A new accommodation concept is taking shape in the Palawan capital of Puerto Princersa. The Canvas Boutique Hotel will have gallery spaces, an art walk, and a trendy restaurant. It will also appeal to business travelers looking for a comfortable working environment, and to leisure travelers who want to unwind after touring central Palawan’s many attractions.
Rooms at the Canvas will be adorned by murals by up and coming Filipino artists Nice Buenaventura, Hannah Liongoren, and Tof Zapanta of Human Projector. They will also be bathed in natural light and outfitted with modern furniture and adjustable lighting.
Guests will know they are in for something special when they walk into the soaring, gallery-like lobby with its hanging sculptures, unique etchings and contemporary, minimalist furniture.
Murals by graphic artist duo Marcushiro Nada and Bru Sim of the Electrolychee Studio litter the hallways. The Canvas’ restaurant opens to the lobby, displaying the same modern flair. Outside guests can unwind around the attractive 20-meter swimming pool and landscaped grounds. The hotel will regularly play host to art exhibitions, outdoor concerts, and food fairs.
“The Canvas will be more than just a great place to stay,” promised Reginaldo Halili, president of hotel operator Oak Drive Hotels. “It will also be a key venue for community events and art in Puerto Princesa – a space that will highlight the best of Palawan’s burgeoning art and music scene while still offering guests a relaxing and pleasurable signature hotel experience.”
Guests at the Canvas Boutique Hotel can enjoy the Puerto Princesa area’s latest attractions which include the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, recently voted one of the world’s new seven wonders. Other highlights include the islands and whale sharks of Honda Bay, firefly watching on the Iwahig River, numerous beaches within striking distance of the city, and trekking and wildlife-watching in the pristine jungle of central Palawan.
“Puerto Princesa is one of the prime ecotourism destinations in the Philippines,” said Mitzi Cañafranca, director at Oak Drive Hotels. “Guests can be exploring one of the world›s great cave systems one minute, trekking to see monitor lizards and monkeys the next minute, and topping it all with some rest and relaxation on a beautiful remote beach.”