ESTEL Magazine

02/04/2024

Swales- A Regenerative Water Management Tool

08/03/2024

El Nido is full of inspiration. A quick dig on a neighbor and friend as I continue to try to understand sustainable and regenerative building.....

In 2014, following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Haiyan (known locally as Yolanda) in the Philippines, Gener conceptualized a design for a traditional Filipino bamboo dwelling engineered to withstand the increasingly severe storms brought about by climate change.

The design features a sturdy framework of intertwined curved bayog with an overhanging roof that doubles as the walls. Tao Philippines has employed this design widely for guest lodging, as well as on a larger scale for schools and community hubs. "Tuka" is a Filipino term referring to the beak of a bird.

See more of Gener's works here- Palawan Paraw - Reviving A Relic of Filipino Culture

Peek cute illustrations of his design here

Palawan Bamboo

07/03/2024

There's you're next ESTEL Magazine cover photo.

In this season, we go into another El Niño season with water being the topic of discussion. We wanted to introduce the carabao (water buffalo), our national animal, as a character on the vacation of tourists and not completely strip El Nido to simply limestone photos.

We met Kuya Dexter, who companions this playful two-year-old and chatted about the implications of water and its visibility to a rural community that makes 300-400 meter trips from barrio household to water source. With tourism in full force, water pressures are more visible and, for many operators, a huge operating expense. Regardless, the waters are part of what bring folks over.

Welcome to the Philippines, a land celebrated as the 'Best Island in the World,' yet also bearing the weighty title of the 'most-disaster-prone country in the world,' according to the World Resources Institute. In this season, we find ourselves in drought.

LET US KNOW WHICH COVER YOU'D LIKE #1, #2, #3, #4 😁

14/12/2023

🌱 Discover the Journey of Regeneration at Tutubig Eco-Garden 🌿

Join David Esteban and Dona Tumacder on their remarkable journey with Tutubig Eco-Garden in El Nido and consultation with Shyo Sayajo. Amidst the pandemic and the years after, they embarked on transforming a 4,403-square meter property into a permaculture space. Dive into their story of challenges, learning, and adaptation. Embrace the principles of permaculture design, water management, and eco-friendly development. Get inspired by their vision for a regenerative future. Read more about their exciting journey and eco-endeavors.

Over the past few years, amidst the pandemic, David Esteban and Dona Tumacder-Esteban, the proud owners of Tutubig Eco-Garden, embarked on a remarkable journey...

18/10/2023

Introducing Issue 16 of ESTEL: Aerial Views and Earthly Stories

Welcome to Issue 16 of ESTEL, where we soar above the ordinary and dive deep into the heart of El Nido's most captivating stories. This issue celebrates our land, our place in it, and the innovative ways we are building a sustainable future.

The Cover Story: A Bird's Eye View with Ignacio Sayajon
Our cover features breathtaking aerial views of El Nido's landscapes and a few projects from climate resilience planner, Ignacio Sayajon. These images are not just visually stunning; they provide case studies to the challenges and opportunities we're.

From Bean to Bar: The Chocolate Journey
Discover the intricate process of chocolate-making, from the cacao bean's humble beginnings to the luscious bars that melt in your mouth. This story is a tribute to the artisans who pour their heart and soul into every bite. Thank you Reiza.

Permaculture Principles: Cultivating a Sustainable Future
Learn about the principles of permaculture and how they are being applied in El Nido to create self-sustaining ecosystems that benefit both the environment and its inhabitants.

Mushroom Magic: The Fungi Revolution
Meet the local mushroom producer and agripogi Zandro, who is giving insight into shrooms.

Alien Circle Crops: Unraveling the Mystery
Dive into the enigmatic world of circle crops and discover what they reveal about our land and its potential. Joke but maybe not...

Binhi Mindful Practice: Planting Seeds of Consciousness
Experience the transformative power of mindfulness and how the Binhi practice is helping individuals connect with themselves and the world around them. Thank you Gia.

Household Action: Small Steps, Big Impact
In our next issue, we'll delve into the everyday actions households can take to make a significant difference in their environmental footprint.

Choose Our Next Cover!
As we gear up for our next issue, we invite you, our readers, to be a part of the journey. Among the stories we've teased above, which one captivates you the most? Which story deserves the spotlight on our next cover? Let us know!

