The Boracaynon

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 i...

By Gil delos Santos Is Western Visayas covid free yet?  I haven't seen a published guideline on how to accept WV tourist yet but I can assume that our government cannot afford to hold and have every single guest tested, wait for the result before they could be allowed in the island in realtime. This is the only measure I see that could work to avoid virus infection spread out in response to opening Boracay at this stage of the pandemic.  Learn the lesson of the "Balik Probinsya" Program. Let's not copy the "Balik Probinsya, hatid covid" junk. The intention was good but the measures are inefficiently carried out. We understand that the economy has to somehow kick off. My bills even remain unpaid because my livelihood depends on tourism but I don't want to trade that at this point in time with Boracay opening on the 16th. The economy will die harder once infection starts or restarts in the island. It will trigger spread out to delay flattening ...

By Gil delos Santos Two decades later, these feet of mine are back to the island where they first feel the sand...for good - Boracay. Though the island's transformation is not a surprise anymore as I get to see my home island in a regular basis at least twice a year, I couldn't help but compare the global experience I had with other islands. Thought Boracay need to offer something else more than just the water activities to somehow showcase our cultural heritage as it sadly starts to fade away. Months before, back in my mind as I was trying to foresee a long-term plan for my permanent return and being in the tourism business, I try to conceptualize some sustainable community based tourism which is becoming a trend in the industry. I didn't even go very far away until I realize that there is already something close-by that Boracay can be proud of.  Department of Tourism Malay chapter recently hosted a tour to feature Boracay's nearby tourist attractions. I wa...

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...