Dora's Guide to Amanpulo: An Adventurous Escape in Palawan

Amanpulo, opened in December 1993 as the seventh Aman property,

beautifully blends its name from the Filipino word "Pulo" (island) and the Sanskrit
word "aman" (peaceful). Located in the serene Cuyo Archipelago of northern
Palawan, this private island retreat provides an exclusive escape with a focus on
sea, sand, and tropical pleasures. Guests enjoy traditionally styled accommodations
that honor the natural surroundings, ensuring a truly tranquil experience while
respecting the island's ecological elements. The resort captures the essence of the
"South Seas," making it a perfect getaway for those seeking peace and natural
beauty. We chose Dora the Explorer for our theme because it really captures the
spirit of adventure that Amanpulo offers. Dora is all about exploration, and that
matches perfectly with the activities we can highlight, like snorkeling and hiking.
Plus, it makes the presentation fun and relatable, especially for families. We can also
use Dora’s educational aspect to emphasize the island's natural beauty and cultural
heritage

Palawan is incredibly rich in cultural diversity, home to 87 different cultural

groups. Its location near Asia has brought strong influences from countries like
China, India, and the Middle East, shaping its unique cultural landscape. This
diversity is also reflected in the variety of religions practiced throughout the province.
While English, Tagalog, and Ilonggo are the major languages, the most widely
spoken native languages are Cuyonon and Palawanon.

Among these groups, the Tagbanua tribe stands out. They live in central and
northern Palawan and practice shifting cultivation of upland rice, which they consider
a divine gift. Their culture is highlighted by the traditional rice wine ritual called
pagdiwata. The name "Tagbanua" means "people of the village," emphasizing their
strong community ties. They mainly inhabit the central part of the island, along both
the eastern and western coasts, with a larger population in the lowlands east of the
mountain range. The Tagbanua's rich traditions and connection to the land make
them a vital part of Palawan's cultural heritage.As a tourist, studying the traditions
and culture of places like Palawan helps us appreciate and respect the local way of
life. It allows us to understand the customs, rituals, and values of the people, making
our visit more meaningful. By learning about the Tagbanua tribe and their practices,
we can engage more authentically with the community and support their efforts to
preserve their heritage. Plus, respecting their culture enriches our travel experience
and fosters positive connections between visitors and locals.

One of the most significant cultural events in Palawan is the Baragatan

Festival, a vibrant celebration that showcases the province's rich heritage. Held
every June 23, this festival features lively music and dance, as well as displays of
locally made products that highlight the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the
community. As the largest convergence festival in the province, it commemorates the
establishment of Palawan's first civil government after the Philippine-American War.
Also known as Baragatan sa Palawan Festival, it fosters unity among residents and
promotes tourism by inviting visitors to explore the province’s stunning attractions.

Hopia is a local delicacy in Palawan equally enjoyed by tourists. It comprises

a flaky pastry crust that can be filled with a variety of delicious options: mung bean
paste, sweetened cheese, or purple yam. Sweet fillings and buttery crusts make this
pastry rather decadent and satisfying for any time of the day. You can take your
hopia bread with a cup of morning coffee or while watching the sunset; it will leave
you wanting more. A prime destination for hopia enthusiasts is Baker's Hill. The little
hill is well-known for its homemade bread and pastries-including hopia. The
charming bakery offers not only a wide selection of treats but also a lovely
atmosphere for visitors to savor the hopia. In addition to hopia bread, Palawan is
also renowned for its delicious cashew nuts. The island boasts lush cashew nut
plantations that produce some of the best cashews in the world. Roasted to
perfection, these nuts have a rich and nutty flavor that is simply irresistible. Whether
enjoyed on their own as a snack or used as a topping for salads and desserts,
Palawan cashew nuts are a must-try for any food lover visiting the island. Their
unique taste and quality make them a standout treat that complements the local
culinary scene perfectly.

Amanpulo, located on the pristine Palawan island in the Philippines, is also

renowned for its luxurious and secluded accommodations. The resort features a
collection of private villas and casitas designed to blend seamlessly with the natural
beauty of the surroundings. Each spacious retreat is equipped with modern
amenities, including outdoor terraces, and many come with private pools, ensuring a
serene and intimate experience.

Guests can choose from a variety of options, such as beachfront casitas that
offer direct access to white sandy shores or hillside villas that provide stunning views
of the ocean and lush landscapes. The design emphasizes natural materials and
open spaces, creating a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxation.

Amanpulo also offers exceptional services, including personalized butler

service and gourmet dining that showcases both local and international cuisine.
Activities range from water sports like kayaking and snorkeling to rejuvenating
wellness treatments at the spa, ensuring a balanced and refreshing stay.

