Boracay: Trying to Save the Sunlight

I had just spent three days in paradise. All because my sisters M & V were visiting from the US together with M’s hubby and son. Another sister, G, and her hubby plus my son and his girlfriend completed the reunion entourage of 9.


After more than 20 years, I was once again looking at the powdery white sands of Boracay. Fat cumulus clouds rolled over the blue, blue sky providing the perfect cover from the harshness of the tropical sun. At that very moment, everything seemed perfect.

I was willing to overlook the flight delays; the collision of our banca with another banca;

fumes from tricycles weaving dangerously on the narrow road;

the haphazard mix of sari-sari stores, massage and tattoo shops and the resorts—high and low end of every conceivable design and concept —squeezed tightly together.

All of these dismal sights and sound were nothing compared to that eventual glimpse of paradise.

In those three days, I pondered this question: Is Boracay better off today than it was 20 years ago?



20 years ago: not much resorts on the beach



Dinner by Kerosene Lamp

Do the changes justify the improvement of the financial standing of the majority of the local folks?


Eager kids rush to our boat in the hope of making a sale


Alex, our tour guide/banca owner/cook was a poor fisherman twenty years ago. Today, he owns 2 motorized bancas that he rents out to tourists. His three kids are college graduates and earning decent wages.

Need a guide? Call Alex- 0918 324 5075

Hawkers walk up and down the beach with their wares hoping to catch the eye of an interested tourist. Many coming from nearby provinces and as far as Mindanao.

Sun hats: P150

What of the environment?

Towards early evening, resort employees come out to rake the sands—picking up trash and sea weeds washed ashore. At night the tides come in and give the sands a once over. In the morning, everything is untouched and new again.

Surely the great number of visitors must be putting a strain on sanitation.

While walking on the soft sand, I saw bits of broken glass. While island hopping, I noticed a plastic bucket bobbing over the waves.

What of the moral fiber of the community?

There are many sad stories of the local youth being taken advantaged by island guests. Alcoholic beverages are consumed more than water; parties have been the jump off point to rowdy behavior; and, modesty is set aside while prancing around the island.

A photo shoot for a Men's magazine

While attending Sunday mass, I noticed that the church was overflowing with Filipinos. Force of habit or not, I let God be the judge. Still, it was heartening to see that the Catholic faith was strong in Boracay.

The choir did a fantastic rendition of “The Prayer”.

Is there a middle ground where the well-being of the community will not continue to be compromised in the name of progress?

Ahh, the road to paradise is truly filled with challenges.

xoxoxoxoxoxox

 

Doesn’t it make you feel like
Tryin’ to save the sunlight
Surely you feel the way i do

We’re not gonna last forever
Blue skies and sunny weather
The problem is up to me and you

We shouldn’t be so careless
Think of the things we cherish
Think of them all gone away

                               As Sang by Lani Hall & Herb Albert

xoxoxoxoxoxox

When on vacation, do as the locals do. Feast on seafood and some pork belly. Splash some local vinegar on some chopped tomatoes and onions for a salad.  Slice up sweet mangoes for desert and give your belly a taste of paradise.

 

For most grilled seafood, the only seasoning you need really is salt and pepper. A squeeze of lemon or calamansi is optional. Throw on a hot grill and in 10-15 minutes it’s done. Overcooking makes for a tough fish or shrimp. Besides, no one ever died from eating raw FRESH fish.