Lagalog Poetography featured in Asian Conservation Foundation's Book "Voices from the Islands"

People, places and faces from the ACF El Nido assignment for "Voices from the Islands"

It was almost a year ago when I joined friends and colleagues, Yassie Arquiza and Criselda Yabes, on a week-long assignment to El Nido, Palawan. It wasn't just any "lifestyle" assignment as we may be prone to get but rather a real, honest-to-goodness expedition into the heart of what I would like to term as eco-business.  In the words of its proponent, Asian Conservation Foundation, it is investing in the environment through a quadruple bottom-line approach.  To put it simply, it's foregoing the short-term for the long-term benefits.  Environment concerns are close to my heart and so this seems like a perfect fit for me.

I haven't heard from ACF Executive Director, Franchesca "Chestnut" Amatong, for a long while so it was a bit of a surprise to learn that the book is now out and ready for distribution to its community beneficiaries and stakeholders.  I've read through the texts, browsed the images and it's like reliving the experience of immersing ourselves in meeting, talking, listening to the people who has participated in the transformation of the El Nido Resorts and El Nido itself.

Many thanks to the wonderful people we've met along the way.  I've certainly learned a lot of things I wouldn't have known if I weren't there on the ground.  I'm honored and grateful to be part of this project, especially now that the El Nido Resorts have found new stewards in the Ayala Group, to carry on their vision for really sustainable eco-tourism.  Thank yous go out to the project's prime movers, former secretary of the Department of Energy, Sir Vince Perez, Ma'am Leigh Talmage, and long-time environmental stalwart and advocate, Ma'am Marigs Laririt.  Last but certainly not the least, a big Thank You to YHWH for He makes all things possible.

Attribution: Authorship: Yassie Arquiza & Criselda Yabes • Book Design: Indios Bravos • Photography: Oggie Ramos and ACF • Printing: Primex Printers • Publisher: ACC Foundation and NCP Publishers