Called “Mina de Oro” (meaning mine of gold) by the Spaniards, what is now known as Mindoro, the seventh largest island in the Philippines, it is only fitting that the chosen rally point for the first Lagoon Escapade in the country is found within a remote and privately owned cove hidden on one of the smaller isles surrounding the western half of the island; a treasure waiting to be found. 

Spearheaded by the Philippine dealer Europa Yachts Managing Director Thomas Cachera and the Director for Marketing and Business Development Richard Sarinas, together with their team, the adventure begins at the Barracuda Bar of the Punta Fuego Yacht Club on Friday, April 6.

Numbering close to sixty strong in attendance, the owners and their guests were treated to free flowing Stella Artois, Johnnie Walker signature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for the pre-event briefing.

After the welcome remarks, the rally briefing was facilitated in a fun quiz night set-up by PHINSAF, the premier sailing authority in the Philippines. The evening ended with each participant buzzing with excitement and carrying their Lagoon loot bag filled with everything they needed for the rally.
  
The following morning, eight majestic Lagoons with the Seventy7 in attendance, quietly and almost dreamily left the yacht club to embark on a journey to discover a different kind of freedom. Four hours and a half of steady winds, cruising across the Verde Island Passage, the fleet arrives in the clear turquoise blue waters of the beautiful private cove they would be able to call theirs for a day.

Arriving to acoustic reggae beats, floral leis and served fresh coconut juice; the owners and their guests were definitely feeling like they were on top of the world. With their spirits refreshed and nourished from a big lunch and winning raffle prizes, participants were treated to helicopter rides around the island onboard PhilJets’ Airbus EC130, the only one of its kind available for charter in the Philippines.
  
The golden hour brought in beach side barbeques, sangrias and more Johnnie Walker Gold Label signature cocktails with names like Lagoon and Johnnie Rally. If anyone wanted to know what that afternoon and the lovely sunset everyone witnessed could be described as, it would be captured perfectly in two words--breathtaking and delicious.
 
The evening was capped off with an exclusive whisky tasting event facilitated by the Scotland-trained whisky expert, Rian Asiddao, an amazing dinner buffet with lechon, more raffle prizes, which included a pair of Sperry shoes and helicopter charter gift certificates all the while the owners were serenaded by a talented local band.
 
The first Lagoon Escapade ends with family and friends sharing the greatest treasure they have discovered on a remote island, each other. It is the truest celebration of the Lagoon lifestyle coupled with a growing anticipation for the next adventure to come.