JOHN BORTHWICK
Travel Writer Photographer

27 June 2008
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

In March 2008, I travelled to Donsosol Bay in the Sorsogon area of Luzon Island, Philippines. In my role of travel journalist-photographer, my assignment was to research a story on the butanding whale sharks of that region. My journey was by invitation of the Philippines Department of Tourism.

All arrangements during my two-day excursion were handled by Mr. Richard Paraguya and his staff from Royal Quest Tours. From my collection at Legazpi Airport to my return there, all transport, accommodation, meals, sight-seeing and, of course, whale-watching excursions were handled very efficiently by Mr. Paraguya.

I can happily report that the quality of these arrangements was top-class, as were the central experiences of whale-watching and an

evening fire-fly viewing river excursion. I was most impressed by the standards of the whale-watching boats and crew, the orderly conduct of boats on the water, the protection of the whales, and the ease and high frequency of whale shark-swimmer interactions.

 

I can unreservedly recommend the whale shark interaction experience and the services of Mr. Paraguya and Royal Quest Tours.

Yours sincerely,

John Borthwick PhD
Travel writer-photographer