Taytay Tales and More...
Apart from the stories mentioned, this issue also brings tales from Taytay and many more insights into their attempts as sustainable tourism and ideas on how to present tourism in their municipality.

And of course, if you feel compelled to share and let others know what we're attempting to do we always appreciate that.
Thank you thank you!
Option 1: thenest.aerial
Option 2: Terence Ver S. Angsioco
Option 3: Quesada Virus & Partners Asiapacific
Option 4: thenest.aerial
Option 5: Miguel Quesada Virus & Partners Asiapacific

06/02/2023

not only offers great cocktails and a great bartending performance from time to time, their food is also spectacular. Not the mention being beach front and getting to watch Lio sunset from their spot. In photo is the Lio Sunset to double the experience 😉🌅
Food: Sweet and Sour Pork
Other recommendations: Chicken poppers and pomelo salad,
Salamangkero 🍹

19/01/2023

“The clouds don't overthink; they just drift.”- Avijeet Das

👁️📸 Tia Lala Gunita Photography

05/01/2023

🏄🏼‍♂️ Duli Beach 🏄🏼‍♂️

Escape to the picture-perfect paradise of Duli Beach, located in the west of the Philippines on the far north of the island of Palawan. Nestled among palm trees and surrounded by a lush jungle, this roughly two kilometer long beach is a surfer's dream, with an average of seven months of great waves each year. But Duli Beach isn't just for surfers - the gradually sloping shoreline and rocky areas on either side are great for snorkeling, too. Plus, with its secluded location approximately 25 km above the increasingly popular and busy town of El Nido, you can truly unwind and connect with nature at this hidden gem. As more and more tourists flock to El Nido each year, many are seeking out the beauty, peace, and quiet of the northern part of the El Nido province, and Duli Beach is a perfect escape.

Stay Duli Beach Resort or a short walk Surf and Skate Duli El-Nido By Kiteclub Palawan
Lessons Surf El Nido +639567202874

29/03/2020

WHERE DOES YOUR FOOD WASTE GO? IS EL NIDO COMPOSTING?

Here's an example what a couple in Lio are doing. Kalawili Permaculture Palawan

Written by Thierry and Dustie Young

While the complexity of the waste management crisis in El Nido posits difficulty for local government institutions to strike a balance between socio-cultural aspects, economic factors, and environmental situation in resolving the issue, Dustie and Thierry, co-founders of Kalawili, a permaculture farm in El Nido Palawan, found an ecological hero in what most people would consider a nuisance. Their solution, the Black Soldier Fly (BSF).

Click link for more info.....

This is a place that will take some of your waste or encourage you to at least start composting..

Co-Written by Thierry Giron, Dustie Yang and Mark Villaflor Photos by Dustie Yang Palawan saw nearly 2 million tourists in 2019.  On average, each...

29/03/2020

💦💦 REGENERATIVE WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 💦💦

With a pivot into food security measures the tourism industry in El Nido is gonna need some water.

Our in-house environmental consultant, Shyo wrote an article on Regenerative Water Management systems with info on our current situations and some perspective into ineffective water cycles.

Regenerative water management system that enhances effective water cycle is necessary for any civilization, nation and community to thrive.

Just as the rise and fall of ancient civilisations in the Easter Island and Andean civilization is directly linked with effective and ineffective water cycles, respectively, so is the fate of the modern cities. The current water woes in major municipalities are categorically connected with at least one of the following current water management mechanisms found to be increasing the ineffectiveness of water cycle:

- The collection and distribution of storm water through centralised dams and water bores
- The engineering practice of removing the storm rainwater as fast as possible
- Taking away wastewater (either by truck or pump) from the point of use to be treated and disposed in far flung places
- The installation, operation and maintenance of water management system (collection, storage, treatment, distribution, treatment and disposal) is linear and fossil-fuel dependent
- In the Philippines, the different government agencies (DENR, EMB, DPWH, DOH, NWRB, and NIA) tasked to oversee the water management in the country do not coordinate their efforts with one another

Share if you find it helpful or think someone might want to reexamine their water management systems.

By Ignacio Sayajon Where water flows, surely, there is life. Although the exact origin of water remains unknown, it is believed that its liquid...

