Boracay Rediscovered

Irecently rediscovered the country’s premier beach destination, Boracay – a modern paradise far from the original Robinson Crusoe image of yesteryears. Only the picturesque beaches and romantic coves remain as magnificent as they have always been.

As the executives from the Philippine Tourism Authority and my fellow writers boarded the Asian Spirit flight from Manila to Caticlan recently, we checked our travel brochures and marvelled at the many hotels, resorts and restaurants to choose from. "Welcome delegates to our Boracay Water Supply Project Briefing. After inspecting our environmental infrastructures, you can have all the Italian, French, Thai, Indian, Chinese cuisine you want," graciously shared PTA’s Ronald Masayda.

After a pleasant 45-minute flight, we landed at the Caticlan airport and proceeded to the Nabaoy River which is the source of the water supply. The sight of paradise beckoned as we neared our final destination.

The water supply project referred to is one of PTA’s flagships, a tourism-related infrastructure developed fully in Boracay to further enhance the island’s present standing in the tourism world map. Recently, President Arroyo inaugurated the Water Supply Project, a component of the Boracay Environmental Infrastructure Project.

The water supply system, according to PTA general manager Nixon Kua, was designed to meet the demand of Boracay Island and Barangay Caticlan of approximately 6,000 cubic meters by the year 2015. He said it will not only make tourists appreciate Boracay even more but will also make life more convenient for local residents as they will no longer rely on well water. As such, the PTA has installed pipelines that will source water from Nabaoy River in mainland Caticlan, Aklan. The raw water will pass through a water treatment plant, then transported via the 800 meter submarine pipeline to Boracay.

GM Kua noted "the continuous pumping of water from deep wells is causing seepage of salt water into the island’s water reservoir thereby contaminating the latter. Thus we addressed this environmental concern."

With this project, potable water is made available to Boracay residents and guests. True to form, I enjoyed the comforts of crisp, clean water at the cozy Seawind Hotel in Malay where we were billeted. Charming owner Tita Ruth Tirol-Jarantilla warmly welcomed us as we feasted on a succulent seafood lunch together with her better half, Tito Boy. Tito Boy even gave some of us a tour of the heritage museum which displays chinese artifacts releted to Boracay’s history. Ace photographer Ed Enriquez captured all the wonderful memories for posterity. Sea Wind will always be remembered for its Garden which transforms into an al fresco seafood and barbecue grillery at sundown. At the Habagat Deck which can be converted into conference or function rooms, we had a special concelebrated mass headed by Fr. JJ Jesena of Ateneo de Davao.

Le Soleil de Boracay is another resort we fancied. Hospitality starts the moment you meet the resident manager, the affable Peejay Reyes. Impeccable service and a spice of local warmth are all heated up by the seduction of Mediterranean atmosphere at Le Soleil. At the Rendezvous, world-class Mediterranean cuisine awaits guests. TV personality Johnny Litton regularly has his favorite oyster rockefeller, freshly baked with garlic herb, spinach, mushrooms and bacon bits.

That evening was enchanting as we dined at the Café Sun Thai. Here, authentic Thai food is served at afordable prices. We were welcomed by lovely Nanette Graf, owner of the quaint restaurant, who learned Thai cooking in Changmai. She even grows her own herbs in her backyard. Delectable dishes we sampled were the Goong Hom Pha (spring roll wrapped with prawns), Por Pia Tod (vegetable spring rolls), Tom Yum Goong (spicy and sour seafood soup), Yam Mamuang (green mango salad). As we exchanged pleasantries with Atty. Agnes, Peejay Reyes, contractor Val Timbol to name a few, we drank freshly squeezed dalandan juice. More delicious dishes we tried included a house specialty – beef in masaman curry, curry crabs, phad Thai, steamed fish with lime sauce and more. What a heavenly meal! We walked the mile-long stretch of sand and checked out some bars down south. Exotic rhythms enticed us to party the night away!

Next day, we headed for the world-class Mandala Spa for the most relaxing massage and facials. After this exhilarating experience, we proceeded to the Red Coconut. Located between Boat Stations 1 and 2 on the gorgeous White Beach of Boracay Island is the Red Coconut Beach Hotel. Owned by lovely couple Connie and Luc Helgen, Red Coconut is a wonderful place to stay. The hotel blends native architecture with contemporary western design. It features spacious rooms with ice-cold air-conditioning and bathrooms with jacuzzis. The others tried the Garden Rooms just behind the Beach Hotel. The lush green garden, colorful flowers and swaying palms will soothe the soul in this peaceful, cottage-like setting. Just a few steps from the hotel’s first rate restaurant is a splendid swimming pool with waterfalls for everyone to enjoy.

