Queen consort of the queen of beaches

A PLEASANT place to bring your kids this summer is the newly built wing of Boracay Regency Hotel near Station 2. The phrase "the changing landscape of Boracay" takes on another meaning with a mini garden facing the shore, designed by top society landscape artist Shirley Sanders. Aside from the miniature trees and greenery, there is also a mini waterfall and koi pond. These are part of the hotel's "commitment to our growing patrons for more rooms, with the same kind of reception and hospitality we have been known for," says Boracay Regency president Henry Chusuey.

And for island regulars who've grown tired of the usual hotspots, the hotel also opened a new disco and music bar that features live bands and private karaoke rooms. Now you know where to sing your own version of "Girl from Ipanema."

The bold new additions by the hotel are a testimony to the management's faith in local tourism, which the hoteliers are confident will rebound soon. Joining the owners in that positive outlook is Sen. Serge Osme¤a,

a frequent hotel guest, who promised during the new wing's inauguration last year to help push efforts to widen Caticlan's airstrip, so it could at least accommodate arriving international Asian flights.

Other visible efforts in improving Boracay include the current asphalting of the main road that is expected to make inland travel easier and more convenient.

The Mediterranean-inspired hotel, which now has a total of 85 rooms, has continuously been enjoying high occupancy rates since it opened in the mid-1990s. The new wing boasts of the best-located presidential and honeymoon suites, which go with the spectacular view of the island's world-famous clear blue waters and white powdery sand. All rooms have balconies that overlook the beach, and guests have free use of the hotel gym, massage room and fresh-water pool.