Boracay 101 A first-timers guide to Bora By Euden Valdez Even though Boracays peak season is already winding down

upon the arrival of rainy season in the country, the tourist destination that it iswhite sands, clear waters and the endless gimmick spots along thetheres still all the right reasons to hit the Bora beach today, especially if its your first time. But before youre actually able to go to Boracay yourself, youve probably already heard a lot about it from people whove actually been there (how the old-timers would muse that the place have changed a lot) and also watched countless features of it in TV. Still, a first time is a first time and excitement is unavoidable. And think about it, being a Filipino, you must have real pride in Boracay Island because so many foreign nationalities desire to experience its wonders. Fly to Bora With Boracays popularization throughout the years, traveling to the island has become so convenient. One can travel either by air or by water depending on the budget. Many airlines now offer flights to Caticlan airport in Aklan. Then the Roll on-Roll off system (Ro-Ro) has evolved as a public transportation thats becoming a popular way of getting to Boracay for those with tight budget. Today, atleast four Ro-Ros arrive at Caticlan port with passengers bound to Bora. But if you prefer an easy trip, Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR) takes you to Caticlan the fastest. The airline founded in 1995 had two nine-seater planes that first flew from Manila to Caticlan. For 16 years, SEAIR is the longest running domestic airline that flies from Manila to Caticlan. It served as a pioneer in leisure airlines for opening access to Philippines most famous beach, Boracay. Making things even easier, thanks to the advancement of technology, one can now book flights online. Sanctuary within The development and commercialization of Boracay that took place is inevitable. Perhaps, thanks to it, accommodations nowadays in the island are a bounty (unless during peak season when even the many hotels and resorts run out of rooms). With so many choices of where to stay in Boracay, theres definitely a place fit for any type of budget or theme (spotted Facebook Resort).

But if youre looking for peace and quiet, a refuge away from the busy and hyped up beachfront, then choose Boracay Garden Resort in Station 2. Located inside the busy strip of Boracay, this hotel and resort offers guests utmost privacy. Boracay Garden Chief operating officer, Alfonso Chusuey, said in an interview Every time I go to the beach, theres a lot of people. But when I go back here, its so quite and relaxing. Its like a different place. People stay here because not everyone like the crowded beach, he added. Formerly Hotel Seraph, Boracay Garden Resort was acquired by Hennan Resorts in 2009. This group also operates Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Spa, Regency Lagoon Resort and Hennan Resort at Alona Beach. The hotel boasts of 200 spacious rooms. It is also equipped with topnotch facilities like the gym, pools that lies just outside the terrace of your room and sunken bar. It recently opened Garden Caf, the hotels new restaurant that offers Asian cuisines. If you want a spa treatment, just head over to its sister resort, Boracay Regencys Kai Spa for a very relaxing therapy. Foodtrip While youre on it, dont forget to satisfy your food cravings. You can already do so inside Boracay Garden Resort. The Garden Caf, created to cater to the hotels guests (mainly Korean and Chinese), offers a menu featuring Korean, Japanese, Chinese and Filipino dishes. Executive chef Patrick Obia recreated all the favorites with a twist. Starting off with the Filipino menu, get a taste of the favorites Ensaladang manga at ampalaya and Shrimp camote ukoy. There is also Inihaw na adobong manok at baboy and Inihaw na tilapia sa gata, both Filipino staples. Go adventurous and try native dishes like balbakwa, gising-gising and chicken binakol are also offered in the menu. Japanese specialty include chicken yakitori, prawn tempura, sushi and sashimi, kamemashi crab rice and sukiyaki hot pot while Chinese specialty include Schezwan fried chicken, sauted beef and broccoli, salt and pepper squid, steamed fish fillet with garlic, pork pata tim and yang chow fried rice. Then get ready to go crazy over the spicy Korean dishes. Watch and learn how the popular Kimchi (spicy cabbage) is made. Enjoy dwen-jang chi-gae (beef and vegetable soup), chap jae (vermicelli noodles), budlak (spicy fried chicken) and nak-ji bo-kum (spicy stir fry squid), all hot and spicy. Outside the hotel, dont forget to try Chorizo burger, freshly cooked seafood from lobster to colorful fishes, and the famous Banana Choconut smoothie from Jonas.

To dos Walking along the beachfront and seeing things for yourself is one thing you must also do in Boracay. Watch people as they get henna tattoos or hilot from local therapists, watch poi dancers, hear live bands, catch the sunset and see different nationalities make their way in the famous Philippine beach. Buy pasalubong at Boracays d*Mall. But if you want to buy everything at half the price, go to Boracays d-Talipapa. There you can buy two Boracay T-shirts at P140, bracelets at P10 each, piyaya at three for P100, and many more from handmade bags, rattan materials, sarongs, maxi dresses, hats to danggit and pusit. Just be a good haggler and youre sure bring a lot home. Come night and Boracay transforms as the gimmick spot in white sands. Feel the summer breeze and booze. Visit the hottest bars like Epic, Summers Place and Juice Bar. If you dont want to spend a lot in beverage, try grabbing a drink from a nearby convenient store and stay along the seaside. Smell the seawater and gaze at the stars. Just dont forget to properly dispose your garbage. Swim! Dont forget, youre in a beach. It would be a crime not to enjoy the water. The best time to swim is in during the morning when the suns rays are not too strong. It will also give you that golden tan. Wear your killer two-piece, goggles and sunscreen then go hit the beach. If youre the adventurous type, try the different water sports offered in the island like jetski, sailing, banana boat, parasailing and many more. Lie in the white sand, soak in the sun, swim in the clear water, enjoy Boracay for what it isnature.