The Jungle Boys’ Journey to Nature

The Jungle Boys are set for a new and more exciting chapter in their Boracay Island Love story.  With the infamous Jungle Bar gone (for now), Jungle Boys Archie “Pakyu”, Jack “Bato”, Jack “Masterbater”, Bogs “Sabogs”, Tatay Bangaw and Roldan “Rabadogsty-le” are still here to captivate their followers with tribal sunset jamming sessions, guest performances in festivals all over the country, and through the reigning Boracay event, the Boracay Full Moon Party.

Stemming from a succession of memorable jamming sessions, starting at Bom Bom Bar in the late 90s to 2003 with veteran artists Perry Argel and Django Valmores, to the annual Dragonboat festivities, to Plazoleta in 2006 and to the Jungle Bars in Bolabog and Angol, the multi-talented boys of the Jungle are known for their mix of indigenous, African and Latin American sounds, orchestrated with the djembe, flute, didgeridoo, spell-binding fire dancing, and electronic dance music.  People find them every now and then, huddled together on the White Beach during sunset, giving praise to Mother Nature with each one’s own instrument, and by impulse, they let their hair loose and surrender to the boys’ sweet-sounding call of nature.

In the not so distant past, the Jungle Boys were regularly visible in their home base, the Jungle Bar.  Archie, also known as the Boss was managing the bar, meantime encouraging his guests to try his signature concoction, Jack “bato” was tasked in organizing events, Jack “Masterbater” was directing the performances on stage, Bogs was responsible for the imaginative adornments and illuminations in the bar, Roldan was busy entertaining guests with his contagious humor, and Tatay Bangaw, being the elder of the group was making sure his boys were having as much fun just as he was.  Now with the Jungle Bar gone, the boys channel their energy into arts, sports, adventure, fatherhood, and more Full Moon Parties.

As heirs of Mother Nature and of Boracay, the boys guarantee their sophisticated followers to uphold the untouched vibe of the island with continued Full Moon Parties.  Last month, the boys held the 40^th Full Moon Party in three different venues.  Host bars Moonzone, Levantin and Area 51 in Bolabog, and Tiki Bar in Station 3 added their names to the Full Moon Party’s legacy, highlighted with sunset jamming, hip-swaying performances by La Carlota, local and foreign DJ performances, fire shows, drinking games, and the boys’ full moon ritual performances with indigenous tribal drum circle.

Thus with the bar closed, the Boracay Full Moon Party is brighter and will stay brighter for three days until well, of course, sunrise.

To get in touch with the Jungle Boys, visit their page on facebook: junglebarboracay@groups.facebook.com

Boracay Fitness 101

It’s summertime once again in the Philippines!  In Boracay Island, signs of this hot and humid season is evident in the build-up of algae on white beach, in the compression of white sand, in the growing number of Filipino tourists, and in people exercising along the shore.  Back are the days when people are motivated to get fit in order to feel confident in their slinky swimsuits under the scorching sun.  So for those who are in Boracay, don’t just drink the night away, but join in the fun and rewarding activities that bequeath this dynamic summer destination island.

If you frequent the white beach, then you know that you’re never left without activities to do.  For starters, try the most basic ones : Walking and Running. It’s fun, free, engaging and very effective.  It clears your mind and lets you connect with your thoughts, while the endorphin that your heart releases lifts you up into doing more, thus you burn more calories.  A 30-minute leisure walk already burns up at least a 140 calories, while running sheds off a minimum of 250 calories. What more if you cover the entire 4.5 km stretch of the beach and back? Or run up to Mt. Luho and down to Bolabog Beach? Or why not walk anywhere you have to go to instead of taking a tricycle? This will keep you in shape without trying.

Kayaking, like walking and running is another fun and engaging cardio workout that is found on the white beach. With a conscious seat of balance from your core, muscle strength and resistance, you can easily paddle along the island’s most-coveted turquoise sea and lose those excess flabs while having fun.  It builds upper body strength, improves breathing and tones the abdomen and shoulders.  Depending on your weight, you can burn 150-200 calories per hour with an average of 1,500 repetitions of low-impact upper body movements. Rent a single if you want to have full control of your momentum or a double if you want to share this rewarding experience with your loved one.

Going back on land, how about learning to play Beach Ultimate? It is an intense sport that involves a lot of sprints, Frisbee or disc throwing and catching, mind and body coordination, and team spirit. It starts with the basic training of backhand and forehand throwing, catching with two hands by clapping the disc horizontally and with a single hand, and gradually injecting sprints and catches, fake and long throws, and defense blocking. It is pretty much like a football match with offense and defense aiming to score at the end goals. You could burn up to 240 calories even from just a 30-minute sprint, catch-and-throw workout.  So watch out for regular Ultimate trainings on the beach.  They are usually held in the morning or in the afternoon in preparation for Ultimate competitions locally and internationally, including the annual Boracay Beach Ultimate.