Boracay remains to be the Philippines’ premier island paradise. The reasons are obvious: white, sugary sand; towering coconut trees that hang over crystal-clear water; inviting coves; impressive collection of marine life forms; romantic sunsets; plus some of the finest accommodations in the country like the Sea Wind, Le Soleil de Boracay and Red Coconut and more. Just explore the island; you will find the dream accommodation of your choice.

When you recall Gauguin’s paintings depicting the pristine glory of paradise, just add the modern comforts and amenities Boracay now enjoys. What else can one ask for?

For inquiries, call Sea Wind at 416-40-10 or 416- 40-11; Red Coconut at 522-14-05 or 523-87-24; and Le Soleil (6336)288-62-09/12.

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Pink Patio Resort, located in Balabag, Boracay, is but a short walk to the beach and is easily accessible through Boat Station 1 and by land transportation from any point on the island. Upon arrival, we were welcomed by gracious owner, Charlie Uy, reputed to be a great chef. Later we got to sample his special chicken and pata-tim which proved to be a gastronomic feast. Worthy of mention, Charlie was one of the patriots who saved Boracay from the onslaught of barges of garbage almost dumped on the nearby Semirara Island.

From a modest seven-bedroom, special-interest resort in 1992, Pink Patio has metamorphosed into a 60-bedroom complex complete with conference room facilities, a Chinese restaurant, café and bar, a gym and sauna, state-of-the art swimming pool and the only outdoor wall climbing facility outside of Metro Manila. Nine years in the resort operations industry, Pink Patio has established itself as one of the finest in this tropical paradise. For food lovers, the gastronomic experience here is simply overwhelming.

Their Garden café serves a gourmet selection of coffee flavors, freshly roasted right in front of you. The aroma of arabica, macadamia, java and other coffee flavors is simply delightful. For lunch, we sampled the mango boat filled with poached white shrimps in calypso sauce, delicious hot and sour Thai prawn soup, Hainanese chicken and almond jelly with lychees. Dinner at the Golden Bamboo Restaurant consisted of steamed white chicken with young ginger, black mushroom and special Chinese wine in white sauce, beef in oyster sauce, seafood noodles and banana fritters. It was wonderful to dine amid lush greenery garden of blooming orchids, wild flowers, magnificent pakpak ng lawin plants, breadfruit trees and dainty "Pink Patio vines."

Businessmen will be glad to discover that the conference room, overlooking the garden, is equipped with the latest technical support and audiovisual facilities to complement their needs and requirements.

We admired the walls of the guest rooms covered with woven amakan that creates a distinctively Asian pattern. The interiors are fully air-conditioned and provided with soft lighting and suncreens for privacy, hot and cold water, continuous water supply, piped-in music. For the de luxe rooms, pocket gardens that succesfully achieve a Zen-like tranquility are a sight to behold. These rooms provide a haven for tired bodies and minds who may want to recharge for another exciting and fun-filled day on the island.

Its food and beverage facilities, conference room, sports and health facilities like the Alpha Fitness Center, the Nautica Pool and the Wall ensure excellent sports, leisure and business activities. These facilities make Pink Patio resort a haven for fitness and health at the same time provide an excellent complex that can provide team-building activities for companies and businesses set in a leisurely pace.

The resort also hosts theme parties for its guests who might want to make their stay on the island more memorable. The place is transformed into a Hawaiian Luau, replete with illuminated torches as resort personnel and guests are attired in their motif costumes with matching leis. Low bamboo tables are set on the beach laden with an assortment of seafood, grilled meats and fresh tropical fruits served on freshly cut banana leaves. Let it be said that Pink Patio’s charm is not only in its excellent amenities but its courteous staff as well. The charming, courteous, accommodating staff that makes that difference is led by Jonas Palomata, guest services officer who was selected as one of the National Kalakbay Awardees for the Frontliner of the Year Category.

Pink Patio has even initiated the Boracay Summer Series that has promoted the island.

We walked the long stretch of fine white sand many afternoons and witnessed the crowd in the 240 resorts, restaurants, day and night establishments. After a spectacular sunset, the small island changes from countryside cheek to metropolitan mambo. The bars serve boutique brewed fruit shakes to cocktails while the restaurants serve an international array from Greek, Chinese, Indian, Spanish, Italian, French, Filipino among other cuisines. Shopping for sundresses, T-shirts and shorts, beachwear and bags is a treat.

For many who travel the world over in search of the finest beaches, search no more. Boracay is that jewel beyond compare. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags, hop in a plane and voila! You’re in for your most unforgettable summer vacation.

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E-mail me at miladay@i-manila.com.ph.