The 11th Regional Travel Fair held this year in Cebu has put to rest any doubts about the current state of tourism in the country. It surpassed pre-pandemic sales, indicating a strong recovery in the travel sector. The event lasted for three days, from July 21-23, 2023, and was held at SM Seaside Cebu City. During this time, more than 70 exhibitors, including travel agencies, hospitality brands, provincial tourism offices, and attendees seeking affordable and high-quality holiday packages and other tourism-related services, generated a total of 110 million pesos in actual and negotiated sales.

The 11th Regional Travel Fair (RTF) achieved a sale of 110 million pesos, which represents a significant increase of 32.7% compared to the 83 million peso sale made during the 10th RTF held in Laguna in October 2022.

The fair which is organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) of the Philippines — the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT) serves as a one-stop source for discounted domestic tour packages, airline tickets and accommodations.

Marga Nograles, COO of the TPB, was overjoyed by the travel roadshow’s overwhelming success this year. “We are thrilled to witness the overwhelming response and enthusiasm from exhibitors and visitors during the Regional Travel Fair. The outstanding sales leads signal a bright future for the tourism industry in the post-pandemic era and reaffirm travelers’ confidence in the safety of their travels.”

Highlighting the Region’s Cultural and Tourism Sites

The RTF, as one of TPB's flagship programs is conducted across different areas of the country, with the most recent RTFs taking place in Sorsogon in May 2022 and Laguna in October 2022. The exhibition is staged in multiple locations, offering a platform for various regions to collaborate with other regional tourism offices and major stakeholders in showcasing their respective tourist attractions.

With the 11th RTF being hosted in Cebu, some of Central Visayas' cultural heritage was highlighted, including the handloom weaving culture of Hablon Weavers of Argao and Banig Weavers of Badian.

As part of the media that covered the 11^th RTF, this writer joined members of TPB on a side-trip to Argao, a seaside municipality noted for its four Ts namely: Tableya, Torta, Tuba, and Textile (Hablon). Upon arriving in Argao, we promptly visited the women weavers at their weaving centre located within the Cebu Technological University campus.

Hablon is a type of handwoven cloth produced by women in the Visayas region, particularly on Panay Island and parts of Cebu. The term "Hablon" is derived from the Hiligaynon word "Habol," which translates to "to weave."

Hablon weaving in Argao, similar to other areas in the Visayas, experienced a decline over the past few decades. However, in 2013, the local government unit (LGU) and other government agencies, such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), took steps to revive this traditional method of cloth-making. As part of these efforts, training facilities were established, including the one located within the Cebu Technological University (CTU). Today, the Hablon weavers of Argao are flourishing in the production of cloth for consumers worldwide. They have formed partnerships with renowned designers like Kenneth Cobonpue to create weaves not only for clothing but also for furniture and various other products.

We also made a stop at the heritage town of Carcar to enjoy some delicious lechon, which was freshly roasted and sold in the town's market. Additionally, we visited the St. Catherine's Church, a 19th-century architectural marvel that combines elements of Revival Baroque and Neo-Mudejar Moorish styles, with hints of Greco-Roman and Islamic influences, as well as Temple of Leah and Casa Gorordo Museum.

Over the course of three days, we got a taste of the city’s gastronomic scene at some of the forefront contemporary restaurants in Cebu City, including Fili All-Day Dining by NUSTAR, CAVA (which is located in a 120-year-old house), Bell + Amadeus, Seargao, The Pig and Palm, and CUR8.

The 11^th RTF was made possible thanks to the support of the Department of Tourism Region VII, the Provincial Government of Cebu, and the City Government of Cebu. The event was sponsored by various partners from the private sector, including SM Seaside City, 2GO, Jpark Island, Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, Philippine Airlines, NUSTAR, Fili Hotel, CAVA, Bluewater Maribago Mactan, and Marco Polo Cebu.

The TPB hopes that more visitors and vendors will attend the Regional Travel Fair in the Ilocos Region this coming October.

There's something special about historic residences that have kept their elegance over the years, or in the case of Casa Gorordo, decades. The lower floor of this ancestral property not only preserved its basic architectural form intact, it also serves as a museum housing antiques from the glory days of Cebu's Parian neighborhood, where it is located.

The Parian area, located one km from the Minor Basilica of the Holy Child of Cebu, is one of Cebu's oldest and was formerly a stronghold for Chinese traders who arrived from Fujian, China beginning in the 16th century.

