Banwa Private Island : A Journey of Discovery and Adventure

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – 05th February 2024 - This week, over 200 guests from the Philippines, Hong Kong and beyond were treated to a preview of a movie documentary, “Banwa Private Island – A Two Part Adventure,” filmed on location and produced by Asian Air Safari.

Banwa Private Island is the gateway to the incredibly rich and diverse marine and land ecology in Palawan. ‘Banwa' actually means ‘community' in the local Palawano language and the Tagbanwa people are considered guardians of the region's indigenous nature. Proceeds from the island directly contribute to educational and infrastructure projects in the area through its Aquos Foundation whose ethos is to support, nurture and protect the island’s unique biodiversity.

The documentary highlights how guests are coming from around the world to explore the culture, history and ecology of this unique region. A truly private island with just 6 beautiful villas, guests enjoy un-paralleled hospitality from the Banwa Private Island team whilst being entranced by the nature, wildlife, beaches and stunning turquoise water in this mosquito free environment. Within just a 20-minute radius, there are an array of activities including snorkeling, diving, hiking, an underground river, waterfalls and unique wildlife indigenous to the area.

The documentary was produced by the enigmatic and humbling Captain Joy Roa, CEO of Asian Air Safari, who commented: “I was given a beautiful opportunity to visit this incredible island with its rich bio-diversity, right in our own backyard in the Philippines. Flying with the helicopter for only two hours from Manila allowed me to see this private world – a distinctive combination of luxurious pampering and hospitality, wildlife encounters, and authentic, meaningful interactions with the local community. Experiencing it all first-hand makes me proud that an award-winning, world-class property like Banwa Private Island can be found in the Philippines, because it defines what positive, impactful travel should be.”

Banwa Private Island is the vision of Richard Beattie who has been exploring the region for over 20 years and cannot escape the charm and lure of these islands. Richard commented, “We are so grateful to Captain Joy and his brilliant team for this incredible documentary. It enables people to have an insight into the sounds, smells, culture and scenery of this almost unknown region and Captain Joy immersed himself into every aspect of what the region offers. His generosity is unbounded, and he appears to have found quite a few future pilots for his team from the eager local school children!”

The screening was attended by an international audience made up of past island guests, those planning to visit in the future and the best of the luxury travel trade who have already booked guest visits to the island from far-away places such as Brazil, China and Europe – and perhaps surprisingly many from Manila who were previously unaware of the adventure that awaits them in Palawan.

The two-part documentary will be available for public viewing in March and a wonderful preview is available via this link.

Forest Crest Nature Hotel and Resort is Proud to Present its enchanting Magical Christmas

 Promising a memorable experience for the entire family. This highly anticipated event, known as the ‘Ultimate Christmas Village in the South,’ kicked off with the illumination of a magnificent Christmas tree at the heart of the village. The sparkling lights and warm ambiance immediately captured the attention and hearts of visitors.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement as the crowd eagerly counted down to the tree lighting. When the lights finally illuminated the tree, cheers erupted, and the village instantly came alive with the spirit of Christmas. Guests of all ages were delighted by the variety of entertainment and delights offered throughout the event.

Talented mascots and performers took to the stage, captiva ting the audience with their lively acts. The entire village was adorned with enchanting decorations, with festive ornaments and twinkling lights adorning every corner. The dedication of the Forest Crest Nature Hotel and Resort team was evident in every aspect of the event.

Situated on the boundary of Tagaytay and Batulao, Forest Crest Nature Hotel and Resort went above and beyond to ensure that guests had an unforgettable experience. Despite the challenges faced by the community, their resilience and spirit shone through as they united to create something truly magical.

Ferdinand Pulia, the general manager of Forest Crest, expressed their commitment to providing a fun and memorable experience for guests. He emphasized that guest satisfaction is their top priority, especially during these challenging times caused by the pandemic. Pulia also expressed his gratitude to customers for their trust and support, acknowledging that their loyalty played a vital role in the success of the event.

Despite the challenges faced by the tourism sector, Forest Crest Nature Hotel and Resort continues to show growth and development through their dedication and the support of their partners. They strive to diversify their offerings and create unique experiences, ensuring that visitors have an unforgettable time.

In conclusion, Forest Crest Nature Hotel and Resort’s ‘Ultimate Christmas Village in the South’ offers a magical experience for the whole family. With its stunning decorations, lively entertainment, and warm festive ambiance, it is a must-visit destination during the holiday season. The dedication and resilience of the team behind the event, along with the support of customers and partners, have made this event a resounding success.

