ROBBY M. ALUGAR
When I received an invitation from Perceptions Inc., the agency handling promotions for Sunlight Air, I could not refuse this opportunity since I’ve never been to Palawan. My interest in accepting the invitation increased when I learned we would stay at Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort in Culion, Palawan, a haven of serenity and unparalleled island hospitality.
The group of influencers bound to Coron via Sunlight Air
Sunlight Air’s Guest Lounge in Coron, Palawan
Arrival in SETIR
Sunlight Air, the newest player in Philippine Aviation, hosted the media familiarization tour that brought us to Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Busuanga Island, Coron, Palawan. From the airport, we traveled for 45 minutes on a shuttle bus service and then we spent another 45 minutes on board a speed boat from Coron to Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort (SETIR).
SETIR’s newest villa category – the Salepan villa
This writer in one of the villas at SETIR
SETIR has 99 Maldives-inspired villas, a wide variety of restaurants, and world-class amenities and facilities that cater to every traveler’s needs. Situated across the 18-hectare island, SETIR offers pure relaxation and breathtaking views which mesmerized me, especially the untouched natural beauty and serenity of island living with the luxurious villas at the secluded island resort.
Sirakan Villa balcony with glass flooring
Welcome gifts from SETIR and Sunlight Air
To our surprise, our host provided each with a villa for two nights as our accommodation. Upon checking in at my villa, welcome gifts from SETIR and Sunlight Air were placed on the king-sized bed. Of course, I have to take a quick photo of my room since it has a glass floor on the balcony with a breathtaking view of the sea and nearby island.
Guided tour in SETIR
After a late lunch at the Island Garden Restaurant, Sunlight Hotels and Resort Executives Ms. Pia Xenia De Villa, Corporate Marketing Manager, and PR & Brand Communications Manager Ms. Patricia Marie Matalog showed us around the entire 18-hectare island property.
The Salepan villa
The Salepan villa
Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort has seven villa categories designed with comfort and luxury to ensure guests enjoy an unforgettable stay. The villas are spacious and have design elements that blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. Each room features Filipino-style furnishing with mesmerizing views of the ocean and lush hills of Coron.
The Sirakan villa
Famed glass flooring of Sirakan villa
Sirakan Villa balcony with glass flooring
The Sirakan villa is one of the most popular villas at the resort. This cozy honeymoon villa features a king-sized bed, outdoor jacuzzi, and the famed glass flooring that allows guests to enjoy amazing views of the marine life beneath. Its magnificent style and amenities set apart the Sirakan villa as the top choice for those looking for a romantic tropical escape.
Veranda of the Salepan villa
Kitchen and Dining area of the Salepan villa
SETIR’s newest villa category – the Salepan villa is tailored to provide a customized travel experience to its guests. An upgraded version of Sirakan, this two-story, glass-floored, two-bedroom villa has complete amenities such as an infinity plunge pool, direct ocean access, and a kitchen. Its interiors boast local craftsmanship from provinces like Puerto Princesa to Ilocos Norte. The resort has several lounge areas, and a rooftop balcony ideal for relaxing sunset massages or stargazing at night.
Rooftop balcony of Salepan villa
Guests staying in Salepan are also treated to the finest Filipino hospitality services. This includes a private land & boat transfer, a dedicated butler service, and a private chef to allow guests to enjoy complete relaxation during their stay.
The resort also makes the ideal setting for company events, team buildings, and other milestone celebrations with the island’s functional spaces and picturesque backdrop. SETIR also provides other notable amenities such as spacious KTV rooms, a well-equipped gym with majestic ocean views, function rooms, and a garden walk.
The island resort has 10 diverse dining outlets where guests can partake of culinary delights ranging from comfort Filipino cuisine to international dishes. To complete the dining experience, guests can also delight in refreshing cocktails, premium wines, spirits, and cigars in the resort’s very own cellar.
