Bretman Rock’s Luxe El Nido Escape: Inside His “White Lotus” Work Vacation at Lihim Resorts

El Nido, Philippines — When global icon Bretman Rock takes a vacation, you know it’s going to be fabulous — and his recent tropical getaway to Lihim Resorts in El Nido was no exception. Blending work and pleasure, Bretman traded city lights for island vibes as he jetted off to Palawan’s most exclusive hideaway for a “workcation” that felt straight out of a White Lotus episode.

In a recent TikTok video, Gen Z star Bretman Rock revealed he was in El Nido with BLK Cosmetics, sharing, “I’m actually here with BLK Cosmetics, which is owned by Ms. Anne Curtis-Smith. I love her so much, and I am just happy to be here.” Along with his excitement, Bretman gushed about his love for Philippine mangoes and the iconic Philippine sunkissed glow, embracing the tropical paradise with his signature charm.

In another video, Bretman showcased a stunning view of El Nido’s paradise — a breathtaking panorama of lush greenery and turquoise waters. The exact spot? Right in front of the Presidential Villa at Lihim Resorts, where floor-to-ceiling windows and wrap-around balconies invite guests to wake up to nature’s masterpiece every morning.

What to Expect When You Visit This Luxury Resort in El Nido

Lihim Resorts, El Nido welcomes guests into their own personal sanctuary where exceptional service and stunning natural beauty create memorable experiences. The resort has an all-villa accommodation — from Luxury Villas and Seaside Villas to Premium Villas and the prestigious Presidential Suite, known as the “Araw Villa”. Each villa features wrap-around balconies with breathtaking sea and forest views, along with your own bath tub, and outdoor bath and shower areas surrounded by lush greenery. Enhancing the experience, a dedicated butler attends to every detail, ensuring a seamless stay from arrival to departure.

Wellness seekers can indulge in bespoke treatments at Panari Spa, stay active at the fitness studio, or enjoy a match on the tennis and basketball courts. Culinary adventures await at Gana Restaurant, where Filipino flavors shine, and at Henri’s, where you can savor exquisite dishes while witnessing the best sunset views in El Nido. For a more intimate experience, private dining options are available in hidden corners of the resort. For those in search of exploration, Lihim offers exclusive access to Cadlao Lagoon Lounge and Hayag Beach Club — hidden gems on secluded shores and secret lagoons that showcase the raw beauty of El Nido, making every moment at the resort a magical retreat.

Bretman's Presidential Villa

Perched at the peak of the resort’s mountain, this exclusive 146-sqm villa boasts breathtaking 180-degree views of Bacuit Bay and Calaan Beach. Inside, you’ll find a spacious retreat featuring a king-sized bed, a cozy kitchen space, and an outdoor shower with a luxurious bath tub, all designed to immerse you in nature without compromising comfort. Indulge in the villa’s private plunge pool, unwind in your personal sauna, and enjoy round-the-clock pampering with 24/7 private butler service. Curious to experience the Bretman Rock treatment for yourself? Lihim Resorts invites you to discover your own private paradise — where luxury and nature exist in perfect harmony.

Lihim Resorts, El Nido stands as the flagship of Araw Hospitality Group — a visionary collection of resorts in the Philippines redefining the industry through memorable stays rooted in curated experiences, wellness, sustainability, and cultural richness. Book your Lihim stay now at lihim.com.

Moving to Arizona: Here's What You Need to Know

 

Moving to a new area can be scary if you’re unfamiliar with it. Living in the southeast US is something to get used to, with its particular weather and massively impressive landscapes.

 

When you’re looking at Mesa apartments for rent or considering a home in Tempe, keep these things in mind before you move to the Grand Canyon State.        

 

Its population is diverse.

Arizona is the sixth-largest state in the nation and has within it a varied population. Nearly 30 percent of inhabitants speak a language other than English, including Chinese, Navajo, and Spanish. This falls above the national average of 22 %.

 

It’s got spectacular views.

The landscape of the state runs the gamut from desert, to mountains, to metropolitan areas.

 

Its most noted natural attraction is the Grand Canyon and its layered red rock formations that show millions of years of geological history.

 

Overall, the state has 22 national parks and monuments and 35 state parks and natural areas to enjoy.