28/03/2020

Lost Islands Center for Kape - LICK El Nido

A conversation w/ Silvester Dan Sibal Samonte

The Lost Islands Center for Kape in El Nido is a space designated for caring and roasting specialty and premium Philippine coffees. Each Philippine coffee bean variety is carefully roasted to bring out the best flavour. Inspired by the beauty of El Nido -its jagged cliff faces, crystal clear waters, amazing jungles, among many others, we creatively brew various coffee profiles that compliment the nature experience of locals and tourists alike. At Lost Islands, we also conduct home and professional classes. Our Kape Center is led by the Lost Islands Center for Kape Director and our resident coffee and beverage guy - Silvester Dan Samonte. Come by and taste our freshly brewed cup of coffee or visit one of our partner establishments in El Nido.

What is coffee?

This 2020, I regard coffee as both a comfort drink and a beverage that brings out a sensorial adventure. It has a long and deeply connected supply chain, which many people around the world rely on for their livelihood.

What is the coffee scene in the Philippines and what should folks know about?

The Philippine coffee scene is vibrant and full of promise. The entire industry has experienced a renaissance in the last 10 years, from the farming and processing site, to the roasting and retailing aspect. The Philippine coffee industry as a whole is currently at its best quality. High quality green coffees are produced, farmers are earning livable wages and retail businesses are expanding. Even if the Philippine coffee industry is still far from being a world player in terms of high quality coffee, we are gradually getting better.

What vision do you have for sustainability and coffee in El Nido/Philippines/global?

Sustainable coffee, for me, means that everyone in the coffee chain receives a living wage, has a positive impact on the environment and produces quality coffee. This vision of sustainable coffee in the Philippines is rapidly becoming a mainstream idea. Right now, many coffee farmers are receiving above average global and local price for their coffee products. This allows roasters and retailers to opt for environment friendly locally grown coffees. By promoting Philippine grown coffees, we are able to lessen imports and encourage coffee forest farming thereby reducing the environmental impact of each retail coffee cup. El Nido and Palawan are ideal places to craft a coffee chain that supports their sustainability agenda.

Why El Nido?

El Nido is a beautiful place to live out my vision for a sustainable and tasty Philippine coffee. I strive to be a catalyst in prompting high quality Philippine coffee to the world through the retailers, what better place than El Nido. I want each visitor and resident to know that we have tasty, high quality and sustainable coffees available here in the Philippines. El Nido is already on the map for so many reasons, allowing visitors on a worldwide scale to taste Philippine coffees and understand the story behind them contribute to our sustainable goals as a country and a coffee producing area!

Lost Islands Center for Kape
Philippine Coffee Advocates
Specialty Coffee Roastery | Kape Community

Amboy Street, Barangay Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan, 5313, Philippines

- FBelnido - Instagram
[email protected]
0919 979 7997
@

10/03/2020

🚣‍♀️Kayak 🚣‍♂️

Summer is the best time to do kayaking in El Nido. The water is relatively calm and flat, making it easy to paddle from one spot to another. Here are some kayak destinations and opportunities come your visit:

💦From El Nido town beach and Corong-corong Beach, you can paddle your way to Seven Commandos Beach, Papaya Beach, and Cadlao Island.

💦From Maremegmeg Beach, you can go to Pinagbuyutan Island, the last stop of Tour B.

💦There are also kayaking opportunities for you during Tour A (in the Big and Small Lagoon of Miniloc Island) and Tour D (around Cadlao Lagoon)

💦If you are in Sibaltan, you can rent a kayak and paddle around 20 minutes to go to Bubog Island.

You can rent your kayak at El Nido Boutique Artcafe.

08/03/2020

🌅🧘‍♀️Yoga🧘‍♂️🌅

Get the most out of the experience in living in the beautiful town of El Nido (even just for a while) by being fully present in the moment. What better way to practice mindfulness than to join El Nido Yoga in their sunset yoga session in the mother nest of The Birdhouse El Nido.

The daily session begins at 5 pm. To get there, you will have to pass by the Vanilla Complex and turn to the left side of the Maremegmeg Beach. Before reaching the far end, you will turn left again at the coconut stand. From there, you will have to follow the trail signs and climb the bamboo step stairs set against the friendly jungle. Make sure to give yourself enough time to reach the place.

The yoga studio sits among the trees on the mountainside facing the Bacuit Bay. Participants have the best sundown scenery while being surrounded with nature and friendly creatures during their practice. Their session is open to beginners and yoga enthusiasts. Yoga mats and yoga blocks are provided. .

