How did we end up at a Filipino actress's party - with Filipino folk dancing? We hardly knew it ourselves, but these are the kind of experiences on trips that you never forget.
Table of contents
Walk on the northern part of Malapascua.
At the beginning of our stay at Malapascua we stayed in the northern, less touristy part of the island. One day we went on a longer walk, to look around in the surroundings. Among other things, we went to the nice North Beach, which is usually mentioned in tourist guides and where there is a beach restaurant.

We also walked past several other smaller beaches. On the way back to the Lighthouse Beach Bar, where we were staying at the time, we passed a large luxurious house that we were told belongs to the famous Filipino actress Pilar Pilapil.

Visit with Filipino actress Pilar Pilapil
As we passed the gate to Pilar's residence, a number of people stood in the doorway asking if we wanted to take a look inside. We weren't sure at first if we were being invited to a private home, but it turned out that Pilar Pilapil was opening a restaurant in the building - she herself lives in another large house nearby.
We grabbed a beer at the restaurant, which hadn't quite opened yet, and went up to the rooftop terrace, which has a great view of the sea and neighbouring beaches. In one direction we could spot the boat Dotche - the one we're going boating with - and in the other direction were a number of other Filipino boats.



So who is Pilar Pilapil? In the Philippines, there is no need to explain - everyone knows - but for a Swede, a little introduction is in order.
Pilar Pilapil started her career as a beauty queen and represented the Philippines in Miss Universe 1967. After this, Pilar became an actress and when you read about her on the internet, you see that she has been in lots of Philippine films and TV series, and that she has received a number of best actress awards.
She is still featured in TV series on Philippine TV today, and our new Filipino friend Hildem (who we got to know through our friends Micke and Julia and who will join us on the boat trip) tells us that his mother love Pilapil as an actress and is usually glued to the TV when the time comes.

Opening party with bands and Filipino folk dancing
When we visited Pilar, she invited us to the restaurant's opening party a few days later. Why not take the opportunity to have an interesting local experience?
Now we had moved to Bounty Beach, on the southern part of the island, and although it's possible to walk, it's a bit too far when you start to get chafed by the flip-flops ... There are no roads or cars on the island, so we paid two moped drivers to take us to Pilar's restaurant, where we sat at a table.

During the evening there was a lot of entertainment. A band played and a singer entertained. But in the Philippines - the promised land of karaoke - everyone wants to sing, so it wasn't just the professional singer who sang. Some of the restaurant staff wanted to get up and sing a song each.

There was also entertainment in the form of Filipino folk dancing. A group of young people came and gave a nice performance.

According to our Filipino friend Hildem, all Filipino children are taught these dances in school.

Finally, it was also time for Pilar Pilapil to take the stage. Although she is primarily an actress, it turned out that she can also sing.