 

There is also the Hoover Dam, Sedona Red Rocks, and Monument Valley.

 

Its Native heritage is rich.

The area is steeped in Native history, much of which can still be seen today. The Heard Museum of American Indian Art & History is a wonderful place to educate yourself on the land’s original inhabitants. You can also check out ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings or the Navajo National Monument.

 

The cost of living is affordable.

Prices always depend on where you live, but Arizona as a whole is affordable for the average person.

 

In looking at home prices, utility expenses, grocery bills, and other living factors, the cost of living is 5 percent below the national average.

 

The average salary is $59,000. Rent typically costs $1,180 for a two-bedroom apartment in a place like Phoenix and $1,590 for the same in a city like Scottsdale.

 

It’s got a great job market.

Arizona’s job market is particularly good for those in the tech industry. Companies like Apple, Uber, and Lyft have offices there.

 

There are also corporate headquarters for PetSmart and U-Haul, and an opportunity to work in higher education because of the presence of Arizona State University and the University of Arizona.

 

The mining and copper industry also has a huge impact on the state. In 2018 66 percent of the country’s copper came from Arizona.

 

Traffic sucks.

With highly populated areas comes traffic, particularly for those areas with a booming tourism scene.

 

Thanks to the addition of out-of-staters, Arizona’s traffic gets jammed up more often than not. People aren’t just commuting to work, but heading out for nature walks or tours of the area.

The entertainment scene is lively.

There’s a lot to do in Arizona, from hiking trails in the temperate weather to catching a show at a local entertainment venue.

 

There are many festivals throughout the state, like the Summer Ends Music Festival in Tempe or the Festival of the Arts in Phoenix.

 

It’s dusty.

The temperatures are pretty great year-round, but with that comes dryness and dust thanks to the desert terrain.

 

Dust storms are typically seen in the summer months.

SM PRIME leads with Green Buildings for Sustainable Cityscapes

Cities continue to shape the way we live our lives – from shifting to greener lifestyles choices to reducing overall carbon emissions to help save the planet. The successful shift to greener cityscapes begin with the construction of green buildings, providing smart innovations that work with the environment and promote the well-being of the people who use these spaces on a daily basis. 

According to a study made by the US Green Building Council, green buildings can reduce carbon emissions by around 40% on average, water consumption by around 30% and waste generation by around 70%. Beyond the environmental benefits, green buildings also help meet social needs by enhancing spaces, protecting human health, empowering differently-abled members of the community to take active participation and ensuring access to basic services at reasonable rates. Economic benefits can be felt as well with green buildings commanding higher rent potentials, encouraging ‘greenovation’ and promoting cultural and recreational activities without harming the environment.

Committed to making every day living better, SM Prime has taken the lead in incorporating sustainability and resiliency in its designs, making each component work together as a fully-integrated city of the future. 

“Constructing greener buildings provides holistic solutions not only reducing emissions but also promoting social well-being.” shares Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee. “We see this in our developments which drives us to build greener and even retrofit our existing malls to meet green standards.”

Among SM’s developments, a number boast of receiving LEED Gold certification while others are in the process of certification such as the SM Baguio expansion, SM North EDSA BPO offices, SM Megamall Mega Tower and SM Retail Corporation, to name a few.

SM Aura

The iconic SM Aura at the Bonifacio Global City is a mixed-use development that incorporates retail, trade halls and a Grade A office tower. The LEED Gold Certified mall promotes resource efficiency, green mobility and green landscapes.

 

SM Aura Bicycle Racks

• Green Mobility. Cycling is encouraged with accessible bicycle storage, cyclists’ shower rooms and convenient access to safe lanes to public transit.

 

SM Aura Premier Park

• Green Landscapes. The SM Aura Premier Park covers over 55% of the building, uses recycled water and provides enough room for plants to grow while protecting the building and people from heat.

 

SM Aura LEED GOLD Certification

• Resource Efficiency. SM Aura uses 16% less than conventional buildings through a high- performance building envelope that reduces solar heat while allowing sufficient sunlight. Through low flow water sensor and metering faucets, it also reduces 1/3rd of its potable water use. Only low emitting materials were used as paint, adhesive sealants and floor materials.

