Lagen: One with Nature

Coming back to El Nido brings back a lot of good memories.  Postcard perfect settings welcomes you to the islands of your dreams. The different shades of aquamarine to blue waters touch the heavenly skies in the endless horizon.  Nothing can be breathtaking than the poetry of nature unfold in front of your eyes.  No this isn't a dream sequence but an amazing reality of wonders.

The allure team headed by Joanne Rae Ramirez was hosted by the El Nido Resorts group to one of their luxurious resorts- Lagen.  Accompanied by Associate editor Bum Tenorio and the author, the triumvirate was set to have a grand time in what was considered a much awaited vacay.  From El Nido town, we took a 40 minute boat ride going to the resort and was privileged to see the amazing view of the islands. Upon landing in the property, one is completely overwhelmed by the colossal limestone formations which are estimated to be more than 250,000 years old.  A witness to the passage of time, this grandeur display of nature is simply captivating and an embodiment of beauty. With a view of Bacuit Bay, this modern island resort has well-designed accommodations with tropical inspired interiors showcasing Philippine made products at is finest. Echoing the look of understated luxe, Lagen boasts 50 rooms and cottages and is at the heart of a four hectare forest where the sound of a diversity of birds create music to ones ears. One can never be bored with luxurious facilities and services in a captivating plush landscape essentially one with nature.

The essence of El Nido is realized through the countless visit to its stellar attractions and visit to the islands.  We were lucky enough to visit three out of the four El Nido Resorts in Palawan namely Miniloc, Lagen and Pangalusian. Each had its own distinct charm and one will be mesmerized by the variety of luxe settings. Cuisine is good as it offers fresh bounty from the sea, seasonal fruits, vegetables and meat which all comes from local farms.major sites to be visited are the big and small lagoon, Entalula island and Dubuluan beach which ha a clubhouse and spectacular sand bar. 

The El Nido resort group is hotel luxury with a purpose as it is an advocate of environmental conservation, ecosystem development, and strong supporter of in sustaining communities(note that they are very particular in with the non usage of plastic).  Working with nature, the property has maintained its astounding beauty. From seascape to forest to beachfront, the island's successful and continuous preservation efforts is a remarkable example others should follow. Service in the resort was impeccable with five star service.  Lagen has a menu of facilities and activities that will truly make ones stay worthwhile. Overall it was a memorable experience thanks to Brian Ong and Joey Bernardino. Great time, place and company, this trip is definitely for the books.  An amazing experience where you become one with everything.

The arrival.

Accommodations are definitely close to nature.

The guardian at the gates.

Natural dwellers welcome the guests.

Pool review. 

The rocks of Lagen are known to be more than 250,000 years old.

Before sunset at Lagen.

Silhouette of the big lagoon.

The author by (from left) Allure's Bum Tenorio, El Nidp Resorts head of sales and marketing Joey Bernardino , Allure EIC Joanne Rae Ramirez and Brian Ong of El Nido resorts.

When day becomes night and night becomes day in Lagen.

All smiles at the end of the trip.

The road home.

We will be back El Nido, promise!

For inquiries check out:

www.elnidoresorts.com 

Visit:  Facebook.com/elnidoresorts

Email: holiday@elnidoresorts.com

Flower Island

Palawan, Philippines- known as the last frontier is home to one of the most beautiful spot in the country's 7,108 islands.  Located at the northern part of the province, the remote an uncommercialized area is where on can find heaven on earth. Located in Taytay,   Flower island is the ideal remote paradise where one get the best R & R.  Surrounded by a group of isles and the endless aquamarine sea this secret haven prides in the beauty of rustic luxury. Enchanted with the energies of nature, the scene is a feast for the eyes with breathtaking panoramic views.  Touring by foot around the island can take around 30-45 minutes.  One can also go up the trail to the lighthouse which crowns the island and unfolds a spectacular 360 degree scenery of nature at its finest. Accommodation is beautifully set with an amazing beachfront with the forest as the backdrop.  Food in the restaurant serves the bounty of the sea prepared buffet style. There is no specific menu but the kitchen can prepare something simple to satisfy ones hunger.  A few meters away from the main dining area is the bar which serves a list of thirst quenching cocktails and alcoholic beverage. The best spot to catch the sunset-at the right time and place. 

Flower island offers a list of fun activities. One can engage in a lot of water sports, island hopping, a visit to the pearl farm and many more.  What makes this haven special is the exclusivity due to the limited number of rooms(which is always fully booked) and its laid back attraction away from the party scene. Personal service rates high as warm smiles, excellent hospitality and security makes every trip a memorable stay. Nothing is lost in this sanctuary, as doors in everyone room can be left unlocked. One will definitely fall in love with the enchanting Flower Island as it becomes your home away from home.

