Boracay Trip

When you hear the word 'Philippines', the first thing that comes to mind is 'Boracay' or 'Cebu.' These two places are very popular among tourists, foreigners and locals alike.

It was my first time to set foot in Boracay last November 7-10, 2015. Thanks to my Korean family who asked me to come with them. It was their first family trip abroad. When I say my Korean family, this is the family of my student turned BFF. Why do I consider them as my family? During my stay in Korea, I lived with her family, and they took care of me. For a year and a half of living with them, I felt I belonged to this family. I am always grateful to them for everything they have done to me - accommodation, love, support, and acceptance. The relationship that I forged with them transcends beyond cultural differences which I am very much thankful of. At times, though, there are some misunderstandings because of differences, but it's natural in any healthy relationship.

Well, going back, after a year since I came back to the Philippines, them visiting the Philippines is like a reunion to me. I get to meet them again and spend quality time, now in my country. And, I am very proud to introduce my country to them, especially to the parents of my BFF who are first timers in the Philippines. I know our country is not as convenient and rich as their country but we are rich in so many things. Our country is beautiful, very beautiful. Boracay alone is something we can boast about.

Boracay is known for its white sand beach and the beautiful sunset.

[caption id="attachment_163" align="alignnone" width="300"]with my bff and travel buddy. presenting to u the minion sand castle and the white sand beach. Sandcastles are signature pic of Boracay. with my bff and travel buddy. presenting to u the minion sand castle and the white sand beach. Sandcastles are signature pic of Boracay.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_164" align="alignnone" width="300"]the beautiful sunset. wanna stay there longer and just witness the beautiful creation of God. the beautiful sunset. wanna stay there longer and just witness the beautiful creation of God.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_165" align="alignnone" width="169"]a beautiful backdrop of my silhouette... a beautiful backdrop of my silhouette...[/caption]

I can't be any prouder that these beautiful sights are in my country.

What I don't like though about the trip is the long travel time. From Manila airport to Kalibo, we had to fly for an hour. Then from Kalibo airport to Jetty port, we rode a van for almost two hours. Next, when we reached the port, you rode a boat going to Boracay island for 15 minutes I think. From the port to the hotel, we rode another van for 20 or 30 minutes. I am not very sure. What makes it more difficult is we had a baby in tow. He's the nephew of my bff. Of course, we had to make sure the baby feels comfortable throughout the trip 'cause if he's not, he would be crying and that would inconvenience everyone. Thanks God, he was behave during the whole trip. He didn't cry. Thanks to www.southwesttours.com, where we arranged our transfers, for the comfortable transport services. I recommend this transport service, guys. They did a good job!

Finally, after three hours of travel, we reached our hotel, Fairways and Bluewater Resort. This is a golf club hotel. It's not in Station 1 nor in Station 2. But it only takes 10-15 minutes by tricycle. Speaking of tricycle, there's an E-trike, that stands for Electric tricycle, which amazed me. Why? Well, the idea is not new to me. The idea has been around quite sometime. But it was my first time to see and ride an E-trike. This is much better than the usual tricycles. First, it is bigger and more spacious than the usual ones. It is quiet. The usual ones are so noisy because it's a motorbike. But this one is really quiet. It's good for us 'cause we have a baby. As much as possible, we didn't want much noise especially when the baby was sleeping when we went somewhere. When you go there, guys, try this E-trike and you gonna love it. Second, it helps reduce air pollution. No smoke at all. I hope this ordinance will also be implemented in other cities in the Philippines. I've heard about e-jeepney in Quezon City but I haven't seen one nor ride one yet. I hope all jeepneys will all be run by electricity, less air and noise pollution.

Ah, about the hotel, it is good for family who has a baby in tow and who prefers a quiet place. It also has a private beach. They have a shuttle to take you there. It is less crowded. But if you are young and want to experience the real 'Boracay feel' and the night life in Boracay, you'd better find a hotel in Station 1 and Station 2 where the many activities take place.

[caption id="attachment_166" align="alignnone" width="300"]this is the view from our balcony. lush green^^ this is the view from our balcony. lush green^^[/caption]

For the food, we went to D' Talipapa wet market. It sells live crabs, lobsters, shrimps, and the like. There are also restaurants around there who accept "paluto". It means you can ask them to cook it for you, just pay for the cooking service.

[caption id="attachment_167" align="alignnone" width="300"]dig in!!!! dig in!!!![/caption]

One thing I would like to tell you, you should learn how to haggle over the price of seafood. They ask for a higher price but don't give in. Set  a price and let them agree with you. But yeah, it takes time. But if you're good at it, it's just a piece of cake.

I want to go back to Boracay. Then at the time, I would really want to feel the real Boracay experience. I want to stay in Station 1 or Station 2.

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