Want to read more about Malapascua and the Philippines?
Being part of the opening party at Pilar Pilapil is one of those travel experiences we won't forget. Fun!
We've been hanging out here on Malapascua in the Philippines for a while now and if you want to read about more experiences on the island you can read about the inauguration of a Filipino boat with whole grilled pigs and if Sinulog festival. Below you will find all our articles on the Philippines.
Atremaru Jungle Retreat - eco-resort on Palawan in the Philippines
Atremaru Jungle Retreat is an eco-resort on Palawan Island in the Philippines. Here you live in the centre of...
Philippine ghost animal - 2 places to see them on Bohol Island
The Philippine ghost animal, or tarsier as they are called in English, is a tiny animal with enormous...
Underground river in Puerto Princesa - Unesco heritage in the Philippines
One of the main attractions on the island of Palawan in the Philippines is an underground river in Puerto...
Himokilan Island in the Philippines - cave and encounters with the locals
The island of Himokilan, or Himoquitan as it is sometimes spelled, is one of four Philippine islands that together...
Things to do in Bohol in the Philippines - 15 tips
What to see and do in Bohol, Philippines? Bohol is both an island and...
River cruise on the Loboc River in Bohol, Philippines
River cruise on the Loboc River! This is one of the activities you can enjoy on the...
Sikatuna's Mirror of the World in Bohol, Philippines
Sikatuna's Mirror of the World and Botanical Garden is a theme park located on the island of Bohol,...
Sinulog festival in Malapascua, Philippines
The Sinulog Festival, or Santo Niño Festival as it is also known, is an intense and colourful festival...
Boat trip to Manila in the Philippines - from Boracay
Today it was a boat trip to Manila from Boracay. We started with a small boat from Boracay...
Boracay in the Philippines - tourist paradise
Boracay in the Philippines is an island paradise with a long, beautiful sandy beach and plenty of hotels, restaurants and...
Things to do in Panglao, Philippines - 11 tips
What to see and do in Panglao, Philippines? Panglao is a popular Philippine holiday island, which...
Boat trips in El Nido - fabulous islands in Palawan, Philippines
When visiting Palawan in the Philippines, you don't want to miss out on boat trips in El Nido....
Party at the home of a Filipino actress - with Filipino folk dancing
How did we end up at a Filipino actress's party - with Filipino folk dancing? We figured it out...
What do you eat in the Philippines? - 15 Filipino specialities
What to eat in the Philippines? We spent three months on 30 different islands in the Philippines....
Restaurants in Malapascua in the Philippines - 7 tips
Restaurants in Malapascua are what we can tell you about today. We have eaten at some of the finer places...
Things to do in Malapascua, Philippines - 12 tips
What to see and do in Malapascua, Philippines? Malapascua is a small and stunning...
Digyo Island in the Philippines - in the Cuatro Islas archipelago
The island of Digyo is one of four Philippine islands collectively known as "Cuatro Islas" (Four Islands)....
Pacijan Island in the Philippines - beautiful Camotes Islands
Pacijan Island is a beautiful island in the Camotes Islands in the Philippines. Here you will find among...
Bogo on Cebu Island in the Philippines - a shopping trip
Bogo is a city located on the island of Cebu in the Philippines. This is the nearest major...
Departure with Dotche - now the boat trip in the Philippines begins
It's finally time for the departure of the boat Dotche, which means that we start our...
Our trip to the Philippines - from Stockholm to Cebu
Let's tell you about the start of our trip to the Philippines! We have left...
Manila in the Philippines - exciting city despite bad reputation
Manila in the Philippines is a capital city where many people land by plane, only to travel on...
Sabang and Puerto Galera in Mindoro, Philippines
Have you visited Sabang and Puerto Galera in the Philippines? These two resorts are located on the northeastern...
10-hour journey - from Mindoro to Boracay
We have now travelled from Mindoro to Boracay in the Philippines. We were picked up by car...
Inauguration of Philippine boat with whole roasted pigs
On our second day on the island of Malapascua in the Philippines, we experienced a real...
What to do in El Nido, Palawan - 12 tips for travelling in the Philippines
What to see and do in El Nido, Palawan Province, Philippines? This Filipino...
Things to do in the Philippines - 30 sights and experiences
What to see and do in the Philippines? This Asian country offers everything from exotic...
Kalanggaman in the Philippines - an island paradise
Kalanggaman is an island paradise in the Philippines, with white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and swaying palm trees. This is...
Cebu City in the Philippines - our top tips
Cebu City is a lively Filipino city on the eastern side of the island of Cebu. The city is suitable...
Some observations and reflections from the Philippines
Today we wanted to share some observations and reflections from the Philippines. We have told you about...

Lena - good for the soul says:
So much fun! I can imagine that it was a really cool experience!
Hug Lena
15 February 2023 - 6:53
Maria/emjis.se says:
Wow what a thing!!! So fun that you got to be part of it!!!
15 February 2023 - 10:20
BP says:
Absolutely marvellous! It is precisely such experiences that etch themselves in the memory. You can live long on them:-)
15 February 2023 - 17:58