Boracay, Baby!

Right now, I am writing this blog 1076 kms from where I usually write while I try my very best to sum up my most relaxing vacay, yet. I love that we didn't have to wake up early in the morning and cram as many activities as we can to seize the day.

We have more than enough days to enjoy the island but I don't think I'm ready to leave just yet. Not when I know that a shitload of work is waiting for me.

I also worry my friends back home won't be able to recognize me anymore because I am ten times darker. But I would not have it any other way. I think I am born for the ocean. And if the kiss of the ocean breeze meant a sun-kissed skin, then the sun can have me anytime.

Day 3. Sun-kissed and loving it.

Anyway, I just want to share how our Boracay getaway went. Fair warning though, I might kill your browser or worse, drain your data with photos.

Our first day was actually spent working. But at night, we made sure that we'd go out to witness one of the world's most gorgeous sunsets.

My first Boracay sunset has blown me away. And it did the same on the second time. I think sunsets will always have a way of taking my breath away no matter where I am in the world.

Boracay sunset.

We stayed at Cool Stay Inn. The best thing I love about the inn - aside from their clean and spacious rooms - is that we can cook our own food! Food in Boracay would cost at least Php 200 per head per meal. Just imagine how much we have saved cooking our own food. But on some nights, we splurged on seafood and my favorite Japanese food, too!

L-R: Bacon and eggs for breakfast. Jan washes the dishes while I wait (Samyang for pre-dinner meal). Some of our food stock.

New favorite. Triple Berry Crepe!

We did things we haven't done in Boracay before:

1. We went to Puka Beach.

I think this would be my favorite beach next to Dahican. I love unspoilt beaches. The stores were demolished when we went there - which could only mean that they're trying to keep it undeveloped. And that is a good thing.

My "signature" pose.

But Jan was more creative. So he started directing my poses. Haha

2. We went snorkeling.

3. I had my hair braided.

4. We rode an ATV.

Although I would say we were quite disappointed with this. What they advertise is a 1-hour activity for Php 600. But in reality, you only get to ride the ATV for less than 30 minutes. 15 minutes will be spent going up Mt. Luho, while the other 15 minutes will be spent going down. The other 30 minutes will be spent on a view deck that will give you a panoramic view of the island where you can take photos. The view deck entrance is Php 120. Although optional, you will be “forced” to pay since there’s nothing else you can do once you reach your destination. If you opt not to pay, you can stay parked by the road for 30 minutes or you can simply tell your guide to go back.

All we thought is that we'd be riding the ATV for an hour. But in fact, going up just took us around 12 minutes and going down was just around 8 minutes. I also expected a rough road terrain since that's what ATVs are for. But I guess, Jan was right all along: we're getting harder to please.

We didn't enjoy the view deck either because the place was too small, the balcony was rusty na titingin ka lang, matetetano ka na. Plus, it was cramped by tourists. We couldn't bear spending more than 10 minutes there. So, it was a let down for us and we felt ripped off.

But despite that, you know the best thing we did?

5. We chilled by the shore for hours. We took naps under the tree. We talked about anything under the sun. We sat down and watched people come and go while insecurity kept looming over us. Grabe andaaaaming hot doon! Aside from the sweltering heat, it is moments like this that make the sunglasses apparently useful. Haha. And we did it everyday. I don't think anything can get better than that.

Do you know how much time we have? I had all the time to do this lame sand sculpture (actually, I did two). Haha.

And we shot lots of photos, of course! We weren't able to take a lot of photos last time. Hence, the lakwatsarah hubadera strikes again. Haha.

Jan is doing a great job being an Instagram boyfriend.

Boracay, overrated as it is, is still one of my most favorite Philippine destinations despite the influx of tourists and all those lumot during summer.

Jan's advanced birthday getaway.

I know Boracay is facing a lot of issues right now. My stand is mixed on this. I would have loved it closed for a total rehabilitation. I am all for a cleanup. I am all for the closure of non-compliant establishments. But closing the island entirely would only mean lesser, or worse, zero income for the locals. I am glad our government is doing something about it. And I hope they would come up with a decision that is best for both the environment and the locals.

Afternoons in Bora.

Island life. I wish everyday could be like this.

Anyway, I'm done writing and I'm torn between packing my bags or attending to my peeling skin. Or maybe I should just sleep this off and dream about Crazy Crepe's triple berry crepe because whatever I do, I'll be back to reality anyway.