The last time I went to Boracay was in 2011, and I’ve since missed a couple of opportunities to go in favor of other trips. But this year, I made sure I’d fly there because I sorely miss the place and everything about it. Sure, it wasn’t summer anymore, yet I was simply happy to be coming back again. After all, Boracay and I have shared so many memories. Read more…
I arrived past 7:00 AM in Boracay after unglamorously spending half the night outside Kalibo International Airport, which by the way isn’t backpacker-friendly (I will note this in my Sleeping in Airports review). Sleepless, groggy, and fueled by caffeine, I arrived with mosquito bites up my legs, but nonetheless, I was just happy to make it in one piece.
I checked into 7Stones Boracay Suites, which is in Bulabog Beach—the more tranquil side of the island. After breakfast, I went immediately to my suite to rest and recover. I sure didn’t get any shut-eye, but I did spend the entire morning lazing around—Il bel far niente or the beauty of doing nothing as popularized by Eat, Pray, Love.
I’m pretty sure it’s inherent in me that I get listless eventually after spending a whole lot of time doing nothing, so I got up, put on a comfortable tank and shorts, and went to White Beach. It was a pleasant 10 minute stroll from the resort, and I must admit that as I was entering D’Mall, I was getting more and more eager.
Finally, I was stepping on the sand of White Beach. Even given that it was lean season, the place seemed more packed and more chaotic than the last time I went. I would later realize though that the rush of people is one of the reasons why particularly I love Boracay.
It was past midday, so it was scorching hot. I walked all the way to Station 1 to get one of Boracay’s iconic treats, a Choco Peanut Banana Milkshake from Jonah’s. I took a sip, and the moment sank in—I really was in one of the world’s best islands.
I bummed around the beach all afternoon, taking occasional dips and snapping lots of photos with my Instax Mini 8. It wasn’t before long though that the sun was starting to set, so I had to take last photos of Boracay’s omnipresent paraws (double outrigger sailboat).
Instead of dining out, I decided to buy food and make use of the small kitchen in my suite. I had a peaceful dinner by my lonesome, but of course, it would have been notches better if I was happily eating with someone. Traveling alone does get to me at times.
I got dressed later in the night for one of the highlights of my trip: the beach parties. I was happy to be dancing wildly again without worrying to see people that I know. Wearing flip-flops and shorts, I trooped over to Epic and then Juice. To say that the night was epic is an understatement—that was how much fun I had.
I spent the next morning by the beach, just feeling the breeze and munching on the famous Calamansi Muffins of Real Coffee. I was merely hours away from my flight, and I surely didn’t want to leave just yet. I snapped back to reality and remembered I had class the next day. But as I was boarding my plane to Manila, I just vowed to return for my birthday.
Vacation withdrawal started to kick in soon as my plane touched down . I once again made good Boracay memories; some are inappropriate to share here. I guess that’s why Boracay is special to me; I could just forget the problems back in the city and have the time of my life.
THE INSTAX MINI 8
Since last June, Fujifilm Philippines has made the Instax mini 8 officially available in the Philippines. I was told it’s been a hit in China, South Korea, and now Southeast Asia for the bright, soft look of photos that can be printed on the spot.
What’s new with the Instax mini 8 is the High-Key mode, a new shooting function with an aperture that’s 2/3 a stop up. Plus, here in the Philippines, it’s available in an array of fun colors—white, black, yellow, blue, and pink.
What I like about the Instax mini 8 is that it’s fun to use. Sure, its shots are not as brilliant as other cameras, but it’s a true conversation starter and an awesome camera for a selfie-loving nation. Traveling solo with it, I found it’s a camera I’d definitely enjoy more with my friends and family the next time around.