BORACAY

My recent three-day Boracay trip was splendid! How could it not be? All expenses for air, water and land fares, room accommodations, use of swimming pool and other facilities, breakfast, lunch and dinner were fully paid. That alone made the whole Boracay experience memorable. There’s nothing like traveling without the burden of recalling and recounting huge travel expenditures. A free trip is the best trip for an unenthusiastic traveler like me.

So much have been said of Boracay’s beaches. But I would have to bemoan the presence of green algae in some beachfronts in Station 1. Not only green the algae but the marketplace atmosphere. To me it was like you’re in a mall semi-naked window-shopping with the sea just several feet away from you. And the crowd of people invading the island was both exhilarating and vulgar.

But there were still glorious spots and beaches and places that made me stop and appreciate. The Puka Beach at the northern tip looked like a white and blue paradise to me. The Mount Luho, a refreshing incline that afforded some panoramic views of the island, was also a habitation for caged exotic animals and birds. The Bulabog Beach Boracay had us leaving our van for some time just to excitedly check out people kiteboarding and windsurfing. And the awarded Mandala Spa and Villas proved to me that wellness and peace are twins.

I encourage those who have never been to Boracay to go there. And make it soon. Enjoy what’s left of its diminishing beauty. And to me the only spectacular constant in this much-praised island are the sunsets.