Whether you seek romance, adventure, or tranquility, Amanpulo delivers an

unforgettable experience in a breathtaking tropical paradise. Its casitas are built into
the verdant forest canopy, while villas perched on the hillside offer their own beach
frontage. Each villa features up to four bedrooms, a private pool, and the dedicated
services of a private chef and butler. The two-bedroom villas overlook bright
turquoise waters and include a large central swimming pool, along with spacious
living areas. For those looking for a closer connection to the shore, the Beach Pool
Casitas come with a private plunge pool just steps away from the beach, making
Amanpulo a premier choice for travelers seeking privacy and luxury.

In conclusion, Amanpulo and the surrounding beauty of Palawan offer a

unique blend of luxury, culture, and adventure that makes it a must-visit destination.
The resort's commitment to preserving the natural environment while providing
exceptional accommodations allows guests to immerse themselves in the island's
stunning landscape. The rich cultural diversity of Palawan, exemplified by the
traditions of the Tagbanua tribe and vibrant festivals like Baragatan, adds depth to
the visitor experience. Local delicacies such as hopia and cashew nuts further
enhance the culinary journey, inviting travelers to savor the flavors of the region.
Whether seeking relaxation, exploration, or a deeper connection with the local
culture, visitors to Amanpulo will find themselves in a breathtaking paradise that
promises unforgettable memories and a true escape from the everyday.
SCRIPT

(FIRST PART)

Introduction Video

Dora: Hola, soy Dora!

Boots: I’m Boots!
Dora: Okay, Boots, what’s our agenda for today?
Boots: We’re going to explore a beach!
Dora: (shows a picture of beaches, including Amanpulo) What beach do you want to
explore?
Audience: (picks Amanpulo)

Dora: Boots, what do you know about Amanpulo?

Boots: Amanpulo means “peaceful island.” It opened in December 1993 as the 7th
Aman property and is blissfully marooned in the waters of Palawan, renowned for
having some of the best beaches in the world!
Dora: Wow! So that's Amanpulo? Let’s call the Map!
Audience: Map! Map! Map!
Boots: Say it louder!
Audience: Map! Map! Map!
Map: (sings) Amanpulo is a private island located in the peaceful Cuyo Archipelago
of Northern Palawan, Philippines!
Dora: How are we going to get there?
Map: Take me with you; I will show you the way!
Boots: What are the traditions of Palawan? We want to avoid disrespecting them.
Dora: Palawan has a rich diversity due to its many cultural groups. Different religions
are practiced here, reflecting its diverse cultural past. The major languages are
English, Tagalog, and Ilonggo, but the most widely spoken native languages are
Cuyonon and Palawanon.
Boots: Oh, I know about the Tagbanua tribe! They live in central and northern
Palawan, practicing shifting cultivation of upland rice, which they consider a divine
gift. They are also known for their rice wine ritual called pagdiwata.
(Swiper sneaks in and takes the Map)

Commercial & News Explorer (Location)

(SECOND PART)

Diega watches the News Explorer and finds out that the Map is missing, so she goes
to help Dora and Boots.

Diega: Can you see the Map? Where is it? Is it in the tree? In the bush?
Audience: In the bush! In the bush!
(She finds the Map in the bush)
Dora: Hola, Diega! Did you find my Map?
Diega: Yes! (hands the Map to Dora) Why do you need your Map? Where are you
going?

(Dora and Boots sing the “Where are we going?” song)

Diega: Oh, I went there last year! Their food is awesome!

Boots: Wow! I’m excited to go there. Can you share with us the food delicacies of
Amanpulo, Palawan?
Diega: I love their hopia bread! Hopia is a famous Filipino pastry filled with beans. It’s
an affordable treat and a popular gift among friends and family. Baker’s Hill in
Palawan offers homemade bread and baked goods, renowned for its delicious hopia!
(Swiper sneaks in again)
Dora, Boots, & Diega: Swiper, no swiping! (3x)
Swiper: Oh, maaaaaan!

Commercial & News Explorer (Trending Turon)

(THIRD PART)

They’re on the way to Amanpulo.

Boots: Where are we going to stay?

Dora: There are famous accommodations here in Amanpulo! (insert pictures of
casitas & villas)
Boots: I like the casitas because they’re near the hillside and seaside!
Dora: Okay, let’s stay in the casitas! They offer great service and quality food. But I’m
hungry, Boots. Do you have food there?
Boots: Let’s call Backpack and see if she has food!

Dora and Boots: Join us! Call Backpack!

Backpack! Backpack!
Dora: Louder!
Backpack! Backpack!

(Backpack enters with food)

(Dora and Boots enjoy hopia and cashew while exploring)

Commercial & News Explorer (Festival)

OUTRO (Bloopers)
Members and Their Roles

Clarenz Bermudo as Dora Blondiena

Rachelle Montiel as Boots

Ruth Defeo as Dora’s Backpack

Kyla Arroyo as Dora’s Map

Kaye Cee Anahaw as Diega

Princess Janamae Daclan as Swiper

Janna Marie Manalang as a Reporter in News Explorer

Lei Lomberio as a Reporter in News Explorer

Kristine Mae Arquita as Audience/Camerawoman