AMANPULO: The Ultimate Beach Destination

           For aficionados of sun, sand, and sea, Amanpulo stands as the ultimate of beach destinations. Nestled on Pamalican Island, just north of Palawan and between Panay Island, this exclusive resort offers a sanctuary of unparalleled natural beauty. Pamalican Island is a private haven adorned with powdery white beaches and unspoiled coral reefs.

The entire island serves as a luxurious resort enclave, enveloped by pristine white sands and the shimmering azure waters of the ocean. Casitas and villas dot the landscape of this five-kilometer-long island, discreetly nestled beneath the lush canopy of trees, ensuring the utmost privacy for guests. No wonder it is the coveted destination of choice for the rich and famous.

There is a feeling of tranquility when you are at the beach as you have it all to yourself.  As you traverse the island's pathways, a sense of solitude envelops you. Sandy trails lead to secluded coves and verdant tropical jungles, where vibrant birds and graceful monitor lizards inhabit the sun-drenched landscape.

While the rates may be beyond the means of ordinary individuals like ourselves, one notable aspect of the resort is their attention to the spiritual well-being of their staff. In addition to hosting monthly masses, the resort also has special religious observances like the nine-day Simbang gabi masses and the Easter triduum, to which guests are warmly welcomed.

             Since the parish priest of the area cannot celebrate these services, additional priests are invited to ensure the spiritual needs of the resort's community are met. This is precisely how I found myself presented with the opportunity to visit this exclusive retreat. The former administrator of the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay, where Amanpulo is located, informed me about the opportunity and, upon learning of my interest in visiting, kindly notified the parish priest.

   As a result, I had the privilege of celebrating the Simbang gabi and Christmas celebrations of 2019, as well as the Holy Week observances of 2023, where I was able to serve and contribute to the spiritual atmosphere of the resort and savor the beauty of the island.

            

Enjoyed the tranquility of the beach under the shade of the trees on the western part of the island in the morning, then transferred to the eastern part in the afternoon. The western side boasts the finest sand and tranquil waters, perfect for leisurely beach activities, while the eastern side caters to thrill-seekers with opportunities for kite surfing and other water sports.

Doing the Station of the Cross on a Good Friday. 

The chapel grotto which was just beside the sea where we had some of our services. 

I got to join a snorkeling trip with the guests. 

The island of Manamoc as seen from the western side of Amanpulo. 

On the eastern side of the island this restaurant is the only building that can be seen by the sea. 

On the western part, this restaurant is likewise the only building that sits near the sea. 

One of the monitor lizards

Many of the workers in the resort come from Manamoc island just west of the Pamalican Island. Their boats are docked at the northeastern part of the island near the airport which is far from the casitas and villas of the guests. 

The mess hall for the employees where the meals are served for free to the employees. 

Got to visit the island of Manamoc where I met the parish priest of Concepcion to which the island of Manamoc and Amanpulo belong. 

The chapel of Manamoc island. 

At the airport lounge in Amanpulo. 

CHURCHES IN THE APOSTOLIC VICARIATE OF TAYTAY, PALAWAN

During one plenary assembly of the bishops, when Fr. Reynante Aguanta was still the  Apostolic Administrator Vicar of Taytay, I got an invitation from him  to visit the apostolic Vicariate of Taytay. I took the first opportunity to be there since the first time I went to El Nido, which is still north of Taytay,  the roads were not cemented yet and we had to take a small plane to get there. 

Fr. Rey met me at the airport in Puerto Princesa and we took the time to pass by the different parish churches belonging to Taytay along the way.  Aside from an island hopping in El Nido we also visited Port Barton which is fast becoming a tourist destination for its beautiful white sand beaches and serene atmosphere.

St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral Parish
Taytay, Palawan 

The Taytay Cathedral is still unfinished. Construction is slow with the lack of funds.  

Just at the back of the Cathedral is the Curia building which is also the bishop's residence.

This is the old Cathedral building which is still being used near the Curia building and at the back of the new Cathedral. 

The Fuerza de Santa Isabel in Taytay

The Fort or Kuta as locally known served as a fortress against the Moro invaders in the 17th century. It is one historic site that should not be missed when going to Taytay. 

Sta. Monica Parish, Poblacion, Taytay, Palawan

San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish, Caramay, Roxas, Palawan

With the parish priest of Caramay and Fr. Rey Aguanta (right) the administrator of Taytay. 

San Isidro Parish, Roxas, Palawan

With the parish priest of Roxas. 

The convento of Roxas

Sto. Niño Parish, Abongan, Taytay

St. Francis of Assisi Parish, El Nido, Palawan

San Isidro Parish, Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan

St. Joseph Parish, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

We passed by this church with its newly built convento in Puerto Princesa. 

San Vicente Ferrer Chapel, Manamoc, Cuyo, Palawan

The island of Manamoc is part of the municipality of Cuyo which is the farthest jurisdiction of the town to the north. However, as a parish it is under the care of the Mission Station of Concepcion, Agutaya. Manamoc formerly belonged to Agutaya but it was since taken by Cuyo since the people of the island speak Cuyonon, not Agutaynon. 

With the parish priest of Concepcion, Fr. Alex Abia.  Most of the workers in Amanpulo come from the island of Manamoc which is just 35 minutes away.  

The Andres Soriano Foundation, Inc. which is the real estate owner of Amanpulo has several projects in the island. They have also scholars studying in Manila coming from the island. Fr. Alex was saying that in the senior high school, they have replicated a casita in Amanpulo for the training of the students.