Conrad Manila

Known as a lifestyle center, Conrad Manila is LEED Gold Certified. The hotel is designed with a dramatically-formed angular structure that houses a stylish 347-room hotel, spa and function space while S Maison  is home to a swathe of smaller, more bespoke outlets for brands.

 

Bicycle racks at the Conrad Manila

• Luxury Means Green Mobility. Boasting of high-end luxury experience, Conrad Manila remains environmentally friend by providing preferred parking slots for low emitting fuel efficient vehicles, car-sharing vehicles and special parking spaces and facilities for cyclists.

• Eco-Friendly Materials. Locally manufactured and recycled materials and products were used whenever possible with more than 80% of the project’s construction waste recycled. Filtration systems maintain a minimum efficiency rating of 90% to eliminate airborne particulates.

 
Conrad Manila LEED Gold Certification

• Resource Efficiency. Conrad Manila is designed to reduce energy around 12% less than American energy standards. Its water heating system recovers heat from the chiller condensers to produce hot water while its ventilation system recovers the coolness from the exhaust air, returning that into the building. The hotel is outfitted with occupancy sensors, tinted with low emissivity insulated glass to keep heat and noise out,

Going beyond the LEED Certification, SM Engineering and Design Development, the mall's design and construction arm has implemented these sustainable design strategies on the following projects:

 

SM Baguio Sky Garden

SM Baguio brings outdoor and indoor as one space optimizing natural lighting and ventilation with the Sky Garden. It has a green roof system as well as a provision for an underground water reservoir for storage and reuse of rainwater with a capacity of 4,389 cubic meters. 

 

SM Seaside Cebu

SM Seaside Cebu mall goers can enjoy an extensive green area, center courtyard and roof garden. Constructed with low glass and utilizes EchoStop for noise management, the building is designed to maximize natural light and ventilation. 

 

SM Lanang Sky Garden

SM Lanang Premier showcases lush greens, a roof garden and green pavers that encourage filtration and allow stormwater back to the underground soil. It is equipped with a rain water catchment system and a water reservoir with a 546-cubic meter capacity based on 425mm per hour rainfall intensity. It also has a materials recovery facility which receives, segregates and prepares recyclable materials for marketing to end-user manufacturers. 

 

SM Masinag Holding Tank

SM City Masinag helps communities avoid flood waters through its 15,033 cubic meter water catchment facility. It is designed with green screens to promote vertical plant growth and is constructed with Clerestory windows as a source of natural light. 

 

SM North EDSA Solar Panels

SM North Edsa is one of the pioneers of the use of solar panels. It is also the first to have the Sky Garden and elevated parks. 

 

The Mall of Asia

SM Mall of Asia is uniquely designed with a seawall to avert any damage from potential storm surges or seal level rise. Built on reclaimed land, it used an excavation method providing a greater degree of protection against liquefaction and seismic events. It is also elevated above the required building levels and is equipped with wave return and drainage channel to prevent flooding due to storm surges and high waves.

SM Marikina sits on 246 stilts and is built 20 meters beyond the compliance for safety zone. At 20.5 meters above natural ground level, it serves as a first responder and a place of refuge for the residents of Marikina during times of calamities. 

 

SM Marikina on stilts

Today, real estate investors, both for business and personal use, have grown to prefer spaces that support sustainability agendas of the growing population. Pursuing green building standards support the public’s aspiration for more sustainable communities that are designed for environmental and social well-being. SM Prime believes that it is important for developers to work with communities on addressing climate change and achieving shared aspirations – a greener, more sustainable cityscape for all to enjoy. 

“Creating a more sustainable way of life requires a sustainable backdrop that supports the shift. At SM Prime, our passion is to create one that is sustainable and resilient for the life we want for today and the future,” Mr. Sy said. 

5 Great Day Trip Destinations in Ontario

 

Ontario is a stunningly beautiful province, with nearly half of its residents (44.4 percent) living in or around its largest city of Toronto in the Greater Toronto area (GTA). Halton real estate, which includes Burlington, Oakville, Halton Hills, and Milton, is especially popular, providing easy access to the city along with a more serene setting. 

No matter where you live in the Greater Toronto Area, you'll have access to some fabulous day trips, including these.

