Judging by the surreal sunsets, unrushed mornings and leisurely tempo, you would never guess that Puro, was just 25 kilometers off the ever buzzing Boracay islands. With its white sands, and picture perfect hills, this little Filipino island is an authentic cultural charm that is pure from the influence of modern civilization. “You know, Puro is so small that electricity was just connected 2 years ago. There is a small school and chapel, and not much else except for simple homes.” There is no hiding that Puro and her people have Soleil’s heart, “ever since we started building, the men now have something to do besides fishing for their families. It is important to me that they see that my intentions here are pure and through this project we can improve the society’s livelihood.”

Puro sanctifies a slower and more rewarding pace of life. The people are not in any rush – a typical day includes fishing for the family’s basic meals, which they take their time to prepare and eat. There is also a strong sense of community. It may be a small island with close to 500 residents, but the people are warm and very accepting of new things. With much contentment, Soleil shares how her neighbours remember the smallest details, “they have been surrounded by shells all their lives, so I can imagine how strange it must be that such a thing of simplicity excites me so much. It has gotten to the point where if they see a big and beautiful shell, they will keep it for me. I think they are amused by how I squeal in delight with each find.”