Win a Maldives Getaway with SM and Visa!

In for a luxurious summer getaway? Look no further! This summer, shoppers and fun-seekers alike can indulge in dining treats and shop for summer must-haves at SM using their Visa card for a chance to win a trip for two to the Maldives!

An amazing opportunity to fly to the Indian Ocean paradise, this promo will from April 1 to June 30 in participating SM malls across the country – SM Aura Premier, SM Southmall, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM City North EDSA, The Podium, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM Lanang Premier.

Five lucky couples will be chosen to take the summer holiday of a lifetime, with a round trip flight and a 3-night accommodation in a Premier Sea View Room with a balcony at Velana Blu Maafushi. Aside from enjoying the pristine white-sand banks, the vacation will include adventures such as snorkelling with turtles, dolphin-watching, night-fishing, an unlimited canoe ride, and a day to capture photos and videos of your adventure during your stay.

Simply shop or dine in any of the participating SM mall and pay with your Visa credit, debit, or prepaid card to receive a raffle entry. You can double your raffle entries when you tap to pay with Visa. Making the season hotter, shoppers can instantly win a reward along with their raffle entry when they present a single receipt worth a minimum of P5,000 using straight payments.

The warm, luminous cyan-blue waters and schools of brightly coloured corals and tropical sea creatures await you in a glamorous getaway to the Maldives. Don’t forget that this promo will run from April 1 to June 30. Follow #SMVisaSummer to learn more!

AXA Helps Young Athlete Pursue Her Dream

If you ask Jam Lachica, 12, a young girl and an avid basketball player, how she ended up being selected among 800 players during the Jr. NBA Philippines presented by Alaska Regional Selection Camp, Jam will tell you right away that it was because of her coaches, including her dad Jaylord Lachica and school coach Joseph Rizos.

As a budding athlete, Jam was always influenced by her father’s interests, including basketball, which led to her love for the sport. Since the age of six, she would tag along with her father’s barangay leagues and closely observe the game. “Lagi akong sinasama ni Papa sa mga laro niya, kaya ginusto ko na rin matutunan yung basketball,” she said.
Fast forward to 2016 when Jam first joined the Jr. NBA Regional Selection Camp wherein she competed with several skilled female players her own age. However, she missed her chance to progress to the camp’s second day after she left to support her dad’s championship game in Quezon City.

But just like a true champion, Jam got back up and tried again in 2017. Knowing that she had been chosen on her first try, the shooting guard had a little more confidence, but unfortunately, she failed to make the cut. “Ginawa ko naman yung best ko para makuha ako ulit kaso madaming ibang magagaling,” she said.

Jam admits to feeling disappointment and in fact, did not consider joining this year’s camp. However, her dad didn’t lose faith and together with coach Rizos encouraged her to join again. Surprisingly, 2018 seemed to be Jam’s lucky year – with the help of AXA, the official insurance partner of the NBA in the Philippines, she had the support that she needed to succeed.

Jam was selected as one of the 16 girls that would represent Metro Manila and compete with peers from the provinces at the National Training Camp. All the hard work and long training hours were worth it. “Sobrang saya at thankful ako na may na-meet akong coach na nag-motivate sa akin to do my best. Buti nalang nandiyan si Papa para bigyan ako ng pag-asa,” she said. After all, third time’s the charm.

With AXA providing proper coaching and support, along with her father and coach’s help, she is now one step closer to reaching her dreams. “Si Papa ang best coach ko. Basta nandiyan siya, kaya kong abutin yung mga pangarap ko,” she said.

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance companies, empowers people to live better lives by encouraging them to have a game plan, whether it’s in sports or in the hard court that is life. AXA believes that preparing for the future is important so that people can live the life they choose. For more information on AXA’s wide array of life and general insurance and investment products, visit www.axa.com.ph.

Entrepreneur Rebuilds Business From the Ashes with Help from AXA

In 2016, a fire in Benguet made headlines as it destroyed a warehouse—one that was owned by entrepreneur Kenneth So, and one that provided stable jobs for a lot of workers. So and his team, some of them very loyal employees that had been with him for a long time, could only watch as years of hard work went up in smoke in a matter of hours.

So was grateful that the insurance company he chose—AXA Philippines through its general insurance subsidiary Charter Ping An—swiftly came to his rescue and went the extra mile to process his claim promptly so he could get back on his feet as soon as possible.