Another annual competition on the island is Dragonboating. Every summer, different teams of around 20 members are found training on white beach in the morning and in the late afternoon.  A normal training consists of stretching, calisthenics, core strengthening, running, carrying out the boat, and paddling. As Dragonboating is a forward paddling sport consisting of 20 human engines, paired on either sides according to weight, flexibility and power, each member is required to build up endurance, muscle strength, and team coordination.  It also involves a drummer who conducts the pace from the head of the boat, and a steersman who turns and aligns the boat from the helm. Thus, ten pairs of paddlers stretch their upper body forward and dig their paddles into the water, shoveling it back up on their sides continuously in unison, with a fast and steady pace, encompassing a minimum distance of 250 meters. This sport is truly as exhilarating as it sounds, plus it is great in toning the arms, core and back, and it burns 700-1000 calories per hour.

If you prefer a much more liberating and adventurous water sport, which involves jumping, balancing, gliding and arm maneuvering, then get into the action of Kite Surfing.  Non-experienced wind seekers first have to enroll at a kite surfing center to learn this sport and to have the compulsory IKO (International Kite Organization) license.  Once you have gone through the learning process, you can then maneuver the kite and glide on the board independently.  For an average session of an hour you are sure to work up your arms, abs and legs and burn around 500 calories. You can join the kiting action this season in Bolabog, the eastern side of the island where the northwest wind blows, also known as Amihan (October to May). Kite surfers prefer this side because of its convex shape, which filters the wind and creates a flatter water surface for a smooth and easy glide). During Habagat  (June to October), all the kite centers move to the white beach to catch the southwest wind, which kite surfers find more erratic and doable for the advanced level.

How about immersing in the water instead through Scuba Diving? Jenny, a local Scuba Diving instructor have sworn that she lost so much weight by diving.  Well, apart from swimming underwater amid the awe-inspiring life down there, divers are also compelled to breathe through a respirator, to carry their heavy scuba gear, to get on and off the boat and then to dive again. Doing this often will eventually tone down your fats and firm up your muscles, whilst studies show that a 45-minute dive will burn approximately 500 calories. If your non-diver curiosity wants to be fulfilled, then sign up for an introductory dive at any of the scuba diving centers along white beach.

Exercise your core and leg muscles as you explore more of the lush surroundings of the island or of the mainland Panay through Mountain Biking.  A high-impact cardiovascular activity, Mountain Climbing allows you the independence and fun you get from running but with more thrill and challenges.  Explore the hidden springs and falls in the mainland and go for an off-road/uphill route with a moderate speed and reduce downhill and you’re likely to burn 400 calories per hour. You can rent a reliable Mountain Bike at Patio Pacific in Station 1.

Last, but certainly not the least is Yoga.  Derived from the Sanskrit root word ‘yuj’, meaning ‘to yoke or to join’, yoga is an ancient system of physical and mental disciplines, practiced to attain optimum health and well-being.  It is a combination of eight asanas or poses that help in stretching and toning your body, as well as in breathing, relaxation, and positive thinking.  By practicing yoga daily, you become in tune with yourself and your energy.  Your diet,  posture, flexibility, breathing, health and concentration are improved, your body is toned, you become beautiful inside out, your body and mind are relaxed, you receive inner peace and greater awareness of yourself, and you become happier.  Apart from these, yoga cures asthma, improves circulation, aligns muscles and bones, purifies and strengthens the nervous system, strengthens the joints, improves eyesight, gets rid of backaches and releases tension.  Practice Hatha Yoga with the Boracay Yoga group at Patio Pacific, or join True Yoga at True Food Restaurant for Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow and Anusara Yoga classes, or at Mandala Spa for early morning Mysore classes.

Other fat-burning activities that are available here are swimming, paddle-boarding, hiking, cross-training, badminton and basketball in the Eco-Village Gymnasium, beach volleyball and football, windsurfing and skim boarding. However, if these choices do not suit you, then search online for available gyms on the island.

Pandan: A Wondrous Escape from Boracay

There’s nothing like an impulsive excursion away from the maddening crowd in the aim of preserving one’s sanity. Naturally once you have found a place that alleviates your whims, you would not think of leaving unless you lose interest in the constant carefree and blissful vibe that you normally absorb from an inescapable paradise like Boracay.

In a case like this, the best thing to do is to get off your comfort zone and discover other naturally gifted places outside of Boracay that will pique your interest. Once you return from your getaway you will realize how precious the feeling of soft powdery white sand hugging the soles of your feet or the dynamic sunsets that heighten your day with its psychedelic shades or the picturesque sparkling water that unfailingly soothes your senses and feel that you have deserved what you had subtly taken for granted.

