Summer In Boracay
Exactly 7 days ago, at this time, I was dipping my feet into the white-powdery sands of Boracay, listening to my Cat Empire playlist, enjoying the smell of my freshly-applied sunblock, and taking cool dips in its crystal clear beaches. – These are the very reasons why I always find myself going back to the island. I’ve been to Boracay several times – alone, with company, on a storm, on a sunny day - but I always get the same hangover after every trip. But this year was a bit special because Alex joined me for the first time. We planned the trip as a birthday gift to ourselves. Weeks after, there we were, basking in the Boracay sun.
The first day was more of an orientation. Alex curiously listened and observed like a freshmen “This is Station 1,” “D’mall is in Station 2,” “Station 3 is where Real Coffee is.” Day 1 was short because we arrived at 5PM via Kalibo and after a few strolls, we capped the night with a few bottles of beer while enjoying the sight of fire dancers who were incontestable pros at playing with fire (I hope nothing figurative, though). We had to walk all the way to Orchids in Station 3, our hotel. Normally, I’d stay in one of the cheap-o inns in Station 2, near D’Mall but this time around, they were full.
Of course, Day 2 started at the beach – water, sand, sunrise. I’ve never tried water activities in Boracay because I don’t go there to parasail or to go banana boating. But because it’s Alex’s first time, we decided to go island hopping. I befriended our boatman and haggled the price from P1500 to P1300 (for the two of us). The price was good for 4 hours, 3 islands, quick snorkeling, and cave tour. It excluded island entrance fees and food. Off we left the beach to explore the blue-green waters and nearby islands. We were too tired when we got back so we slept and woke up right in time for sunset. After yet another sunset + beach + good music combo, we searched the island for the best buffet. The prices have gone up from P280 (a year or two ago) to P350. Personally, P350 is already a good deal considering that we paid an even higher bill eating at Lemon Café. And hey, no one scrimps on a seafood buffet, right? We settled for Paraiso Grill.
Minutes later, two tummies were happy – but our legs, grumpy from the long walks and island hopping. So, we treated ourselves to a 30-minute massage – for P200 each. Masseurs are everywhere and while the price seems a little hefty, a few minutes of massage is enough to soothe your tired muscles and make you feel brand new again. Now two tummies and four legs happy, we head to an acoustic bar.
We were looking for a rock/reggae bar like Cocorama in Puerto Galera, and then we hear a band covering Oasis songs. The band was Charlie’s Bar, an acoustic bar which seemed to be the hangout of Led Zep-loving foreigners and drunken hippies who were too eager to get hold of a microphone. Two bottles down, and we called it a night. We were only scheduled for a 3D/2N vacay which meant that if we followed our original sched, this would be our last night.
Day 3 was still about the beach. A good friend of mine, Mai, was also in Boracay so we headed to Station 1 to be with my cute inaanaks.
One week later, I am still nursing my hangover. And just now, I find myself searching cheap tickets for another Boracay trip this summer.
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