Shuvee Etrata shows off beauty and charm of Bantayan Island

Shuvee Etrata flexed the natural beauty and charm of Bantayan Island, Cebu, in “Sparkle Under the Sun” on “24 Oras” on Monday.

Located a plane, car, and boat ride away from Manila, the island is “The Master Cutter” star’s hometown.

Among the activities featured in Bantayan Island is paraw sailing, where tourists can ride on a boat without an engine and sail with the wind. Those interested in trying paraw sailing may do so at the price of P2,500

“Sobrang ganda dito. Sobrang gaan sa feeling. Nawawala lahat ng problema mo,” Shuvee said. “And ang galing kasi 'yung paraw lang talaga naglalayag sa ‘min.”

Shuvee also showed off Virgin Island, a popular spot for tourists, but also for locals who go there for celebrations.

The island spans 31 hectares, but only 10 hectares have been developed, according to resort manager Jevie Rodrigo. Guests can also take part in fish feeding and snorkeling activities.

The entrance fee to Virgin Island costs P350.

“Iba ‘yung nabibigay na saya ng isla sa akin. Dito kasi ako nagsimulang mangarap,” Shuvee said. “Sobrang swerte ko rin kasi hindi lang ako dito turista eh. ‘Yung mga business owners dito, parang pamilya ko na rin.”

According to Shuvee, she would receive special treatment on the island even before she became an artist because the locals are naturally loving.

Shuvee also tried riding an ATV during her visit.

“People ask me kung saan ka lumaki or saan ‘yung home mo, where do you feel at home? Sinasabi ko po talaga Bantayan,” Shuvee said. “Dito ako nagkamuwang and dito ko naramdaman ‘yung pagmamahal na unconditional, and it came from my grandmother.”

Shuvee later visited her grandmother's tomb, saying, "Ang dahilan kung bakit nabuo ang isang Shuvee Etrata.”

“So kahit na hindi ako artista, pinagmamalaki na niya ako. For sure, masaya ‘yung lola ko ngayon kasi siya ‘yung may gusto na maging artista ako," she said.

Shuvee also shared that being back in Bantayan reminds her of God’s greatness, as He can "make a lot of dreams come true.”

Meanwhile, one of the top delicacies of Bantayan Island is taguangkan or grilled chicken intestine with boiled chicken egg on skewers.

Per Shuvee, she counts herself lucky because she has a family she can always come home to.

“Iyon ang masarap sa feeling. Alam mo na kahit anong mangyari, maswerte ako kasi may pamilya akong pwede kong palaging balikan,” Shuvee said. “Bantayan is forever gonna be my home. Babalik-balikan habang-buhay.” —Nika Roque/CDC, GMA News