You do not have to look any farther. Just cast your eyes on the mainland from the white beach and imagine a scenic cross-country motorbike journey along a concrete highway encompassing raw images of carabaos munching on grass in flourishing farmlands that lead to a variety of pool resorts beside the clean Nabaoy River that supplies water to Boracay, to the virgin forests and wildlife animals of Naasug Point, to the 7 swimming basins of Jawili Falls in Tangalan, and to the cascading natural cold springs resort of Hurom-Hurom in Gibon, Nabas.

However if you take a different route from the junction in Nabas where roads leading to Kalibo and Antique meet, then why not take the latter route for a change and experience the warmth and treasure troves of Pandan in Antique.

You can charter a van or a boat or take a jeepney ride to Pandan, which from Caticlan takes about 1 ½ hours. The best thing to do though is to rent a motorbike and trail on a dirt road adventure into narrow paths and virgin forests that open up to refreshing waterfalls, crystal-forming caves, hilltops and beaches for some aqua adventures, mountain climbing and hiking.

Pandan Bay

On Antique’s South China Sea coastline, behold the glittery sand and breathtaking sunset at Pandan Bay. Here you can revel in complete serenity where you will be warmly greeted by its locals, swim with the most delicious salt water fishes like yellow-finned tuna, talakitok, tanigue, and blue marlin, and witness a variety of shells and small marbles on golden sand that glows on your skin once you get off the water.

It is quite secluded. Yet so far only one resort exists in the midst of a few native houses and lush vegetation: Phaidon Villas and Resort.

Quaint, simple and homey are the adjectives to describe this lone resort. Perfectly molded in a classic fully-furnished Mediterranean Villa by the sea, Phaidon Villas Resort provides anything that you need and everything that you want in a deserted island. They offer International cuisine, beach sports, board games, snorkeling, adventure tours throughout Antique, company seminars and retreats, family affairs, private parties and deckchairs to provide an ideal relaxation with your chosen drink in Paradise.

Bugang River

Locals say that it’s so clean it’s a shame to rinse your dirty hands in it. Well, rightfully so, especially since it has been awarded as the cleanest Inland Body of Water in the Philippines by the President for Environment. In fact, the word bugang is synonymous to “Magnificent”, which by definition is an appearance of exceptional beauty.

Thus exceptional beauty and splendor Bugang River is. It is the ultimate pride of Antique in which cool turquoise water flows 5 kilometers from the subterranean river of the well-maintained Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park with unique river corals, besieged by virgin forests, aquatic plants, crystal rocks, fertile mangroves, and natural filter, due only to Pandan’s strict Eco-Tourism Master Plan to uphold the river’s purity and to guarantee the community of its cleanliness for safe drinking.

Malumpati Cold Spring Headwater

If other places in the Philippines boast its respective natural resources, may it be rice farming, copra supplying, pina fibers, marine sanctuaries, beaches, flourishing hill tops, endangered species, medicinal plants, a variety of vibrant flowers, then Pandan obviously covers most of these. Another evidence of this is Malumpati Cold Spring Head Water.

Situated in Sitio Malumpati, just a few kilometers away from Pandan Bay, Malumpati Cold Springs is akin to a magical lake-river that replenishes your energy and naturally produces medicinal healing properties straight from the adjacent panoramic mountain springs.

You can swim in its 10 meters wide and 40 meters deep fresh pool and innocently surrender to its natural gifts. Alongside this, you can hike up its surrounding forest in the midst of ferns, orchids, rattan and fig trees where you can explore mystical caves and discover and sight rare butterflies and the most endangered and endemic bird species like the Visayan Writhed Hornbill or Dulungan (Aceros Waldeni) and the Visayan Tarictic Hornbill or Tirik (Penelopides Panini), Bleeding Heart Pigeon and White-throated Jungle Flycatcher.which are only found in Panay and Negros.

Malumpati Cold Springs, like Bugang River is easily accessible from the main road. Just prepare a minimal entrance fee per person and ask the locals where these famous places are and they will gladly give you its directions.

Pandan Public Market

Vegetables, fresh and dried fish, sari-sari stores, drug stores, school supplies stores, restaurants, vulcanizing shops, pawnshops, boutiques, furniture and appliance stores, recreation halls native handicraft shops, name it, this rural super market has it.

And because Pandan prides itself of its abundant natural resources, prices of beef, chicken, seafood like fish, especially Bangus and Lapu-Lapu, squids, shellfishes, prawns, native products made of pina, abaca, buri, and bariw, and crops like rice, bananas, nipa, ube, cassava, vegetables, coconuts, and unrefined muscovado sugar (complete with vitamins and minerals) are inexpensive.

At last, knowing that such a haven exists, I can truly attest that Pandan is one of the best alternative destinations away from the island that we all love and cherish that is Boracay.

A Breezy Beach Breakfast at Ambassador Beach Resort

When in Boracay Island during monsoon season, one may experience unpredictable weather occurrences. It could rain from the evening until dawn, sunny in the morning until noon, overcast in the afternoon until it slightly clears for sunset, and then rain again at dinner time.  There are also some heavenly days wherein the clear blue sky unfailingly shines upon the entire island.