First Time’s A Charm

Despite my frequent visits to Cebu City, this is the first time I had set foot inside Casa Gorordo. It was the part of our itinerary that piqued my interest the most, and finally, on the day before the Regional Travel Fair (RTF) in Cebu City, we went on a city tour of Cebu, giving me my first look of this residence I'd heard so much about.

The home was originally constructed in the 1850s by Alejandro Reynes y Rosales before being sold in 1863 to a Spanish businessman named Juan Isidro De Gorordo, after whom it was named. Since then, four generations of the Gorordo family have lived here, including the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu, Juan Gorordo (1910-1932).

The interior and design of the house underwent modifications to reflect changes in lifestyle and local culture until it was purchased by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation (RAFI) in 1980 as part of its Culture & Heritage advocacy. It was then restored further and opened as a public museum. On September 24, 1991, the home was declared a National Historical Landmark after over 150 years of history.

Casa Gorordo is a good example of classic Filipino architecture blended with Spanish and Chinese influences. It carries the characteristics of a typical balay nga tisa, or a home with a tiled roof. It is sometimes referred to as a "mestizo" architectural representation because, like other Filipinos born with blended heritage, its architecture exemplifies the cultural and physical mingling of the east and the west.

The house opens up to a spacious courtyard with well-manicured lawns, a giant Talisay tree and spherical plant boxes leading to the museum on the ground floor. We were greeted by a museum guide who swiftly led us to the museum's exhibit while telling us about the intriguing history behind each relic.

According to her, the museum conjures the lifestyle of a family enduring the Philippines' transition from a colonial to a contemporary society. Stories from years past abound within its walls and items, waiting to be shared to each guest that pays a visit.

Arresting Interior and Furniture

From the ground floor’s hardened walls made of coral stones, we proceeded to the 2nd level that is mostly made up of narra wood sans nails but pegs and roofed with terra cotta tiles. The ceiling, as viewed from the staircase, immediately draws your attention as you make your way to the house's various rooms adorned with the finest antique furniture that epitomizes the actual ones used during Casa Gorordo's early days.

The room’s wide windows you can open sideways commonly seen in most old houses, make each room so inviting that you just want to lie down on one of the beds and doze off in the middle of a gorgeous bright afternoon.

The prayer room and the library are another favorite of mine with the later displaying books from the 18th century as well as old copies of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

As our brief tour came to an end, I descended the other stairwell, which led to Bo's Coffee and a souvenir shop on the property. With a cup of coffee in hand and a couple of cats rubbing up against my legs, I stared at Casa Gorordo for one final time and envisioned it at its heyday, circa the 1860s. I imagined a world very different from the one we live in today.

As I pace the rhythm of my steps, having stumbled into a serene trail that ultimately led me to a breathtaking panorama of the sun-kissed shores adorning the island’s eastern flank, my attention is abruptly arrested by a signpost bearing the inscription "Baluarte (watchtower) 250 meters."

With a quickened pace, it only took a few minutes until I came gazing at the majestic lighthouse. Its imposing stature reached skyward, a towering presence that stood at an approximate height of 35 feet. Nestled beside it, were the ruins of a 19^th century watchtower. In an instant, the enigmatic presence of these two structures, remnants of bygone years, on the southern point of the island, made the hideaway vibe of Bluewater Sumilon all the more evident.

A Secluded Beach Getaway

A half hour by boat from the town of Oslob, Bluewater Sumilon Island, while still clearly visible from eyes of mainland Cebu, effortlessly projects a secluded setting. Amidst tropical trees swaying to gentle breezes and the verdant cloak of a mangrove forest, turquoise waters navigated by baby sharks surround the island’s rocky edges and white sandy shores.

Here, civilization tends to recede with the ebbing of the sundown's low tide. Throughout the day, one can easily cradle solitude on the island resort’s many charming spots. Whether you relax inside your luxurious villa or on a hammock fronting the beach, to getting a soothing massage in the outdoor Amuma spa, there’s much to do or force you in mindful meditation.

Located on the southeastern tip of Sumilon Island, Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort screams of a perfect escape thanks to its surrounding 24 hectares of awe-inspiring natural beauty.

In 1974, thanks to the work of Siliman University Marine Reserve, the seas around Sumilon Island were designated as a fish sanctuary, making it the first marine protected area in the Philippines.

