Arts Program Launch by Enderun
Pasig City, Philippines — Who said arts won’t make you rich? The idea that people compare job courses is mind-boggling; all jobs are done by doing what you want to do, and that doesn’t make any difference with people pursuing arts for a job!
With that, Enderun Colleges launches their Multimedia Arts Program at their newly-opened campus extension at Estancia Mall, Pasig City.
Enderun Colleges’ senior management, namely Jack Tuason, Daniel Perez, Tricia Tensuan, and Dean of the College of Architecture and Design, Arch. Stephanie Tan-Branquinho is joined by the Multimedia Arts’ Advisory Board: Ivan Despi, Donald Lim, Laurenti Dyogi, Michelle Barretto, and Seven A.D. represented by Russell Molina, Teeny Gonzales, and Tey San Diego.
The Experience
What makes this program different from any program like it is that Enderun focuses on students who will not only be equipped with the knowledge they need in the creative aspect but also in the field of how they will use that knowledge money-wise.
For instance, art programs just work out the artistic side of every artist student. You can no longer say that there’s no money in doing arts since Enderun promises that they will also be taught entrepreneurship, leaving their pieces of artwork into hard cash.
The teaching will be individualized, they will have a small number of students per class, and in addition to the course work, students will have various activities to expand their creativity and exchange ideas through exhibitions, showcases, competitions, and various other forms.
Enderun Colleges’ Founder, Jack Tuason, speaks during the Bachelor of Multimedia Arts launch at Enderun’s Design and Innovation Center in Estancia Mall, Pasig City.
Enderun’s line-up of faculty includes experienced and well-known industry practitioners from different fields of multimedia arts. Students will get the opportunity to meet industry professionals through regular talks and mentoring sessions in and outside the subject.
The program also has its advisory board that includes the best of the best people for every art like Creative Lead (LEGO Agency, Billund, Denmark) Writer and Co-creator of Comic Book “Trese”, Budjette Tan, Founding Partner, Plus63 and Founding Partner, Hydra Design Group, Dan Matutina, Founder and CEO of UX Design Institute, Colman Walsh, CEO and Head of Strategy, Vitamin B, Inc., Michelle Barreto, Co-owner & Creative Director of The Acid House, Ivan Despi, Independent Agency of the Year Awardee, Seven A.D., CEO, DITO CME Chief Innovation Officer Of Udenna Corp, Donald Lim and Head, Star Magic & TV Production of ABS-CBN, Laurenti Dyogi.
“We really admission Endrun’s MMA program to craft industry leaders and professionals by providing relevant and future-proof education. And we were very lucky and privileged to have such an amazing advisory board to have helped us to craft the curriculum of Enderun MMA not just in terms of a local perspective but an international perspective. They’ve also provided mentorship programs for students; they are invited to do guest lectures and share their knowledge and professional leadership. We also have our advisory board to help us to connect with industry partners and leaders and inspire our students to look up to someone in what they can be in the future.” says Dean, College of Architecture and Design, Stephanie Branquinho.
The Senior Vice President of the Enderun Colleges also explained that Enderun Colleges is partnered with the ranked one public university in the United States and ranked 15 all around the world: the University of California, Los Angeles.
“I think I speak for all parents when I say what we want most is to prepare our children to be successful in today’s world. But I think the key to that statement is today’s world which is truly global, truly borderless, and of course, the partnerships that we explore, we want to immerse our students in this very environment from day one.”
Enderun’s Design and Innovation Center’s illustration laboratory.
The Establishment
Yes, you read that right! The campus extension is inside a mall: Estancia Mall in Pasig City. The establishment includes everything from a pantry, gaming rooms, multimedia rooms, recording rooms, etc. Partnered with Henry’s Cameras and
“I’m very excited to see this new place you have. It is quite unexpected, the location is in a mall, but I think it kind of works out. I think being innovative also means reaching out to the people and having the extension here, in a place where people can enjoy,” says Advisory Board Member, Michelle Barreto
The Promise
“Enderun’s challenge is not just to anticipate the burning range of future jobs but to lead and manage the definition and development of the job in the future. So, we had to expand our mindset on this new program. It is not just a competitor to similar programs but more essentially a multimedia innovator of careers in the future.” says Dr. Edgardo Rodriguez, President of Enderun Colleges and the Dean of the College of Technology and Entrepreneurship.
He adds, “This expanded direction towards not just anticipating but taking the lead in defining future work. You see in the implementation of Enderun’s overall new strategy to make arts programs incorporate interdisciplinary trust, and so, the multimedia program also takes the challenge of new career goals for graduates.”
Director Laurenti Dyogi, Head of Star Magic, ABS-CBN’s TV Production, and Enderun Colleges’ Advisory Board Member, try the Green Screen or Chroma Key at Enderun’s Design and Innovation Center’s multimedia studio.
With that, the multimedia graduate is also developed in entrepreneurship for free-lancing by integrating subjects like design entrepreneurship or business ventures into the curriculum. This is complemented by an outstanding advisory board by the multimedia programs, which includes creatives who have become highly regarded businessmen on their own.