The best option would be in this case is to take advantage of the low season rates of hotels along White Beach.  That way every minute of one’s own holiday is spent right there where one could just walk from one end of the beach’s white sand to the other end, amid stops at preferred establishments and the calming panorama of the sea.

For those opting for inland accommodations, start your morning regimen by walking along the coast and treat yourself with a breezy breakfast on the White Beach instead.  An ideal breakfast stop would be is at Ambassador Beach Resort in the beach’s Northern end where the finest and widest expanse of white sand is found.

Starting from 6:00 to 10:30 a.m. in-house and outside guests of the 5-star resort can partake of its daily breakfast buffet.  With the delightful setup of various delectable dishes, roofed outdoor dining and see-through windbreakers, guests could actually spend their early morn relaxing, reading a book or swimming in between a series of breakfast servings.

Ambassador Beach Resort’s breakfast buffet presents fresh tropical fruits (mango, papaya, pineapple, dragon fruit, etc.), cold cuts, a counter for made-to-order pancakes, waffles and eggs, a bread slicing area, freshly baked pastries (danish, cream puff, muffins, scones, croissants, bagels, cinnamon roll, eclair, miniature cakes, etc.), assorted porridge items (cocoa flakes, corn flakes and muesli), cold milk, natural yogurt, assorted juice dispensers (orange, mango, pineapple and iced tea), and an assembly of appetizing warm dishes (crispy bacon, hotdogs, beef tapa, chicken adobo, buttered vegetables, pancit canton, french fries, soup, etc.) specially prepared by notable chef Fortune Fulgar and served by well-trained waitstaff.

Bread Baskets

Porridge and Juice Counter

Crispy Bacon with Scrambled Eggs

Chicken Adobo

Have these sumptuous staples and all-you-can-drink coffee or hot chocolate for only 550 Php per person.  What’s more is that the Ambassador Beach Resort is located at the prime spot of Boracay’s White Beach.

Check out its website: http://ambassadorinparadise.com.

Kite Surfing and Dragon Boating in Boracay

Throughout the years, the small dot off the island of Panay, which represents a mass of fine white sand and immaculate blue water has evolved into a commercial tourist destination brought by globalization, thus hand in hand with global warming.  Before and after stories of Boracay Island constantly resonate in the air; it could mean as a subliminal premonition to what will eventually occur or a mere recount of moments that were cherished and lost to the passing of time.

Yet regardless of how overwhelming Boracay Island appears now with concrete establishments filling a quarter of the island’s lot area, its unspoilt beach still remains as a venue for cutting edge sports like Kite Surfing and Dragon Boating.

Type of Activity: Kite Surfing

Place: Bolabog Beach (Amihan/Northwest Monsoon) and White Beach (Habagat/Southwest Monsoon)

Fitness/Expertise Levels: From bold and balanced beginners to adrenalin high experts.

Why Now? Kite Surfing to the wind is like a dog to its bone.  Wherever the wind blows, the kite follows.  So when the Habagat

or northwest wind blows hard on the white beach, supposedly in the months of June to October, kiters could be seen gliding on the sea and jumping two meters high above Boracay’s famous 3.5km white beach.  However, once the wind shifts northwest or Amihan during October to May, kite surfing centres would hold shop in the quaint and quiet Bolabog Beach to accommodate incoming kite surfers.  This side of the island is more preferred by kite surfers because of its convex shape that filters the wind and creates a flatter water surface for a smooth and easy glide, which is also where the annual International Funboard Cup is held every January.

Expert kite surfers did not learn this sport overnight.  Kite boarders as they are also called have to go through certain stages in order to manoeuvre the kite and glide on the surfboard independently for an average rate of 320USD.  First they have to learn to control a small kite, and then they undergo bodydragging, wherein the large kite drags the student’s body through the water according to the kite’s direction.  Afterwards, they have to lie in the water with their feet strapped to the board and the kite flown with its pull balance against the board’s resistance putting alternate pressure on each leg.  Once surpassed, the kite boarder can go in the water alone.  It is all a matter of timing.  It might take a few days to perfect it (including wind reading), but with patience and confidence, one could learn it in the right time.

When you feel the heat, then step into the breeze and learn kite surfing.  You may log in to   http://www.kite-asia.com or contact Hangin Kite Center Boracay at +6336 288 3663 and look for Munster, Mark or Mars.

Type of Activity: Dragon Boating

Place: White Beach, Boracay Island

Fitness/Expertise Levels: Flexibility, resistance and discipline that even housewives and bums must endure.

Why Now? Training season commences in January, just in time for the Boracay International Dragon Boat Competition in the midsummer months of April and May.

