PUERTO GALERA: THE ULTIMATE SUMMER GALA OF FRIENDS

 Puerto Galera is the northwesternmost municipality in the province of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. It is located at the southwestern end of the Isla Verde Passage, about 130 kilometers (81 mi) south of Manila.

It has a captivating charm with a soothing vision of shimmering seas surrounded by lush mountains. It is considered one of the most beautiful and developed beach resort community in the country.

The journey to Puerto Galera began with a drive along the newly constructed Star Tollway which significantly shortened the trip.  Upon reaching Batangas City, we parked our cars in the residence of a student who lives there, and from there boarded the ferry en route to Puerto Galera.

The ferry ride was not so smooth as we encountered bumpy waves halfway through the trip.  They provided all the passengers with life jackets for safety precautions.  Overall, we arrived safely at the other side of Batangas Bay.

Our summer destination in Puerto Galera is White Beach of course.  And we were accommodated at the Basilica Hotel which is just in front of the beach.

One of the difference between Puerto Galera and Boracay is the way the ferry disembark their passengers.  Any boat can just land anywhere along White Beach and  off drop passengers nearest to their accommodation.  In Boracay, there is a central terminal for ferry boats and no boat can just land anywhere along White Beach.

When I arrived at Puerto Galera I was mesmerized by its beautiful beach.  No wonder people flock to this place to flaunt their beach bodies.  There were lots of people around.  The place was bustling with activities from sunrise to sundown and from dusk till dawn.

Filipinos dominate the area unlike in Boracay where foreigners seemed to be the primary citizens of the island.

The sand may not be as white and powdery as Boracay sand but it is glsitening white in the midday sun.

The place is so majestic that it makes people display their beach bodies with pride whether big or small, fat or thin.  We are sure to have lots of fun and adventure  throughout the day and in to the night.

The highlight of course of our gala in Puerto Galera is none other than the BANANA BOAT RIDE!  This was the first time for most of us to ride this exciting thrill ride and with all smiles, we had one of the most exciting and thrilling rides of all time and best of all, I experienced it together with the closest of my friends.

At first, everyone was nervous about how the ride will come out.  And as we head out into the sea and the speedboat began tossing and turning us over, the next scene was a gory and scary moment of screams, shriek, shout, laugh, cry and everything you can belt out under the sun!  YIPEEE YAHOOOOOOO!