Enderun nurtures artists who can become millionaires as soon as they graduate!
Lauren Dyogi says, “I’d like to see a new generation of contemporators, media practitioners who revolutionize the media industry in the Philippines. Gusto ko Yung advocacy ng Enderun that you’re holistic, you’re not only solely focused on the artistic side but also sa management and of course a definite goal. At the same time, you’re not only serving the Philippine market, and that’s what I’m excited about, that change and hope for the younger generation of content creators and media practitioners.”
Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – Looking for the perfect location for any celebration? Everyone’s favorite island destination has been back in business this year, and more tourists are visiting. If you think you’ve seen it all on the island, Celebrity Couple Vin Abrenica & Sophie Albert, along with their daughter Avianna and Social Media Influencers Acushla Obusan and Annika Yanez, are about to surprise you.
Microtel Boracay – Beach Front
Privately situated in Diniwid Beach, North of Station 1, Vin, Sophie, Avianna, Acushla, and Annika enjoyed a private premium stay at an affordable price with Microtel Boracay.
Microtel Boracay guarantees the perfect location for any agenda, whether for a staycation or celebrating birthdays. Apart from receiving unique shell-necklaces made by locals upon arrival, here are the top things Microtel Boracay can do to make your stay extra special:
Sophie and Avianna
To celebrate Avianna’s first birthday, Microtel Boracay did not miss out on making this family milestone one they will never forget. From surprising the family with welcome drinks to gifting the birthday girl her very own sand-castle-making kit, Microtel Boracay made it all possible! They even made it a point to provide a crib for Avianna during her stay for a more comfortable and safe sleep which parents will definitely appreciate.
Vin shares in their vlog that he loves the beachfront as it feels private, and there are few people apart from the locals. “That’s what I like about this place. Although it’s, in the end, part of Station 1, it’s so quiet. If gusto mo nang peace lang, kasama lang family mo, even if you’re with your friends. This is the place to be.” In Vin and Sophie’s vlog, they were even seen enjoying in-house games like ping pong and Pinoy pool.
Hassle-Free booking for Water Sports
Boracay is known for the plethora of water activities for groups of friends and families to enjoy during their stay. With the high demand for these, oftentimes, tourists find it difficult to book tours with the most affordable rates. Do not worry, as Microtel Boracay can assist you in booking off tours such as sunset cruises, snorkeling, helmet diving, flying fish, island hopping, and more for all staying guests. All guests have to do is say the word, and they can make it happen. Acushla and Annika, during their stay, spent a day paraw sailing and paddle boarding to unwind from all the city woes.
Acushla
If you’re the type of person who prefers to stay by the shore, Microtel Boracay’s white sandy beachfront should do the job! Enjoy fresh fruit shakes or cocktail drinks from Mama’s Fish House while you get that perfect beach tan.
Diniwid Beach, where the hotel is situated, is also the best spot in Boracay for sunset watching. Views here are unlike any other and will surely get you that insta-worthy shot! The best part is you’re away from the Boracay crowd, so expect no photobombers here!
Relaxing Room Messages
After a full day of water-sport activities, it’s time to unwind and relax. There was no need for Annika and Acushla to go far as Microtel Boracay also offers room service massages until 10PM daily. “That was literally one of the most glorious massages I’ve ever had in my life. It was groundbreaking. They deserve an academy award”, says Acushla in her vlog.
Acushla and Annika also share that with Boracay opening up to tourists, white beaches can get overwhelming if you’re someone who wishes to experience a more relaxing, chill, and less crowded vacation in Boracay while still only being a 10-minute walk from station 1, Microtel Boracay is the best hotel to stay in at Diniwid Beach. Acushla said, “I would say I really love staying on this side of town. It’s much more low-key, and it’s always exciting to see the more local things.”
Sunset Dinners by the Beach
The surprises did not end there as Microtel Boracay arranged a lovely sunset dinner by the beach for the family to enjoy. Prepared with pink balloons and delicious meals from one of the hidden food gems on the island, Mama’s Fish House, the celebration of Avianna’s birthday was in full swing. The chef even made her a customized birthday cake to end the day with.
Microtel Boracay is the perfect partner to plan out surprises for your loved ones, couples celebrating anniversaries, or families celebrating birthdays and other special occasions. From surprise birthday pancakes, room service wine deliveries, or even decorating the room with balloons and banners, Microtel Boracay’s thoughtful staff can help you make special days even more memorable.
Acushla and Annika also personally recommend visiting Mama’s Fish House and share that the Mahi-mahi is a must-try dish apart from the House Fish and Chips. “Annika and I would drive all the way to Diniwid just to eat Mama’s Fish House seafood. So fresh and so well-cooked.” Acushla says in her vlog.
All employees of Microtel have been vaccinated and strictly implement the government-mandated health and safety protocols. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and family and head on to Microtel Boracay to experience a one-of-a-kind stay on your own white sandy beach. Book your reservations now at https://www.microtel-boracay.com/.
