Cuyo Island

The rainy season has started, yet I couldn't resist an invitation to Cuyo Island in Palawan. I was invited to judge the Mutya ng Cuyo, my third time to judge a beauty pageant this year. Indeed, we take beauty pageants seriously in this country. The winner goes on to compete in Mutya ng Palawan and then to Binibining Pilipinas.

It takes an hour or less to fly to Cuyo. Its group of islands is in the northern part of Palawan, closer to Panay Island than the province's capital, Puerto Princesa. Cuyo is home to a 350 year old Spanish fort, which shelters a church and a convent in its high stone walls. Today, the Cuyo archipelago is best known for its famous resort island, Amanpulo, but it has much, much more attractions to see. I had my Lumix clicking away.

First time to ride a six-seater plane, Prince, Altaire, me and Benjoe.

As soon as you see the clouds, you forget your fear of flying.

A breathtaking view of Cuyo Island.

We have landed!

In almost  every town plaza in our islands, we have a monument to our national hero, Jose Rizal.

The bell tower built on top of one the oldest forts in the Philippines.

The Church of Saint Agustin.

The church keeper told us that some of these centuries old tiles have been stolen and sold for P12,000. a piece.

I thought the vestments of Saint Agustin was very Christian Lacroix.

A structure built on top of the old fort serves as a museum.

A 300 year old Bible.

An ivory image of the infant Jesus.

The quaint town of Cuyo.

I had to try these waffles sold on the streets.

All the sugary goodness we like!

The houses outside of town are beautifully fenced with flowering shrubs.

An old shipwreck has become a tourist attraction.

Pandan Island.

You can walk the island end to end in twenty minutes. I think Mega Mall is bigger!

Lovely island flora.

Can you spot a four leaf clover?

Exotic island flowers.

Benjoe had a field day with his camera.

The other side of Pandan Island has bigger waves.

Prince enjoying the splash.

I thought this was very cinematic.