Register in the reception area of their in-house restaurant The Nesting Table. If you need some refreshments afterwards, you can also hang out in there for snacks, drinks or dinner.

06/03/2020

🍻🍷Top Beach Bars🍹🍻

The night is very much alive in El Nido. There are plenty of great places to chill, hang out, drink, dance and party after the sundown. Here are our suggested bars in town and in Corong-Corong.

Town
SAVA Beach Bar - District Bar & Kitchen - Tuko El Nido - Happiness Beach Bar - Pub Grill Restaurant - The Pangolin El Nido

Corong-corong
Outpost Beach Hostel - Panorama Boutique Hotel & Beach Club, El Nido - Republica Sunset Bar - Lion's Bar

Cheers to a night of fun! Always remember to drink responsibly.

04/03/2020

🏝Top 5 Beach Neighborhood 🏝

Inland beach hopping is a great way to spend your vacation in El Nido, Palawan. There are five beach neighborhoods to visit that offers different vibes and activities for you to enjoy.

1. Around 5 kilometers from town is the Maremegmeg Beach. This place is perfect for families. Before going to the beach, you will pass by the Vanilla Complex where you will find restaurants, shops and indoor play area for children. The beach is perfect for swimming and sun bathing. For beachfront dining and drinking, you can go to Maremegmeg Beach Bar, The Beach Shack and Las Cabañas Beach Resort. There is also a 750 meter zipline ride going to Depeldet Islet. Before going back, you may also go snorkeling and explore the coral reef. For slow travelers, you may join El Nido Yoga in their sunset yoga at The Birdhouse El Nido.

2. Another 5 kilometers from town going to the direction of Lio Airport (via AirSWIFT Airlines) is Lio Beach. There is a free shuttle from town that can take you to this lush beach complex filled with hotels, restaurants, bars, retail souvenir shops, wellness center, lift gym, and work space. There is a variety of wholesome activities to choose from in this area. You can go chill, swim and kayak in the beach, bike around the complex or coastline, and run or hike up the Lio Eco-trail,

3. Next is the Nacpan Beach. It is considered as the best beach destination in El Nido. It is perfect for a day long beach bumming, swimming and relaxing. Kayaking is also available for more active tourists. For food and drinks, you will find local eateries, Ranchos, Ruby's Restaurant and Kyla's. While Sunmai Nacpan Beach offers daily live music along with their food and drinks. For partying go to Mad Monkey Nacpan Beach.

4. Pass Nacpan Beach is the surfers' playground, Duli Beach. It is perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers. Be sure to take all your necessities with you for there are no shops available. Expect rough road, no phone reception, and a lot of sand flies. This is best for people who want to experience nature as it is.

5. Lastly, 25 kilometer from El Nido town is Sibaltan. The only spot facing the east. You will find here budget friendy bungalows and homestays. Activities in this area includes beaching, island hopping, kiteboarding, diving, caving and museum hopping. For more details, see our previous post on Sibaltan :)

02/03/2020

🌅✨Sunsets✨🌅

Who doesn't love sunsets? El Nido is a perfect spot for sunset viewing. With the Bacuit Bay directly facing west, most of the restaurants and accommodations along its shore have the most stunning view of sundown.

Closest to town, at Caalan Beach, is La Plage Restaurant & Beach Bar. Corong-Corong beach has the widest view of the bay. Among the bars, restaurants, and accommodations in this area are Bella Vita El Nido Panorama Boutique Hotel & Beach Club, El Nido, Outpost Beach Hostel, BUKO Beach Resort, Republica Sunset Bar, and Lion's Bar. All offers food and drinks that compliments the sunset viewing experience.

Also a popular sundown viewing destination is the Maremegmeg beach. Here you will find Maremegmeg Beach Bar, The Beach Shack and Las Cabañas Beach Resort where you can also order drinks and snacks while marveling at the view from the shore. For a serene sunset experience, you may head to The Birdhouse El Nido and join the sundown yoga session with El Nido Yoga at the mother nest or dine at their in-house restaurant The Nesting Table while watching the colors of the sky change from the mountainside.

29/02/2020

🏝🏨 Lio Hotels 🏨🏝

A handful of beautiful hotels rest within the vicinity of the 4.2 kilometer Lio Beach in El Nido, Palawan. The closest to Lio Airport (via AirSWIFT Airlines), Kalye Artisano, and the lift gym is Hotel Covo. Casa Kalaw and Balai Adlao are situated near restaurants and shops by the beachfront. Huni Resorts Lio sits between the Lio beach and Lio eco-trail.