Description: Dragon boating is a forward paddling sport consisting of 20 human engines, paired on either sides according to weight, flexibility and power.  They are commanded to paddle in synchrony to the beat of the drummer positioned at the head of the boat and navigated by the steersman at the helm.  It is based on the ancient Chinese Legend of a poet/activist named Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in the Miluo River as a form of protest against corruption and by whose friends held a paddling search for the poet’s body on an elongated boat with a dragon’s head and tail on both ends.

In 2002, when the only official sport on the island were kite surfing and wind surfing, an athlete from Manila hauled a wooden dragon boat from the murky Manila Bay to the heavenly sea of Boracay and introduced the ancient Chinese sport as an alternative recreation to its local and foreign residents.  That same year, Jeff Galindez recruited and trained housewives, entrepreneurs, athletes, artists and anyone who showed interest in the sport to join a friendly local competition known as The Quest, which Jeff also founded to uplift the human spirit and to promote discipline and camaraderie amongst them.  Like the fishermen in the ancient Chinese Legend of Qu Yuan, these residents were also been bestowed with an added goal to their prosaic exciting life on the beach.

The concept of dragon boating is very easy.  Imagine a turbo engine that mechanically rotates until it is switched off.  These engines are actually ten pairs of paddlers, each with a paddle that digs into the water on either side of the boat.  And as the leadsman pounds on the drum, the twenty hunched paddlers stretch their upper body forward and dig their paddle vertically into the water, shovelling it back up and back to digging the paddle into the water and so on until the leadsman calls for easy oar, which means stop.

It sounds difficult at first but once you get the hang of it, especially when you’re surrounded with sparkling blue sea, the tension and fatigue from this high endurance workout disappears.

During dragon boating’s conception in Boracay, there were a handful of local teams formed to compete amongst one another.  But as the sport progressed and the local race, The Quest became The Boracay International Dragon Boat Competition, some teams merged while others simply retired to concentrate on their day jobs and likewise to make way for national and international participants.  Only two teams could be sighted paddling during dragon boat season (January to May): the Sun Paddlers Club and the Bugsay Dragon Boat Team.

These two pride jewels of Boracay are as different as night and day.  The Sun Paddlers are a serious bunch of dark muscled men that paddle in the break of dawn, while the Bugsay Paddlers are eccentric-looking band of artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, housewives, and athletes, long-haired and dreadlocked men, complete with native adornments and are usually found at Bom Bom Bar, if not paddling in mid-morning.  These crowd pleasers have effortlessly won gold and bronze in the recent competitions held in Hong Kong and Macau as well as in the Boracay races and are continuously proving their legacy in prestigious international competition.

Now if you want to learn a thing or two about dragon boating, you may contact the UP Dragon Boat Team through up_dragonboatteam@yahoogroups.com in Manila or the Bugsay Dragon Boat Team through bugsayboracay@yahoogroups.com in Boracay.

If at first you fail, just try and try until you succeed.

Other activities

There’s a reason why people living in Boracay are lithe and carefree.  It is the result of nature at its best.  On a clear day, why not explore the inland of Boracay.  Hike on foot or rent a bicycle and stroll around the less charted but equally magnificent spots like Puka Beach or count bats inside the caves of Ilig-Iligan, or journey to one of the original landmarks of Boracay, the Dead Forest in Manoc-Manoc.  And if you want to discover some waterfalls, natural cold springs and crystal forming caves, just hire a guide to take you to adventure spots in the Mainland Panay.

On the other hand, if the gust of wind attracts you, sign up for Kite Surfing or Windsurfing lessons, which unlike kite surfing involves steering the mast of the flat sail for wind control while gliding on the surface of the water with a 5 meter long sailboard.  Otherwise, get into Wakeboarding.  For Php 2,200/30 mins., you can ski on the water with a board and a motorized boat towing you.

As for surfers who fancy mobility, a great sense of balance and spur-of-the-moment wave riding on a small light board, then Skim Boarding is it.  During Amihan or northwest monsoon season, skim boarders usually perform long rides by skimming over the thin breakwater on flat wet sand, while during Habagat or southwest monsoon season, wave riding is usually executed by experienced skim boarders surfing towards incoming waves.

And if you want to try something easier, try Boogie Boarding.  This sport uses a board made of foam where you lie facedown with your lower body, from hips below, immersed in the water. All you have to do is run into the wave as you grab hold of the board and paddle forward until you let the board glide you on the surface of the wave.  You can just aproach any skim boarding stands for your rentals and lessons.

Finally, if you are simply not the sporty type, then hop on a Paraw, a hobie catlike, double outrigger sailboat and cruise around the island at leat for an hour.   For a minimum of 500Php/hour you can circumnavigate the island with your family over a glass of your desired drink and enjoy a picnic at your chosen deserted cove.  It’s all-natural and pollution free.

Embark on these electrifying pursuits now and let the wind take you to greater heights.