Guests who choose to embark on underwater expeditions are met with a wealth of marine species, occasionally graced by the presence of black tip sharks. When one opts to explore on the surface, one shall in turn come across pristine expanses of off-white-hued shores, where the sand glistens to the brilliance of the sun.

Elegantly Rested

I was billeted in their Premier Deluxe room that comes with a balcony offering a panoramic view of the blue waters and the Southern mountain range of Cebu. Upon entering the glass door, I was welcomed by an inviting space of a comfortable couch, beckoning me to unwind and relax right away. Adjacent to it, are a couple of steps that add a touch of architectural intrigue, guiding me towards the two Queen beds resting behind a plain wall adorned with a lighting fixture made from coconut fibers. The setup of the bed not only provides privacy but also conceals a closet and the entrance to a private bathroom. Inside, the gentle ambient lighting creates an atmosphere of peacefulness that almost made me stay in my room the whole day — if only not for the itch of exploring the island.

There are 14 Premier Deluxe and 14 Deluxe villas spread out evenly along a winding path with views of Southern Cebu, ensuring each guest’s an adequate space. On the more isolated part of the island, situates two sizable villas — a 1-bedroom and a 2-bedroom villa ideal for a more remote retreat.

Resort staff I come across with would always grace my ears with a pleasant “Maayong buntag", whenever I walk to have my breakfast, "Maayong hapon", during my stroll to the sandbar to catch the sunset. The resort's hospitality stems from the concept of "Amoma", to which Arnel Barreta, Bluewater Sumilon Island's Resort Manager, explained to me as the Cebuano word that means "to pamper". Incorporating this with the renowned trademark hospitality of the Filipinos, the resort has seamlessly blended a warm and inviting atmosphere for its guests.

Throughout my whole stay at the resort, which included some work assisting on a photo shoot for a cover story on this issue, I always find myself waking up elegantly rested the next morning. The charming island with all its splendor, to the mouthwatering dishes served to our group at the in-house Pulo Restaurant, to an invigorating massage at the resort's Amuma Spa, all contributed to a very relaxing workcation — I know, it was supposed to be a working trip, but it felt more like a vacation.

A Walk in the Woods, a Dip in the Pool and Everything in Between

In between our photo shoot, I would escape for a walk that would led me to the other parts of the island. On our first afternoon, I ventured to the glamping portion of the resort.

Set-up on the eastern side of Sumilon island, are a few opulent tents designed with glamping aesthetics in mind. Equally spaced out to provide privacy, these tents offer guests a sophisticated take on camping in the great outdoors.

Mr. Barreta told me that Bluewater Sumilon’s no-frills glamping experience is elevated with a personalized service courtesy of a butler and a Camp Master who teaches guests important outdoor survival skills. The Glamping option may be a far departure from the ultra-luxurious villa accommodations of the resort, but it surely delivers a fun and memorable experience. I would definitely try it next time I visit Sumilon.

With us on our second day exploring the island was our model Naelah Alshorbaji, the 2021 Miss Earth Philippines. Taking advantage of the abundance of beautiful settings on the island, we ended up on the serene lagoon next to the dense mangrove forest. As we take more photographs of Naelah, the bright blue skies presented itself to create a fantastic background with the deep green hues of the mangrove trees and the lagoon whose calm water is where one can go on a kayaking activity in utmost peace.

This part of the resort would be swarming with day trippers during the day because it faces a long shoreline and is very near the aforementioned picturesque lagoon and mystical mangrove forest.

Mr. Barreta informed me that the resort has begun promoting a "day use" package that grants guests access to the Pulo swimming pool and a buffet lunch in an effort to attract the local beachgoers to also enjoy the island.

I find it a great gesture since Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort has all the trappings to be a super exclusive resort. Yet, they open portions of their property to guests who are mostly coming from the nearby towns of Oslob, Boljoon and Santander.

"80% of our staff are from Oslob, while the rest are from other places in Cebu", Barreta explains to me. Even after Sumilon Island saw its original settlers move to the mainland many decades ago, the resort sustained ties to the local community by hiring locals, some of whom could even be direct descendants of the island's original inhabitants.

When in Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, one can indulge in more than the usual leisure activities offered by most resorts. “We have a divemaster who takes guests on scuba diving excursions, as well as for the whale shark sighting in Oslob”, Barreta tells me. “In our lagoon, guests can indulge in catch-and-release fishing or go hiking to the lighthouse. We even have a baby shark feeding area”, he adds.