Welcome Dinner hosted by SETIR
This writer flanked by Sunlight Hotels and Resort General Manager Ms. Radine Yzabelle Brito together with Resort Manager Mr. Craig Philip Garchitorena Ronquillo,
(L-R) Sunlight Hotels and Resort PR & Brand Communications Manager Ms. Patricia Marie Matalog, Robby Alugar and SHR Corporate Marketing Manager Ms. Pia Xenia De Villa
Sunlight Air Marketing Supervisor Mr. Kevin Samonte (right) and Mr. Mc Clowie Ocuraman
Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort hosted a welcome dinner by the beach graced by Sunlight Hotels and Resort General Manager Ms. Radine Yzabelle Brito together with Resort Manager Mr. Craig Philip Garchitorena Ronquillo, Corporate Marketing Manager Ms. Pia Xenia De Villa, and PR & Brand Communications Manager Ms. Patricia Marie Matalog. Sunlight Air Marketing Supervisor Mr. Kevin Samonte and Mr. Mc Clowie Ocuraman also joined the dinner with the selected influencers. We had great conversations under the moon and starry skies sharing about work, family, travel experiences, hobbies, and love life.
Exploring the Maldives inspired resort
Hearty breakfast at Sun Cafe
After a long day, I fell asleep in my comfortable bed with huge and soft pillows and woke up early to catch the sunrise while swimming in the resort’s pristine blue waters and a quick dip at their huge pool. Of course, I did not miss biking around the island and exploring the Maldives-inspired resort then having a hearty breakfast at Sun Cafe.
Lunch at Hikari Restaurant
At the Island Garden Restaurant
Right after breakfast I just stayed in my villa while checking my emails and uploading photos on Facebook for their internet service on the island is very fast & efficient. And suddenly we were notified in our Viber that lunch was ready at the Hikari Restaurant where the chef prepared classic teppanyaki dishes made with high-quality ingredients and authentic flavors.
Group pictorial at the Mangrove Restaurant
The Mangrove Restaurant, another dining outlet, showcases traditional Filipino cuisine. The restaurant also serves cocktails with a Filipino twist, made with local spirits, providing a delicious complement to the food.
Karaoke Night at the Ocean Wave KTV
The best part of the evening was that we enjoyed a night of singing at Ocean Wave KTV’s fully equipped KTV room. They have themed rooms that can accommodate a large group. This is a perfect place to celebrate your party, family gatherings, and friends’ night out.
Island hopping to the different and scenic islands of Coron
RMA with Sunlight Hotels and Resort Corporate Marketing Manager Ms. Pia Xenia De Villa
Scenic islands of Coron
The influencers having a great time swimming
Sumptuous lunch in the island
We had a lot of free time during our FAM TOUR so we enjoyed a variety of activities such as guided snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, biking, and island hopping to the different and scenic islands of Coron surrounded by vibrant reefs teeming with marine life. Activities of all types are available for everyone to make new memories. After the day-long activities, we were pampered with a relaxing massage at the Sanctuary Spa.
On our 3rd day, we transferred to mainland Coron and stayed overnight at the other property of Sunlight Resorts and Hotels which is Sunlight Hotel Coron. The hotel offers comfortable accommodations for travelers. The hotel is conveniently located in Coron Town, Palawan, making it an excellent choice for visitors who want to explore the nearby islands and town proper.
Sunlight Hotel Coron Pool side
Premiere Room of Sunlight Hotel Coron
The hotel has comfortable, convenient, and timeless rooms designed to provide guests with a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The rooms are spacious, well-lit, and focused on comfort and functionality, ensuring a memorable stay.
Welcome dinner at Cafe Azalea
Sunlight Hotel Coron also hosted a welcome dinner at Cafe Azalea. Cafe Azalea is a restaurant that offers a unique blend of international and local Filipino cuisine. It provides customers with a variety of options to choose from. It has a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, Cafe Azalea has a warm and inviting ambiance that makes it a popular destination for diners seeking a comfortable dining experience.
For inquiries and reservations, please get in touch through the following contact information:
Landline: +632 8657 1919 | Mobile: +63 917 517 6638 | Email: reservations@sunlighthotelsandresorts.com
With the very efficient executives of Perceptions Inc. Communications Strategist Ms. Alexandra Sih and Media Services Manager Sarah Salido-Arde
Special thanks to Perceptions Inc. Communications Strategist Ms. Alexandra Sih, Media Services Manager Sarah Salido-Arde, and Ms. Mavitch CL for the well-organized and the most relaxing Media Familiarization Tour.
