Palawan, a paradisiacal province in the Philippines known for its stunning landscapes and crystal-clear waters, has recently found itself in the eye of a social media storm. The catalyst? A seemingly innocuous Facebook post by Chae Won Cha, a tourist who discovered that traveling in Palawan is less about luxury and more about embracing the rugged charm of an untamed wilderness. Let’s dive into Chae’s top five travel tips and the internet’s hilariously sarcastic responses.
1. The Epic Journey from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Chae’s first point hits hard: “You should know that the travel time from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is 5–6 hours, depending on the speed of your driver.”
Ah, yes, the scenic 5–6-hour drive through Palawan’s mountainous terrain. Who needs the Autobahn when you have the breathtaking, albeit bumpy, ride to El Nido? If only we could speed things up, right? Cue Joe Manzano’s brilliant solution: a direct flight from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. Because nothing says “tropical adventure” like skipping the adventure part altogether!
2. The Mountainous Road Experience
Chae’s vivid description continues: “The way to El Nido from Puerto Princesa is a freaking mountainous road… No streetlights along the way; just the headlights of the vehicle gave us hope to see what’s ahead of us.”
Clearly, Palawan’s rustic roads aren’t for the faint of heart. But fear not! In Joe Manzano’s dreamland, there are streetlights illuminating every curve, transforming your journey into a Disneyland ride. And for those with ear barotrauma, there’s a new feature: roadside ear clinics, ensuring your comfort is top priority while you traverse the wilderness.
3. Fast Food Frenzy
“McDonald’s, McDonald’s, McDonald’s!” cried the modern traveler. Chae lamented the lack of fast food chains in El Nido, noting the singular sighting of a McDonald’s outlet near her accommodation.
Enter Joe Manzano, our hero of hypothetical infrastructure. His photo edit boasts an El Nido brimming with every fast food chain imaginable. KFC, Starbucks, Jollibee, and even Mang Inasal dot the pristine beaches. Because nothing complements a beachside sunset quite like a Big Mac and fries, right?
4. The 7-11 Drought
Chae’s shock was palpable: “There are no 7-11 in both Puerto Princesa and El Nido. According to some folks, the most well-known convenience store in the area is Mercury Drug.”
Mercury Drug? Really? Joe Manzano takes this critique to heart, presenting an El Nido with 7-11 right in the beach, ensuring you’ll never be more than a stone’s throw away from a Slurpee. Who needs local markets and quaint little shops when you can have 24/7 access to processed snacks and soft drinks?
While we are at it, why not float a fast food above water.
And while snorkeling or diving why not underwater.
5. Food Delivery Woes
Chae’s final lament: “Food delivery is not 24/7 in service. On our last night in Puerto Princesa… there were no available grab-and-drops. I don’t think there is also a food panda in the area.”
Ah, the tragedy of having to dine out while on vacation! In Joe Manzano’s El Nido, food delivery is available by everywhere even in the islands by motorcycle riders or speedboats zipping your meal directly to your hammock. Whether it’s a pizza at 2 AM or sushi at dawn, Joe’s vision ensures you’re never left wanting.
The Internet Responds
Chae’s post sparked a flurry of responses, with netizens both empathizing and poking fun at the “inconveniences” of paradise. Joe Manzano’s photo edits became a viral sensation, showcasing the whimsical absurdity of trying to force urban conveniences into a tropical haven.
One netizen quipped, “Why not just pave a straight road from Manila to El Nido? And while we’re at it, let’s add a high-speed train and a Starbucks on every corner!” Joe Manzano obliged a photo.
Another suggested, “Maybe we should just build a mall in the middle of the ocean. Nothing says ‘beach vacation’ like a shopping spree!” Joe conveniently constructed one in an island.
Embracing the Adventure
In the end, Chae’s post and the ensuing internet hilarity highlight a simple truth: Palawan’s charm lies in its wild, untamed nature. It’s a place where adventures are born, and stories are made—not a destination for those seeking the comforts of home.
So, pack your bags, brace yourself for the ride, and remember: in Palawan, the journey is just as magical as the destination. And if you ever find yourself yearning for a Big Mac, just close your eyes, take a deep breath, and savor the authentic beauty of the Philippines’ last frontier.
Of course, DENR might complain as some of the pictures would show buildings on a beach which is against the law having violated the rule of no construction within 20 meters from the highest tide referred to as setback area. But hey, in real life there are actual violations with this rule.
By this time you might ask who Joe Manzano is. He hails from Narra, Palawan, just 26 years old and editing meme/ mobile photography is what he really enjoyed doing. We daresay the guy is creative and loaded (in the brain department). Currently he is a full time sales associate . Follow his Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jmrcmnzn for more!
