Revisiting Boracay

"I'm not going back via that route again!" exclaimed Lito, my co-employee and long-time friend. "The waves there are as big as houses!" he added. He was referring to our trip to Boracay in 1997 where we exited through Looc Bay of Tablas Island, Romblon.

My family planned another vacation at Boracay Island and we took the same route which the Accounting Department took more than a decade ago - via Odiongan, Romblon through the famous bay of Looc. I can't blame Lito for his horrifying memoirs of that trip which happened during the advent of the rainy season where storms were brewing and the seas were rough because of the strong easterly winds. But for most of us, it was an adrenalin-pumping fun adventure that won't be easily forgotten.

This day was different though. I was travelling with my wife and my 7-year old daughter. All I was banking on was that the seas would be calm due to the fact that it was still summer season. I was more worried about the ferociously hot summer heat draining every bit of juice from our bodies than the giant waves of Lito. We boarded M/B Ashera, a motorboat reminiscent of a medium sized fishing boat converted into a passenger vessel. Not much has changed in fourteen years - save for the orange life vests dangling like curtains in the wooden windows. These jackets would make our 3-hour trip to Boracay Island a lot safer.

Ashera, running at 10 knots provided with an almost theatrical view of the horizon, punctuated by small islands whose brilliant folder white beaches gave refreshing thoughts of refuge from the vastness of the open seas. As we have prayed, the seas were calm, almost still and Ashera ripped through the bluish green waters.

The tripulantes assited us in crossing the gangplank that connected the boat and Caticlan Port. It was midday and the sun was at its hottest, almost scorching the delicate baby skin of Karylle. I would say that the management of Caticlan Port was very efficient. In under 10 minutes, we were boarding the next boat that will bring us to Boracay Island. Paying P125 per head was just fine in exchange for a fast service, efficient port personnel, environmental fee and terminal fee.

I don't know when did they implement just having Manoc-manoc pier as the lone landing area for all sea vessels. I think just a year ago, people were so used to saying Station 1 or Station 2 or Station 3. N0w, there's only Manoc-manoc pier. A brilliant move from the Municipal Council for security and revenue control purposes. From the pier, the P50-tricylce ride to the long white beach area took 5 to 10 minutes only.

It was the peak season of Boracay and I saw many locals and foreigners. The island of Boracay through the years has not lost its magic. It is still the best tropical beach destination of tourists from around the globe. I can't help but ask why? The answer lay beneath the "palm of my feet" - the sand - its white talcum powdery sand that remains unbelievably

soft and cold even when nakedly exposed to the scorching heat of the sun. The other thing was its clear blue green water but I think it was just secondary because it only blended with its base. We were captivated by these enchanting sceneries we didn't notice we were already behind the hotel which we called the Sanctuary in the Sands.

Two years ago, I wrote an article about Boracay Sands Hotel which was aptly described by Partner Edrich as the sanctuary in the sands. Today, completely finished, it stands majestic, its beauty and aristocracy enhanced further by two newly constructed hotels on both sides. Through the accommodations of my Boss, Boracay Sands Hotel was our sanctuary overnight. It was a rather short vacation, but one that was full of excitement, fun and adventure.

Next stop - Palawan! I hope this happens this year.