the 100 Million Dollar Palawan Pearl: A Fisherman's Hidden Treasure
In the picturesque waters off Palawan Island in the Philippines, a local fisherman made an astonishing discovery that remained a secret for over a decade. This is the story of the Pearl of Puerto, a natural wonder that has captivated the world.
Sometime around 2006, a fisherman from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, encountered an unexpected obstacle: his boat's anchor had become entangled beneath the sea. Diving to free it, he found that the anchor was caught on a giant clam. Inside this clam lay an enormous pearl, measuring approximately 2.2 feet (67 cm) in length and weighing around 75 pounds (34 kg)!
Puerto Princesa Tourism Office/EPA
Believing the pearl to be a good luck charm, the fisherman took it home and kept it hidden under his bed for ten years. He would reportedly rub the pearl before going out to fish, hoping it would bring him a bountiful catch. Unaware of its potential value, he did not disclose its existence to others.
In 2016, as the fisherman prepared to move to a new location, he entrusted the pearl to his relative, Aileen Cynthia Maggay-Amurao, a tourism officer in Puerto Princesa. Recognizing its significance, she facilitated its public display at the Puerto Princesa City Hall. The pearl, now known as the Pearl of Puerto, attracted global attention for its immense size and beauty.
Experts have estimated the pearl's value to be around $100 million, potentially making it the largest natural pearl ever discovered. Unlike traditional pearls, which exhibit iridescence, the Pearl of Puerto has vertical folds resembling the shell of a giant clam, indicating its unique formation.
The discovery of the Pearl of Puerto has not only highlighted the rich marine biodiversity of the Philippines but has also underscored the potential treasures that lie beneath its waters. The pearl has become a symbol of natural wonder and has boosted tourism in Puerto Princesa, drawing visitors eager to witness this extraordinary gem.
The fisherman's inadvertent find serves as a reminder of the ocean's hidden marvels and the serendipitous nature of discovery. The Pearl of Puerto stands as a testament to the Philippines' natural wealth and the stories that emerge from its deep, mysterious waters.
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