After spending time in the pool, I joined our photographer and make-up artists who are on break from their shoot for an afternoon swim on the island’s sandbar.

The sandbar is another key attraction of the island. During certain seasons, it may extend like an inviting pathway, summoning beach bums to traverse its length. In other times of the year, it may shrink and curve, creating secluded pockets of pristine sand zig-zagging the crystal-clear waters. This ever-changing shape of the sandbar adds an element of wonder and surprise to Sumilon Island's countless allures.

In between swimming in the resort’s infinity pool, walking barefoot over the island’s lengthy sand bar and finding relaxation spots all around, I regard my morning trek to the lighthouse as the most welcome surprise of my stay at Bluewater Sumilon. Along the way I passed by a cave used by the Japanese as a hiding place during WWII, a grotto with an image of the Virgin Mary, a vegetable garden, a number of stunning view decks and most of all, a wooden trail that provides moderate hiking pace fit for even the young adventurers.

As I lean on the walls of the 19th century watchtower built by Spanish Augustinians to serve guard to slavers and attacking marauders, I feel myself not only experiencing the invigorating impact of Bluewater Sumilon's revered Amoma service, but also immersing in the profound historical narrative of the island, spanning numerous centuries.

I guess in Bluewater Sumilon, the convergence of leisurely pursuits, gastronomic indulgence, adventurous endeavors, calm reflection, and historical immersion all combine to make Sumilon Island an unparalleled destination wherein one may temporarily escape to and get satisfyingly lost for a while.

This article first appeared on the 2023 2nd Quarter issue of AsianTraveler Magazine

In a country where memes associate community mothers with marites culture, a pun on the phrase "mare, anu latest?" when neighbours catch up on each other with up-to-date news and communal gossip, we frequently overlook that if given the opportunity to thrive on something else, these same mothers can instead weave a different kind of narrative; one that is full of inspiration, empowerment, artistry and craftmanship.

For Moha Barakat, the founder of the Learning Lab, it was the Marites in herself that got her becoming acquainted with the challenges faced by community mothers living in and around the Cubao neighborhood in Quezon City.

After engaging in conversations with several kumares (a term of endearment for Filipino women), Moha discovered that many Filipina women in their fifties and beyond have experienced a period of at least 20 years without employment or finding a means to sustain themselves after having children or starting a family. Worse in many cases, these women unfortunately become dependent on their spouses or partners, which made many of them vulnerable to domestic abuse.

Thinking of ways to encourage mothers and other community kumares to regain their confidence and acquire new skills that will benefit them well into their senior years., Moha, a clothing designer, founded the Learning Lab.

The Learning Lab was established earlier this year, commencing with a training and livelihood program at Better World Cubao in collaboration with AHA Learning Centre and San Miguel Foundation.

After carefully selecting applicants, primarily mothers aged 50 and above who demonstrated a strong desire to work and acquire new skills, the first batch of mothers began their journey of becoming a trained dressmaker.

A fundraising event was conducted in March 2023 to fund the training's tuition and acquisition of sewing machines and materials.  The Learning Lab's module has been excellently designed as to how a paying student will learn in a fashion school, the difference is that the mothers were sponsored by kindhearted individuals who heeded the fundraising call.

Thanks to those generous hearts, the initial group of nanays and kumares have progressed from zero skills to creating wearable clothing items, These include buttoned-down polos, pants, and tops, all of which are made from environmentally friendly scrap materials. The Learning Lab aims to graduate a minimum of 50 nanays and kumares from a series of sewing courses by the conclusion of 2023. 

Since the inception of the sewing training classes a few months ago, the mothers have made significant progress. As a result, the nanays had the opportunity to showcase their skills at their first bazaar, which took place at the Canva head office on June 30th. At the bazaar, their creations impressed the attendees, and several items were sold. In addition to designing wearable clothing, the nanays have expanded their sewing skills to include other items, such as tote bags. Their efforts have been met with great success, as they received an impressive order of 500 tote bags just for the month of July alone.

The Learning Lab has done even more for moms by providing a platform for mothers, particularly those who have dedicated their lives to child-rearing, to earn equitable salaries. Many of them now have newfound confidence in their abilities and have formed collaborative friendships with the other mothers.

For one of the mothers, Vangie Ramos, being part of the Learning Lab's first batch of trained seamstress has given her confidence in her ability to develop new skills despite her age and excel at it. "I could not believe that with our hard work and dedication to learn this new skill, we were able to sell many of our creations during our first bazaar participation", Vangie says in Tagalog.