Niagara Falls

Iconic Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the province and it's on just about every traveler's bucket list. If you live in the GTA, consider yourself fortunate as it's only a little over an hour's drive away.

Not only can you gaze out at the cascades and capture plenty of photos for your Instagram account, but you can take a boat excursion to get you so close you'll be drenched by the spray. The Butterfly Conservatory, with some two thousand colorful insects, is also here and you can enjoy a delicious meal in the Revolving Dining Room at the Skylon Tower that comes with a view of the falls from 775 feet above.

Algonquin Provincial Park

An especially picturesque park covering about 3,000 square miles between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River, Algonquin is home to more than 750 miles of rivers and streams, thousands of lakes, and hills covered with maple trees that burst with color in the fall.

Enjoy everything from hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding to paddling, fishing, and camping, along with abundant wildlife. Watch for beaver, deer, moose, and even wolves.

Collingwood

Collingwood is about two hours north of Toronto with a harbor in Nottawasaga Bay, the southern region of Georgian Bay. It's a gateway to Blue Mountain ski resort which not only offers cross-country and downhill trails, but opportunities for hiking, biking, zip-lining, and Segway tours in the summer.

This is also when you can enjoy numerous festivals and events, including big-name live music. There's Jazz on the Mountain at Blue, Salsa at Blue Festival, and much more.

Eramosa Karst Caves

About an hour's drive south of Toronto are the impressive Eramosa Karst caves. It's a great place to spend the day, filled with underground caves, streams, waterfalls, forests, and meadows as one of the area's top destinations for hiking and simply enjoying nature. Bring a picnic as you'll find plenty of secluded spots to enjoy it with a view.

Cobourg Beach

If you're craving a day at the beach you'll find the perfect place only about 90 minutes from Toronto. The picturesque town of Cobourg is home to Cobourg Beach, a local favorite with many coming to cool off during the peak of summer, although it's possible to swim if you're up for a more secluded and chilly dip outside of July and August.

Enjoy strolling the boardwalk, watching or joining in on sandcastle building competitions, and all sorts of amenities. The beach is well-equipped, complete with changing rooms and picnic tables. 

For those who want to enjoy the beach in the summer without the crowds, there are actually two beaches that most refer to as one, Cobourg is made up of Victoria Park Beach which is the more popular, crowded side, while West Beach lies to its west offering gorgeous sandy shores and a more tranquil atmosphere.

Big discounts await for pinoys' travel goals on this year's Philippine Travel Agencies Association TravelTour Expo

The most-awaited Travel Expo every year is just around the corner! The Philippine TravelTour Expo promises good deals and discounts for next travels this year!

PTAA releases list of 10 most traveled celebs as TravelTour Expo 2020 opens

The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) is hosting the three-day TravelTour Expo 2020 at SMX Convention Center from February 7 to 9. It is the 27th installment of the highly anticipated event.

In line with this, PTAA is releasing its list of most traveled celebrities. The group formed a three-person committee to come up with the list based on the stars' social media posts.

PTAA president Ritchie Tuano explained, "These days, social media has become one of the best tools for the travel and tourism industry. Pictures and videos are the best ways to entice people to visit a place. Celebrities, whether they realize it or not, do a lot to boost the visits to different locations within and outside the country. Their fans aspire to go where they go. Moreover, the public also gets to find out more about the places they visit. They provide both the glamour factor and the reassurance that the place is safe to visit."

With that, the PTAA has identified the following as their top 10 most traveled Filipino celebrities:

1. Tim Yap
2. Heart Evangelista
3. Lovi Poe
4. Catriona Gray
5. Pia Wurtzbach
6. Vicky Belo
7. Bea Alonzo
8. Nadine Lustre
9. Liza Soberano
10. Maine Mendoza

"Anyone can take a picture of their travels and just post it online, but these stars really draw in their followers by sharing their candid moment during their journeys," explained Tuaño. "You know that they don't just go to a place to have their picture taken. They enjoy each and every place wholeheartedly. They also go out of their way to interact with the locals."

Tuano went on to say, "If you haven't been bitten by the travel bug yet, maybe you can check out the booths at the TravelTour Expo 2020 to get inspired."

