Beach Christmas

MALAY, Aklan – There’s something about spending the holidays on the beach. The air is literally different. Smoother, safer, soothing, cleansing. But you’re not going to just sit around and eat all day. Holidays on the beach mean a lot of movement: walking, biking, rowing, exploring, learning new things. There’s also something extra calming about staying at the White House Beach Resort Boracay, the original queen of family-owned resorts here, sitting elegantly in the middle of Station 1, seemingly surveying her kingdom. The Tirol clan has been leading in the hospitality industry here for generations, and the human touch shows.

I first met Bong Tirol in 1998, when he was one of the owners of the formidable Pasig-Rizal Pirates in the Metropolitan Basketball Association. His family has always been warm, friendly, used to taking care of people, and it showed in how they treated their players and staff. Their White House Beach Resort even outdoes that. The staff are exceedingly polite, anticipating guests’ needs. They also have a swimming pool right on the shore, and provide for beach tennis, beach volleyball, and other aquatic activities. Or you can just lie on their deck chairs and still yourself. The mind relaxes as the body releases stress.

This writer has now spent both the Christmas holidays and New Year in Boracay. Both are equally reflective turning points in my life and career. In 2010, my family and I spent the New Year here, and it was the last time I was able to travel with my mother Lirio, who passed away the following year. This time, eight months after I suffered multiple organ failure, died and was brought back to life, these rare vacations have become more precious. And as I turn 60 next month, it becomes even more memorable.

Christmas on the beach means you’re away from work, and – believe it or not – put down your cell phone. Detached from the shackle, you have time, to slow down, reflect, rediscover your meaning. Or catch up sleep.

Moments also feel sharper, like the taste of the coffee at White House’s Los Indios Bravos, a testament to the real heroes of the past. And as the salt air clears my lungs, thinking clarifies. It’s been a minute since we’ve been able to look back on all of the events of the year, and start listing our wishes for the people we care about.

My prevailing sentiment is that of gratitude, for the new life, and for my new work families. It’s been a very long time since I’ve felt received, appreciated and loved at my place of employment, sadly. But now, that blessing has been doubled. I am thankful to DWAN 1206 AM, IBC-13 president Jimmie Policarpio, station manager Marc Logan, my dear friend Terence Khan, and the platoon of young people who have invigorated me. I am also indebted to Nori Uy, his family and The Nudge+ team, for being my lifeline. I am in awe at the pool of talents they have put together. And thanks to the Tirol family and White House Boracay for giving me the space and peace of mind to have these realizations. A blessed Christmas to all.