Another learner, Nanay Maribel, who suffers from polio, has demonstrated that, despite her disability, she can still learn the skill of sewing owing to the Learning Lab's training program.

During the Communal Event of the Learning Lab held last July at Better World Cubao, this writer met the mothers who were part of the training program. Many of them reflected on the profound ways in which their lives had altered. Instead of spending much of their time at home, they now have something to do with their newfound skills and creations.

“Our phase now is for establishing the livelihood part where the mothers can have an opportunity to have a steady stream of income. Since the training part has proven effective in harnessing their sewing skills, we now need to generate productivity by finding a market for their creations that can guarantee their income” Moha Barakat says.

For a group of 50-something and older mothers, kumares and grandmothers, finding a new sense of purpose is an achievement in itself. With the help of the Learning Lab and the generous people behind it, the possibilities remain endless for this group of mothers to improve their craft and earn from it. 

Right now, the Learning Lab is still open for generous donors to help sponsor sewing machines, sewing instructors and tuition, sewing tools and materials for the planned next batch of trainees.

This article first appeared on Uplift — an online magazine of Manila Bulletin.

Watching Naelah Alshorbaji effortlessly charm the camera with her graceful presence and natural movements, one would believe everything is fine and dandy in her life at that moment. Unbeknownst to the team working on her cover shoot, the 2021 Miss Earth Philippines was carrying an immense weight in her heart.

Naelah, whose name means "one who succeeds" in Arabic proverbs and which most Filipinos find difficult to pronounce, goes by the nickname Nana. “Nana makes my job easier”, marvels photographer Lei Magluyan who never fails to express her delight by often exhibiting animated enthusiasm as she clicks the shutter. 

Despite being only on the second day of a supposed to be three-day shoot at the 5-star resort of Bluewater in the picturesque and secluded island of Sumilon in Cebu, Nana and Lei look to have already achieved the spread for this issue's cover of the AsianTraveler.

This is in spite of getting to a late start brought about by gloomy weather on the day the team arrived. Seemingly as though the heavens were aware of the burden Nana was carrying, the second day revealed a stunning sky. By late afternoon, Nana's professionalism remained in full display. However, during one of the last breaks of the shoot, she finally allowed her emotions to surface and tears streamed down her face.

"My mom is in severe state in the ICU right now", she tells the rest of us.

Nana was born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabi to a Syrian father and a Filipina mother as the youngest girl among four brothers. When she turned one year old, their family moved to Syria.

Just like in the Philippines, a strong sense of community and family values that fostered tight-knit communities characterizes Syrian society. "We were close to several relatives and shared a building with my grandma," she says. "Traditional rituals and hospitality are strongly embedded in Syrian society."

“Both Filipino and Syrian cultures have a reputation for their warmth and friendliness toward visitors,” she adds.

Damascus, the Syrian capital city where her family resides, has a colorful culture  just as vibrant and inspired by old civilizations as the rest of the country's inhabitants and history.

Nana's childhood was filled with cherished memories that revolved around her family. Fridays were frequently spent on a farmhouse in Syria's outskirts or at her grandmother's house. Despite this, Nana and her brothers continue to maintain ties to their Filipino roots. "Summers were always spent in the Philippines in between vacations to nearby Middle Eastern countries," Nana shares.

That happy and ordinary life in Syria would continue throughout the end of the 21^st century’s first decade. Winter evoked cherished memories of vacationing in Bloudan, a picturesque hilltop village situated 51 kilometers northwest of Damascus. Numerous "snow battles" were fought here among Nana and her siblings. During other holidays, Nana would frequently explore the outdoors with her cousins, engaging in a variety of activities like swimming, playing sports, and interacting with animals, such as herding sheep. Nana recalls, "During that time, I also learned how to harvest fruit and milk a cow."

The political climate in Syria took a turn for the worse by 2011. Nana's ordinary and happy family life, as she knows it, would soon be interrupted as the social unrest snowballed as part of the Arab Spring protests that swept the region.

Although Nana was young and unaware of the situation, she vividly remembers instances when the ground would tremble and the sounding of gunfire. Whenever she asked about the situation, her mother would protect her innocence by reassuring her that everything was fine.

