To G or not to G?! Boracay Escapade 2014

At last I have marked my calendar and set my feet on the beautiful white sand of the famous ‘Boracay Island’.  Last year I and my friends were planning to go there for a three (3) day vacation however, because of some circumstances the planned did not work out.  Thankfully I have a sovereign God who honors the desires of my (our) hearts, as a result Boracay did happen.

We were booked two weeks before the holy week but we got the cheapest price since one of our friends is working in a booking agency and the airlines that we fly with had a promo in time for our getaway.   Though I highly suggest that you should book your flight months before the date you want to fly anywhere if given a chance. 

We left Manila at around 8am and arrived in Kalibo at 8:55am.  From Kalibo we traveled via a van which we did not expect that only the two of us were the only passengers then, again, I believe that it was a favor from God.  From Kalibo to the port of Caticlan were about 2 and half hours travel.  Upon arriving at the port we immediately asked for our tickets for the ferry (250 each for van and ferry boat to Boracay Island) and walked towards the receiving hall.  We thought of the easiest way to go inside however, there were some trouble like we need to buy an entrance fee which cost us 75 Php each and signed a document for tourism purposes. 

 

And after a quite long travel, here we are in Boracay Island.  We rode a tricycle from the port to Station 2 so we can find a hotel for us (this is what backpackers do) to stay for three days.  On our way to Station 2, one of our co-rider Manong Nelson asked us if we were looking for a place to stay and we said yes.  So when he told the driver to stop the motorcycle so he can alight, we also got down and went with him.  Even its holy week we were able to find a decent hotel for us to stay in an ample of time.  We just walked around while manong Nelson was coordinating with his wife and co-tourist guide for us to know where we can get a good place with a cheap price.  We passed by La Carmela and hotel Regency but we got the best deal (both for its cost and ambience) in Villa de Oro hotel.  As we settled our accounts, manong Nelson bid us goodbye and for us we entered our villa to rest. 

After our late lunch we opted to stay in the hotel to take a nap to recharge.  At night, we were able to eat at the hotel and watched the fire dancers.

The next day was adventurous for us.  We ate breakfast at the hotel and walked at the shoreline of the place from station 2 towards station 1.  I let one of the women there braid my hair at a cost of 80 Php and moved forward to station 1 for the grotto photos.  As we went back to our hotel, we called manong Nelson to accompany us to some well-known activities in the Island and he was more than willing to attend to our needs he said, this is my work as a guide.  Before lunch we went to a place to ride a buggy/atv car and alongside we were able to climb mount ____ to take some pictures of the whole Island.  After that, we also tried zip line adventure for 700 Php each and 500 Php for the cd full of your photos and videos. 

Then we ate at D’ Palengke where we market seafood and went to one of the restaurants to cooked our food (paluto style).

We capped the day with our last adventure yet most enjoyable and memorable for me, “Parasailing”.  This was so far the best activity that everybody should try when they get to Boracay.  Relaxing and at the same time exciting.  It was like your flying and yet the fly was smooth and full of beauty.  Aim to fly at sunset, it is better

My best friend and i 

my best friend and i capturing the sunset at its best

At night we opted to take a dip for a while and eat dinner in the place we were staying.  The Island was solemn in Good Friday; they respect and observe the religious beliefs of the people around.  Actually, earlier that day locals had their “prusisyon” or the sacrifice walk to commemorate Jesus Christ’s crucifixion.   

As we go back to reality the next day, I looked back and think how blessed we were to have this one of kind vacation in Boracay. It’s a one destination you can go back and try something new or just relax and stroll at the beach. Beautiful place, nice people and fun activities. Verdict? Let’s G!

(all photos were taken in Boaracay, Island by my best friend and i)

James 1:17

New International Version (NIV)

17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.