Sunlight Air has been adding flights to its schedule steadily lately, and they are getting closer to their pre-pandemic frequency of almost daily flights from Manila to San Vincente airport in Palawan.
Enjoy our VIP meet-and-greet and fast track service at the Manila International Airport, a quick transfer to Sunlight Air’s private lounge, and a thrilling one-hour flight on an ATR 72 aircraft to the center of Palawan.
From there, take pleasure in a one-hour scenic ride through Palawan’s breathtaking tropical interior to the quaint coastal town of Roxas while being pampered in luxury. For a relaxing 25-minute trip to Banwa Private Island, you will board our amphibious Iguana Commuter Yacht here.
Contact the reservation team by phone or WhatsApp at +639178882864, send an email to [email protected], or visit their website www.banwaprivateisland.com. for additional details.
A historic occasion that combines sporting and history will take place in Baguio City. On September 3, 2023, the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) will host the first-ever Victory Day Ride, which will take cycling enthusiasts and history buffs on a tour to remember the sacrifices made by World War II veterans and spread awareness of Baguio Victory Day.
Mike Villa-Real, PVB first vice president for marketing and communications, said “the enactment of R.A. 11216 in 2018, marks September 3rd of each year as a special working holiday, marking Yamashita’s surrender and Victory Day in the Philippines. This day in 1945 is clearly a significant historical event marking the success and along with it, the toil and sacrifices, of the soldiers of both the United States and the Philippines. However, it is not as well-known as the “Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of Valor) commemorated April 9 each year.”
Organized in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), City Government of Baguio, Wartime Heritage Guild Philippines (WHG), Without Limits, Salgado PR, this ride aims to foster a deeper understanding of the city’s significant role during WWII while encouraging active participation in the sport of cyclists of all ages and backgrounds.
Inspired by the annual Ride for Valor that retraces the infamous Death March, the Victory Day Bike Ride takes a different route, focusing on the historical sites and landmarks associated with Baguio City’s role in World War II. Cyclists and participants will embark on a 44.5 kilometer route that meanders through the city’s picturesque landscapes and historical spots, providing a unique opportunity to relive the past and honor the heroes who fought valiantly for freedom.
While the Ride for Valor primarily focuses on the Death March, the Victory Day Bike Ride aims to balance the narrative by shedding light on the broader scope of World War II history in the Philippines. The Victory Day Bike Ride seeks to increase awareness about Baguio City’s role during the war. The event intends to give due recognition to the countless Filipino and American soldiers who fought for the country’s liberation
The Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) invites sports and cycling enthusiasts to join the Ride for Victory Day, a bike-for-a-cause event that aims to raise funds for the maintenance of the country’s historical markers and other World War 2 heritage sites.
The ride is open to fully vaccinated cyclists and all types of bikes with brakes. Villa-Real said participants may ride at their own pace, and will also implement a “No Helmet, No Ride” policy to ensure the safety of the participants.
Villa-Real also said a mechanic will be available to help those who encounter mechanical difficulties, while roving marshals will be present to keep track of the riders’ progress. Support vehicles are allowed, but riders should only ride in the vehicle if they choose to drop out of the event.
The non-competitive bike ride will have 5 pitstops: Start at Baguio City Hall, First Stop, Camp Allen, Second Stop, USAFIP-NL Marker, Third Stop, Sablan View Deck, Fourth Stop, Fort Del Pilr (Philippine Military Academy), Fifth and Final Stop, US Embassy in Camp John Hay.
The Ride for Victory Day registration price is P600 and includes a commemorative medal, an official event jersey, a race bib and passport, a loot bag, and a post-ride feast.
Before September 1, interested parties may register online at https://bit.ly/victorydayride-regform, while groups may send an email to [email protected]. Participants may also register on-site at the Baguio City branch of INSERT BIKE SHOP PARTNERS.
Veterans and their families from World War 2 own PVB, a private commercial bank. After the Bank’s new Charter was enacted into law, Post War Veterans and AFP Retirees became part owners.
Follow Victory Day Ride on Facebook to learn more about the occasion.
Experience the symbiotic relationship between the pristine essence of nature and the lush vegetation of Banwa Private Island.
