Candidates of Ms. Philippines-Earth at Pandan, Antique

     49 beautiful, and each unique; Mestiza, Morena, Chinita, and proudly Filipina. These were the candidates of Ms. Philippines-Earth that we gladly hosted in Pandan Beach Resort, Pandan, Antique. 

     Ms. Earth is a beauty paegent that promotes consciousness of environmental issues. The candidates are not only recognized for their beauty but also for their awareness and concern in keeping the environment clean. One way to instill this green consciousness is by exposing the ladies to tourism in different towns and cities in the Philippines. This will enable them to be educated, acquainted and involved with the issues and natural resources the place has to offer.

     They arrived at 9:00 am in Pandan Beach Resort, all smiles, laughter and excitement despite their tight and heavy schedules from the previous day. Their weariness from hardly any sleep from all the activities and excursions they encountered, did not show on their beguiling faces. 

     After lunch, the candidates were scheduled to visit the Dioso Library of Pandan Antique to distribute relief goods for the Pandananons who were mostly victims of the Typhoon Haiyan, which is considered to be the strongest tropical cyclone ever recorded. Together with the founder of the Dioso Library, Leo Dioso and the Mayor of Pandan, Jonathan Tan, the candidates helped give out basic necessities of daily life to the people.

     The ladies then toured all over Pandan, visiting the famous Malumpati Spring resort and Bugang river, where they experienced river-rafting, zip lining, and local immersion with the culture and locals of Pandan. 

     At 4:00 pm, the candidates of Ms. Philippines-Earth headed back to Pandan Beach Resort to rest from their grueling day. They de-stressed by lounging at the hammocks, and floating gazebo. Some entertained the curious and awed children that were passing by the beach by having their photos taken with them.

     At 8:00, the ladies all glammed up once more, had their dinner and preparation for the contest that was held at 10:00 in the plaza of Pandan, Antique. 

     The plaza was filled with admiring faces that night; all waiting to see 49 stunning ladies walking gracefully on the stage. The ladies first introduced themselves and the city they represented. Some added an interesting fact about the region to which they belonged. Others kept it simple just by introducing their city and name to the audience. After their short introduction, the candidates displayed  elegance and poise in their beach wear. Each distinct and notable.

     At around midnight, the candidates were back in their welcoming home for the night, Pandan Beach Resort. The day was finally over and they could relax and enjoy the star filled night and the soft breeze on the beach.They were also entertained by the live band and some cocktails at the bar. Some ladies even gave us the pleasure of singing with the band and sharing with the other guests of the resort, their lovely voices. An experience they will never forget. It wasn’t just about the competition but about discovering such a wondrous place and experiencing great hospitality and accommodation at the Pandan Beach Resort. 

Pandan Beach Resort

     Looking for a cozy, homey and fancy atmosphere in Pandan... where you can adventure solo, revel in the magnificence and romantic sceneries with your partner or have some good laughs and memories with friends? Pandan Beach Resort is the perfect place for you.

     Pandan Beach Resort is strategically located at the heart of a haven of natural beauty waiting to be discovered. It is just minutes away from dive sites, trek/hike trails, natural landmarks and notable tourist spots of Pandan, Antique. For more information visit our website: Pandanbeachresort.com. Want to book now? Call +639175809648. 

4 rooms named after towns in Antique (Pandan, Libertad, Culasi and Sebsate)

      Relax in the intimate and friendly surroundings and rooms. Backpacker, standard and deluxe rooms are available from P250.00 per person to P2500.00 per room. 

                                                                                   
Pandan room - our best-seller, beach front.

     We also have a dormitory type room, good for a group of friends or for school field trips or company outings in Nabas Room.

The Spa Area where guests can lounge and get a massage with sound of nature and the sea in the background

 

The Tariktik hut where guests can stay overnight for P500.00 per room

The Dulungan Hall where Marquessa's Bistro and Restaurant is located and can be used as a function hall for events.

      Painted paddles by the locals are displayed and decorated in Marquessa's Bistro of Pandan Beach Resort.

    

  There was once an annual contest called "Dasigay Bugsay" which means Fast Rowing. It's a racing marathon for the fishermen of Pandan Bay. However it has been discontinued.

   Painters showed their talent by designing some paddles, and the chosen paddle was awarded by the Bautista Family who owns the resort.

Our friendly Olga, ready to serve you and answer your inquiries in our bar.

Every sunset is unique and stunning at Pandan Beach Resort

Getting to know a mystifying virgin land called Pandan

   Pandan, Antique is my mother's hometown. What better way to explore the Philippines than to start with your roots?  

Rainbow at Pandan Bay (in front of Pandan Beach Resort)

     

    Boracay, Sagada, Ilocos Norte, Palawan, Bohol, watch out for a newcomer tourist destination spot - Pandan! When you hear the word Pandan, the first thing that comes to mind is the Pandan leaf. It is mainly used in southeast Asia to add flavor to certain dishes such as rice and chicken. However there's more meaning to the word Pandan than just flavor or leaf. Pandan is also a home, a sanctuary and a hidden jewel. It is a 3rd class municipality in Antique, but it is not one to be underestimated.  Pandan is the greenest and most scenic places in the Philippines.

     I have encountered the most picturesque route whenever I visit Pandan. Some tourists call it Boracay's untapped and virgin neighbor. Only a 30 minute drive from Caticlan, Pandan has more to offer when it comes to adventure. It may not have the powder white sand but it is abundant in nature trails, rivers, and waterfalls that adventure junkies will delight in. It is home to Bugang River which is considered to be the purest body of water in Visayas. This entry is a meeting with the municipality, Pandan. It is the underdog that has yet to rise for stardom. We will shake her hand, make small talk and get to know what's in the surface. 


       
                                       Headspring of the Malumpati River

                             

                                                                               Bridge and underground fauna in the Malumpati River

   

     

     Philippines comprises 3 archipelagos or super regions, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, respectively. Pandan, Antique is located in Western Visayas. It is one of the 18 municipalities in the province of Antique. It has a population of 32, 494 people. It's language is Kinaray-a which is the official language of the Antiquenos, the people from Antique. However, it is located near Aklan, which is another province, so the dialect Kinaray-a has been mixed with the dialect Akeanon, so that both groups could understand each other. Natural resources of the town are plentiful. Not only are they rich is marbles and limestones but there are 7,489 forests within the municipality. These forests house many endangered plants and wildlife such as the hornbill. 

                                        

     So what is the etymology of the word Pandan? The word is composed of "Pan" which means bread in Spanish and "Dan" which means that in Kinaraya. Legend says that when the Spaniards first came to Pandan, they asked a local if he had any food. The local pointed out to a loaf of bread and said "Dan" which means that. The Spaniard recognizing bread said "Pan!". Pandan is also called many things. It is the "Green Wall of Panay". Panay is an island in Western Visayas housing 4 provinces, namely Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo. It is called the green wall of Panay since Pandan is the only province in Antique that is surrounded by luscious green mountains and terraces hence the name "Green Wall".  Another name that it has been called is "Jewel of Panay". Since Pandan contains multitudes of rain forests, more than its neighboring towns and provinces, it is lavish in natural resources and endangered species that no other places in the Philippines possess. A town that is surely a treasure. 

                            Mountains of Pandan                                             Limestones on the Malumpati Riverbed 

     Now that I've introduced you to Pandan, walk, run, ride a car, bicycle, tricycle, motor or bus with me as we get to know her skin deep.