St. Michael & Company Inc.

St. Michael & Company Inc. We believe in the pursuit of health and wellness in a holistic way to create transformational change. St. Michael & Company is a woman-owned wellness company.

We are women-centered and faith-based. Our mission is our passion and our passion is our passion is our mission. Our focus is healing one person at a time. Our spa and wellness services are for women only. We sell aromatherapy products such as essential oil blends and wellness kits.

MEET OUR M.A.R.I.N.E. BOARD MEMBER - SUSTAINABILITY & CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS ADVISOR - CAPTAIN KNUT BENTZROD - Captain K...
08/15/2026

MEET OUR M.A.R.I.N.E. BOARD MEMBER - SUSTAINABILITY & CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS ADVISOR - CAPTAIN KNUT BENTZROD - Captain Knut Bentzrod is a senior maritime executive, Master Mariner, and LNG specialist with an extensive international career spanning shipping, LNG, LPG and oil operations, fleet management, maritime safety, environmental compliance, training, and leadership.

Becoming a Captain in 1996, he developed decades of practical experience in the safe navigation and operation of LNG carriers, including the critical interface between vessels, terminals, ports, and coastal communities. His career has combined operational maritime leadership with senior management, advisory work, and the development of the next generation of maritime professionals.

In the Philippines, Captain Bentzrod served as Chief Operating Officer of the Norwegian Training Center (NTC) in Manila and, from 2022 to 2026, headed the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA) Cadet Program, which provides up to 300 scholarships annually to qualified Filipino maritime cadets, supporting their education and pathways to professional employment at sea.

He also brings extensive knowledge of marine environmental protection and international maritime environmental regulations, including the prevention of oil pollution and the responsible management of sewage, garbage, air emissions, and other ship-generated environmental impacts.

His expertise has particular relevance to Batangas, Calatagan, and the Verde Island Passage, where increasing vessel traffic and LNG operations must be balanced with navigational safety, marine biodiversity protection, coastal community interests, and sustainable development.

Having lived in the Philippines with his wife, Sheila Bustamante Bentzrod, since 2012, Captain Bentzrod brings together international maritime experience and a strong personal connection to the coastal communities and marine environment the M.A.R.I.N.E. initiative seeks to protect.

As Sustainability & Corporate Partnerships Advisor, Captain Bentzrod supports the M.A.R.I.N.E. Advisory Board in developing ESG partnerships, corporate sustainability initiatives, conservation sponsorships and funding, private-sector collaboration, and responsible maritime engagement—helping build bridges between industry, conservation, education, and coastal communities.

MEET OUR ECOTOURISM & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR- DHARAM RAJPALApproved and professionally trained by the India's ...
08/14/2026

MEET OUR ECOTOURISM & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR- DHARAM RAJPAL

Approved and professionally trained by the India's Ministry of Tourism, Dharam is an accomplished travel, tourism, and hospitality professional known for his engaging narratives, extensive destination knowledge, and warm, guest-centered approach. From leading heritage walks through historic streets to introducing travelers to local traditions and uncovering the stories behind iconic landmarks, he creates experiences that are immersive, educational, and memorable.

An Economics graduate with a Master’s degree in Television Journalism and Production, Dharam brings together analytical thinking, communication, and the art of storytelling. His ability to connect history with people, places, traditions, and contemporary life allows travelers of all ages and backgrounds to develop a deeper appreciation for the destinations they visit.

Every destination has a story, and every journey deserves someone who can bring that story to life. For nearly two decades, Dharam Rajpal has dedicated his career to transforming travel into meaningful cultural experiences through his passion for history, heritage, hospitality, and authentic storytelling.

As Ecotourism & Sustainable Development Advisor to the M.A.R.I.N.E. Advisory Board, Dharam contributes his expertise in responsible tourism, nature-based and cultural experiences, sustainability, destination development, and community participation. His perspective supports M.A.R.I.N.E.'s commitment to developing tourism experiences that respect the environment, preserve cultural heritage, engage local communities, and create meaningful economic opportunities.

Dharam believes that tourism should go beyond simply seeing a destination. It should encourage travelers to understand its history, meet its people, appreciate its traditions, respect its natural environment, and contribute positively to the communities that make each place unique.

🌊 M.A.R.I.N.E. Clean-Up | September 19In preparation for the upcoming M.A.R.I.N.E. Clean-Up this September 19, St. Micha...
08/14/2026

🌊 M.A.R.I.N.E. Clean-Up | September 19

In preparation for the upcoming M.A.R.I.N.E. Clean-Up this September 19, St. Michael conducted a brief coordination meeting with our partner organizations and community stakeholders to align plans and strengthen our collective efforts toward a cleaner and healthier coastal community. 🌱🌊

Our sincere appreciation to Brgy. Sta. Ana for accommodating us, especially Kap. Sonny Eguia and Admin. Delos Reyes, for their support.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our partners and representatives who joined us:

Philippine Coast Guard
ERPATS
BENRO
SAPSAP
Zobel Foundation
Kabayan Action
BNCA
Guardian —

Your presence and continued support remind us that meaningful change begins with collaboration. Together, let us continue to care for our seas, protect our coastal communities, and keep our shores clean for generations to come. 💙

See you on September 19! 🌊♻️

🌊 EMPOWERING WOMEN. SUPPORTING FAMILIES. BUILDING LIVELIHOODS. - We are excited and proud to celebrate the Women Entrepr...
08/14/2026

🌊 EMPOWERING WOMEN. SUPPORTING FAMILIES. BUILDING LIVELIHOODS. - We are excited and proud to celebrate the Women Entrepreneurs and Livelihood Association of Barangay Quilitisan and the launch of their locally made products! Bidbid eggrolls, Pinipig Yema and Vegan Empanada.

