North Pandan is a small, privately owned resort island just off the west coast coast of Mindoro in the Philippines. It has a pale-sand beach that bends and curves as it follows two sides of the island in an unbroken sweep of silica. Studding the sand a few metres above the high water mark are hundreds of coconut palms, all leaning with their heads bowed in supplication towards the clear warm waters of the Mindoro Strait. Between the palms are strung several hammocks and just behind them are to be found the resorts accommodation, some rather fancy wood, rattan and bamboo bungalows with enormous raised wooden porches that contain comfy sofas, armchairs and occasional tables. The view from our bungalow, which I can see now as I raise my eyes from my netbook's screen, is a
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