So’s business, Granville Corporation Supply Holdings, is a strong player in the competitive supply chain industry. The company plays a key role in the logistics and distribution of fast moving consumer goods across key markets. So employs 400 people to ensure prompt servicing of customers

The fire destroyed Grandville’s four-storey warehouse in La Trinidad, Benguet, and millions of pesos in inventory. Fortunately, So had the foresight to get a comprehensive fire insurance coverage from leading global insurer AXA. His loyal staff also rallied together during a truly trying time. The company is now slowly but surely recovering.

The ease and speed with which So was able to receive his insurance claims and the attentive and dedicated service he received from AXA helped ease his burden. “Now, our warehouse is being rebuilt,” So says. “This is the start of a new beginning.”

So’s experience with AXA is proof of AXA’s unwavering commitment to its customers, backed by superior financial strength and worldwide reach, to be there when it is most needed. It assures clients like So, whose employees and their families count on for their livelihood, can live the life he chooses—free from uncertainty and anxiety, no matter what challenges he has to face.

AXA Strengthens Its Commitment to Fight Climate Change

AXA, the leading global insurer, reaffirms its commitment to sustainability as it joins the fight against climate change. Thomas Buberl, AXA CEO, announced several initiatives and decisions that are to be set in motion in the areas of investments, divestments, and insurance.

“As a global insurer and investor, we know that we have a key role to play and are proud to have taken these decisions and to have inspired others,” said Buberl. “In the spirit of the Paris Agreement, we want to accelerate our commitment and confirm our leadership in the fight against global warming.”

In the investments front, AXA aims to reach Euro 12 billion in green investments by 2020, which is four times the 2015 achieved target of Euro 3 billion. This accelerated target is twice as high as the recommendation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which is to invest 1% of assets into green and clean technology by 2020.

In the area of Divestments, AXA decided two years ago to divest Euro 500 million from the coal industry, targeting companies, which derive over 50% of their revenues from coal. Today, AXA has decided to increase its divestment to a record fivefold or Euro 2.4 billion, this time targeting companies that derive more than 30% of their revenues from coal, have a coal-based energy mix that exceeds 30%, actively build new coal plants, or produce more than 20 million tons of coal per year. Similarly, AXA also announced the divestment of over Euro 700 billion from the main oil sand producers and associated pipelines, signaling the discontinuation of investments in these businesses.

In the field of Insurance, AXA said that as a group, it would no longer be insuring new coal construction projects as well as main oil sands and associated pipelines.

AXA has also partnered recently with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in spearheading an innovative USD 500 million fund to support climate related infrastructure projects in emerging countries.

AXA is currently the second largest life insurance company in the Philippines, based on Total
Premium Income. Since 1999, AXA has focused on life insurance and providing solutions for savings and investments, health, education, income protection, and retirement. It pioneered bancassurance operations in the Philippines, which is the distribution of insurance products through banks.

8 Ultimate Travel Essentials

Vacation mode is on: you’ve booked a flight, finalized your itinerary, and reserved a room at your favorite hotel. Now that you’re all set, how do you ensure a pleasurable and hassle-free getaway? Make sure you have the ultimate travel essentials.

AXA, the global leader in insurance and asset management, shares some tips on important items to bring for a memorable and worry-free vacation.

Travel insurance. Travel insurance financially protects you, your family, and your possessions from travel risks such as stolen luggage, flight cancellations, and medical costs. Several reasons to buy travel insurance include lost bags and medications, the need for a medical emergency in a foreign country, and cash replacement due to theft.

Avoid travel mishaps with AXA’s Smart Traveller which comes with a wide range of benefits, including 24-hour medical assistance, personal accident coverage, liability and personal safety coverage, protection of personal belongings, and refunds for travel inconveniences – allowing you to focus on having a fun and stress-free trip.

Important documents. If you’re traveling abroad, make sure you have hard copies and electronic copies of all your important files which you can save in your cloud or mobile phone. These files should include your passport, visas, birth certificates, driver’s license, SSS, and the like. If you’re traveling as a family, ensure you have everyone’s complete documents. It is also advisable to leave a printed copy at home with a trusted friend or relative for emergency purposes.

Padlocks. Install padlocks on the zippers of your bags to keep your valuables safe. For extra security, try investing in one of the many anti-theft bags out in the market.

First-aid Kit. It’s always good to be prepared! Having the right first-aid supplies on hand allows you to treat injuries right away and reduce the risk of complications. Think of it as your customized survival kit when traveling to a foreign place.

