Coron is a magical place. I have seen many national parks both in the US and abroad; Coron can match any of those, especially during the months of April and May when the plants leaves are still yellowish ("murang dahon"), and the kalachuchis are blooming. They add color to the otherwise drab gray limestones. The plants and especially the kalachuchi tree are wonders to behold; they are symbols of perseverance and struggle to survive, growing on crevices of sharp and marblelike limestones and molding their roots together with their hosts. And then the Kalachuchi blooms with its beautiful white and yellow flowers. What a metaphor for overcoming struggles in life!

Coron is in the northern most part of Palawan in what is called the Calamian Group of Islands in the Philippines. The main attraction is island hopping; you can swim in Kayangan Lake, a brackish lake above sea level said to be the cleanest lake in the Philippines, climb Baracuda Island, and snorkel in the Twin Lagoon with its crystal clear waters. You can also visit the private white beaches of Malcapuya and Ditaytayan islands both of which can match Boracay. Coron is also a diver's paradise, especially if you are into diving for wreckage of World War II planes and navy vessels.

You get to Coron by flying from Manila to Busuanga (one hour) and then to the town of Coron (45 minutes) in airconditioned vans for P100 (about US$2), or by cheaper jeepneys. There are now daily flights by PAL Express, Cebu Pacific, or Seair.

There is a restaurant called Bistro Coron owned by a French chef who married a much younger local beauty. The couple share in the cooking chores. Good food at very reasonable prices - P185 (less than US$4) entrees. I had the best calamares I have tasted in years for P165 less my 20% senior's discount. The Cocque au vin is also good. You have to call for reservations or you may be in a long wait standing outside on the main road. Open for lunch and dinner.

For island hopping, ask for Al Linsangan at 0920-254-6553. He is the town "photographer"; very nice fellow, very concerned with environmental protection of Coron - P650 (less than US$14) per person complete with "binalot", a packed lunch wrapped in banana leaves.

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The following are selected excerpts from the official programme of the 2008 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas, December 10, 2008, Malacaņang Palace, Manila, Philippines.

The Pamana ng Pilipino Award is conferred on Filipinos overseas who, in exemplifying the talent and industry of the Filipino, have brought the country honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession.

"If landscape photography is the photographer's supreme test, Carlos L. Esguerra has passed it with just the right sharpness and contrast. His works are landscapes that stir the soul, nature photography that depicts the world's natural charms, and plays of shadow and light that reveal the most brilliant colors even in its most simple form. Critics rave that an Esguerra photograph can look like a painting, sketch or drawing."

"One of Mr. Esguerra's famous works is the peaceful yet breathtaking series of "The Zen of White Sands". It highlights selected images created since 2002 at the quiet stark desert vista, White Sands National Monument in New Mexico. An area of 275 square miles located in the heart of Tularosa Basin, it is the largest pure gypsum dune field in the world. His artistry transformed the harsh desert condition into stunning photographic images that won him numerous international awards. The genius of his photography is apparent and the world has not been blind to it. Known and well recognized as the modern-day Ansel Adams, he has won more than 40 national and international prizes."

"Besides being an extraordinary photographer who has allowed the viewers to see the world more beautifully through his lyrical eye, Mr. Esguerra has been an artist who has selflessly supported several charities, NGOs and institutions in the Philippines and the US."

On his secret to great photography, Mr. Esguerra simply says, "you just have to be there at the right time."