Lighthouse view.

Powder whites.

Chill.

Welcome to Flower Island.

Midday.

Sun spots.

Trail to the lighthouse.

Walk around the island for 45 mins.

The other side.

Family setting.

Drink away.

View from the main area restaurant.

Duplex accommodations.

The bar.

Nap.

Sea shells by the seashore.

Fav spot.

The signature calamansi caipirinha.

Home alone.

Ray of light.

Paint the skies.

From dusk til dawn.

Main dining area at night.

Light.

Nightscape.

The author.

Flower Island

For Inquiries and Reservations please call : +63 917 504 5567. Website: www.flowerisland-resort.com

SM Men's Fashion: Rhett Eala for Main Mainstreet

SM Men's Fashion continues to sizzle this summer with another designer collection--Rhett Eala for Main street.  The executive label moves forward with swagger like looks ala Mr. Porter. Beyond the stereotype dressing, modern cuts and forms refresh traditional pieces into the extraordinary.  Style fitting silhouettes reinvent the old into the new. Eala infuses current brilliant trendsetting ideas as the collection seamlessly echoes style in the detail. Timeless neutrals and contemporary hues paint these up to date wardrobe essentials into the season's current must-haves. The outstanding collaboration has taken the brand with a visionary perspective of menswear dressing. SM Men's Fashion is revolutionizing a big movement in promoting local designer retail and braving fashion frontiers forward. 

Photography by Jo Ann Bitagcol, styling by Mike de Guzman and Geo Palmiano, makeup by Bobby Carlos, hair styling by Mark Familiara, modeled by Rafael do Prado. Wardrobe by Rhett Eala for Mainstreet at SM Men's Fashion.

SM Men's Fashion: Ivar Aseron for Coco Republic

As part of Style Narratives' SM Men's Fashion designer series, next on the list is Ivarluski Aseron for Coco Republic. Dressing up for summer has never looked so sleek and polished. Though dapper may not quite describe it, the distinctly swagger appeal has moved Coco Republic into the forefront of local resort wear fashion. The in house brand known for its tropical/island look successfully fused with the clean lines, structural aesthetics and modern forms of Aseron. There is a certain nowness in its design reinvention that channels the definitive style essentials of what menswear is today. The presence of cool and modern hues such as neutrals combined with hints of color rethinks and updates day to day dressing. Strong influences of Tailoring hits the sandy shores and beach with style and elegance channeling European sensibilities that we all adore. Gone are the days where the surfer dude look shows off board shorts reaching the ankles, polo shirts as loose as a tent and eye sore tourist trap prints.
SM Men's Fashion's inspirational take on resort wear through Ivar Aseron for Coco Republic is an innovative venture into relaxed sartorial proportions which Filipinos should more than just think about.

Photography by Jo Ann Bitagcol, creative direction and styling by Luis Espiritu Jr., makeup by Bobby Carlos, hair styling by Jaime Sy, modeled by Daniel Matsunaga and Zaydan Timpani. All clothes by Ivar Aseron for Coco Republic at SM Men's Fashion. Shot on location at Matinloc shrine, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. Special thanks to Ms. Trish Tagle.

SM Men's Fashion: Randy Ortiz for Uberto Duranti

In the Philippines, the biggest and prime mover in the local retail landscape-SM-introduces their roster of menswear designer collections for Summer 2013. Each in house brand comes to the fashion forefront with their current forecast for the season of the best best in local design. Leading the pack of renowned and talented designers is Randy Ortiz. SM Men's Fashion collaborates with one of the local industry's pillar to create an exclusive and limited edition collection for Uberto Duranti. The classic brand known for its tailoring and corporate appeal transforms into a forward look of contemporary well-designed suiting. Ortiz modernizes the pieces with his signature and distinct touches of print and detailing. Polished and refined the boardroom look of the brand transforms into the modern day stylish wall street man. The traditional aesthetics levels up with dapper style stepping up from the conventional. Fabrication becomes extraordinary as a fusion of textures display a now feel that ultimately reinvents the man of the times.
SM Men's Fashion featuring Randy Ortiz for Uberto Duranti is a success and insight of better things to come for local menswear.

Photography by Frank Hoefsmit, styling by Luis Espiritu Jr., makeup by Bobby Carlos, modeled by Hideo Muraoka and Vini Tiexera. Shot on location in El Nido, Palawan. Randy Ortiz for Uberto Duranti is available in all major Sm stores.