Lio Beach

27/02/2020

⬆️🗺 THE NORTH MAP 🗺⬆️

For Issue 12 we focused on the north and put out a week long itinerary for those willing to go beyond Bacuit Bay.

Day 1 🖼
Swing through the Lio Beach neighborhood and stop by Kalye Artisano to help support local artists and see what our creative scene has to offer.

🥥Lunch at Nacpan Beach. Spend the night at Nacpan Beach Glamping 🏕 or Casa Malaya. If you’re interested in learning about turtle conservation swing by Sunmai and ask them to take you to their turtle information boards. They work with El Nido Marine Turtle Network. 🐢

🏄🏽‍♂️Day 2
From Nacpan, drive 30 minutes further north and check in at Duli Beach Resort, surf…

💨 ☀️⚡️Day 3 San Fernando
You may stay at Casa Felicidad Beach Cottages Felicidades. Lunch at Qi Palawan wan, an off-the-grid property that runs almost completely on solar power.

💨 Kiteboarding lessons Qi Kiteboarding Palawan

🏖🛶Day 4 Take the ferry from Dipnay and have a true island experience on 🌴Brother Island or Daracotan w/ DRYFT Camp 🏕

🌴🛴Day 5 Curve out on the road and lead to Sibaltan, the eastern side and the most underrated destination in El Nido. Check out Dive Sibaltan 🐟 and what they have to offer.

Check into Balay Cuyonon Eco Lodge for kiteboarding and/or lessons. They also help host the annual PKA - Philippine Kiteboarding Association 🤘🏻every January.

Day 6
From your stay at Balay Cuyonon, the Tapik Beach Park - El Nido Dakila Cabins, gives you great access to Imorigue Bay, a base for island hopping, diving, and exploring and otherwise off-the-beaten path.
🎭 🏛For cultural seekers check out Sibaltan Heritage

Day 7- From your Sibaltan base, head southwest towards the town with a few stops. For explorers, Ille Cave, El Nido serves an important 🦴archeological site. It gives access into a network of caves that run through the Dewil Valley. Take a look at the newly opened Talindak Agro Village and Eco-Farm or swim at Bulalacao Waterfall 💧 before heading back to town.

30/12/2019

🚶🏼‍♂️WALKS ON THE BEACH 🚶🏼‍♂️

There are tons of gorgeous walks on the beach
Town to the end of Caalan,
Nacpan northbound,
Duli,
Sibaltan,
Corong-Corong,
Marmegmeg and around the corner...

Go for a long walk and take it all in.

📷

29/12/2019

🛵🚴🏽‍♂️ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET 🚴🏽‍♂️🛵

Seems simple enough.
Don't drink and drive.
Always wear a helment.
People die on the road, don't be one of them.

📷

29/12/2019

🙌🏻ARMS UP 🙌🏻

Take it all in! Welcome to El Nido....

📷

28/12/2019

With patches of cogon grass, a white sand shoreline, a coconut grove, and limestone formations, the diverse natural elements on this small island make for interesting photos. There’s enough space here for a quick swim or a snooze, and with enough hidden corners it’s also particularly romantic, well-suited for couples. Whoever you’re with, there’s much to enjoy on this laidback island. Usually one of the first stops on the island tour, you’ll need a great deal of willpower to pack up and move to the next stop. .ph

📷 .sandina

27/12/2019

🛏⚠️NEW SPOT IN NACPAN ⚠️🛏

Time to check in and relax in one of the newest Airbnb villas, where beautiful design meets incredible comfort. 😌☕️

📷 .malaya

27/12/2019

🌴☕️COFFEE GAME CHANGER ☕️🌴

Welcome to El Nido .elnido 🙌🏻

Find us in the lost Islands of El Nido! Join us for a coffee tasting or pick up a bag of freshly roasted Filipino coffee to enjoy at home!

📷: .gunita 📷 .elnido

25/12/2019

SNAKE ISLAND 🐍🏖

Check out one of our sand banks, Snake Island, on Tour B! Expect more monkeys thank snakes.

📷

25/12/2019

🎶KARAOKE... BECAUSE WE SING 🎶

A lot of this over the holidays. If you're in a hotel next to one of these, join the party rather than fighting to sleep.

📷