Not so long ago, I thought Bora was simply a place that is over hyped. I kinda had a disinterest of going there already for I've heard a few bad comments about it being too commercialized, not to mention the many ugly stories of prostitution, garbages dumped in one of its hill areas, etc. etc. I even came to a point of saying that Panglao Island in Bohol is far better than this Philippines' most famous island resort... but yes, I was wronged. (Panglao is still a good spot though!)
The first time I went to Bora was September 2007 when our project's Management Team had our FY08 Planning Session (if it was really a planning session hehehe) in Le Soleil De Boracay. Since it was my job, I took care of almost everything about the trip ~ from coordinating with the travel agency, to the room assignments, to the flight schedules (we must be flying separately ~ an Accenture policy), etc.etc. It wasn't really a big task but I am still not sure if I will enjoy because of my many misconceptions. But again, I was wronged! I came to appreciate Boracay the same way many people loved it. And much to my surprise for I never really thought I could do it, I went parasailing ~ the most daring yet best adventure I did in my entire life!
The second time that I visited Bora was last July 4-6, 2008 with my two good friends Ryan and Grace. I came with them simply to enjoy ~ kill time in the cabanas of the hotel, splurge in our food trips, hang-out in any of Bora's exciting bars and finally, to just rest idly in our hotel room. That was merely the plan ~ no wild and adventurous activity (or so I thought).
To say that I am fascinated with Boracay is already an understatement, for I will be back to enjoy its pristine sands and clear waters again on August ~ this time, with my beloved best buddies, Yeth and Jingle. The original plan was to stay in La Carmela de Boracay, but I told Yeth and Jingle that LC is in Station 3 and is quite too far from where the action in Bora is! I am actually good with LC for I am okay with long walks (Bora is quite a long walking stretch, anyway!), but since we will be there for only a night (we will go straight to Bacolod to visit Jingle's family) I told them we better stay somewhere in Station 2 or better yet, in Station 1 since these two stations are near the bars, the D Mall and of course, the best sands are there. Without so much persuasion, the two agreed. Yeth was able to get an affordable hotel to stay ~ Sur Beach Resort in Station 1. I've seen the place from along the shoreline when Grace and I were walking on our second night but I was not able to get a clearer view of Sur Beach. All I know is that it's in Station 1 and so I recommended it to Yeth without me knowing that she's already considering it, thanks to the many good reviews about Sur!
The nice thing about being with Yeth and Jingle in trips is that they are too organized I need not worry of the things to do and yes, even the last single centavo is accounted for since these two bestfriends of mine are both Accountants. We always joke that during our trips, I am always the boss and they are my assistants ~ expectedly, I am enjoying the role!
Must I say, I couldn't wait any longer! While my tanned skin is still obvious out of my last Bora visit, I am getting excited already ~ to see the grotto and take my nth picture there, to eat in that famous Hawaiian restaurant, to sip Jhona's shake again, to check out items in the D Mall, to try the crepe that Grace, Ryan and I failed to try, to try Gilly's Island Bar, to go star gazing in the sands, and to experience arrival in Boracay as early as 6:00 AM (yes, we'll leave Manila at 5:00 AM). I am not sure as to what other things from the many there are to do, but one thing certain, I will relish my third experience of the Boracay paradise!
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