Wherever you are on our island, Banwater, our delicious, organically sourced bottled water from our 200-meter-deep island artesian well, will be an essential part of your tropical vacation. With every sip, you’ll feel revitalized thanks to its flawless taste and total absence of any traces of saltiness. A taste of absolute purity, in fact.
Whether you’re in the coziness of your villa, enjoying it with VitaJuwel magic at Latitude Restaurant & Terrace Bar, or just adding sparkles to compliment your destination dining experience, drink from the depth of nature as you hydrate throughout the day. Recharge and refuel while playing tennis on the Meridien’s court, relaxing with a massage, between dives, or on a mangrove river cruise adventure.
Our artesian spring water is there to improve your island experience the moment you enter your little hideaway. Enjoy the comfort of knowing that Banwater also powers the rain showers, faucets, jacuzzi, and swimming pools of your villa, keeping you hydrated, clean, and energetic.
Banwater embodies nature’s original symphonic flow in all its fullness.
For more information and enquiries, please contact the Reservations team through mobile/WhatsApp: +639178882864, send an email to [email protected],, or visit www.banwaprivateisland.com.
Banwa Private Island is proud to announce that it has won the esteemed prize for “The Philippines’ Best Beach, Island or Upcountry Resort” in the first Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023.
Peter Nilsson of Banwa Private Island accepting “The Philippines’ Best Beach, Island or Upcountry Resort” award in Bangkok.
Peter Nilsson of Banwa Private Island expressed his appreciation for the help and the accolades received from Travel + Leisure readers. “We are incredibly honored to earn this prestigious award,” he said. This recognition highlights the commitment and enthusiasm of our island staff members, who we amiably refer to as “Banwaites,” in delivering sustainable luxury and intuitive, seamless service, generating moving and unique experiences that win the hearts of affluent, seasoned guests.
Banwa Private Island, located in the center of Palawan, is a haven of peace and tranquillity surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Modern beachfront residences on the garden island guarantee seclusion and tranquility for discerning visitors. Banwa Private Island raises the bar for opulent hospitality in the area with its dedication to sustainable practices and experiential travel.
The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023 are a distinguished forum for honoring and celebrating the absolute best in the region’s hospitality sector. The awards program, which is an outgrowth of the Travel & Leisure Asia’s Best Awards 2022, now recognizes excellence in 16 more nations and prize categories. Without the use of paid advertisements, a group of editors and knowledgeable contributors from across Asia Pacific chose the nominees.
Björn Rettig, CEO of BurdaLuxury with Jeninne Lee-St. John, Editor-in-Chief of Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau flanked Peter Nilsson.
The Park Hyatt Bangkok in Thailand is where the award was revealed on June 5.
For more information and enquiries, please contact the Reservations team through mobile/WhatsApp:+639178882864, send an email to[email protected], or visitwww.banwaprivateisland.com.
One of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United
Nations is access to adequate water and sanitation, which is a fundamental
human need for health and well-being.
Here on Banwa Private Island, a remote but not totally cut
off sanctuary, we are all too familiar with this problem.
Our initial search for a reliable source of clean drinking
water proved difficult.
We could not, and would not, import water in plastic bottles
from the mainland because of the Aquos Foundation’s core goal of preserving the
island’s biodiversity.
The history is given by Dionisio Lora, Jr., Head of
Engineering and Facilities:
“In the early days, we hired geologists to locate where water deposits (aquifers) would most likely be found. They did a great job. The first aquifer was above water level; relatively shallow and consequently brackish. Ideally suited to irrigate the salt-loving grasses of the (future) short-game golf course.
When we discovered the second and third aquifers, the geologist was so confident, he drank the water straight from the well. He knew the water would be safe because the aquifers are extremely deep.
At 200 metres, by the time rainwater reaches the underground caves, it has passed through many layers of earth. The soil, sediment rock and silicon sand filter out pollutants while adding trace minerals and the sweet taste of spring water.”
According to research, the typical bottle of mineral water
travels 1,000 miles before it arrives at your table. There is enough
zero-kilometre clean mineral Banwater on Banwa Private Island, thanks to our
ancient aquifers and cutting-edge micro-filtration process, to satiate our
thirsty visitors and the hard-working team now and in the years to come.
