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Paradise Island of Boracay |
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May 25, 2002 was the first time I attended the Saturday Group's painting session after I came back from a two-month research expedition in the Babuyan Islands. I went straight to my mentor Mr. Ben Infante for an update of the group's activities. My first update was very disappointing news. The Saturday Group picked out five artists to participate in a sail painting competition to be held in Boracay. I was personally recommended by Mr. Infante but was scratched-off the list because I was absent when they needed the final list. Boracay is known as the Best Tropical Beach in the world and everyone can relate to my disappointment. A week after, I attended the Group's session for the second time. The idea still haunts me, so, I informed Mr. Magoo Valencia that I am available should anyone decided to back-out. June 3, 2002, Monday morning at around 8 a.m., I received a call from Mr. Infante informing me that I will get a call from Mr. Valencia because one of the artists set to go to Boracay backed-out. I wasn't able to hold my excitement. I called Mr. Valencia immediately. The free trip to Boracay is definitely mine! June 5, 2002, Wednesday, 12:00 p.m., I left Las Piñas and went straight to Pier 8, I found some of the artists including AAP President Fidel Sarmiento. But my group came later. It was 3:00 p.m. when we boarded the ship MBRS, everybody was immediately disappointed to see the conditions of our accommodations. We were placed at DECK E, Economy of an overloaded ship. Our deck was below the water level. The room was about 20ft X 45ft and totaled at around 95 people in that room. I wasn't disappointed but I'm a bit uncomfortable by the looks of the ship. The beds were arranged in groups of four double-deckers, and we were informed that beddings could be acquired by renting. 4 a.m., the ship’s paging system announced that we just docked in Odiongan, Romblon. Some of the passengers left the ship and we spent the next few hours just talking. We left Romblon at 5 a.m. and proceeded to Boracay. The ship stopped in Hidong, Aklan were we boarded a big pumpboat going to Boracay Island. It was exactly 7:30 a.m. Only the artist participants of the contest occupied the boat and we were taken to our resort in Bulabog Beach in Boracay Island. When we were nearing the shore, we were surprised to see the quality of the beach. The sand wasn’t white and wide and the water was full of seaweeds. Having no knowledge of the island yet, I asked the locals which part of Boracay we’re in. I found a map at Banana Saging Resort’s front door, and found out we were at the other side of the beautiful White Beach of Boracay. Our accommodation was homey but very far from the good beaches of Boracay. We had lunch at Bulabog and after a short rest; we decided to go to the other side. We went to Regency Hotel, where we walked and located a good place to eat Halo-halo. I called-up Daphne Padriga, the former store manager of Habagat Outdoor Shop in SM Megamall. She transferred in Boracay to work just a month ago and I intended to visit her. I located NoyGinji where Daphne works, near Station 2 & 3 of White Beach, just greeted her and went back to my group. We ate the most expensive Halo-halo I’ve ever tasted (Php75). Then we went for a stroll on the fine talcum white sands of White Beach Boracay. We found the other artists under a big tree shade, and we joined them for a while. I took the opportunity to swim in Boracay’s crystal clear blue waters. We went back to our resort and stayed there for the rest of the afternoon. We had a small informal gathering at our resort that evening where we introduced ourselves with the other artists. We had drinks and food and lots of fun. I sent this message to my friends in Manila: “I’m trying desperately not to fall asleep while I lay so comfortably cradled in this hand-woven hammock, strung on thick wooden posts of the rustic resort by the sea. The gentle breeze strokes my saltwater-soaked hair while the sound of the wooden wind chime soothes my stress-tortured soul creating a tranquil feeling that penetrates to the bone. With Boracay’s endless stretch of blushing white sand, the pastel glow of retiring sky reflected on the glassy surface of