It's More Fun in the Philippines: Boracay! Day 1

     We went to Boracay almost a year ago, i.e., December 2011.  It was my first time going there and most of my companions were first-timers, too.  Well, I wanted to touch the famed fine, white sand and to see what the fuss is about Boracay.

     So, from Manila, we all boarded a Cebu Pacific plane.  However, since we were a big group (around 15), we were in 2 different flights: the super early one and the afternoon one.

     It was also my first time to board a plane smaller than the regular airbus, so I was kinda scared.  I asked if I could be seated in front and my request was granted.  I got seat 1, on the first row, but it was a seat facing all the other passengers!  So, I felt like a flight attendant.  It was an odd experience but a memorable one.  

     Anyway, when we got to Caticlan, our van service, courtesy of The Sands Hotel, was already at the airport to transfer us to the jetty port.  From the port, The Sands' own boat picked us up to take us to Boracay island.

 Jetty Port

Transfer Service

     What can I say?  We arrived in style.  Teehee.

    After another short ride from the Boracay jetty port, we finally reached the hotel, and I was so relieved.  I know that Boracay is supposed to be fun and full of people. However, since I'm one of those weirdos who seek tranquility while on the beach, I was hoping to that our hotel would be somewhere more secluded.  And I was not disappointed.  The Sands is located in Station 3, some 15  minutes away from the unbearably crowded Station 2.

The sand in Boracay are powdery white, but not in this photo!

The setting sun made the sand look beige. 

    Boracay's sand proved to be as soft as talc and as white as snow (almost).  And I don't know if I just have thick soles but the sand does not get unbearably hot.  I could walk around the beach barefoot even under the midday sun.  One thing I noticed though is that not all Stations have the same texture of sand.  Station 3 has the coarsest powder-sand and it gets finer going towards Station 1.

    Hmm...I was expecting Boracay to be crowded when we arrived mid-afternoon.  But apparently, most people were out riding the paraw, taking refuge from the midday sun or sleeping in.  Surprisingly, Boracay was relatively serene when we arrived.

     Starting 5pm, the crowd got thicker, and by sunset, Station 2 became the ultimate party destination.  Then again, partying has never been my cup of tea, so I just walked along the beach to watch the setting sun.

   

     

   

Weekend in Boracay

     I went to Boracay last weekend with my peers and we all had a blast. We stayed at The Sands in Boracay in Station 3. I think we were the only locals in that hotel, save for the staff. The guests were predominantly east Asians.

     For now, I'll concentrate on work and I will post my travel adventures in Boracay later.

Thoughts: Caught on Cam - Foreigners Having Sex on Boracay Shores

    

     Last night, a local news show in the Philippines revealed an exclusive video of a couple who were having sex on the white, sandy shores of Boracay, a highly popular tourist destination in the country.  Of course, nothing offensive was shown; just bits and pieces of a couple making out near a huge rock (the lady was topless) and another couple putting back their dresses on after a midnight hump.  These two couples are apparently foreigners.  Don’t worry, the naked parts were blurred and there was not even a shadow of humping in the video clip.

     I don’t know.  I’m not a prude, and if they want to do it on the beach, so be it; if they can’t fight the temptation to frolic in the sands of Boracay, that is.  To each his own; really, whatever floats your boat. 

     However, may I inform our travellers that having sex in public here in the Philippines is an act punishable by law.   You may very well be charged with grave scandal (imposed upon any person who shall offend against decency or good customs by any highly scandalous conduct), the penalty of which is arresto mayor, or imprisonment from one day to thirty days, and public censure. 

     Today, the Department of Tourism expressed concern about the incident.  The Tourism Secretary said that hotel owners and other establishments on the beach should post signs or warnings that say it is okay to be happy and enjoy while on the island but there are things that should be done privately, preferably in their hotel rooms. He apparently added that it was a good thing that the sex incident happened at a time when kids are already asleep, and that the act was between a couple that seem to be married and it was not done with a Filipina.  Really?  As if doing it with your spouse who is not a local will make public sex more acceptable.  Lol!

     You can view the news clip HERE.

A Future Trip to Boracay

     I'm probably one of the few local tourists who haven't been to Boracay, ever.  As you may well know, Boracay is a top tourist destination, for local and international travelers alike.  White, sandy beaches, varying hues of blue waters, beautiful sunset, and relentless partying come summer.  I love the beach, even though I cannot swim, but I do like to frolic in the sand, dip in the cool sea, and just stare at the beauty of nature.  However, I find going to Boracay a tedious process.  You must board a plane to Caticlan, and then ride a boat or something going to the beach.  Also, it's [overly] crowded during the summer and I'm not a party-person.  I'd love to have a more serene atmosphere you see.

     By a stroke of luck, I won a trip to Boracay, all expenses paid, during our Christmas party.  Now, I don't have a reason not to go to Boracay.  I think I'd like to go there in February, but not during March and April.  Let's see if I get the time to go there.  I'll have something to blog about if my Boracay trip pushes through .     

     Wish me luck!