At the Latitude Restaurant & Terrace Bar, we also offer
“VitaJuwel” decanters for those who would like a little crystal
healing along with their Banwater. Gem-infused water is said to promote health
and well-being by infusing the energy of a particular crystal.
Contact the
reservations team via WhatsApp at +639178882864, send an email to
[email protected], or visit the website at www.banwaprivateisland.com to learn more about the Banwa
Private Island’s commitment to providing pure water.
The time has come to explore the famed Tubbataha Reefs
Natural Park.
The best time for clear skies, calm seas, and 30-40 meter
visibility is from now to mid-June, so hurry up and put on your fins.
What awaits you there once you arrive?
Over huge coral walls that descend more than 100 meters,
schools of tropical fish, turtles, and reef sharks swim. They share their
underwater playground with more than 600 kinds of fish, 360 varieties of coral,
100 varieties of seabirds, and 13 varieties of dolphins and whales.
How did the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park avoid the Coral
Triangle’s other reefs’ fate of being completely bleached out? Two answers for
that.
The reef’s distant location in the Sulu Sea, southeast of
Banwa Private Island, is the first drawback. Next is a Filipina by the name of
Angelique Songco. In her first dive at the reef, 40 years ago, Angelique was an
instructor. She saw firsthand people catching turtle and bird eggs while using
dynamite and cyanide for fishing, despite the fact that the reef had already
been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by that point. She was so upset
that she took over as Director of the Tubbataha National Park Management Board
to make things right. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is one of the top dive
locations in the world as a result of her tireless efforts and those of her
group of devoted ex-army personnel.
A liveaboard dive boat or a private yacht can take you from
Puerto Princesa to the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. For a genuine Tubbataha
Reefs Natural Park dive experience, a minimum of three nights and four days are
required due to its remote location.
Now is the time to dive in and embark on an adventure in an
astonishing underwater garden that has survived against all odds! After a dive
trip, Banwa Private Island makes a wonderful pit stop for some well-deserved
R&R.
Contact the bookings
team by phone or WhatsApp at +639178882864, send an email to
[email protected], or visit their website for additional
details.
Join today’s Ride for Valor, a bike-for-a-cause to generate
money for the upkeep of the Bataan Death March memorials and other World War II
heritage sites. Riders and bike enthusiasts from Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac,
Manila, and other parts of the country are invited to participate.
The
ride coincides with the commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor),
also known as the 81st Anniversary of the Fall of Bataan and the start of the
Death March.Mike Villa-Real, first vice president for marketing and
communications of the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB), said the event, organized
by PVB in partnership with the Department of National Defense, Philippine
Veterans Affairs Office, Provincial Government of Bataan and Wartime Heritage
Guild-Philippines, aims to preserve the legacy of Filipino and American
soldiers who fought for freedom and democracy during World War 2.
“The Bataan Death
March is a somber reminder of the bravery and selflessness of Filipino veterans
during the Second World War. It is an essential part of Philippine history and
culture, and the Ride for Valor is an important way of honoring the veterans
and preserving their legacy. Plus rider get to learn more about this historic
event as they will be be traversing the actual route of the Death March,” he
said.
The
ride is open only to fully vaccinated cyclists and all types of bikes with
brakes. Villa-Real said the event starts at 2:30 a.m. from the Kilometer Zero
in Mariveles, Bataan, to Capas National Shrine in Tarlac.The non-competitive
bike ride will have four pitstops: Mt. Samat, Balanga Provincial Capitol’s The
Bunker, San Fernando Train Station, and Angeles Museum. Giveaways will be given
in selected pitstops.
Villa-Real
said participants may ride at their own pace, adding there will be a 12-hour
cut-off during the event.He noted that the event implements a “No Helmet, No Ride” policy to
ensure the safety of the participants. Villa-Real also said a mechanic will be
available to help those who encounter mechanical difficulties, while roving
marshals will be present to keep track of the riders’ progress. Support
vehicles are allowed, but riders should only ride in the vehicle if they choose
to drop out of the event.
Over 80,000 Filipino and American soldiers were made to
march more than 100 kilometers in arduous conditions by Japanese forces in
1942, and it is one of the darkest chapters in Philippine history. Although
many soldiers died from infections, thirst, famine, and the cruelty of their
Japanese captors, thousands of men did survive the war. PVB is a privately held
commercial bank that is owned by World War II soldiers and their families. The
marks serve as a reminder of the sorrow and heroism that took place at that
time.