Entry tickets to TravelTour Expo 2020 may be bought at the SMX Convention Center entrance. The tickets cost PhP70 for general admission (including students and children) and PhP50 for senior citizens. The entrance is free for all Citi Credit Card Holders — they just have to present a valid ID along with their card. Tickets are priced on a per day basis. Below is the schedule of the expo:

February 7, 2020 (Friday)
8:30-9:30 AM - Entrance for Citi Card Holders only
9:30-7:00 PM - Open to the public

February 8, 2020 (Saturday)
9:00 AM-7:00 PM - Open to the public

February 9, 2020 (Sunday)
9:00 AM-6:00 PM - Open to the public

The booths are located at Halls 1 to 4, which are on the ground and second Floors of the SMX Convention Center.

The best places to shop local this Independence Day

What’s the best way to spend a holiday like Independence Day? Is it by revisiting the past and reconnecting with our history in museums and memorials? Is it by lounging around and spending it with our family and friends? 

How about this for a different Independence Day idea: in the name of our country’s freedom, you can also go support the economy by shopping and supporting local establishments! As you probably well know, Manila’s got historical shopping joints scattered all over the metro—and the great part is they’re all accessible through the iconic LRT-1 train line. Here are a few you can hit up on your day off: 

Baclaran 

Anything you want to find, you can probably find at the legendary Baclaran Market, just off of the Baclaran LRT-1 station. From clothes to hardware to food products to shoes and so much more, Baclaran has it all. For those who are also religious, Independence Day also falls on a Wednesday, which happens to be the Baclaran Church Day where pilgrims visit the popular shrine. 

Cartimar 

The Cartimar Market in Pasay, easily reachable from the Gil Puyat LRT-1 station, is the place to go to when you’re looking for specialized things. Cartimar is the destination for bikes, pets (both pets themselves and accessories), food items, and imported Asian goods that you may not probably find anywhere else. 

Harrison Plaza 

Harrison Plaza, walkable from the Vito Cruz LRT-1 station, may not be the prettiest nor fanciest shopping center on this list, but it is pretty historic. The first shopping mall in the Malate area, this may be your last chance to visit Harrison Plaza as it is now, because it’s due for a huge makeover soon. Try the popular quick massage services to feel better in an instant. 

Divisoria 

What isn’t being sold in Divisoria? The answer is probably nothing, as you can get just about everything for a bargain in what is arguably Manila’s most popular bazaar. Take the train all the way to Carriedo station and board a jeep for a quick ride to Divisoria, find what you want to get, start haggling, and maybe get stuff you didn’t even know you had to have along the way. The good part about going to Divisoria? You get to eat in Chinatown, too! 

Quiapo 

If you prefer getting on the stranger side of things, then the Quiapo market is for you. Also accessible from the Carriedo LRT-1 station, the Quiapo market (in front of the famous Quiapo church) is home to many things mystical and supernatural. You can find fortune tellers and peddlers of interesting wares sitting right next to ordinary vendors of typical market items. Quiapo is definitely an adventure for the curious! 

ikotMNL is a tourism campaign launched by the Light Rail Manila Corporation in 2018 to connect foreign and local travelers to Manila’s rich history, cultural heritage, and top food destinations by riding the LRT-1 to areas such as Intramuros, Binondo, Quiapo, and many more. 

To find out more and book a Manila adventure, visit ikotmnl.com, like ikotMNL on Facebook, and follow @ikotmnl on Instagram and Twitter. 

Sharp announces six nationwide winners of We Love Philippines “Trip for 2 to Japan”

Muntinlupa City - Sharp Philippines Corp. (SPC) knows how to make Filipino Christmas merrier with their We Love Philippines: Sharp for Every Juan raffle draw. Last Wednesday, December 19, the six grand winners of “Trip for 2 to Japan” gathered at SPC Main Office to claim their all-expenses paid four days and three nights vacation trip to the Land of the Rising Sun. 

Hosted by PR and Marketing Manager Amor Golifardo, the six winners shared their initial reaction when they found out that they won the grand raffle draw. Furthermore, they recounted how Sharp became part of their household as their most-trusted appliance brand. Lastly, all of them expressed their gratitude to Sharp and to its President Mr. Kazuo Kito for this once in a lifetime Japan experience. 