Where to Stay

Jony’s Beach Resort. For a taste of one of the firsts in Boracay, relax in Jony’s cozy fully-furnished air-conditioned rooms and quench your thirst with Boracay’s first fresh fruit shakes.  They have rooms with a balcony overlooking the sea where you can also switch on your laptop for wi-fi internet access.  Otherwise, you can chill out at their beach front and laze on vast white sand on a low tide.  As for your other needs, the staff is quite friendly and are willing to help you with your needs.  http://www.jonysboracay.com/.

Boracay Beach Resort. If you’re a kite surfing and windsurfing wannabe, then Boracay Beach Resort is the place for you.  With Hangin Kite Boarding and Greenyard Fun Board and Neil Pryde Test Center under its care, you can relax in their native or luxurious beach front rooms as long as you want and never miss out on your classes.

http://www.boracaybeachresort.com/

Sunshine’s Place. A 6-bedroom concrete building on the beach near boat station 1, which caters to couples, friends and family on a budget.  Each room is fully-furnished with a cable TV, air-conditioning, hot and cold shower and a queen-sized bed.  Contact them at +6336 288 3221 for your reservations or inquiries.

La Fiesta Cottages. Another budget resort conveniently poised by the beach, La Fiesta Cottages in Station 1 provides concrete air-conditioned rooms with cable TV, private bathroom and verandah.  Contact them at +6336 288 3818 or +6336 288 6064.

Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel. Sprawling landscapes, Mediterranean style rooms, an inviting swimming pool, fine oriental and European cuisine, 24-hour security and front office service, and quality costumer service, AAA rating, what more can you ask for?

http://boracaytropics.com/

Where to Eat

Smoke Resto. Its humble beginnings of serving beef and fish salpicao to friends and avid supporters have made these 2 dishes larger than life.  At Smoke Resto, you can eat anything at any way you want so long as you enjoy their very valuable meals like Chilli Chicken with Pechay, Bangus Ala Pobre with fried egg, Spicy Garlic Kangkong, Ginataang Gulay or Phad Thai.  You can either dine in their wet market area or in the quieter side of D’Mall.  Or you can have them deliver your food right at your doorstep when you dial +6336 288 6014.

Traviesa Restaurant. Conveniently located along the alley near the Tourist Center, this eclectic restaurant’s mix of Oriental and Spanish cuisine offers a synergy of mixed vegetables, red meat, poultry and seafoods with a tang of lemon, garlic, onions and herbal seasonings to fulfill your satisfaction.  Sample their Grilled Tanigue with Garlic, deep fried Prawn Toasts, flavorsome Country Fried Chicken Roulade and treat yourself with irresistable deserts like an ample serving of Mango Sherbet or a slice of Chiffon Cake enhanced with cherry toppings and wicked chocolate syrup to balance its vanilla icing layers.  Just hail a tricycle or a motorcycle to Traviesa Restaurant in Asia Resort or walk along sandy paths towards this washed ashore precious jewel.

Dos Mestizos. Rejuvenate your senses with sumptuous Spanish dishes as you let your happy hour intake settle in your system.  Replenish your lost nutrients with its famous cold Tapas, minced Beef Salpicao, vegetable and ham omelette Torta con Jamon, carboloaded Tortilla de Patatas and Callos de Garbanzos, Galician octopus dish Pulpo and Chorizo sprinkled with pepper and paprika over a glass of Sangria, Caipirinha or Frozen Margarita.  With its warm ambiance and friendly service, Dos Mestizos is undeniably satisfying and affordable.

Aria Boracay Restaurant “Cucina Italia Mediteranea”. You cannot say that you’ve dined in Boracay if you haven’t savored Aria’s famous authentic Italian cuisine in D’Mall beach front.  Its antipasti, salads, pastas, meats, and various types of pizza cooked in a traditional wooden oven was conceptualized by a chef from Italy’s coastal Mediterranean regions.  He created their Polletto Al Forno, baked chicken with garlic and rosemary; Gamberoni Alla Greca, sautéed prawns with Feta cheese, tomato and basil; and Costolette D’ Angello Alla Rosa Marina, grilled lamb with rosemary flavor, among others.  You could even order pizza and request two different flavors on it, like pepperoni pizza on one half and salmon pizza on the other half, or you could just have one order of their famous four-cheese pizza and add a dash of chilli pepper infused in olive oil.  Its ambience is a bit intimidating, but once yo review its prices, you would realize that you could even bargain for more.

How to Get There? Long before RO-RO’s epiphany and Cebu Pacific’s notorious low fares, there were only a few jet planes transporting passengers fro Manila to Caticlan.  Now there are various means to arrive in Boracay, either by air, sea or land.

There are the Asian Spirit and Seair flights that conveniently fly from Manila to Caticlan or Caticlan to other destinations in the Philippines, which costs around P8,000 roundtrip, and with more than half this fare shed out, you could fly from Manila to Kalibo (add: P200/2hrs land trip to Caticlan) via Cebu Pacific’s and Philippine Airlines’ limited low fares.

