“Not Bora” Please!

Saying “Bora” has become common to people referring to Boracay recently especially by the local tourists. They find convenience by saying "Bora" rather than Boracay. Not quite an issue – some people may think. However if we want to establish distinctness, it disassociates the true identity of the Island. It even gives confusion to foreign visitors. If not few, many are aware that there is this place called Bora Bora in the French Polynesia which showcases similar nature.

What lifts Boracay up as one of the world's best aside from its beach is the heart of every Boracaynon – their innate hospitable qualities. Also the love and care to the gift of nature is the utmost concern of everybody. How the sewerage system is being managed, the garbage recycling and processing initiatives, the creation of various groups advocated to deliver eco-tourism sustainability programs are few proofs of its consistent drive.

Not necessarily in the order of priority, the desire to delight; to exceed tourists´ expectations, to give a pleasurable experience, to leave an impression how hospitable the locals are, and to be recognized as the haven of safety and comfort as paradise, are the genuine intentions of the humble folks.

Being son of the Island, I witnessed both the gradual and the abrupt transformation that occurred in the Island in as far as commercialism is concerned. It started slow in the early 80´s with very few commercial accommodation providers until my family thought of putting up a small guesthouse after seeing a good business potential from the experience of accommodating foreign visitors for free in our old ancestral house.

Being hospitable and helpful has been the goal that remains to true-blue resort operators next to livelihood. The island is small and everybody used to know everybody – exchanging goods or bartering fish to crops, etc was the way of life when money wasn´t too accessible way back. I also recall how dark it was after sunset when electricity was yet unavailable…And that when you stand at the tip of the beach, you'd be able to see the other end clearly – a view of the total 4 kilometers stretch of white sand…And Pandan trees were everywhere with leaves touching the crystal clear water – paradise like set up with very less people, that sometimes feel scary to swim alone. This is what Boracay used to, and even what´s the present situation; Boracay remains Boracay, not Bora.

Here´s my personal suggestion how to maximize your holiday experience:

• Get up before sunrise – Go straight to the beach. See and feel the tranquil, paradise-like set up while most people are still in bed
• Tour by boat – check out the nearby Islet called Tagbati-an where Crystal Cove is located. It features a good view of a wide-open sea, and underwater caves. Next stop, Tambisaan Beach – a coral protected area or fish sanctuary. You can enjoy fish-feeding spree while swimming with fishes. Final destination, Puka Beach: Collect shinny shells, and enjoy quiet, private beach.
• Go wet – Parasail, kite board, jet-ski, banana ride, fly fish, helmet diving (selected packages include a cd with photos and video of your experience)
• Go carting or ATV Ride
• Get a massage in the Beach
• Sunset cruise via "Paraw"
• Try Zorb – A massive inflated ball being rolled down from uphill where riders can choose to whether go extreme by getting tied up inside or can go loose and free on water inside
• Hike a little bit to Mount Luho, Zipline
• Experience Beach Dinner Buffet – A fusion of local and international cuisines: seafood, lechon, tropical fruits, etc while enjoying live acoustic or band performances, fire dance, etc.
• Go Barhopping – Summer Place, Epic, Club Paraw, Guilly´s
• Visit D' Mall – A Spanish-inspired shopping avenue where fun, commerce, leisure services are available even after midnight.

With every suggestion listed above, it would not be as pleasurable as paradise – as described by most visitors if not because of the local folks´ hospitable heart – something that every Boracaynons have always possessed. That's the genuine identity of Boracay, not Bora!