The campaign aims to give back to all the Filipino households for their unwavering support throughout these years. Aside from the Japan trip, Sharp products were also given away to other nationwide winners, which were electronically drawn during their grand raffle draw. 

Aside from media and bloggers, the event was attended by Product Planning and Management Senior Marketing Manager Mr. Arthur Aranas and his Assistant Managers Ms. Iris Negal and Mr. Ronald Rendon. Sales and Trade Marketing Senior Manager Ms. Marlene Villarino also took part during the awarding ceremony. 

Here is the complete list of winners: 

1. Josephine Coralde - Flat Screen TV at Abenson Gaisano, Albay Legaspi 

2. Adelaida Gutierrez - Washing Machine at Imperial San Pablo, Laguna 

3. Alberto Urot - TV at Imperial Mandaue, Cebu 

4. Plushey Baza - Twin-tub washing machine at Emilio Lim Store, Dasmarinas Cavite 

5. Dolores Fabros - Washing Machine at Imperial Appliances Centre, Koronadal 

6. Jeanifer Revilla - TV at Emcor, Digos City, Davao 

The said event was the concluding part of the first phase of the We Love Philippines campaign. However, the second phase, “Sharp Loves Your Family” is currently on going and the winners of this video-making contest will be announced soon. 

Follow Sharp’s official social media accounts for more updates!

WATCH: Sylvia Sanchez is now a VLOGGER via "Sylviahera"

PH award winning actress Sylvia Sanchez levels up her craft even more and tries something new as she is now also a vlogger via her youtube stint "Sylviahera."

Sylviahera is a mother’s journey that will tell us that no matter how seldom a family eats together, it is how much love and preparation you put into it that will make it special and memorable.

According to Casa Nieves TV, the producer of the said travel blog of Sylvia Sanchez, Sylviahera is not an indie film, not just your ordinary travel blog / show, as it is the life of Sylvia Sanchez herself and it is not scripted and it goes spontaneous as they shoot every episodes of Sylviahera.

Sylvia Sanchez said that she wanted her children to experience what she experienced before she became an actress, the normal life, away from the limelight and this kind of life will also be tackled in the vlog, including cameo from her son and daughters.

Don't miss Sylviahera, Subscribe on Casa Nieves TV: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwzRBqm9nwDAIucKt_0bPhw

Bask under the glorious Palawan sun with the first of its kind Avara Nature & Yacht Club

A glimpse of a seaside living redefined through Avara. 

(MANILA) – Imagine this: The sound of waves crashing on the shore and the sunlight peeking through the window wake you up on a lazy Saturday morning. You slowly open your eyes, afraid that you’re just in the middle of a dream. But you’re not. You stand up as you feel the gentle sea breeze touch your face. You go out of the porch and look at the horizon. You take your time to enjoy the beauty of the blue skies and the deep sea. The yacht will be waiting for you whenever you’re ready, anyway. That’s the promise of Avara Nature & Yacht Club—the easy life of the seaside.  

Airdance group and Filipina harpist Avonlea Paraiso wow the Avara guests with their performances. 

Established by the Seaside Premier Development Corporation, Avara is the first of its kind nature and yacht club located at Calauag Bay in Taytay, which was Palawan’s first capital. 

The Avara Balanghai designed and created by Master Sculptor Rey Paz Contreras. 

The plan for the exclusive resort was formally unveiled at the Grand Hyatt Manila led by its President and CEO Ms. Veronica C. Young. 

“After many months of sailing and voyaging aboard bangkas and riding waves, we found the perfect island in Taytay, Palawan to be the home of our pioneering project. It is with a great pleasure to present to you tonight, Avara Nature and Yacht Club - the first of its kind in the Philippines, bridging the middle class to the lifestyle of the rich and famous. As Seaside Premier Development Corporation’s flagship project, we aim to redefine seaside living, where nature meets luxury,” she said in her opening remarks. 

Coastal living redefined 

Avara, which means Sunshine Island, is an eco-luxurious resort that use solar panels as a source of renewable energy, utilize a recycled water treatment system, maximize a hydroponic garden, and take advantage of other eco-materials available. 

