That Sitio Boracay Dream

It was almost a year ago since I first stepped in the beautiful island of Boracay. It was first time on that world-class tourist spot and it was all courtesy of Granprix Boracay Hideaway. It was also my first time to travel alone, and to travel for free, so everything was so memorable. And though I enjoyed my 3 days-2 nights stay there, I was still longing to experience Boracay in a far more different way - a classier one. And then comes one great blessing this year, a classy gift that will take me back to this beautiful paradise - another free accommodation - and this time at the sister hotel of Granprix Boracay Hideaway, the Sitio Boracay.

If my first time in Boracay was spent on "me, myself and I," this time, I have no plans of going there alone. Thank goodness, I have a bunch of new friends that are going there, so without further ado, I booked a flight to the beautiful island of Boracay on the same dates as my friends are. And at exactly before noon on the said date - Friday before Palm Sunday, that is - I found myself inside this beautiful cabana that will serve as my sanctuary in the next few days....

Alta Vista de Boracay: A Different Boracay Experience that I Love

When I plan to see Boracay, all I'm wishing to do is to enjoy the white sand and watch the hot bodies passing on it. But when I had the chance to check-in and stay in one of the most sophisticated and high-lander hotels in this paradise-like island, my idea of Boracay escapade changes and levels up - it's more fun to stay up in the mountain of Alta Vista de Boracay!

I've been hearing a lot about Alta Vista de Boracay since the first time I visited the beautiful island of Boracay, but I honestly didn't spend so much thought of it for I know that by the sound of its name, I will never have a chance to experience the place - primarily because I know that I cannot afford it. But heaven opens its doors and an angel granted me a chance to enjoy the amazing and truly breathtaking accommodation of Alta Vista de Boracay! Thank you, angel! ^_^

Just like what they say on their brochure "Find your worry-free escape", Alta Vista de Boracay of DMCI Homes made my summer escapade in this world-class island so memorable that I myself cannot believe until now that it happened. From the pick-up point to the last minute I bid goodbye to the beautiful island of Boracay, Alta Vista made sure that every money spend here were well-spent and enjoyed.

Aklan: Kalibo Cathedral and the Sto. Niño de Kalibo

Two decades after the devastating earthquake that was felt all over Panay Island, Aklan, specifically Kalibo, stays firm and strong to their devotion to Sto. Niño as they build a modern-style church called Kalibo Cathedral - a proof to the world that they faith won't be shattered by any calamity.

Located at the provincial capital, Kalibo Cathedral can be easily reached by feet or by simply taking a tricycle straight from the Kalibo International Airport.

With Sto. Niño de Kalibo at the center of faith and religion here in Kalibo, just like most of the provinces in Visayas region, Kalibo Cathedral offers a closer interaction with their patron saint and wonderful taste of a once a historical ground for Aklanons.

Aklan: Museo It Akean

More than it's world-class Boracay and scenic Caticlan, Aklan also holds a stunning and very inspiring history that the country should be proud of. And from its tribal roots to its loving people now, Aklan presented its most priced possessions in a small box called Museo It Akean.

A collection of its famous crafts and artifacts, Museo It Akean or the Museum of Aklan tells the story of this province once part of Capiz.

For those who are wondering what does Akean means, according to this museum, the name Akean came from the Aklanon word akean, which means the warbling of the water. And Aklan having this Amazon River like sight called Aklan River, I think we can assume that their old folks got it from the sound of the river during rainy season where the river possesses full powers.

I had a chance to spend some leisure time here during my visit to this humble province, and despite of it being small and modern, I find the place presentable and really informative. This is my second Visayan museum, albeit I don't wanna compare this to the first one I've visited months ago, Museo It Akean gave me a homey feel that made me appreciate the province more.

Aklan: Bakhawan Eco-Park

The sexy summer pictures of SM models are all over the Web nowadays, but have you noticed their background? Have you noticed those thousands or probably millions of mangroves on their background? How about the bamboo bridges? Well, I've been there recently, and as beautiful as it is on those pictures, you can check it out with your own eyes those in Kalibo, Aklan. And they call the place Bakhawan Eco-Park.

Consisted of thousands, probably millions of bakhawan or mangrove trees, this place is one of the protected areas and tourist spots in the peaceful and welcoming province of Aklan. Made by the people of Kalibo, it was then mudflats that serve nothing.

Now, after it is officially opened to the public in April 2008, as a tribute of Aklean to the occasion of World Earth Day, Bakhawan Eco-Park, which can be found New Buswang, has been one of the top destination in this small town and lots of people are being amazed as to how this man-made forest keeping the ecosystem balance at peace. And going here is so easy!

Ati-atihan Festival 2012

The country's "social yet religious" festival once again was filled with performers and fans as Kalibo hosts the oldest festival in our country, the Ati-atihan Festival!

Now on its 800th year celebration, Ati-atihan Festival was attended by almost a million of spectators who love bands, beats and booze! Yes, booze!

