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.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the following sources:
Some OFWs are calling for a “Zero Remittance Week” to protest Duterte’s arrest—but is it the right move? We break down the protest, the power of Filipino remittances, and why this bold stand might hurt the very people it aims to protect.
When it comes to flawless, long-lasting makeup, the right setting spray is key—and ONE/SIZE On ‘Til Dawn Setting Spray, created by Filipino American beauty mogul Patrick Starrr, has quickly become a favorite among beauty professionals.
Every time we hear about the greats of Philippine art history, it’s always Juan Luna this, Fernando Amorsolo that. But let’s be real, where are the women? The truth is, Filipina artists have always been creating, pushing boundaries, and defining artistic movements. They just don’t get the same spotlight.
Before International Women’s Month come to a close, we’re bringing some of these historical Filipina artists out of the margins and into the spotlight. These are the OGs of Philippine art, the ones who shattered ceilings (and maybe painted them too), proving that women have always belonged in the world of art, ever since the beginning. How many of these trailblazing women do you know about?
Filipino names are truly some of the most diverse names you’ll ever come across. Our last names alone can have Spanish influence, Chinese influence, and in some cases American influences due to the involvement of the U.S. during World War II.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is facing an ICC investigation for crimes against humanity—but what does this mean for democracy, sovereignty, and the Philippines' global standing?
One of the greatest inventors that the millennial and gen z generation has never heard of, Gregorio Zara and his innovations have stood the test of time and still remain useful in our world today.
If you’ve spent any amount of time doom-scrolling on social media lately—whether it’s TikTok, Instagram, X, Facebook, or (for the OGs) Xanga, you’ve probably seen her. The queen. The icon. The Filipina food fairy godmother herself: Abigail Marquez, aka the Lumpia Queen.
Read More
Building on the success of their initial collaboration, Industry’s Finest is once again partnering with the Philippine Department of Tourism and the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs to launch VIP Next Gen: Beyond the Islands.
You must be just as curious to figure out who is this man with that good hair, dripped out in all of this fashion, rocking the barong Tagalog in non-traditional ways? Or you’ve probably told yourself, “I wish I could wear that or I could never rock that outfit."
The Philippine Trench, one of the deepest parts of the world's oceans, holds an astonishing array of marine life, making it a biodiversity hotspot and a source of national pride for the Philippines.
In a 2019 interview with Vanity Fair, Willem Dafoe recounted his unexpected experience during the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution in the Philippines. "I arrived in the Philippines and my plane was the last plane in because there was a revolution,” Dafoe recalled. With production halted, he and a few others spent "three or four days... out on the streets with the people." Reflecting on the event, he described it as "an incredible feeling because it was a revolution that happened for the most part without violence."
Are you part of your school’s PCN (or FIlipino equivalent) and want some inspo to level up your Tinikling game. From remixing tradition to adding a modern twist, we have 5 fresh takes will have your audience shook.
“It is through Hawaiian music and poetry that we share our moʻolelo (stories). I want to leave hoʻoilina (legacies) for my family, my students, and the communities we serve through higher education, and through creating Hawaiian music.”
The Filipino accent, particularly in the context of modern Tagalog and its influence from various linguistic sources, is a fascinating blend of native phonetic structures, colonial influences, and regional variances.
Valentine’s Day is great and all, but Galentine’s Day? That’s where the real fun is! Celebrated on February 13, it’s the perfect occasion to honor the incredible women in your life—your fellow Pinays.
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, which means it’s time to tick off all the boxes for a perfect night out. Reservations? check Flowers? check Outfit picked? check Music for the car ride??? Ok, we know you haven’t thought that far ahead—but let’s be real, the right soundtrack can totally set the mood and take you from the friendzone to the endzone.
Filipinos in the NFL? You bet. Sure, we might be known more for boxing, basketball, and singing notes that defy the laws of acoustics, but trust, we’ve got some gridiron greats in our corner, too.
Hapunan is the new Filipino horror game that’s creeping its way into the nightmares of Fil-Ams everywhere. With its eerie lo-fi visuals, suspenseful gameplay, and a storyline that feels too real, this indie horror hit is gaining a cult following fast. Read on to find out why players can’t stop talking about it.
Marvel’s first Filipina superhero, Pearl Pangan aka Wave, is making even bigger moves in the MCU! With more screen time (voiced by the amazing Cathy Ang) in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, could a live-action debut be next?
As January comes to a close, it’s about that time to dig into all your mental notes about your loved ones' likes / dislikes and start making preparations for the most romantic holiday of the year, Valentines Day!
San Miguel, Red Horse, and Engkanto, what do they all have in common? Yep, they’re some of the biggest names in Filipino beer! But wait… “Niko, Encanto is about Bruno, not breweries.” Oh, you’re in for a surprise!
Hearing about the recent deportation of Filipinos from the U.S., might feel scary and overwhelming. If you or someone you know is undocumented, it’s okay to feel worried, but you don’t have to face this alone. There are places to turn for help and support.
Falling fruit might sound harmless… until a coconut lands on your head. We’re ranking the most dangerous fruits in the PH that could turn your walk in the islands into a trip to the ER.
Every culture has their own rituals surrounding funerals, mourning with death, and providing comfort to the grieving. In Filipino culture, we honor the departed with traditions deeply rooted in religion, family, and community.
Read More