But if you want to bring your car or if you want to travel cheap for less than a thousand, then the combined land and sea trips are also available.  There is the single-bus option (RO-RO) wherein buses roll on and off the ships, starting from the bus terminal in Cubao, Quezon City – Batangas Pier – Calapan, Occidental Mindoro – Roxas Pier, Oriental Mindoro – Caticlan Jetty Port.  Otherwise, you may also take the any-bus option and travel independently from the bus, depending on the available vehicles traveling on the same route as RO-RO.

At Caticlan Jetty Port, you would have to pay for the P19.50 boat fare, P20.00 terminal fee and P50.00 environmental fee (excluding the P10/luggage tip on your hired porter) before you can hop on a motorized boat that will take you to Cagban Port, Boracay in 10 minutes.  This however is only during Amihan season or northwest monsoon (wherein the wind blows towards Bolabog Beach), and when it’s Habagat season or southwest monsoon (wherein the inshore wind blows toward the White Beach) you can find motorized boats bound for Tambisaan Port, Boracay in Tabon (nearby Caticlan) for the same price and same length of travel.

Once in Boracay, take a multi-cab, tricycle or motorcycle (P20-25/person) to transport you to your resort.  And when you want to go around the island, pay a minimum of P7/person for an uncharted tricycle and P10/person for a single motorcycle.

Boracay Comfort Zones

One of the things that I love most about Boracay Island is the extent of options to spend my moments in.   When I was living there, most of the times I’d find myself stranded in Barangay Balabag, spending time with my friend Ging over a glass of fresh papaya shake at Joney’s Beach Resort or watching the sunset with my island family at Bom Bom; a few times I’d be in Manoc-Manoc, eating Pizza Napolitana at Treehouse by Da Mario or at Red Pirates Pub relaxing from sunset til midnight with my husband; and  in Yapak, having a picnic with my friends at Puka Beach or at Mt. Luho’s viewpoint where I could graze freely at the entire island.

The list of places and activities offered by this beautiful island is endless.  I could suggest so many things to do and stay in, and it still wouldn’t be enough. For instance, when I needed to eat in a place that reminds me of home, I’d go to Smoke Resto in D’Mall. It’s a small laid-back restaurant where I could eat no-fuss Filipino food and relax with my feet propped up on a chair without anybody bothering me.  Most of the times, me and my island family would meet there for breakfast, over some Tocino with fried eggs and fried rice, and for dinner with a dish of Chilli Chicken with Pechay (Chinese Cabbage), while at the end of each dragonboat training, Rea, the owner of Smoke, would host an easy breakfast of freshly baked pandesals (Filipino bread buns), fried eggs and a warm cup of instant coffee to refill our drained energy.

On the other hand, people from all over the world, not only in the Philippines, patronize Smoke Resto for their affordable and delicious seafood, meat and vegetable dishes; like their famous Beef Salpicao, Pinakbet (a warm Ilocano dish made with bitter melon, eggplant, tomato, ginger,okra, string beans, lima beans, chili peppers and shrimp paste or bagoong), Spicy Garlic Kangkong (water spinach), Ginataang Gulay (assorted vegetables dish immersed in rich coconut milk), Pad Thai, and for their all-day breakfast dishes, like  Spicy Tuyo (dried salted fish) with Itlog na Pula (salted eggs), Bangus ala Pobre with a fried egg, and sweetened pork and beef breakfast combos, like hotdog, chorizo, longganisa, corned beef, bacon, tocino and tapa, which includes a serving of fried egg with fried rice.  And for those with a different food request, Smoke offers to cook whatever their tummies desire.

Another reason why people choose Smoke Resto is because of their flexibility to entertain their guests.  When diners crave for food that’s out of the menu, Smoke offers to cook it for them, and when guests prefer to eat in their homes or in their rented cottages, Smoke delivers their order wherever they may be.

Next to my list is Dos Mestizos, a Spanish restaurant that reflects the absolute Spanish culture.  Proprietor Binggoy Remedios had a vision of a cultural watering hole in the middle of Station 2 where locals and tourists could wine and dine alongside images depicting well-known Spanish figures like a matadors, a Salvador Dali piece and a flamenco dancer, with a background of vibrant Spanish music. In 2006 his vision manifested into what has now become a favorite dining and party place, amid close proximity to the Boracay Police Station and the Tourist Center.

Dos, as the locals call this refined restaurant, bestows its guests with weekly tapas smorgasbord including a bottomless glass of Sangria.  The regular tapas dishes consist of Tortilla de Patatas con Jamon, a fascinating kind of potato omelet spurred up with herbs and spices to compliment other tapas dishes; the flavorsome Pulpo composed of Galician octopus with a distinct addition of bay leaves, tasty hot paprika and sea salt for fine savory; Callos con Garbanzos, a dynamic blend of chorizo de bilbao, oxtail, tomatoes and leafy garbanzos; Aceitunas Verdes Alinadas, an irresistible spread of green olives marinated in red wine vinegar, herbs and seasonings; and Chorizo sprinkled with pepper and paprika.  While at times, Chef Andrei spurs up various tapas fusions to keep the guests coming back for something different, like curries, oysters, Mediterranean mezze and spicy dishes to name a few.

