I can’t tell you how excited I was to go on this trip. I was told that this beach rivalled the Maldives in terms of beauty, service and amenities. And since I have never been to the Maldives (and it has been a dream of mine to go there) I was absolutely thrilled when I learned I was to visit the island.

Its called Pangalusian Island, El Nido.

Now, I have always heard many great things about El Nido, and I have been to Palawan, so I thought I knew what to expect. I have to make this clear–I had no idea how gorgeous this island was. It is absolutely breathtaking! Think: ultra fine white sand, crystal clear waters, aquatic life aplenty and lots of space to jump, roll around and frolic in (of course, I didn’t do any of these things, but I felt like doing them the moment I set foot on its beach). If you have that picture of the perfect beach in your mind, this is it! Its just that beautiful. The best part is that the island is completely eco-friendly, which means they enforce proper waste management and are as “green” as they come.

I wish I could tell you I had discovered this little piece of heaven on my own, but it was through Unilever’s first ever PC (Personal Care) Summit that I was able to go to this island. (By Personal Care, of course, I mean our everyday, favorite brands we cannot seem to live without: Pond’s, Dove, Rexona, TRESemme, Creamsilk, Vaseline, Closeup, Clear, etc.) The best and brightest of the industry were all there–celebrities, fashion and beauty writers and top bloggers were part of this amazing trip. And lucky us, we were pampered and spoilt to our hearts’ content, with VIP service all the way! I have to say, Unilever PR Head for Personal Care, Apples Aberin, did an AMAZING job organizing the event (in collaboration, of course, with Bridges PR). I could tell all the big and little details were carefully thought out and planned. It was as if they thought of every possible way to keep us relaxed, comfortable and most of all, happy. What a wonderful experience! (All photos are by my cousin, Sandro Paredes btw.)

We’re here! This was taken while on the speedboat to the island.

What I found unique to this beach were the many islets surrounding it. So pretty!

And here it is! The gorgeous beach! This photo doesn’t do it justice.

Our first event for the day: an all white luncheon to get everyone settled in. Here we have accomplished models: Tetta Ortiz-Matera, Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez, Myrza Sison and Rissa Mananquil-Trillo

That’s me with Bridges PR’s Toni Gregory and model/blogger Patty Laurel-Filart.

All smiles at the all white party.

Myrza Sison, Unilever Philippines CEO Peter Cowan, Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez and Apples Aberin.

Catriona Grey with Azkal brothers Phil and James Younghusband.

Girls with their cameras: fashion bloggers Laureen Uy and Kryz Uy.

Laureen Uy and Raymond Gutierrez.

James.

Tweetie.

Phil.

Apples gives a welcome speech.

Catriona.

Peter Cowan welcomes everyone.

Mond.

Unilever VP for Personal Care Gina Lorenzana.

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After lunch, guests were invited to visit the different beauty pavilions–each one had an activity in store for everyone. I was assigned to the hair pavilion with Raymond and hair expert Lourd Ramos. So fun!

Patty.

LOOK magazine EIC Carmencita Sioson.

TV Patrol’s Gretchen Fullido and Apples.

Jenni Epperson.

Our official DJ for the trip: Mars Miranda.

Kryz Uy.

The Bag Hag Ingrid Chua-Go.

Hair expert Lourd Ramos teaches us a few hair tricks when at the beach.

How to do a pretty side braid.

Mond hosting the program at the hair pavilion.

It was obviously super fun at the Closeup pavilion! This is so cute!

The all-white party!

We rested up and got dressed for another event, this time a dinner hosted by Pond’s.

That’s me sharing my Pond’s experience–from when I became a Pond’s girl in 2005 and how I’ve basically grown up with the brand.

Its party time! With Laureen, Kryz, Mond and Patty.

Another one with photographer Sandro Paredes.

The following day was dedicated to Unilever’s biggest brand: Creamsilk. They flew in none other than actress and endorser Heart Evangelista to host a series of events.

Gorgeous Apples Aberin.

Caught Ingrid in the moment. She is such a great photographer.

My fresh-faced no-makeup look.

Listening attentively to Creamsilk’s lecture on its haircare technology.

Watching Creamsilk’s amazing hair test.