Ah, Boracay
BY MIMI OLARGA

Basking in the pristine white sand beach of Boracay Island, tourists staying in this most-sought after holiday beach destination are saying,"Boracay, here i come." / PHOTO BY BOY RYAN ZABAL

Yes, it is really "ahhh, Boracay". This gush of exclamation combined with excitement and relief comes in when one touches the powdery sand of Boracay.
Even if one local or foreigner have been to the island for quite sometime, the exhilarating feeling of being there once again recurs as one visitor, just like me, makes a comeback to this island paradise acclaimed as one of the best beaches in the world.
So if there is one opportunity to take an R & R in this haven of an island, against the sweltering heat of summer, coupled with intermittent brownouts, then one has really to grab such a chance. And went we did last week.
With the comforts of an early morning ride in an air-conditioned Ceres bus, and the short yet relaxing Montenegro boat ride from Caticlan to the island, going to Boracay is, I believe, within a simple working man's reach. There is also the choice of a pedicab or a mini-ryder jeepney to bring the visitors to the hotel where they are billeted. And with the so many sprouting hostels and lodging houses coming in, accommodation in Bora is very competitive and quite fare within one's budget.
So how does one savor the feeling of being there, once again? Well, we took walk in the famous beach that stretches for four or more kilometers. Sans our rubber slippers, our walking, in barefoot is so glorious with the feel of the white sand sooooo fine and powdery.

We took pics of sandcastles, and pose with them, not for free but for a meager donation. We observed. We saw the usual Henna tattoos at the napes backs, arms, legs, navels of those who love to have, and flaunt them. Braided hair in colored threads and rubber bands are also in, from girls to women. Locals and foreigners still abound in D'Talipapa hunting for the best buys of curios and souvenirs, and food stuffs. And ever vivacious tourists, who are always bubbly and pulsating with life.
After we have exhausted our legs, and exposed our skin to the sun, we took the much need lazy swim in Bora's crystal clear waters. Who needs detoxification, we ask, when lounging languidly in the waters means stopping the ticking of time, even for just awhile.
Ah, Boracay, would also spell sipping tall glasses of icy-cold teas or fruit shakes under the foliage of coconut trees, while we did espy on gorgeous bodies in bikinis having their skin tanned or massaged. And with the so many boat men plying their trade for an island-hopping ride for P1,800 for two to three hours, and another P50 for snorkeling who couldn't resist finding blue starfishes, orange clown fishes, and more in the deep of the crystal blue waters of Bora.
And of course, Bora would also mean availing of the different dinner buffets, watching fire dancers do their crafts, or partying in so many nightspots.
Whew, being in Boracay may mean a lot of activities, but for the spell of the weekend, who would not take the difference? Just like what I saw and overheard one foreigner, when he stepped on the concrete pavement of the jettyport of the island, exclaimed, "ahhh Boracay, here I come," then the same goes for the same many insatiable tourists, local or foreign, young and old feel when they reach the island paradise of Boracay.
A peaceful and meaningful weekend to you all. God bless.