Everything as it turns out isn’t fine as the civil war rages throughout Syria. That year, Nana’s annual family summer vacation to the Philippines became a permanent move.

Despite being located on opposite sides of Asia, the Philippines and Syria exhibit several similarities as well as notable distinctions. She quickly discovered the striking cultural differences, including variations in lifestyle. Even minor things, like choosing what clothes to wear to school, required a significant adjustment.

She explains: "I wasn't really used to wearing a skirt with white ankle socks and leather shoes when I first started coming to the school here because I always wore slacks and sneakers at my former school.”

The future beauty queen and fashion model easily adjusted to life in the Philippines, thanks to her upbringing in a Syrian household that embraced her mother's Filipino ancestry.

Brimming with nostalgia, she proudly bares that her family has always taken great pride in their Filipino heritage.  As she recalls the extensive list of Filipino dishes commonly prepared in their kitchen, her eyes widen with the vivid imagery of it all. "Pancit, menudo, laing, adobo chicken, and so much more," she exclaims. "My mother was a fantastic cook." One of Nana's favorite errands was going to a Filipino store in Damascus to stock up on classic Pinoy snacks such as Nagaraya, Ding Dong, and Clover Chips.

Over the years, she gradually embraced the other half of her heritage by becoming fluent in speaking Tagalog, immersing herself in Filipino culture, and exploring everything in between. Nana quickly adapted to living in the Philippines. She admits, " I feel at home here and now when I visit Syria, it's the opposite."

Unfazed by the gloomy skies that threatened rain at any moment on the first day of the shoot, Nana enthusiastically began working alongside photographer Lei, as well as hair and makeup artists King and Hope. With her classy charisma radiating in front of the camera, it's easy to assume that she has been a part of the fashion and modeling industry for many years. 

That couldn’t be farther from the truth. At age 25, Nana got her start with a modelling career after only when she turned 18. In fact, her childhood ambition was to become a United Nations delegate.

Her stately demeanor and diplomatic way of speaking with others could be attributed to that. Attentive and respectful, like any individual aspiring to become an envoy. Although her dream may have been put on hold for now, it ultimately became one of her greatest strengths as she stumbled upon her path to pageantry in a serendipitous manner. 

“I never considered working in the beauty industry”, she narrates. “However, my friend's debut took an unexpected turn. The makeup artist who did my makeup for the event saw my potential for the world of pageantry.”

The once simply and happy life that was interrupted by the Syrian civil war, is now beginning to take on a new form in Nana's second homeland. What better way to live a fulfilling life and pursue a successful career than by representing the nation as both a flag bearer and a beauty queen.

The door to pageantry has been opened. “I was led through my first pageant in 2017—Miss Manila—by Raul and Seph Madrid.  It was a vital point in my life even though I didn't understand the intricacies of the business at the time. It helped me realize that pageants include more than just beauty—they also are humanitarians.”

Nana's fourth runner-up finish opened up new opportunities for her. Soon after, modelling agencies started approaching her, and she began working on fashion editorials, commercials for magazines, and digital and print ads. In her subsequent participation in a beauty pageant competition, she emerged victorious and was crowned Miss Parañaque in 2019.

"Due to the pandemic, I ended up reigning as Miss Parañaque  for three years. In 2021, I joined Miss Philippines Earth,” she says.

Nana's childhood dream of working in the United Nations has greatly influenced her perspectives on global issues, particularly the urgent matter of climate change that permeates every conversation about planet Earth.

Perhaps it was her childhood dreams of working with the UN that motivated her to participate in the Miss Earth Philippines competition. In a previous interview, she mentioned that joining the pageant, which is highly popular in the Philippines, would provide her with a significant platform to advocate for the positive changes she wishes to see in the world.

At the age of 23, she emerged victorious among 65 other beautiful and intelligent candidates. With this newfound platform, she wasted no time in employing it to promote her advocacies. One of which is plastic recycling.

In one of the virtual interviews leading up to the coronation night, she shared more about her planet Earth first activism. “I believe that plastic is a serious issue that needs to be tackled with a better solution. We may need to stop single use plastic, but we also need to figure out how to deal with the current plastic waste overload.”

On her Instagram account, she shares her passion for discovering innovative solutions that reduce waste. For instance, she showcased a small machine capable of transforming plastic into durable materials.