It was my first time to attend this colorful celebration, I must say that I was wowed not only by the amazing and truly magical costumes of all participants but by also the heart-warming hospitality and coolness of Akeanons. 

This month-long celebration shed its highlight last weekend were I got to witness some 33 participants who competed on the prestigious Ati-tribe competion.

Kalibo, all set for Ati-atihan Festival 2012!

I'm here right now in Kalibo, and in a few hours, streets of this town will be again filled with colorful and cheerful people from different parts of the world as we all chant "Viva, viva, Sto. Nino! Woo!" to this year's!

It's my first time to attend Ati-atihan Festival, and though I'm alone, I'm really having so much fun!

Bands. Beautiful people. And Booze! They are all over the place!

Boracay: Holy Rosary Parish Boracay

For a guy who loves churches so much, I didn't left Boracay missing its one and only church, the Holy Rosary Parish Boracay. And this is where I spent my last few minutes on this very, very beautiful island.

Located along the main road of Boracay, finding this church is so easy. Since its the only Catholic church on the island, Holy Rosary Parish Boracay can be easily asked to all the locals there.

Though, one thing that I must say to all of you, this facility is tooooo simple. Comparing it to Boracay's grand and truly breath-taking views and hotel, it seemed that the local government forgot this one. I'm not saying it isn't pleasing to see, it is still the house of God, but it's just that the place is too bare.

Boracay: Puka Beach, Boracay’s True Beauty

While many others are falling in love with the pristine beauty of Boracay’s White Beach, there are still few, including me, who still prefer the quiet and simple beach life. Thank goodness, I had adventurous friends who won't settle for the best because we’ve found out Boracay’s hidden gem, my love, Puka Beach.

Puka Beach is located at the far north of the island offering nothing but the simplest beach experience. There no sail boats there, banana boats, parasailing and other water adventures that the White Beach is offering, but if you want the best of Boracay’s splash, sun, sand and shells, you’ll have it here.

Boracay: Gran Prix Boracay Hideaway, My Say

Last August I had the time of my life when I visited the world-class island of Boracay in Aklan, Philippines. The trip is actually the prize that I got after joining the bloggers contest a few months back. Though, I wasn't obliged to write about their Boracay branch anymore, I wrote this one to share to my fellow travellers the splendid time I spent at Gran Prix Boracay Hideaway.

Gran Prix has a number of branches all over the country. Three of which can be found in Visayas, two among them are in the island of Boracay. I’ve been to their Gran Prix Manila, and I must say that I had a fulfilling stay there. And now that they gave me a chance to experience their Boracay hospitality, excitement just filled my heart as it is my first time to visit Boracay too!

Gran Prix Boracay Hideaway is located at the prestigious location of Station 1, Boracay. Joining the number of outstanding hotels, this place will give you a pleasing and memorable stay that you’ll love to do over and over again.

Aklan: The 365 Christmas Days at Sampaguita Gardens Resort

Anyone (and I mean everyone) who loves the spirit and joy that Christmas brings to us can enjoy its everlasting magic as the Province of Aklan shares and invites everybody to this magical, lovely place called Sampaguita Gardens Resort!

After my wonderful solo trip to Boracay, I had quite an ample time to explore Kalibo, Aklan. I never knew that the main island of Boracay offers an astonishing rural life that anyone would love. And though this place is located at the next town named New Washington, I spent an awesome time feeling the love and joyful spirit of Christmas through this place's lovely designs.

Sampaguita Gardens Resort offers a great space for every visitor of the province to experience a unique and lovely time while enjoying the peaceful surrounding of the whole place. With three building which are the Sampaguita Garden Resort main building, souvenir shop and chapel, visitor can relax and enjoy the whole lot and just fall in love with it. I fell in love the place, that's why I'm highly recommending it to you guys.

Boracay: You Are All Mine on Day 3

I woke more energized on my last day here in Boracay, without having no clue as to what's happening outside. I packed all my stuff back to my bags before wearing a new swim wear. Yes, I'm planning to swim on the White Beach that morning! It's my last day here, so just to know what's the difference of White Beach to Puka Beach, there I was, wearing a new set of swim wear ready to conquer the island!

My shuttle service back to Aklan is scheduled at 12 noon, and so by 8 in the morning, I was already having breakfast at the hotel's lounge while enjoying the cool breeze of air. Yes again, no morning sunshine to welcome my last day here in Boracay. But despite of it, I'm still going to the beach. So after some attempts to make me enjoy the breakfast that was prepared for me, I stood up with my camera and tripod on my hands ready to see Boracay on a Sunday morning.

Gran Prix Boracay is situated on Station 1, the said Boracay's most "sosyal" place, but to be honest, it wasn't. The beach here is just like the one in Station 2 and 3, maybe it has the most expensive and popular hotels here, but the experience was actually the same.