While women make up the majority of the association, this is truly a community and family effort. Their husbands, fathers, and brothers—many of them fisherfolk—are always ready to lend a hand.

One beautiful example is their Bidbid Lumpia (fish egg rolls). The fisherfolk catch the fish, while the women transform the fresh catch into a delicious product that can create additional income for their families.

During these rainy weeks, six hardworking women have been spending hours together in the kitchen, testing recipes, improving flavors, and perfecting their products. Today, their hard work begins a new chapter.

And what better place to introduce their products than at today's Briefing Meeting for the Marine Protected Area Clean-Up?

Marine conservation is not only about protecting our waters. It is also about supporting the coastal communities whose lives and livelihoods depend on them.

From the sea, to the family, to the community—this is what sustainable livelihood looks like. 💙🌊

Congratulations, women of Barangay Quilitisan! We are excited to see where this journey takes you.

MEET OUR M.A.R.I.N.E. ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER-ECOTOURISM & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR - XANDREA GOSWAMIXandrea Gosw...
08/13/2026

MEET OUR M.A.R.I.N.E. ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER-ECOTOURISM & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR - XANDREA GOSWAMI

Xandrea Goswami is an outdoor adventurer, hiker, and founder of Chasing Sunrise Hike, Tours , and Travel, whose passion for the mountains has grown into a meaningful advocacy for responsible travel, environmental stewardship, and nature-based experiences.

Her hiking journey began in 2011, and over the years she has explored trails both in the Philippines and internationally. Among her memorable adventures was her Mt. Pulag climb in 2014, followed by two Himalayan treks in 2015 and 2016—experiences that deepened her appreciation for the power, beauty, and fragility of the natural environment.

Through **Chasing Sunrise**, Xandrea is passionate about introducing hiking and outdoor adventures to a new generation. For her, outdoor travel is more than reaching a summit or discovering a new destination—it is an opportunity to build respect for nature and inspire people to become active protectors of the places they explore.

Her advocacy is simple yet powerful:

Explore nature, appreciate its beauty, and help preserve it for generations to come.

As Ecotourism & Sustainable Development Advisor of the M.A.R.I.N.E. Advisory Board, Xandrea provides perspectives on responsible tourism, nature-based experiences, sustainable destination development, and community participation. She supports M.A.R.I.N.E.’s vision of connecting adventure and ecotourism with conservation while encouraging travelers—especially the next generation—to understand that every journey into nature carries a responsibility to protect it.

Through every trail, sunrise, mountain, and adventure, Xandrea hopes to cultivate a generation of explorers who respect the mountains, care for the environment, support local communities, and leave the places they visit better protected for those who come after them.

Explore. Appreciate. Protect.

REMINDER: CLEAN-UP BRIEFING TOMORROW — RAIN OR SHINE!All participating agencies, organizations, schools, fisherfolk grou...
08/13/2026

REMINDER: CLEAN-UP BRIEFING TOMORROW — RAIN OR SHINE!

All participating agencies, organizations, schools, fisherfolk groups, civic organizations, companies, volunteers, and team leaders are reminded to attend our briefing for the Marine Protected Area Clean-Up Campaign.

📅 August 14, 2026
⏰ 11:30 AM
📍 Barangay Sta. Ana Hall, Calatagan, Batangas
🏠 Hosted by Barangay Sta. Ana

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN! 🙌🌊
We are still accepting volunteers, organizations, and community groups who want to participate in our September 19 World Cleanup Day activity. You may attend tomorrow’s briefing and sign up to become part of the campaign.

The Philippine Coast Guard Sub-Station Calatagan is the lead agency for
the September 19 clean-up , bringing together government agencies, communities, schools, businesses, fisherfolk, divers, and volunteers for one shared mission.

Rain or shine — see you tomorrow!

🌊 One Coast. One Community. One Mission. From Surface to Seafloor.



MEET OUR INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER - DALE A.MENDOZA- Dale A. Mendoza is a seasoned technical d...
08/13/2026

MEET OUR INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER - DALE A.MENDOZA- Dale A. Mendoza is a seasoned technical diver, diving instructor, safety professional, entrepreneur, expedition enthusiast, and marine conservation advocate whose experience spans the ocean, mountains, and some of Southeast Asia’s most demanding outdoor environments.

Trained in TDI Extended Range technical diving, Dale has experience operating beyond conventional recreational diving limits, where advanced equipment, disciplined procedures, risk management, situational awareness, and mental focus are essential. His passion for diving has taken him throughout Southeast Asia, including Bali, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Penida, exposing him to diverse marine ecosystems and challenging underwater environments.