the water, I couldn’t help but wish you were here.” June 7, 2002, I woke up at 5:15 a.m. and noticed the beautiful sunrise. I took a shot and prepared my things for the day. We left Bulabog beach and went to K.O. Restaurant on White Beach. We ate breakfast of pork, egg and rice. Paints were distributed after that. We started painting the sails at around 11 a.m. Had lunch of grilled chicken by 12:00 p.m. and finished two sails by 5:00 p.m. I sent a text message to Daphne and asked her to meet me by the beach. We were strolling the beach when we saw Photographer Xander Angeles his wife Che-Che & their daughter. We watched the sunset, took photos and went back to NoyGinji Store. We visited Daphne’s house and I took a bath there. We went to Hey Jude and ordered a pizza half Margherita and half Pepperoni. We went home to Daphne’s place where we spent the night. May, Daphne’s co-worker visited that evening, because she was suffering from stomach aches and was too afraid to be alone. June 8, 2002, Day 4, 7 a.m. I woke up very rested and noticed the sun was already up. I left while Daphne was still asleep. I walked towards Beachcomber resort where our group painted yesterday. We painted two more sails this day. We had lunch at K.O. again. The serving of Menudo was so small that everyone had leftover rice. We were able to finish by 5:30 p.m. We ate dinner at Banana Saging Resort because the food at K.O. was disappointingly the same, very small serving of Liempo (4pcs). Frank Caña, Anthony Ong and I went to White Beach for a stroll. I parted with them and stayed with Daphne again. Daphne prepared Ginataang Mongo. May and Sonny (owner of the boarding house) came by and offered a free massage. Yes! FREE! I slept right after. June 9, 2002, Day 5, 7 a.m. I went down to the bathroom while Daphne’s still asleep. When I went back, breakfast was already prepared. We ate at the veranda then I waited while Daphne took a bath. We left her house and went to the store. I walk towards Sea wind resort where the judging of the painted sails will take place. The boats were all set-up for judging and artists were requested to pose with their respective boats. The program was relatively short, introduction of the artists that participated and their respective concepts, introduction of the judges (National Artist Napoleon Abueva was part of it). I also saw actress Chin-Chin Gutierez and took her photo. It was announced that the boatmen and artists would have lunch at K.O. again. We were really surprised when we arrived at K.O. The whole place was jammed with the boatmen alone. We just couldn’t imagine how the artist would fit in that small restaurant. We went back to Sea Wind Resort and we were informed that lunch would be prepared at Sea Wind. We went back to the house in Bulabog, I took a bath and prepared my things for my transfer to Daphne’s place. 6:30 p.m. I went over to NoyGinji Store to borrow Daphne's house’s key, I left my bags and took a bath and went over to Sea Wind for the dinner party. We had a great dinner sponsored by the then birthday celebrating owner Mr. Jarantilla. The food and beer was overflowing. I also met RPN 9 anchorwoman Lanie de Ocampo, I took the opportunity to invite her to pose for a portrait session with the Saturday group. After the party, we went over to Beachcomber resort to continue the party. We left the disco at around 1:30 a.m. and I took a motorcycle home to Daphne’s. June 10, 2002, Day 6, 7 a.m. my regular wake-up time for the past days. Daphne woke me up and I was surprised to see my breakfast of Champorado. Daphne left while I was taking a bath, I followed in a short while and brought the keys to Daphne. I walked the long stretch of sand towards Sea Wind Resort where I ate breakfast again. Bacon, eggs, bread, butter, fresh juice, unlimited servings. We sketched the owners of the resort as our gratitude for their generosity. We had lunch at Sea Wind then after that we parted ways. I went back to NoyGinji Store and spent the afternoon swimming and talking at the beach. Vanee Manso, a friend from Manila was also in Boracay at that time. She informed me that her companions are diving in a nearby site. I met-up with them at Lapu-Lapu dive center and joined them in snorkeling. Five of Vanee’s companions dove while Cris, Vanee and I snorkeled. I saw very few fish but the