ThOuGhTs, iDeAs, oPiNiOnS, cHaTtEr

Boracay: Day One

It is common to forward e-mails, be it jokes, inspirational messages, etc. One of the e-mails I received is about lessons to be learned from the Dalai Lama. Unfortunately, the instructions were to forward the e-mail to others, then, delete the e-mail. But what struck me most is the statement: At least once a year, visit a place you have never been to. This year, it would be Boracay for me.

Tagging along my niece, we we would be taking the 8:50AM (originally 9:00AM) flight of Cebu Pacific. As early as 6:30AM, we are already on our way to the airport. I have read in the newspaper that passengers taking a Cebu Pacific flight should be at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled flight because the runway of the Manila Domestic Airport is closed. The 8:50AM flight turned to 9:15AM, as flights before ours have been delayed.

The one-hour flight from Manila to Kalibo is uneventful, except that we were able to meet a new friend in the plane. Marifel is a resident of Kalibo. She just went to Manila for an interview at the embassies as she plans to travel around the world. Her family owns a resort in Boracay, which her sister currently manages. They also have a bakery (English Bakery) where Club Panoly, the resort where we would be staying, is buying their bread. Since she knows that it would be our first time in Boracay, she gave us tips: how much to pay for a fare (and the manner by which we will pay the fare... hehehe!), where to go and how to go there, etc. Upon reaching Kalibo airport, we exchanged mobile numbers, just in case... c",)

From Kalibo Airport, we took a bus to Caticlan. It is a one and a half hour travel. Aside from enjoying the scenery, can't help but listen to the two girls behind us who chatted incessantly. One of them would be going to Boracay for the first time; thus, the other one is keeping her (and me) abreast. Must remember to try the banana choco peanut fruit shake the girl keeps harping about... And my niece? She just slept all the way.

At the Caticlan Jetty Port, we waited for a few minutes for the boat that would take us at Club Panoly in Boracay. When it arrived, our fellow passengers are mostly Japanese (with their female escorts) and a caucasian family. The boat trip took about 40 minutes.

Finally, we arrived at The Panoly Resort around 2:00PM. Welcome drinks awaited us. After freshing up a bit, my niece and I immediately went to the resort's Cafe Punta Bunga for our very late lunch.

An officemate who also spent their family's vacation at The Panoly advised me to try the fishermen's house where you order food in advance, as it would be cheaper. Marifel also mentioned that the food at The Panoly is a bit high, adding that The Panoly is the most expensive resort in Boracay. That would explain the cost of the food... hehehe!

But first, my niece and I planned our activities. On Friday, we would be going to the main beach. Thus, we have to book our slot in the shuttle to and from Cocomangas. On Saturday, it would be island hopping and banana boat ride. And our last day in Boracay, Sunday, we would just be preparing our things as we have to leave by 12 noon for our 4:00PM flight back to Manila.

Since my niece wanted to buy a pair of swimsuit (she doesn't like the one she brought with her), we decided to go to the store we saw by the beach. Aside from the swimsuit, she bought a set that she would be wearing during the island hopping tour. Definitely would look good in pictures... hehehe! Guess, we are good at haggling, I was able to get something for me for free! The vendor also pointed us to where we can order food (the one being mentioned by my officemate as the fishermen's house). Looked at the menu, and it does cost cheaper especially if you are a big group. Since it's just the two of us, decided to have our meals at The Panoly. Cost of the food is like eating at Pancake House.

Usually at night, they set-up at the beach for dinner with dinner show. It is always an acoustic night. But my niece and I still decided to have dinner at the Cafe. Besides, we can hear the music from where we are eating.

After dinner, we spent some time at the pool and the jacuzzi.

A good find at the resort, which my niece (and I) enjoyed, they have Star Mandarin in their cable TV! LOL

posted by ~GFA~ @ 5/04/2006 10:55:00 PM