Ride for Valor 2023 is sponsored by Without Limits PH, Traqs
Philippines, OneLGC, AIR21, Salgado PR, Panahon.TV, and Integrated Waste
Management Inc. Other sponsors include Neo Zigma PH, Hotel Sogo, The Oriental
Hotel-Bataan, AFAB, Booster C Energy Shot, and Fitbar. The Bank’s ownership has
expanded since its new charter was signed into law.
The All-New Lite Ace Panel Van as the Lakbay Kuwentuhan Caravan
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), the nation’s leading
mobility company, partnered with a nearby children’s bookshop, Basa Bookstore,
for its educational campaign and storytelling caravan Lakbay-Kuwentuhan. TMP is
a champion of initiatives to improve the quality of life of Filipinos through
the power of mobility.
For the first stage of their Lakbay Kuwentuhan caravan, Basa
Bookstore traveled to various provinces using the All-New Toyota Lite Ace Panel
Van to offer storybooks to kids.
Lakbay-Kuwentuhan is a program that Basa Bookstore started
to commemorate International Book Giving Day last month. It aims to promote
literacy among Filipino children and increase their awareness of the value of
education through the distribution of locally produced books. The campaign’s
goals for 2023 alone include giving away 5,000 books to public schools,
reaching 10,000 children, and organizing 20 storytelling workshops for 1,000
public school instructors nationwide.
Lakbay Kuwentuhan Caravan with students and teachers from Masbate
The Lakbay-Kuwentuhan caravan visited South Luzon over the
entire month of February, bringing books to kids in the Bicol provinces of
Laguna, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Masbate, and Albay.
“When we started the
book-giving caravan amidst a pandemic and after Typhoon Ulysses, Toyota was
eager to support our cause. We at Lakbay-Kuwentuhan aim to bring Filipino
stories written by Filipino authors for Filipino children to communities across
the country to lessen the effects of the pandemic on children’s reading attitudes
and in support of DepEd’s Bawat Bata Bumabasa campaign,” said Rey Bufi,
Founder and Chief Storytelling officer of Basa Bookstore.
Rey Bufi (L), Founder and Chief Storytelling Officer of Basa Bookstore
TMP has assisted the organization in reaching 12 communities
in the above provinces to serve more than 3,000 pupils after traveling more
than 2,430 kilometers. In its last caravan, Lakbay-Kuwentuhan was able to hold
three seminars and hold six storytelling sessions. Rey continued, “For
this, we and the nearby communities are extremely appreciative of Toyota’s
involvement in changing our world.
Lakbay Kuwentuhan Caravan with students and teachers from Gubat Elementary School, Sorsogon
The Toyota Lite Ace, known as the “kasosyo sa
asenso” of the Filipinos, aids small business owners in their efforts to
succeed in raising the standard of living in their neighborhoods. The Lite Ace
Panel Van helped organize the Lakbay-Kuwentuhan caravan and quickly handed
books to eager kids. It is equipped with the size and ability to carry things
and goods with ease and speed.
“Part of promoting
better quality of life for Filipinos is nurturing young minds and providing
them with the tools for continuous learning. We at TMP believe that all
children deserve quality education as this will prepare them for their future
and help mold them into the person they hope to become. We support initiatives
such as this from Basa Bookstore and we are honored to be part of this caravan.
We thank them for trusting Toyota and we look forward to more similar future
activities powered by our goal of creating mobility for all,” said Elvin
Luciano, Assistant Vice President of Marketing Services Department of Toyota
Motor Philippines.
Lakbay Kuwentuhan Caravan with students and teachers from Masbate
The Toyota Lite Ace is the Filipinos’ partner in
accomplishing their goals since it is easy to use and maintain, and it is
affordable for MSMEs. The Lite Ace’s excellent efficiency, adaptable load
capacity, and low fuel consumption enable drivers and business owners to
maximize their journeys and increase savings. These models are also available
in Pickup, Cargo, and FX variations. While the Toyota Lite Ace is built with
dependability, durability, and lifespan in mind, further savings that can
benefit their businesses are guaranteed.
