The Adventures of the Queen: Boracay Open 2013 and LaBoracay 2013
The first time I visited Boracay was in grade school with my family. That time, I remember it being bare and I think there were only a few bars outlining the island. We were there to swim, check out the Spider House, go cliff-diving and snorkeling, and admire the white sand and peaceful ambiance. The second time was in high school and again, I was with my family. I remember riding the banana boat for the first time, going island hopping, and snorkeling to feed the fishes. We had a lovely lunch care of the big fishes my siblings, cousins, and I caught.
The third time was with my first ultimate frisbee coach and team. We joined the Boracay Open 2007. But since most of us were under 18 years old, we didn’t really go out late and party. We were always back in our rooms at a certain time, and we really just went to experience playing in one of the most popular international tournaments in the country.
Boracay Open 2007
The fourth time was in college with my grade school/high school barkada. When I was with them, we didn’t really go out to party either. Every night, we were usually at Two Seasons in Station 1 enjoying the happy hour. We’d sip on cocktails, catch up with each other, and just chill. During the day, I’d either be out getting a tan, parasailing, jet-skiing, or riding the Flying Fish. If not that, I’d be going on food trips and trying all the restaurants in the island that wasn’t found in Manila.
I guess I was never really the kind to party in Boracay, which is supposedly the only thing you do there these days. I love the beach, and the island has a lot of incredibly beautiful beaches like Puca Beach.
This 2013, I went there twice.
The first was during the Boracay Open 2013 where I spent my 24th birthday. I played with Petmalols, got to stay up until 5am, and experienced the “Boracay Party” with my friends and teammates. It was a lot of fun, but one experience I will never forget is riding the paraw (and accidentally falling off!), and staying in a remote beach to grill some fish and have lunch on the shore. We were there the whole afternoon, so I got to watch the sunset while riding the paraw going back.
My most recent visit to Boracay was last May, during Labor Day Weekend. That was more of a spur-of-the-moment kind of thing—as in I only booked my ticket two weeks before the trip. That time, I finally got to try the famous Calamansi Muffins and watch the sun rise. Instead of partying, I went on my usual food trips again.
After visiting Boracay all these years, I think it’s safe to conclude that…I’m boring. Just kidding. But really, I think the one reason I love going back is because of the time I get to spend with people who matter to me. Nothing beats the feeling of just sitting by the beach, sipping on Malibu with pineapple juice or Coke, and not having to think about life back in the city.
