Visit Philippines 2015

 A great way to start the year in style is to plan things ahead.  The modern lifestyle is all about living in the now and making the most of what you have. Travel has become an essential luxury to most whether work or play and high or low.  More importantly, it's the enriching experience that makes everyone cherish and remember these lifetime moments.

Proud to be Filipino, the beauty of our homeland is one of the best in the world.  The Philippines is a treasure trove of captivating endless wonder. This year, this author invites everyone to immerse into this amazing diversity of culture rich in heritage and blessed with the bounty of nature at its finest.  Check out what the country has in store for you in 2015!  Mabuhay!

http://www.ourtraveldates.com/2014/12/new-visit-philippines-2015-video-will-make-you-feel-proud/

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

Jun Escario Resort Bride 2014

Palawan is one of the breathtaking  destinations in the Philippines. Globally renowned for having one of the wonders of the natural world-The Underground River-is also popular for its pristine white beaches and is home to one of the most beautiful picture perfect places-Flower Island.  Fashion and nature come together as the setting for Jun Escario's Resort Bride line for one of the country's top bridal magazines, Metro Weddings.  The designer's one of a kind gowns worked the nature as each piece showcased the beauty of silhouette, design and style.  From the simplicity to the most intricate of detailing, the "Resort Bride" line is targeted specifically for beach destination weddings. 

One of the most memorable shoots, the author and his team covered the entire island as the backdrop for each captivating layout.  Gowns, jewelry and loads of water(to prevent dehydration) were carried around with joy as work becomes play in an endless see of fun and laughter.  Adding sparkle to this shoot were the prized and Philippine's pride Jewelmer South Sea Pearls. Golden moments were made in this 4 days and 3 nights trip where postcard sunsets and endless aquamarine hues delight our daily views. The perfect getaway for sun worshippers and beach lovers, one is embraced by the cool sea breeze, serenaded by the lullaby sounds of nature and mesmerized by the allure of rustic luxury like no other. A lasting memory filled with happiness constantly reminds the team of the unforgettable experience and the longing to come back as the island awaits for our return.

Photography by Sandor Simon, creative direction and fashion styling by Luis Espiritu Jr., makeup and hairstyling by Fatima Rabago, associate stylists Rudolph Leonor and Mikka Velasquez, modeled by Petra and Fatima(Mercator).  All gowns by Jun Escario.  Jewelry by Jewelmer.  Shot on location in Flower Island, Taytay, Palawan, Philippines.

For Inquiries:

Jun Escario 

2/F Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati city.

Jewelmer Joaillerie showrooms 

 Alabang Town Center, Resorts World, The Peninsula Manila, Makati Shangrila, Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 5, Head Office , Mall of Asia , Megamall, Shangrila Plaza Mall, Trinoma, Ayala Center Cebu, Abreeza Mall Davao. 

Flower Island

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

Happy New Year

Started the first day of the year with so much blessings. Set on an island far from the city, clean air, cool breeze, crystal clear waters, white sand and an abundance of sunshine-new years could never be so perfect. Embraced by the heart of nature, my spirit and being was filled with so much love. Beauty in its purest form is priceless and this is something our eyes should see more. Ready to face 2013 with so much excitement and inspiration to move forward and start anew. Love and Light to you all.

The Sanctuary

Life in the city never sleeps. In our grueling day to day lives in bright lights it comes to a point wherein the vibe gets to you. As the maddening energy escalates, one can't help but escape and get away from it all.
Holy Week in the Philippines is the best time to have the perfect vacation. With the 7,100 plus islands to choose from, this author finally decided to spend it back in his hometown--Palawan. Home to one of the recently proclaimed Seven Natural Wonders of the World-Underground River-the latest tourist attraction is swarming with both local and foreigners in the attempt to get a glimpse of one of nature's outstanding attractions. Aside from this on the radar vacay destination, there are more undiscovered places untapped by commercialism and one of them is Isla Arena. The turtle and bird sanctuary boasts of an area of 3 hectares of sand and 70 hectares of live corals. Nature is alive in its glorious presentation of life under the sea with all it's wonders. Powder like sand cushion every step as one looks into the endless horizon showcasing breathtaking hues of aquamarine, teal and blues. Lush greens fill the island with fresh air and sea breeze crowned by a remarkable Balete tree found right in the center. There is even a treehouse where one can take a nap or even an afternoon massage while listening to the wind as it cradles you to sleep.
Fantastical views are captivating as one goes around the island which takes a good 40 minute leisure walk. Sunrise and sunsets are amazingly glorious as they paint the skies with their overwhelming grandeur. Food is perfection as one gets to taste the bounty of the sea masterfully cooked by Manila-trained chef. One gets to experience dining by the sand bar at night filled with a blanket of stars under the glimmering moonlight.
The stellar appeal of the island is the fact that it's a turtle sanctuary. Throughout the year, hundreds lay their eggs as it has become home to the endangered species. When hatched, these turtles are then kept until they are big enough not to be eaten by predators and are released to return back to their natural environment.
The overall experience of Arena island is unforgettable. One that definitely unites us with nature and all it's splendor. Truly a picture perfect memory to last a lifetime.