Boracay bragbook -1

WITH the exception of Jason, all of us who went to

Boracay were certified Boracay vestal virgins. My

knowledge on the world-famous destination was limited

to its white sands and the propensity of people,

especially foreigners, for going topless.

Well, I did not see any one strutting around the seashore buck-naked (thank

heaven for that…I think). Nor did I witness or take part in any activity that would

surely offend the sensibilities of the 2bU! gang especially yours truly (as if!).

But the lavish praises my friends bestowed on Boracay was very well deserved, if

not a bit understated.

A glimpse of the white sandy shores of Boracay erased all my (unwarranted)

fears of deep waters. I let go of my tight grip on the wooden handle of the

motorized boat that we took from Caticlan. My eyes veered away from the life

vests as I started to marvel at the azure hues of the water.

Although press junkets are often characterized as "itinerary-friendly," our trip to

Boracay was a real vacation. The only schedule we had to strictly follow was

where and what time we were going to eat (har har!).

Even though we went as a group, I had a lot of time for solitude as I (tried) to

soak up as much sun as I could. I could not come along with Pam and the rest of

the crew for the jet ski and the banana boat ride so I was pretty much left alone

to swim and sunbathe. Except for a nosy male foreigner who offered to put some

tanning oil on my back (I said no, of course. If he looked like Brad Pitt, it would

have been a different story), I was able to enjoy my private moments.

The beauty of Boracay is that while visually impressive and picturesque, it is not

assaulting to the senses. There is a sense of symmetry from the beautiful waves

that quietly approach the shores, to the white sands that seem to serve as canvass

for the hues of the water, to the bancas that moved around the waters, to the sky

with nary a trace of clouds, to the beachcombers who aimlessly walked around.

Even the green seaweeds (which by the way, prompted Tammy to ask if they

were itchy) seemed to complement the whole picture.

Just absorbing the atmosphere automatically obliterates all the worries, all the

stress and perhaps some of the inhibitions.

Laidback is the word to describe the atmosphere and even the people. It is no

wonder then that a lot of people wish to live or settle down near the lovely shores

of Boracay.

The trip to Boracay was also a period of discovery for us. We are all makalat

(our room was a virtual disaster zone). Maui requires a soft mattress to be able to

get a decent sleep, Tammy has glorious hair (especially when it’s down), Happy

is truly a beauty even without the help of Benetint and High Beam, Pam is really

"blessed" (wink!), Tim has legs worthy of envy, and that in the face of stressful

situations, Jason still manages to hold on to his wits. Me? I guess Pam knows by

now that despite the brave exterior, I am a scaredy-cat deep inside. She can

attest to how I practically clawed her arms as I held on to her on the boat ride

going back to Caticlan.

Needless to say, we all truly enjoyed the trip. Okay, so maybe we were not able

to go skinny-dipping but then there’s another time for that (although I must say I

am not awaiting that event with bated breath). Jules Alcantara, Inquirer News

Service

BORACAY or the beach was never in my where-to-go list. I hate swimming, the

sun and the sand. I would just stay in the hotel and do a food review, I told Pam

when my dad allowed me to go. I cut my stay in Zamboanga so I can spend time

with the other correspondents in Boracay, of all places.

Traveling to "Borah" was such a hassle, but after the three-hour plane-bus-boat

ride, I felt relieved when I saw the famous scenery that launched a thousand

postcards. Just looking at the clear water and white sand was breathtaking. Tim

kept telling us that we would forget everything once our toes touched the

powder-like sand and boy, did it feel good.

The sun didn’t bother me much. I would just look at the water and I would feel

relaxed. I was so relaxed that I was able to sleep under the sun, finish one side of

the audio version of "The Alchemist" and finish level two of "Return of the Jedi" in

my game boy and for once texting was dragging for me.

We always started the day at 10 a.m. since there were six of us sharing one

bathroom and we would end the day at 3 a.m. because we would walk miles

from our place at Pearl of the Pacific to D’Mall and hang out in the eateries or the

sand where we would just talk and laugh all night.

I’ll never forget the time that Pam, Jason, Tim and I were lying on the sand at 3

a.m. The stars were so bright and it was so magical that we were like kids getting

overexcited with a Happy Meal. The sand was so cool that I began falling asleep.

Then my mind went over thinking my kindergarten days up to the present. I only

do that when I’m relaxed.

I’ll never forget the first time the gang was outside room 107, our hotel room,

since the previous room where Pam, Jason and I stayed was on top of the hill.

Whenever we went down to eat it was like we were going to tribal council and

the other room where Maui, Happy and Jules were supposed to stay was not

that great. We were so happy that the room had TV and it was near the beach

that we had picture-taking as if it was the 8th wonder of the world.

I’ll never forget the first time the whole group consisting of the 2bU! gang with

Marco from Young Star and Daddy Mon, Ruth and Nic from Smart had dinner.

At first I was like "Oh, dinner with someone from Young Star and a bunch of PR

people," but in the end we were just like kids talking about the silliest things like

our long names and the losers in the business. The rest of the trip with the group

was a blast.

I’ll never forget the time I first went jet skiing when I was riding with Jason and I

was thrown out of the jet ski. As I emerged from the water, I kept on yelling "I’m

fine! I’m fine! I’m swimming alright!" I thought this was all planned since the

whole gang was forcing me to swim. I was surprised that I still had my precious

Regatta flip-flops on but I lost my sister’s cheap Gucci sunglasses.

The trip was so memorable and I can go on about the things that I enjoyed: from

fruit shakes to the never-ending discussions about life and a platypus. I learned

that you can still enjoy Boracay without swimming, the flings, the booze or the

drugs. As long as your friends are with you, you can have the time of your life.

Tammy David, Inquirer News Service

IT was like a first kiss. My toes touched the white sand of Boracay with the

hesitance of uneducated lips.

Unsure yet relishing every sensation. Hot and cold at the same time. That moment

was the beginning of an unforgettable experience.

When I was still in Manila, I had visions of nights spent on the sand, listening to waves crashing while I wrote my neglected fiction. Alas, this remained an illusion.

Our stay in Boracay was hectic. Really hectic, to say the least.

Now, I ask myself, what is Boracay for me? Is it still that empty picture that used

to gaze up at me from postcards in bookstores? Is it the strip of white sand that

has become too "commercialized," as many people are complaining? Is it the

endless parties? Is it the powdery sand and clear water that even Hollywood

stars travel thousands of miles for?

No.