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This is the first time I went to Boracay and I know it is already way too changed compared to Boracay back in the 80's when there were still nudist colonies during that time. I just dont' belong to the fortunate ones to have visited this island in its early days. I don't know whether to envy them or to blame them for what is Boracay today. I'm probably part of society who just have to contend with whatever leftovers the rich and affluent ones left in this island very much like the master throwing chicken bones to his pet dog.
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We are now part of society that has to follow rules in keeping Boracay from deteriorating any further. We are the generation of visitors that have to pay so-called "environmental fees" even though we're not pretty sure that these funds are indeed being used specifically to maintain the Boracay ecosystem or just another way for the local government to raise funds for other developmental projects in the province. I'm not down playing their efforts but I hope that the time won't come when people would say "I told you so!" everyone seems to have the same foresight but none had the guts to champion the cause. Everyone wants to tell the world that they have anticipated this but no one wants to come forward to work on it. Sooner or later, this place will be stricken out of the list of the most beautiful beaches in the world despite countless write-ups about its deteriorating condition. |
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When I arrived on the island, the place undeniably has its charm locked on first-timers like me. I was mesmerized by the powdery, white sand, the long-stretch beach, the beautiful people; local and foreign alike, the clear water with its algal bloom in check, the countless boats, yachts, parachutes, stores, pendants, food and everything else on one beach. The least you can think of that Boracay doesn't have are moviehouses. I am not sure if I am going to paint a nice picture for you about the place but since my blog is finding fun & adventure in virtually any place in the world, then I hope I can stimulate your mind to have fun with me as well. |
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This blog is all about Boracay! When I went on a shooting spree around the beach, I tried to capture as many images where the name Boracay is written. And for every picture with Boracay in it comes its individual story. |
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There is not much mountains to do vertical climbing in Boracay, so climbing fanatics have to contend with this wall for the moment. With so many people around the island looking for hot babes and dudes, this is one venue where you can show off your skills grabbing, gripping and reaching the peak. So go for top man, if you can't deliver the right pick-up line. ha ha ha ha!
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It's fiesta season my friend! And as the popular saying goes whenever you visit a place for the first time, "do as the Romas do!" So since Boracay is part of Aklan province, I think this is the nearest thing I can do to act like Aklanons. hi hi hi hi!
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Business is really alive in Boracay! aside from the public restrooms for tourists. But my advice to you is buy your sunglasses in your hometown where it is cheaper before going to Boracay. It is best to spend your money on authentic Boracay souvenirs rather than sunglasses that you can buy anywhere in the world.
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Diving is one of the best recreational activites in Boracay. It is quite expensive so most tourists that dive are foreigners. I just enjoyed posing with their diving mascot. Next time when I win the lottery, I'm going diving in my next visit! I wish! ha ha ha ha!
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McDonald's, Jollibee, Army-Navy, Burger King, whatever! It is still HAMBURGER! You can try it yourself and compare, compare, compare! However, I suggest your try out something novel, one that you don't normally see in Manila or Luzon. So when in Boracay, try a burger only found on the island. TRY The Great BORACAY BURGER!
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Refrigerator magnets are a good sight to see in Boracay! You have lots of choices to choose from. I think this is the cheapest pasalubong you can buy for your loved ones.
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This tarpaulin streamer will give you an idea of all the recreational activities in Boracay. But let me warn you, they all come with a price! The trick is to project yourself not be well-endowed with money or else these tour operators will eat you alive. You can actually haggle for the price so don't settle immediately with the first price that they will mention. If you're a first timer in the island, it would be best to have an island tour first before other activities, so at least you can get a glimpse of all the different beaches around the island aside from White Beach.
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Each beachfront hotel has its own specialty to boast for ranging from cocktail drinks, hamburgers, refreshments, tattoos, massage services and for the Red Coconut their Brick Oven Pizza which they claim as Boracay's Best! It's a little bit pricey for the budget traveler but it's still worth the try.
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This is one of the best attractions in the island. People line up to buy this drink because it has been featured in many travel shows on TV. It's a little bit pricey but at least you get to take home the container as souvenir.
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This is one of the cheapest carinderia in the island. It is located along the iskinita of the talipapa of DMall and it offers cheap, clean and delicious food. It's main menu consists of seafoods and other Filipino dishes. Yum-yum indeed!
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Who says one can't have a foot spa in Boracay. Occasionally, one seeks a foot pampering now and then, Boracay is a good place to do that. Foot pampering can be done leisurely mode without having to insert it in your schedule while waiting for your daughter during her ballet lesson or your mother doing her grocery. Today you are the boss and everyone is on their feet at your delight. |
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Summer outfit is not a problem in Boracay. There are clothes of all sizes for all ages. You might even encounter the difficulty of choosing what to buy because of so many choices and so many stores selling so many merchandise. At a certain point it puts to shame some of the popular tiangges in Metro Manila. |
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Biscocho Kalibo is one of your options when buying pasalubong for you loved ones back home. It's best when eaten together with your favorite coffee in the morning. Don't expect too much though. The packaging is much better than it tastes.
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Another shopping and eating area that you can go to is the D Talipapa. It has a wide array of stores and eatery as well as a wet market where you get to choose the fresh seafood of meat of your choice and have it cooked hot and fresh so you can eat your heart out with your friends and loved ones. |
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There's even an internet center in Station 2 where you can update yourself with the latest email of facebook newsfeed or just post your latest pics on your facebook account. Internet is really no problem in the island because hotels offer free wi-fi to its guests. Just make sure you choose a hotel with a free wi-fi service. |
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If you still crave for city food, no problem! D Mall has many restaurants that are also common in popular malls in MetroManila. Name it, D Mall's got it! |
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Beach strolling in Boracay is fun and unique because of the blend of city and provincial life. However, I did noticed that there are very few coconut trees along the beach and finding one with no people around for a photoshoot is rare to come by especially that most people stay in the shade of these tropical trees during noon time when the sun is steaming hot. |
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Sad thing about Boracay is that it has become so commercialized that billboards strewn everywhere makes it appear that this island paradise had been vandalized by the inhabitants themselves. |
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With so much commerce going on in the island, you'll never miss Manila. It's just the beach that's going to be different. You won't miss the traffic because there's traffic in the streets of Boracay. |
We'll that's my story on Boracay during the day. We stayed there for 3 days and 2 nights and on the 3rd day we headed back to Caticlan to stay for the night in time for the first flight the next day. The quiet town of Caticlan will be another story in my blog next in the Dr. of Fun and Adventure.