To learn more about
the All-New Lite Ace, stop by any Toyota dealership in your area. Visit https://toyota.com.ph/asenso for more details, or join its
Viber community at Toyota PH to receive frequent updates, or follow Toyota
Motor Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
In the next few days, there will be greater traffic on the
roads as Filipinos travel for the Holy Week break. Mobility leader Toyota Motor
Philippines (TMP) is providing a free pre-Holy Week car safety inspection
service to assist drivers in securely reaching their destinations.
Now until April 5th, drivers may receive a free 21-point
vehicle safety inspection at any authorized Toyota dealer or service center
(excluding body and paint centers). Owners of Toyotas can schedule an
appointment by getting in touch with their favorite dealer or service facility.
They can visit toyota.com.ph/dealer to locate a dealer or service facility
in their area.
Owners of Toyota vehicles who bring them in for inspection
will also get a free Caltex Saveplus Card when they use other services. At any
Caltex station accepting this card nationwide, you can receive a fuel discount
of P2.00 per liter for gasoline (Platinum or Silver) or P1.00 per liter for
diesel (except Caltex stations located in Landers Superstores).
Preventative Maintenance check-ups, general service repairs,
aircare, engine detailing, and body and paint repairs are among additional
services that can be requested.
In addition, TMP will provide Roadside Emergency Help at a
limited number of dealers around the nation from April 6 to April 9: 2023 March
15 – April 5, Free Vehicle Safety Inspection Promotion. Visit Toyota.com.ph/promos/pre-holy-week-032023 for additional
details.
Fair Trade DTI License Number. 2023 FTEB-163119 series
For current information on goods and services, dealer
operations, announcements, and events, follow Toyota Motor Philippines’
official pages on Facebook, Instagram, toyota.com.ph, Twitter, and Viber.
For all your Toyota needs, from car selection to auto care,
maintenance, and upgrades, download the myTOYOTA PH APP for Android and iOS.
Rob Chappelhow and Ken Beattie have been
chosen as Banwa Private Island’s first-ever Brand Ambassadors, the company is
thrilled to announce.
Potential guests and business professionals
alike will benefit greatly from Ken and Rob’s in-depth knowledge of Banwa
Private Island’s exceptional beauty and vulnerable biodiversity. Given that
they were present at the beginning of the tropical island’s transformation from
a deserted island into the lush garden paradise it is now, both are in a unique
position to share firsthand experiences and information.
London-based, Rob Chappelhow first visited the island in 2009 when it was a
seldom seen coconut plantation frequented only by Hawksbill Turtles returning
to the pristine white sands to lay their eggs. In 2013, Rob became Project
Director, overseeing the island’s sustainable development. He says: “By 2019,
we were ready to welcome guests to experience Banwa Private Island’s’ concept
of informal luxury in a contemporary setting. I am thrilled to bring my
experience of its evolution to the Brand Ambassador role. Having watched the
native beach forest grow to provide such privacy and tranquility, and witnessed
the rejuvenation of the coral reef and the island’s wildlife, it’s an honour to
once more be part of the passionate team.”
Ken Beattie, currently based in Taiwan, was also involved in Banwa Private
Island’s inception and over recent years has been integral in establishing
Aquos Foundation’s CSR programs, reaching out to the local communities to
foster positive and sustainable relationships. ‘’There are so many
compelling reasons to visit Banwa Private Island including the exceptional
personalised service and the numerous land and water-based leisure activities.
Having dived every reef in the surrounding Marine Protected Area, I have an
intimate understanding of the region’s incredible marine life and the unique
experiences available to our guests”, says Ken of his appointment.
The island sanctuary is located in
north-eastern Palawan in the Philippines, one of the last remaining areas of
natural biodiversity in the world, and it offers beautiful views, white sand
beaches, and turquoise waters. The Aquos Foundation, whose conservation
programs maintain, nurture, and safeguard the sensitive ecosystem, marine
environment, and local community of Banwa Private Island, will also fly the
flag with Rob and Ken. Peter Nilsson, the owner of Banwa Private Island, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rob
Chappelhow and Ken Beattie back to the island team. They have a thorough
awareness of our distinctive brand of seamless service and sustainable luxury,
making them the ideal brand ambassadors for Banwa Private Island.”