The Boracaynon

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...

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...