Power bank, electronic cables, and adaptors. Electronic devices are useless if you don’t keep them powered. Bear in mind that voltage and outlets vary per country, making a universal adaptor an essential item. Don’t forget to bring all the necessary cables needed to recharge various types of gadgets. A portable power bank is a lifesaver as it prevents your phone battery from dying while you are on the go. The convenience of charging it directly from your pocket lets you capture every moment of your travels with ease.

Toiletry kit. Make sure to have a well-stocked toiletry bag with all the essentials that you prefer to travel with. After all, they may not be readily available in the country you’re visiting or you may not have time to buy them. Don’t forget your sunblock, hand sanitizer, and insect repellant too.

Compression socks. These stockings help increase circulation and reduce the risk of swelling and clotting veins on a long flight. Compression stockings gradually squeeze your legs, helping your veins and leg muscles move blood more efficiently. They offer a safe, simple and inexpensive way to keep blood flowing.

Refillable water bottle. Water can help relieve jet lag. Stay hydrated throughout your trip as water may boost energy and battle fatigue. Traveling with a reusable water bottle also helps save money and reduces waste and pollution.

Enjoy hassle-free vacations and avail of Smart Traveller now. For more information, visit www.axa.com.ph.

Camayan Beach Resort and Ocean Adventure Experience!

Subic Bay's Camayan Beach Resort is one of those special places that make an impression that will last a lifetime. Camayan Beach Resort is located at the water's edge at the entrance of Subic Bay, it provides the perfect blend of peace, tranquility and beauty. An enjoyable and stress-free vacation. Managed by Ocean Adventure, so you’re guaranteed the same quality of service that you enjoy at our park. Relax in a comfortable cabana, enjoy good food and drinks, and swim or snorkel under the watchful eyes of our beach life guard.

Located amidst the exquisite and tranquil ocean and forest of Subic Bay, this beauty is something that I have been dreaming to go to from quite some time. I've read both good and bad reviews about it but my impression is still very good on this place due to the fact that subic is one of the places outside of Metro Manila that is a go to place for summer which have an array of both virgin forests and wonderful beach resorts in it. I like how the government is backing up and really preserving the natural beauty of the place.

My experience with my short stay was a lot of fun. I was able to experience to swim by the beach, really memorable because I was able to see fishes just swimming next to me, and they are almost in the shore, and If I did bring some bread I would also be lucky enough to feed them while I swim with them. Those marine life in it are really people friendly!

I like the fact that they are strictly maintaining the integrity of the place being a sanctuary for various amount of marine species. I got the chance of feeding the fishes from the deck of a restaurant there next to the sea and it is quite fun, relaxing and relieves stress for me, you can see all the fish trying to swarm around the white bread that we were throwing. There were other activities though that I wish I can try when I get back like non pro diving and riding the motorboat and feed the fishes from there.

During the afternoon, we were able to explore Ocean Adventure which  is a marine conservatory and adventure park  founded by animal behaviorists and trainers. Another fun and educational tour I can say. They usually have educational tours for students there but it will also be fun to tour around as a tourist. You get to see the variety of fishes in Ocean Discovery Aquarium were they showcase the variety of fish that is available there, although it is not all of if but it is pretty much enough for me. Aside from the educational tour there you can also have dolphine encounter, you can visit their store for souvenirs  and dine from the restaurants and the stalls in the park.

Don't miss the shows that they have because it is going to be the hightlight of your trip there. The dolphin show is really awesome! That was the first time I saw it in person and the dolphins were amazing! Doing tricks together with their trainers . Another good show to watch will be the Sea Lions. The story line with their trainers will really entertain you and this will make your tour whether be a date or with your family be worth your while.

Location:
Camayan Wharf, West Ilanin Forest Area Subic Bay Freeport Zone 2222, Philippines

Ideal if you have your own vehicle or you can also ride the Ocean Adventure Bus Service for certain time intervals right at the parking lot next to SM Olongapo




Few notes to consider:

Children 30" and below are free of charge
No Bringing of Food and Beverages
Smoking is allowed only in designated areas
No Pets allowed.

For more information you can check:

Telephone:  +63(47) 252-9000
Manila Marketing Office: +632 706-3344
E-Mail: info@oceanadventure.com.phFacebook: Ocean Adventure Subic Bay
Website: http://OceanAdventure.com.ph/Operating Hours: Daily 9am to 6pm
Admission Fee (inclusive of all Featured Shows and Aquarium Exhibits)