clarity of Boracay’s waters still make it a worthwhile activity. I said goodbye to Vanee’s group after we docked and went straight to NoyGinji Store. We had dinner at Hey Jude’s Pizza again. June 11, 2002, Day 7, I woke up at the same time again and the breakfast was already prepared. We talked over for a while and Daphne left me when I decided to sleep some more. Daphne texted me as soon as she arrived at the store that the water is very calm. I immediately washed the dishes and went over to the beach. We swam and swam and swam. We had lunch at Jasper’s, Porchop and Kalabasa, and Coke. The food totaled Php 85. Then we went back to the store where Daphne still works. At around 1 p.m. we went to the Tourist Center, the bank and internet café. We ate a cheaper kind oh Halo-Halo (Php10) near Station 3. We inquired at WG&A and MBRS. I found out that the next convenient trip would be on Friday. I reserved my float to manila with MBRS. We went shopping for groceries, and then we went swimming again. We went back to Daphne’s house then at 6 p.m. we went back to the store. A stopped by a small street side bead maker and had the bracelet given to me by Daphne resized. I was able to get 2 bracelets and an anklet for Php20. I stayed at NoyGinji Store and met travelers Frances Santiago and Jose Decolongon. Daphne and I ate dinner at a small carenderia near her place for only Php85. We went back and stayed outside the store when Frances and Jose passed by again. I helped close the store and then we went home. It rained that evening. June 12, 2002, Wednesday, Day 8, I got up at 7:30 a.m. Dindi was still lying on the bed. I prepared coffee for her this time. Daphne complained of stomachache. We found out later that the carenderia we ate the night before have this unsanitary way of preparing food. She also complained of joint and muscle aches, I assumed it to be Flu. I washed the dishes and let Daphne rest. We didn’t eat lunch because we didn’t have enough money. I went over to the bank and withdrew cash. I scouted the Talipapa for cheap food but found nothing. I went over to Jasper’s via a tricycle to buy Fried Chicken and rice. I came home and Daphne informed me that her boss sent over a Manghihilot (local physical therapist). We ate chicken after the session. I left Daphne for a while and went over to the Tourist Center to pay my ticket for Friday’s float. I reserved but I didn’t have to pay yet. I went back home and checked Daphne’s condition several times during the night. She wasn’t improving. June 13, 2002, Thursday, Day 9. We spent the morning doing nothing because Daphne still wasn’t feeling well. We were eating Biscocho for breakfast when Sunny Señeres came. She brought home from Aklan some incense for Daphne. Sunny accompanied Daphne and me to Metropolitan Clinic. The check-up was relatively cheap (Php 100). We went back afterwards. Sunny bought Daphne’s medicines and I went out to have my last stroll and swim in Boracay. I walked to Sea Wind Resort and took my own photo at the beach. Some boatmen and the bead makers greeted me while I walked back to Hey Jude to order Pizza. Waitress Tess asked me where Daphne was, I told her she was sick that’s why I’m taking home the Pizza I ordered. I poured hot sauce all over the pizza and went back to Daphne’s place. I packed my things after dinner and got ready for bed, when it sparked to me to paint Daphne while she was lying on the hammock. I finished the painting in less than an hour and Daphne was so happy with the result. We were awake ‘til 3 a.m. June 14, 2002, Friday, Day 10, 6:00 a.m. I woke up very early and I took a bath immediately. We said our goodbyes and I promised her and myself that I will come back to Boracay. 9 a.m. I left before we cry and I walked towards the Tourist center to get my ticket. I paid my ticket to Manila (Php 900) and I asked directions from the ticket vendor. I went to Boat Station 2 and bought my boat ticket to Caticlan (Php18.00). The float to Caticlan took 25 minutes, and then I walked over to where I’ll wait for my ship. I rode another pumpboat that will take me to the ship (Php20.00). MBRS MV Mary the Queen left Caticlan at around 12:00 p.m. |
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Places to Stay
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Sunrise at Banana
Saging Resort, Bulabog Beach