Winning didn't come easy, as the pandemic imposed restrictions that made her Miss Earth experience unlike any other pageants. The event, like many others affected by the pandemic, was held virtually. This situation posed a greater challenge for Nana, her team, and the other contestants. "The organizers came up with a pageant that could continue to run despite the pandemic, and I admire how adaptable they are," she remarks.

Partaking in a virtual beauty pageant means doing your own shoots as well. One memorable moment occurred when the future Miss Earth Philippines and her team filmed her long gown entry in a basketball court in Parañaque. They creatively arranged posts and other decorations alongside a pile of sacks of rice and boxes of groceries intended to provide pandemic aid the residents.

Other than her environment causes, Nana is also a is also a proponent of mental health awareness, through her YouTube channel entitled "Master Peace with Naelah". She is also a firm believer in the power of social media when used correctly.

Naelah Alshorbaji bookended her Miss Earth Philippines reign by finishing in the top 8 of the Miss Earth Finals that was also held virtually. "Regardless of if I win or lose, I will consider myself a winner because I learned and became a better person coming out of the situation," she wrote on her Instagram caption following the competition.

Nana, an animal lover, grew up surrounded by dogs and other animals. Now, she shares her home with two cats. When not shopping for cat essentials at the pet section of Ace Hardware — where she first bumped into her boyfriend, she engages in a variety of physically demanding yet soul-fulfilling activities, such as kiteboarding and playing golf. In addition, she explores various dance styles and also dedicates herself to learning mixed martial arts disciplines such as muay Thai and ju-jitsu.

"I enjoy writing poetry, my interest is often sparked by various subjects that capture my curiosity," she explains. “Recently, I finished tufting my first rug and it got me thinking about my future rug projects. I find great joy in the abundance of fascinating and unconventional experiences that the world has to offer. Stay inquisitive!"

Having a career as one of the highly sought-after models has also allowed her to travel and explore more of the Philippines. Among her favorite places, she listed Caliraya Lake in Laguna, particularly because she is a member of a Kiteboarding Club there. Ilocos is one of the top destinations on her list for adventure activities. “If we're talking about landscape, Coron has to be on the list. I adore going beach hopping and marveling at the rock formations and the quietness and beauty of water."

A meditation practitioner, she also writes down her thoughts on a journal every morning before working out and preparing for school. Despite being a beauty queen, model, host, and juggling multiple roles, Nana has not neglected her education as she now pursues a B.S. in Psychology.

It's truly remarkable how she manages to balance her work and studying responsibilities with her hobbies and passions throughout the day. Despite her busy schedule, she even finds time to play League of Legends before going to bed. What's even more impressive is that she still prioritizes spending time with her family, especially her mom, who she considers to be her biggest supporter.

“When we arrived at the resort, my eldest brother Danny messaged me on the family chat to say that he had taken my mother to the hospital because she was having trouble breathing. She has diabetes and had previously visited the ER for it, so we assumed it could have been something along those lines”, she recalls.

Despite having barely gotten an hour of sleep, Naelah effortlessly excelled throughout the entire day's photo shoot. Days later, while selecting the photographs, Lei Magluyan told this writer, "You would have never known that she was going through something at that moment."

A day later, Nana got a series of worsening updates from her family. Meanwhile, as Nana and Lei wrapped up the final part of the shoot, Arnel Barreta, the resort manager of Bluewater Sumilon, began making arrangements for transportation. He arranged for a boat and a van to transport her from the resort to Cebu mainland, and then to the airport at Mactan.

Finishing the shoot, she hurriedly left Sumilon Island before dusk for a five-hour journey back to Cebu International Airport in Mactan Island. It was during this time that according to her, "I lost my mother".

Days later, during the eulogy she delivered for her mother, Nana eloquently expressed her gratitude for the multitude of stories shared by various individuals, describing them as a "revolving door of stories."

In addition to the qualities she has always recognized in her mother - being the greatest mom to her and her brothers, an amazing cook, someone who gave back to her community, a loyal friend, and a doting grandmother - Nana was thrilled to hear more incredible stories about her mother from others who knew her.

“There is nothing in this world like a mother's love. Anxiously waiting on the couch or leaning on the gate. That's how she was and that how I know she still is. My guardian angel, protecter, I know even gone you're still the Same way. Now it's you anxiously waiting on heaven’s door and anxiously leaning on heaven’s gate, waiting for your kids to come home because you know in between your arms is the safest place”,  Nana says towards the end of her eulogy.

This article first appeared as the cover story of asianTraveler's 2nd quarter issue of 2023.