Coming home to Boracay
MANILA, Philippines - It’s the most popular beach in the world, but there’s more to this precious island than meets the eye. Boracay weaves a spell that enchants guests to stay and take up permanent residence.
In quiet Bulabog Beach, Aqua Boracay by YOO (aquaboracay.com) sits like a pearl waiting to be discovered. “Boracay is unique,” says Marco Biggiogero, chairman of Aqua Boracay by YOO. For residents to truly experience the beauty of living in Boracay, Marco and his team brought in world-class designers –– artists, really, who harmoniously collaborate with man and nature. YOO, the design group known for the genius names behind it: John Hitchcock, Philippe Starck, Kelly Hoppen, Jade Jagger, and Marcel Wanders, lent their style and presence to the development of Aqua Boracay by YOO. Living spaces at Aqua Boracay by YOO are an ecstatic union of elements –– beauty, serene living and quiet luxury.
Meet the neighbors
Bulabog beach is known as the number one kite-boarding beach in Asia. Water sports enthusiast Nanette Aguirre-Graff has put up several schools for windsurfing, sailing, kite-surfing and even dragon boating.“Boracay offers the perfect setting to these events –– the wind and the water here are great,” says Nanette. Almost every month, a big event in extreme water sports makes the island come even more alive. The year 2012 ends with RS1 in December, 2013 starts with the International Fun Board Cup in January, an international yachting race in February, and a dragon boat race in April.
Although some may look at the island as a party scene, many have settled in Boracay for the beach, the sports, opening up businesses, nurturing family, and becoming an involved citizen of the island. Everything is within convenient reach and walking is the best mode of transportation. Likewise, dining in Boracay is an art. The rows of restaurants on the island give new meaning to gastronomy. From the upscale kitchens of some of the best chefs in the world, almost every cuisine –– Italian, Indian, Japanese, Greek, French, American, Filipino and Spanish dishes –– can be found.
“Boracay is a place to go out, eat and enjoy with your friends and family –– it’s very food oriented here,” says Paolo Occhionero, one of the owners and restaurant manager of Aria (aria.com.ph), has been on the island since the early ‘80s. Authentic Italian dishes are served in Aria. Their best-seller is the mouth-watering pizza Margherita. The handmade wood-fire oven is the tool for Aria’s works of art.
Child-friendly
Taking a year off with the whole family is now feasible. The BEIS or Boracay European International School (boracayinternationalschool.com) was founded by Marco Biggiogero of Aqua Boracay by YOO together with a group of parents who wanted to provide high quality programs with international standards for students of various nationalities who live in Boracay. BEIS is also partnering with the Manila-based German European School for the curriculum and general development.
“Our school caters to 15 nationalities. It’s a very multi-cultural community. It’s a very nice place to grow-up in. The children are exposed to so many different cultures,” says head teacher Anna Faustino. There are currently 80 students enrolled from nursery to grade 8.
A way of life
Boracay brings out what the individual needs to discover –– whether it’s quiet time with the self, moments with family or friends, or being part of a community. Some need a respite from city life and stay for the holidays, and others find themselves, stay centered, and become attached to the island. If it’s true what they say, “Home is where the heart is,” it’s no wonder that guests and residents have come to call Boracay home.