Its accommodation is inspired by the Maldivian architecture. Members can choose to stay in a one-bedroom Water Villa with jacuzzi, two-bedroom Water Villa with private infinity pool, or one- or two-bedroom Beach Casitas. 

Aside from the villas and casitas, Avara members will also have an exclusive access to a two-bedroom yacht with crew for an overnight stay or for cruising around the island and nearby areas. Avara’s yacht features two cabins and a family room in the lower deck; a living room, a kitchen and dining area, and a plunge pool in the main deck; and an open dining space and a sun deck in the fly bridge. 

The Avara Island has nothing but the best facilities for its members. Guests will first experience the Avara service upon their arrival at the dock or the harbor. But the ultra-luxurious resort also has a helipad for those who will be coming in by air. VIPs also have the option to skip the reception and go straight to their accommodation. 

There will also be a boardwalk open for development to entrepreneurial Avara member. Meaning, Avara members can also be concessionaires to open their own business—it could be a coffee shop, a grocery store, a bakery, a souvenir stop, and similar ventures. As support to the member-concessionaires, Avara will ensure that the business will be the island’s lone supplier for the specific product. 

The island can also accommodate as many as 100 guests at their main dining area and at the grill restaurant. But guests will have more dining options since Avara includes a poolside bar, a seaside bar and lounge, picnic areas, and private dining venues. 

Avara is fully equipped with a gym, a water sports center, a tennis court, and a golf course to those who want to keep up with their fitness routine. 

The island also has a playroom and nursery, spa and massage cabanas, a bonfire area, a clinic with an in-house doctor and nurse, and a gaming area for the enjoyment of the Avara members. 

At any given time, Avara will host up to 300 members to ensure quality service. 

As a promised paradise for those who love the beach, Avara offers a myriad of water action such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, jet-skiing, banana boat riding, stand-up paddle boarding, wind surfing, scuba diving, island hopping, and fishing in coordination with neighbor islands. The resort also provides options for on land activities like trekking, biking, and vegetable picking. 

There are also a lot of activities that Avara members can enjoy outside its vicinity. After all, Taytay, Palawan boasts of picturesque sites like the Canique Waterfalls, the Lake Manguao, the Irrawaddy Dolphins in Malampaya Sound, the Fuerza de Santa Isabel, and the Church of Santa Monica. Taytay is also hope to a paradise-like hidden valley that gives tourists a bird’s eye view of the pristine, idyllic coastal areas of the municipality. 

Board of advisors 

The executives and board of advisors behind the Avara Nature & Yacht Club. 

To ensure nothing but the best of services and facilities at Avara, Seaside Premier Development Corporation tapped some of the industry’s most respected personalities for the resort. 

Its board of advisors include the following: 

National Coast Watch Center Executive Director Rear Admiral Joel S. Garcia for Coastal and Marine Management 

Philippine Army’s 7CMO Battalion Commanding Officer Col. Eugene Osias for Security Affairs 

Cebu Port Authority Commissioner for the Shipping Sector Ms. Regina Barleta for Port Management and Shipping 

Incoming Manila Board of Realtors, Inc. President Ma. Teresa R. Bigornia for Marketing 

Motivational speaker John Anthony Calub for Sales 

The Manor’s Le Chef Executive Chef William “Billy” King for Culinary Arts 

“We thank these distinguished personalities for believing in our idea. We can’t wait to show you the beauty of Avara,” Ms. Young said. 

Avara Nature & Yacht Club will formally open its shores in the summer of 2020. # 

About Avara Nature & Yacht Club 

Avara Nature and Yacht Club redefines seaside lifestyle by combining beach living and seafaring. It is the first harbor-front town in Palawan as launched by the Seaside Premier Development Corporation. It offers access to a world-class resort with customized yachts. 

Visit the Avara website (http://avaraisland.com/) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/avaraisland), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/avaraisland/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/avaraisland/) to learn more. 

About Seaside Premier Development Corporation 

Luxury seaside community developer Seaside Premier Development Corporation was established in 2018. It kickstarted its year by launching its flagship project, the Avara Nature & Yacht Club in Taytay, Palawan. It plans to develop harbor-front townships in the different seaside areas in the Philippines to bring the best beaches and coastal living to every Filipino’s doorstep.