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Palawan favorite getaway of show biz celebrities

BY Jodee A. Agoncillo

April 20, 2014
5:48 am

For actor-athlete Derek Ramsay, Palawan is definitely “the most beautiful place on earth.”

“I’ve been all over the world but I just love Palawan,” said the Filipino-British model host, and former VJ.

While fellow celebrities might prefer Boracay and its white sand beach ideal for endless partying and a lively night life, Ramsay said he’s more into peace and quiet, a refreshing break from the frenetic pace of show biz.

“Boracay is beautiful and fun but I’ve never gone to Boracay for a holiday. I only go there for either a competition or work. I like the beach, but I prefer peace and quiet.”

Apparently, Palawan is also the top choice as local getaway among 50 local celebrities, according to a quick survey conducted by Inquirer Entertainment.

Twenty-six named Palawan the best place to relax and unwind this summer season, with Boracay coming close with 24 votes.

Also on the list of top three local summer destinations with their respective scores are: Baguio (10), Bohol (7), Batangas, Cebu and Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte (6), and Batanes and Quezon (4). Tagaytay, Laguna and Aurora are in 7th spot with 3 votes each.

Siargao in Surigao del Norte, Davao and Puerto Galera in Mindoro have two votes each. Also mentioned as favorite summer destinations are Zambales, Cagayan de Oro, La Union, Pangasinan, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Bataan.

“We go scuba diving and fishing in Palawan. We also play games, eat and just chat,” Ramsay said.

“And I wouldn’t lie to you,” he added. “We do a lot of drinking. We’re just a bunch of light-hearted people …. We just do whatever it is we can think of.”

The actor owns a generator-powered house in the island that’s almost finished. The place does not need a lot of landscaping because it’s on the beachfront, he said.

Being in an island of 300 people, most of them from indigenous tribes, is an awesome experience, said the actor who spent his birthday and New Year on the island by throwing a party for kids and holding a medical mission. He also stayed for two years at Miniloc and Apulit islands in El Nido Resort.

“The farther we are from the city, the happier the Ramsays are. We don’t miss (city life) at all,” he said. “We have cable TV so there’s still a link to the city, but we want to leave a lot of that behind.”

Like Ramsay, Carmi Martin finds solace in Palawan. “Apart from Palawan and Boracay, I’d rather stay home and chill.”

Prodded on other “must-see” places, she added: “Coron Island is just magnificent.” Visiting Coron meant hiking up to Kayangan Lake, jet skiing to the twin lagoons, Barracuda Lake and Siete Pecados, and ending the day tour with her family watching the sunset and sharing a sumptuous meal at La Sirenetta.

Martin also island-hopped from Busuanga to Calambuyan, Pass, North Cay, South Key, Pamalican and Black. The historic Culion Island (once a leper colony) is a must-see as well. The perfect place to be, she said, is Puerto del Sol Resort nestled in Busuanga, where guests are pampered.

Palawan is easily the most star-studded island this season, with celebrities finding their spot in Amanpulo, Pamalican Island, Coron, El Nido and Puerto Princesa City. Among them are Ai-Ai de las Alas, Mark Meily, Glaiza de Castro, Jeffrey Jeturian, director Louie Ignacio, Giselle Sanchez, Janice de Belen, Aiko Melendez, Fabio Ide, Erik Santos, Manny Castañeda, Andrea del Rosario and Yassy Pressman.

“Palawan is still pristine. It looks and feels natural. It still possesses natural beauty that no manmade creation can ever surpass,” Castañeda said, citing spelunking, sleeping on the beach inside tents and overall beach bumming as his favorite activities on the island.

De Castro was inspired by her underground river experience in Puerto Princesa and the Sabang Beach after shooting the indie film “Madaling Araw, Mahabang Gabi.” She recommends a visit to the house of her friend, director Dante Garcia, who has a massive art building in Puerto Princesa.

Film producer and actress Evelyn Vargas said she can never forget the beauty of Puerto Princesa where the award-winning film “Kalayaan (Wildlife)” was shot. The film is about solitary Filipino soldiers who watch the disputed Kalayaan Islands in the Spratlys. The Adolf Alix film won the Netpac Award for Best Asian Film at the Warsaw International Film Festival.

Also on Vargas’ bucket list are Camarines Sur and General Santos City, where Salamindanaw International Film Festival was held.

Movie star and former beauty queen Maria Isabel Lopez listed Coron as her favorite getaway for its corals, hot springs and raw honey from the Tagbanua tribe.

As for Japanese-Brazilian actor and comedian Fabio Ide, there are only three places he would recommend for a holiday: “Baler for those who love surfing, Boracay for those who love to party, and El Nido, for couples in love.” With reports from Marinel Cruz, Bayani San Diego Jr. and Allan Policarpio