Dorothea Benedict in the North: Vampire Diaries Star Ian Somerhalder mesmerized by El Nido, Palawan

The ever dashing Ian Somerhalder (photo courtesy of http://www.flicr.com/photos/)

Early this year, Hollywood British actress Rachel Weisz visited El Nido, Palawan and was awed by its sheer beauty. This time, it was Vampire Diaries’ star Iwan Somerhalder’s turn to be mesmerized.

“El Nido is one of the most beautiful places in the world; and incredible,” was all he could quipped in a bevy of media persons from Manila with a sparkle in his blue eyes which can’t hide the obvious feeling of being overwhelmed by the natural wonder.

In a separate interview with veteran entertainment columnist Ricky Lo, he similarly expressed, “I was in El Nido which is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Incredible!”

When further asked on why he has this intense environmental advocacy, he replied, “It’s just part of me, of who I am and what I do. I think it gives me a great opportunity to bring the youth together and allow them to be inspired and be creative and sort of take control of the future because ultimately it’s theirs. The world will hopefully change for the better and we’re gonna do it and we will help the youth.”

Somerhalder visited Manila, Philippines and the scenic Lagen Island in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines through his environmental preservation foundation, The Ian Somerhalder Foundation (TISF) in partnership with Penshoppe, a Filipino casual clothing line which he currently endorses.

“A portion of the sales from Ian’s campaign will be donated by Penshoppe to TISF. The campaign will be formally launched later this June,” declared Joyce Ramirez, head of PR Asia, which conceptualized Penshoppe’s All-Star campaign. The Campaign included A-list Hollywood actor Zac Efron, Gossip Girl TV Actor Ed Westwick, Thai matinee idol Mario Maurer and Leighton Meester of Gossip Girl, the only rose among the thorns. Ramirez said that there's more to come.

Vampire Diaris star Ian Somerhalder was recently mesmerized by El Nido, Palawan (photo courtesy of http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos)

El Nido is a first-class municipality situated at the northwestern tip of the province of Palawan, Philippines. It is 40 kilometers southwest of Manila, and 238 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan’s capital. El Nido is bordered by the Linapacan Strait in the North, the Sulu Sea in the east, and the South China Sea in the west.

El Nido is famous for its pristine white sand. It is considered a showcase of Palawan’s geology and various wildlife. It is one of most important sites for biological diversity in the country and has been stated by the Philippine government as a protected area.

Palawan came from a Chinese word that means “safe beautiful harbor.” Palawan is also where the famous Puerto Princesa Underground is located which was recently formally included in the New Seven Wonders of Nature.