Thursday, November 27, 2014

A Multitude of Gratitude

We always dreamed about this better life, this better life. We always felt it coming all along, yeah all along.


Back in college, there was this forum we had to attend just because it was required. And being the supposed studious-grade-conscious-stereotyped UP student I was, I went. That was when I first met Ms. Lybanor Godio, the then ENR Manager. I think I was in sophomore year then. That was also the year when The Bourne Legacy was being filmed in the Philippines. That was when the cast and crew of the movie stayed at El Nido Resorts since some shots of the movie featured Bacuit Bay.

Of course there were a lot of lecture and discussion in the classroom. But the most lasting thing, if not the only thing I have learned from the forum, was that, according to Ms. Lyba, "Being in the industry gives you a chance to touch the lives of other people."

I have always remembered that. Now, a few years later, working for El Nido Resorts, I have experienced a series of touching lives and being touched in return. Through a series of smiles, a series of acts of kindness, a series of wonderful adventures, and a series of gestures of appreciation from all the guests as well as from the people at the resorts whom I have worked with.

And that is what I am most grateful for today. How my life has been changed and how I was able to change lives being here in the humble post I'm in. So, in keeping with the tradition of thanksgiving (although it's sad that it's not being celebrated as much here in the Philippines), here's sharing with you all the gratitude I have received and am continually receiving from people who were once strangers but, in the course of things, have somehow become dear friends.

Mr. Ku Lee
R4U Travel

Hello I read your email. Thank you for keeping the promise.
I've decided to study English hard after meeting Rachel.
I will remember those good times together in El Nido.

Hope to see you again!

Ms. Apple Bautista and family 
Hi Claudine and Rachel,

I want to thank you for booking us in Lagen Island Resort and fixing our flight schedule. I also want to share our experiences during our stay in Lagen Resort. It was fantastic. The staff and crew were very friendly and accommodating. Service and food were awesome! Please extend our thank you also especially to Mang Julie and Mang Randy and 2 boat men who toured us in different islands, helped Marga and Santi paddle the kayak, accompanied us inside the cave, snorkeling, hiking, and even taking pictures of the scenic Palawan, Jhe (coordinator), Jessa, and Alex who prepared our private sumptuous dinner in sand bar but unfortunately it rained that night but Alex fixed it on the tree deck and Gamie (bartender) who extended our happy hour drinks.

We truly treasure this memorable vacation in Lagen Island Resort Palawan.

Ms. Jocelle Bodestyne 
Metro Weddings Magazine

Our El Nido trip was fantastic!! And service was impeccable!

Thank you so much to your team--Jona, Angelica, and people from ITI for being so accommodating of all our requests.

We will surely return! More power to you and El Nido.

Ms. Gwenaelle Ravon 
International Committee of the Red Cross

We thank you very much for you kind service and advice.

We had a lovely time and we wish we could spend more time there!

Mr. and Mrs. Benedict and April Jamora  
We had a great time! Had a little confusion with the pick up point for Lagen... we went to Taytay on the 20th. But the staff in both Apulit and Lagen attended to us promptly, politely, and made up for it that's why we were very happy and satisfied. 

Thank you everyone at El Nido Resorts for making our honeymoon indeed memorable for us. Your service is unparalleled. We will be back really soon!

Ms. Anna Featherson and family 
Embassy of Australia

Thank you so much for your assistance with our holiday booking.

We had a most wonderful time at Pangulasian Island Resort. We will always treasure our memories of our time spent at El Nido Resorts. It really exceeded all of our expectations.

Mr. Sander Timmers 
Embassy of the Netherlands

We had a wonderful holiday and we are so happy that we could visit both Apulit and Lagen. The first time we went out to snorkel we also saw a green sea turtle, really amazing! The nature, the reefs, and the peacefulness of Apulit made such a big impression on us, we really hope to come back there sometime. Lagen also was an amazing experience. We really enjoyed it both very much. I hope we can come back to El Nido as well and then try to stay in Miniloc, especially if the water cottages are available. Miniloc is so close to all the wonderful spots in El Nido, the big and small lagoons and swimming with the Jack fish was so much fun too.

Thanks for arranging this trip for us and hopefully till next time! 

and this last one from

Ms. Kimberly and Ms. Karla
Jeron Travel

Thank you so much for assisting us through and through throughout this whole trip! We are so grateful for you!

Keep shining!

What are you most grateful for today? 

Photo of El Nido sunset by Mark Cantalejo