The splendor of Tubbataha Reefs

for the arrival of the Korean superstar at his private hangar at the NAIA.

“It’s like a little Korea, but we will call it Little Seoul. And once we’ve finalized the project, we might involve the Department of Tourism, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Trade and Industry,” he said ensuring that Little Seoul aligns with broader national objectives, such as promoting tourism, creating employment opportunities, and fostering economic growth.

The concept of Little Seoul draws inspiration from the vibrant cultural landscape of Korea. Singson envisions a place that captures the spirit and charm of the country, recreating a miniature version of Korea within Manila by offering an immersive experience of Korean culture.

Asked about the project, Lee said, “It’s only our second time to meet but we are looking forward to more Philippine projects together.”

Lee returned to the Philippines for The Dreamer’s Dream Chapter 2 Asia tour concert, held at the New Frontier Theater on May 27. His previous visit to the country took place in 2019 when he held a fan meet for his popular series, Vagabond, at the same venue. Impressed by the scenic beauty of the Philippines, Lee expressed his fascination and mentioned his desire to film a television series in Vigan. Additionally, he even said interest in releasing a Filipino song. Speaking to the press, he enthusiastically stated, “I firmly believe that creating Korean shows in the Philippines would be amazing.”

“I visited Vigan and I found it a beautiful city. Someday we would like to film a series there,” the actor shared.

Lee is known for starring in the hit Korean dramas A Korean Odyssey, Mouse, and The King 2 Hearts, to name a few.

LOCATED right in the middle of Sulu Sea, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a marine and bird sanctuary consisting of two huge atolls, covering more than 97,000 hectares. It is a world-renowned scuba diving site, as it is home to more than 1200 marine species.

For those of you planning to experience the splendor of this natural attraction, now is the right time to do it because optimal conditions for clear skies, calm seas, and a 30-40 meter visibility may be had from now until mid-June.

What awaits you once you get there? Schools of tropical fish, turtles, and reef sharks swim over massive coral walls that descend more than 100 meters down. More than 600 species of fish, 360 species of coral, 100 species of seabirds, and 13 types of dolphins and whales coexist in this underwater playground.

How has the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park avoided the bleachedout fate of other reefs in the Coral Triangle? There are two answers.

Firstly, the reef’s remote location in the middle of the Sulu Sea, southeast of Banwa Private Island, puts it far from irresponsible and careless fisherfolk.

Secondly, a Filipina, Angelique Songco, has stood up for its protection since she first dived at the reef as an instructor 40 years ago.

Although by that time the reef had already been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, she personally witnessed fishermen using dynamite and cyanide for fishing while gathering turtle and bird eggs. She was so distressed that in order to rectify the situation, she worked her way up to become the Director of the Tubbataha National Park Management

The South Beach of Banwa Private Island

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is accessible from Puerto Princesa by private yacht or when booking a live-aboard dive boat. Due to its remote location, a minimum of three nights and four days is needed for an authentic Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park dive experience. While you’re in that part of the country, you might just want to complete your once-in-a-lifetime “nature’s bounty” experience by booking yourself at the Banwa Private Island nearby. Six hectares of lush, verdant landscaping and pristine white sand beaches provide a perfect environment for nature to thrive. The island is a sanctuary for an incredibly rich and diverse number of flora and fauna species. Banwa Private Island’s strong links to the local community and its intrinsic connection to the ocean provided the inspiration for its name. The culture and philosophies of the Tagbanwa people are strongly reflected in the overall ethos of this luxury destination.

More mation on your planned dive excursion at the exciting Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, or on a perfect private island R&R at the Banwa Private Island is available at mobile/WhatsApp: +639178882864

From left: Metro Ilocos Norte Council General Manager Perry Martinez, Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, Cebu Pacific Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Michael Ivan Shau, Ilocos Norte Tourism Office Head Ian Raquel, and Cebu Pacific Director for Passenger Sales and Distribution Arlene Tena lead the ribbon cutting to formally inaugurate the airline’s Laoag-Manila route