March 4. Day 2 of the Air Asia Philippines Media Tour.
I woke up very early after sensing that Blue Palawan resort hotel actually has one of the finest views Of the Palawan sunrise. The break of dawn is an amazing sight, complemented by the sound of the chirping birds.
A little bit later breakfast was served. Prior to checkin i opted to have chorizo recado with no rice for breakfast. But the chorizo really screams for carbs. So i gave in. I ordered. A cup of fried rice.
The fried rice is the best complement to the chorizo. It is perfectly Marinated and well seasoned. Best when served with sunny side up or over easy on the side with a warm cup of coffee. (which I did!)
By around 730AM we already checked out of the Blue Palawan. And headed toward the Palawan Provincial Capitol for the signing of the Memorandum of agreement between the provincial government of Palawan, Palawan Tourism Council and Air Asia Philippines for its Best Island campaign.
The event was attended by local government officials. Officers of Air Asia Philippines. As well as local stakeholders.
The Best Island campaign. Will run for the entire year. The goal of the tourism campaign is to make palawan a top of mind tourist destination. . They are also scheduled to hold a travel fair to be held in Eastwood Libis this coming May to promote Palawan as the World’s Best Island destination. Air Asia Philippines on the other hand, as its official airline partner. Will also be formulating bargain tour packages specifically for its Palawan guests.
After the formalities., we then left the capitol and headed north to Astoria in San Rafael for our lunch before heading to ElNido. Astoria is quite a beautiful place. Very serene. Not much noise. Perfect for those who wish to escape the city life.
After our yummy lunch we took a 4-5hour loooooooooooong drive from Puerto Princesa to El Nido.
We were already in Taytay, the last town prior to ElNido when I started to feel dizzy. Gaaah. It must’ve been a byahilo. . Im so used to traveling that I no longer take meclizine tablets when I travel. I feel so nauseated already. And wanting to puke anytime. But i was just calming myself. I know we’re near (hopefully!) . So when our shuttle made a Stopover at the Taytay terminal I immediately got down and looked for medicine. But lo and behold before I even got hold of Bonamine., I was already buying a few packs of roasted cashews! Oh Lord.
Anyway, i found a sari sari store. Selling medicines at turista prices. I was left with no other options but to buy a single tablet of Bonamine for PHP25.
Thank Goodness I feel better now. . So after a few more uphill drive. And hairpin curves. We finally made it to El Nido! Welcome to paradise!
The last time I was in this part of the Philippines was in 2009. Today, El Nido. Seems so different to me. Looks like there’s. A lot of new establishments and accommodations now in town that I can barely recall where I actually stayed some six years ago.
Our first stop in El Nido. Was courtesy call. And short question and answer with the honorable Mayor of the town of El Nido. After which we drove back to Sitio Maremegmeg in Corong corong and watch the most splendid show of the moment: the setting sun. . Glorious.
The beach in corong corong is not as crowded as the one in town proper where foreigners are already a common sight. The promise of the white sandy beach. Super fine polvoron-ish texture. And the tree-lined beach. . What more can i ask for? El Nido is indeed the best place to spend your summer getaway. We lounged at the Beach Shack for cocktails And dinner.
Dinner was served under candle lit tables and moonlit sky. How romantic. Perfect setting for a dinner date.
For dinner we had an assortment of the freshest seafoods, only in El Nido. And the runaway winner of them all: hands down, it’s the crabs cooked in coconut milk and curry. Dear God it’s the best. I have to admit. I had to go back to the buffet table for seconds! Oh please… . Stop counting the calories and cholesterol. As i had so much fun eating dinner WITH MY BARE HANDS! Hahah
After dinner. We then checked in at our hotel. I was billeted at the Bill’s Pension House. It’s nearr The town proper but has no beachfront. Or seaside view. 
Anyway the room is quite big. With 2king sized beds all at my disposal. There’s also hot shower and cable TV. Just before lights off at least I still have some time to check on the news.
Many thanks to Air Asia Philippines for inviting me to join the Palawan Media Tour. Follow Air Asia on Twitter and Instagram. Just follow @airasiaph