The Enchanting Paradise

Let's take a look at Boracay. Though widely-known for its magnificent white sand and a pretty sunset over the ocean- I'm so curious about its history. I was even telling my husband if we can go there for the summer vacation. He just replied, it's not the same Boracay he had known 10 years ago. A very charming, virgin beaches and very natural. Here's what he got.

Okay, based on Wikipedia information- Boracay is a tropical island located approximately 315km (200 miles) south of Manila and 2km off the northwest tip of the island of Panay in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. The island was originally home to the Ati tribe. It is part of Aklan Province which became an independent province on April 25, 1956. Formerly undiscovered, it wasn't till the 1970s that tourism began to develop in Boracay, and the island became popular with backpackers in the 1980s.

Its pure, white and cottony-like sand had charmed the world and made it to be one of the world's finest beaches.

(See how that guy being carried to the shore coz he doesn't want his shoes to get wet? Take a closer look..)

Now, it is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. It has become well-commercialized. High-rise hotels, expensive restaurants and crowded beaches overwhelmed the whole idea of summer vacation in Boracay. It has helped the country economically but did it really help the residents? Yes, they got the jobs. But are their salaries good enough to survive from the high-priced prime commodities? Probably more pricey compared to the local grocery store in the other provinces.

Well, here's what Boracay looks like now. After all, I don't blame my husband. To each its own.

picture_ courtesy of ilovecebu.wordpress.com

***************************************************