Boracay Entry Procedure: Residents' Cry

By Gil delos Santos

A reaction to some Boracaynons' complain about the Barangay ID requirement at the port

I personally have a Barangay ID from Manocmanoc, my home residence, but I only carry my driver's license with me which I also use for Boracay entry. One time, I was asked of Barangay ID after presenting my driver's licence. I calmly responded and apologized that I don't have it in my possession that particular time and just pointed my Boracay address that's indicated in the driver's license. As calm and polite as I react, the port personnel returned the same energy and allowed my entry smoothly.

While on Facebook, there is a rant circulating from Boracay based fellows complaining that port personnel are being hard ass on them. Are they really difficult or they're just performing a job? Let's avoid acting like dick heads for self-convenience. It is for us residents, why they have to be strict. It is for our own protection. Just comply if you can't be polite.

Now they compare and argue that case of the BFP personnel who easily slipped into the island. I can tell you why. It is called courtesy. It is a Philippine culture and tradition that we give courtesy to personnel who represent a government office. Hope you get that.

These complains do not help, but instead, divide us as Aklanons as a whole...the port workers are also Aklanons. A result oriented fellow brings his complain formally to the concerned office to get the issue resolved, not on onesided Facebook forum that blocks the rationale of other people. Let's not use our emotion driven by ego or by our "tumandok pride' in making judgments. Those port personnel are there to do a job, not to provide convenience on your own terms.

Respect begets respect. At least show that to yourself so you can share that to others.

Comments

OVER-DEVELOPMENT STRIPS BORACAY'S CULTURAL IDENTITY

By Gil delos Santos For us local Boracaynons, taking over or giving away our cultural spaces to mega corporations and government projects disable us to conduct traditional activites on public spaces that belonged to the community. That's how Boracay's cultural identity is lost due to over-development. Sa Baryo (that's how we traditionally call Manocmanoc proper), in my childhood, Manocmanoc Beach was our playground. We used to catch and play with "guyokoy", hermit crabs or "bungog" and "mawik" all day. Swim in the water everyday like it's our own paradise—unbothered, undisturbed. In the afternoon, our oldies gather at the shore to wait for Nong Musing and Nong Rudy, our local fisherfolks, to bring fish to the community which at that time "Lambiyong" or "Balangawan" costs 5 pesos per caltex (1 liter tub). During the monsoon season, a sandbar is formed near Cagban Beach which we call "Recudo". After...

Understanding Low Foreign Arrival

By Gil delos Santos While the western world now combats against over tourism, the Philippines in other hand struggles to get a good share on foreign arrivals: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Q44TeFswV/ The latest Seasia stats report placed the Philippines at the bottom with 3m arrivals from January to August 2025 versus the top: Malaysia and Thailand with over 20m respectively, Vietnam with 13m. Pre-pandemic (in 2019), Thailand records 30m+, Vietnam 18m, The Philippines with 8m. It has always been a struggle for the Philippines. But 2025 is looking the worst so far. We always read reports on statistics but we don't often see the reasons why we're behind—except for the usual complains how bad our Department of Tourism is being run. I have followed the tourist arrival stats and trends in the past years. I research and collect tourist impressions over time. Here's what I found out: FACTORS AFFECTING LOW FOREIGN ARRIVAL 1) 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶...

BORACAY AS LUXURY DESTINATION

By Gil delos Santos Recognized as the World's Leading Luxury Island Destination again in 2025, Boracay can take advantage to gain in solidifying its share in the "luxury" market. Marketing efforts must target the niche luxury slow travellers. Boracay does need Tiktok vloggers in contrast to most people's exaggerated regard for influencers. Here's why: 1) Vloggers are not spenders (in general). They always demand xdeals and sponsorships if not paid. 2) The viewing Tiktok community are mostly validation seeking which the influencers take advantage of in giving affirmations and "pa-inggit" through their contents focused to trigger emotions. 3) The wealthy and the professionals don't have time and interest on Tiktok. They have life standards most people can't afford. They don't seek approval nor validation. These are the people we want to attract to come to Boracay. They are spenders that don't care about the price tags—people with value and...

The Boracaynon

Search This Blog