While on the eastern side of the island is a native cubbyhole of cottages for short-term and long-staying guests, known as Ralph’s Place.   At Ralph’s, you could never miss the beautiful manifestation of the moonrise or sunrise at your most serene state, particularly within the helm of native cottages that are furnished with cushy beds covered with elegant mosquito nets, bamboo furniture and a veranda with a grand view of the windy Bolabog beach and the dramatic sunrise.  Their lovely garden also adds a tranquil quality that you can only find in your own home.

One more humble abode that has to be mentioned in this list is located in the northern part of the island overlooking the glorious sunset — Balinghai Beach Resort in Yapak.  Rustic bungalows tucked in the mountain were made in harmony with the rest of nature through pebbled paths and driftwood steps. Owner, Otik Macavinta built these native bungalows with unique interiors and big verandas in 1983 to share with special guests Boracay’s tropical waters, Balinghai’s lush green landscape and towering healthy trees. Once inside your chosen bungalow, you could strongly hear raw sounds and visions of nature uniting your senses with the universe, like the rickets of crickets and geckos and sparkling fireflies and shooting stars.

Another tranquil locations are found in Angol, the Southern part of the white beach.  So far its underpopulated but foreign invaded location emits a Miami beach aura, due to the number of Caucasians who frequent the place. Here there are two unpretentious and warm restaurants that are conveniently found near the road connecting Angol to the main road.

One is Coco Loco Bar, one of the oldest bars in Boracay, which offers a variety of dishes, from pastas, sandwiches, pizzas to grilled food and pancits. In a nutshell, it actually looks like a native sports pub due to its imposing billiard table and narra furniture.

The second bar in this location is the Treehouse Bar and Restaurant.  Perched at the top of a developed tree, the native hangout is equipped with a cushy atmosphere, cool sounds, warm lights and uncomplicated authentic Italian food, c/o Da Mario Resort and Restaurant, ideal for a romantic candlelight dinner for two.

But as Boracay Island’s constant infrastructures and developments ensue, so do the quick turnover that cannot be controlled in this very dynamic island resort. I’d say, relish these relaxing choices before something else turns up anew.

The 7 Waterfalls of Jawili, Tangalan, Aklan

Swim in seven swirling basins and suffuse your body in a chain of lush waterfalls all around Jawili’s picturesque montage of naturalresources.

Known for its Seven Basins, Jawili Falls in Tangalan, Aklan maintains a mesmerizing composition of crystal clear pools and waterfalls, balanced with indigenous plants and multihued limestone rocks to provide the perfect getaway from the most in demand tourist destination in the world that is Boracay.

In just an hour road trip from Caticlan (Boracay) to Tangalan, one can by far absorb the radiance and realism of Mother Nature’s work of art, which is abundant in the island of Panay, much less in Aklan. Thus with the fervent support of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) under the name, “Project Bugna”, Jawili Falls’ maintenance is relentlessly executed while reforestation projects are sustained especially at the watershed of the falls to accommodate the inevitable upsurge of tourism that seeps from Boracay to the Mainland. Furthermore, with the scenic and dramatic flow of fresh water pools ranging from 130 square feet to 540 square feet and with the depth of 8-10 feet, families and barkadas can either luxuriate during the daytime or overnight in any of the quaint cottage, indisputably providing a dreamlike atmosphere for relaxation away from the vigorous lifestyle of cosmopolitan sites.

The sight of clear water cascading on colorful rocks along the entire shores of Aklan’s prominence is irrefutably therapeutic. Its water and biodiversity eliminates the mental and physical toxins that mere mortals like us are vulnerable to. One only has to admit the breath of fresh air that emanates from its rich natural resources, which consequently eases away one’s possibly disquieting mindset plainly influenced by one’s own environment.

Once when I set foot at the bottom of the 100 meter high falls, I heard a voice telling me to “let go” of unimportant things that was invading my entire being; things that were withholding me from appreciating the totality of nature.  Yet, with just the sight of Jawili Falls, my senses quickly sharpened and instantly unearthed the sanguinity that was deeply embedded in me.

The need to swim is unimportant. What is important is one’s surrender to such bequests for an hour or two in order to appreciate life’s wealth, which is what nature’s all about. Modern accommodations are also provided within an arm’s length away from Jawili’s raw structure to cater to everyone’s comfort needs.

Tourists coming from Manila and abroad can take a plane to Kalibo where mini buses to Tangalan are available.  And for those spending a holiday in Boracay, simply take a pump boat to Caticlan and ride a van or a jeepney that navigates towards Tangalan.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the raw beauty that still exists in the island of Panay before it’s too late.