JUST
a 45-minute flight and a 30-minute boat ride away
from Manila is Boracay Island. It is a perfect island
getaway, with its warm blue waters, powder-fine white
sand, a palm-fringed four-kilometer beach and endless
activities and parties.
The
Island is part of the Aklan province and is accessible
by air through the Caticlan or Kalibo airport.
But
because everyone wants a piece of this paradise, a
swarm of tourists, revelers, sponsored events complete
with screaming banners, and a growing number of high-rise
buildings have dulled some of Boracay’s original
attractions.
Here,
a few Boracay vets say what they like best—and
least—about what has been hailed as one of the
most gorgeous spots in the world.
The
gentle waves, the fine sand, the clear water. Masaya.
Kahit late na, ang dami pa ring tao sa beach. Convenient
– kaunting lakad lang may ATM, may internet,
may beer, Indian Food, gelato, at kung may pera ka,
masahe at spa. I love it when it’s low tide.
Myra,
mutimedia artist
Kawawa
naman ang Boracay. Ginawa nang extension ng Makati
Avenue or Ayala Center. People who go there now don’t
think about the natural beauty of the island and how
to preserve it. Yuppies who go there now use Boracay
as a venue to see people in skimpy swim suits and
be seen by people who like to see people in skimpy
swim suits!
And
the idea for Jollibee entering Boracay is island’s
doom...
People
who go to Boracay must not miss the island’s
peace and tranquility and be aware of its beautiful
natural resources only found in the Philippines. Rather
than dumping trash and bringing stress, angst and
a broken cultural spirit to Boracay, tourists must
also learn how to nurture the island and keep it safe
from the evils of commercialism.
Jenny,
batang Los Baños
The
distinctive Boracay geography from Station 3 (jologs)
to Station 1 (sosyal) may seem to be worlds apart
for the first-time Boracay tourist. However, this
distinction should not put a cloud over one’s
sunny disposition of having a grand time. As a frequent
visitor to this wonderful southern island, I discovered
that you stop caring where you kick off your sandals
and call it a night. Boracay, when truly given a chance,
does not distinguish from the haves and have-nots.
It is an equal venue for local hospitality, good seafood
and all-day and night party atmosphere. No matter
how much you spend or save for the ultimate Boracay
getaway, one thing is for sure--the sun, sand, and
clear blue waters is free. |