His spirit of exploration also extends on land. Dale participated in 4x4 Rainforest Extreme off-road wheeling in Malaysia and Indonesia, an experience involving demanding rainforest terrain, technical vehicle handling, teamwork, endurance, and expedition preparedness.

In 2018, Dale founded Baraca Dive Center in Sitio Malao, Barangay Pagkilatan, Batangas City—the first scuba diving and freediving center established in Batangas City. Located along the globally significant Verde Island Passage, Baraca serves as a gateway for diving and marine exploration around Isla Verde, Puerto Galera, and Oriental Mindoro.

As a Founding Member of the M.A.R.I.N.E. Advisory Board, Dale contributes practical expertise in marine protected areas, biodiversity, technical and recreational diving, expedition planning, outdoor and underwater safety, risk management, responsible ecotourism, and marine conservation.

For Dale, “Lead the Way in Scuba Diving” is more than a statement about exploration. It reflects a commitment to lead through safety, discipline, responsibility, education, and respect for the marine environment.

Dale brings to M.A.R.I.N.E. a philosophy built on exploration, resilience, safety, leadership, and stewardship—inspiring others not only to discover the natural world, but also to protect it for generations to come.

MEET OUR M.A.R.I.N.E. ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER - INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION ADVISOR- MR. TSHIRING JANGBU SHERPA - Founder &...
08/12/2026

MEET OUR M.A.R.I.N.E. ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER - INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION ADVISOR- MR. TSHIRING JANGBU SHERPA - Founder & Managing Director, Everest Sherpa Expedition | UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide & Instructor | Author | Philanthropist

Tshiring Jangbu Sherpa is an internationally certified UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide, conservation advocate, author, philanthropist, and veteran mountaineer with more than 25 years of high-altitude experience. He is the Founder and Managing Director of Everest Sherpa Expedition, General Secretary of the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association, and a Chief Instructor at the Nepal Mountain Academy.

His distinguished service includes leading the climbing team for Nepal’s historic 2019 Mount Everest Height Re-Measurement Expedition, which established Everest’s official height at 8,848.86 meters. From 2021–2024, he also served as a lead guide for the Nepal Army Clean Mountain Campaigns, helping teams remove more than 26,000 kilograms of waste from some of the world’s highest and most challenging mountain environments.

As International Conservation Advisor to the M.A.R.I.N.E. Advisory Board, Tshiring brings a unique global perspective connecting **mountain and marine conservation, expedition leadership, environmental stewardship, safety, sustainable tourism, and community empowerment**. His experience demonstrates that whether protecting the world’s highest peaks or its coastal and marine ecosystems, conservation depends on responsible leadership, local communities, and a shared commitment to safeguarding nature for future generations.

MEET OUR M.A.R.I.N.E. ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER , MARINE PROTECTED AREAS AND BIODIVERSITY EXPERT- MR. HERBERT BENDOL is an e...
08/12/2026

MEET OUR M.A.R.I.N.E. ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER , MARINE PROTECTED AREAS AND BIODIVERSITY EXPERT- MR. HERBERT BENDOL is an educator, entrepreneur, and marine recreation professional with extensive experience spanning academia, aquaculture, hospitality, scuba diving, maritime operations, and survival and rescue.

He currently serves as Associate Professor 1 at NU Fairview Inc. under the School of Business and Accountancy and is the Owner and Proprietor of SIMARA Aquaculture Support Services in Caloocan City.

His marine and international experience includes serving as a SCUBA Diving Instructor and Boat Captain with Divers Down UAE, Assistant Experiences Manager at Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman, and Recreation Supervisor, Department Trainer, and Lifeguard at Iberotel Miramar Beach Resort in Fujairah, UAE. He also served as a Survival and Rescue Specialist with the Royal Saudi Air Force at King Fahad Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

Combining his background in aquaculture, diving, maritime safety, rescue, recreation, education, and business, Herbert brings a multidisciplinary perspective to marine conservation and the sustainable use and protection of coastal and marine resources.

M.A.R.I.N.E. ADVISORY BOARD 🌊 - St. Michael & Company Inc. is proud to announce the formation of the M.A.R.I.N.E. Advis...
08/12/2026

M.A.R.I.N.E. ADVISORY BOARD 🌊 - St. Michael & Company Inc. is proud to announce the formation of the M.A.R.I.N.E. Advisory Board — Marine • Advocacy • Research • Innovation • Nature • Ecotourism.

The Advisory Board brings together volunteer leaders and professionals from marine conservation, science, fisheries, diving, education, community development, maritime safety, ecotourism, sustainability, law, government, and international conservation.

Our goal is simple: bring different voices to one table to protect our seas and strengthen the communities that depend on them.

With an initial focus on Calatagan, Batangas, M.A.R.I.N.E. will help guide our work in Marine Protected Areas, biodiversity conservation, research, academic expeditions, responsible fisheries, coastal livelihoods, ecotourism, and community-based conservation.

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Virginia Beach, VA

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Saturday 7am - 3pm
Sunday 9am - 3pm

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+17575061350

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