By Joey Alarilla
INQUIRER.net
UPDATE: Added a video.
WE went to Miniloc island in El Nido Resorts, Palawan last week to cover the annual Synergy information and communications technology forum jointly organized by Intel Philippines and Hewlett-Packard Philippines. This year’s Synergy was special because this was its 10th anniversary.
Of course, since we were in paradise, we not only covered the ICT forum itself but also shot videos for iVDO on Yahoo! and Tales for the Nomad, as well as producing content for different sites under INQUIRER.net. We wanted to show multimedia journalism in action, meaning the coverage provided by the INQUIRER.net team that attended (we’re informally known as the INQuboys, heh) not only included breaking news and Infotech articles, but also blog posts, podcast interviews and video. Because that’s how we are over at INQUIRER.net — we work hard and play hard, and we have fun while doing our jobs well.
Here’s an underwater video that INQUIRER.net reporter Lawrence Casiraya took with the waterproof Olympus mju 790SW digital camera that Axis Global lent us as a demo unit. We’re evaluating different digital cameras for our Editorial team, and this baby has really caught our attention.
Please be warned that you should stay away from the jackfish — the big black fish with the sharp teeth you’ll see in the video — particularly when they’re feeding, as these aggressive creatures might bite swimmers. Plus their tails are pretty sharp and may injure you if you come into contact with them.
The guide warned Lawrence not to get too close, but our brave (or is it foolhardy, heh) reporter dove to catch the underwater feeding frenzy on camera.
And here’s INQUIRER.net reporter Erwin Oliva interviewing one of the resort staff members, Jeff (he only gave his first name), who weaves hats using coconut leaves and a nylon fishing line.
I’ll post more videos once they’re online.
Here’s an underwater video INQUIRER.net reporter Alex Villafania took while snorkeling.
For Alex’s review of the Olympus mju 790 SW waterproof digital camera that he used to take this video, visit Tech Addicts.
November 28th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
unlike my colleagues, it was my first time in palawan and i could say it’s definitely something else!
the limestone cliffs were simply marvelous (especially when the sun is shining and you can see their “outline” in the horizon).
i also wish i could’ve taken a video while kayaking at the small lagoon. it was simply serene, i don’t even recall he last time i was in a place that peaceful with the wonders of nature surrounding me.
there is something about palawan that sets it apart from other spots like boracay or say bohol.
xx lawrence
November 24th, 2007 at 10:28 am
its interesting to know how to visit this place. i would like to visit it when i will be on vacation this coming december
November 24th, 2007 at 3:56 am
I’ve been to many beaches in southeast asia namely phuket, bintam and el nido. sadly to say el nido is really nice but very unkept. The corals are all destroyed some garbages left by tourist in the island which promulgated the number of baywaks in the islands. Only miniloc and lagen has somewhat decent corals and fishes because it is private. The island is very enchanting and somewhat “virgin” until you dive and see the destructions on all the corals.
November 23rd, 2007 at 1:03 pm
Wilma….”Ang ganda talaga ng Pilipinas! Sana bago tayo tumingin sa iba bisitahin muna natin ang nasa ating bakuran”
Having said that, I agree with you but the problem lies in affordability of our fellow kababayan to travel to one of Philippines prestine destination. Let the government do something to attract domestic tourism. I don’t have any doubt in the ability of this country to be a premier destination. I love to travel and have been to many places over the world and deep in my heart Pinas is one of the best. Palawan for sure is truly world class in beauty!
November 23rd, 2007 at 12:59 pm
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