Tuesday, June 23, 2009

The Enchanting Paradise

Summer is officially here! I'm mostly excited about going to the lake or to the river- boating. As what Russel Baker had described, "Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it. "

How about you? What's your plan for this summer? You know, I have looked through some of my husband's photos during his vacation in Asia. Okay, I'm talking about Boracay. Though widely-known for its magnificent white sand and a pretty sunset over the ocean- I'm so curious about its history. Do I sound like a stranger to my own country? You're right. I have never been there. I was even telling my husband if we can go there for the summer vacation. He just told me 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 from that vacation:

According to Wikipedia- 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? They got the jobs but are their salaries good enough to survive from the high-priced prime commodities? Probably not, it's more pricey compared to the local grocery store in the other provinces.


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

Shawie

8 Grateful Heart's Words:

Mrs4444 said...

Wow! What an incredibly beautiful place!

""rarejonRez"" said...

super crowded na nga ang Boracay ngayon! But I haven't been there yet, ever so I still have the desire to go there one day! ;-)

nga pala, i got something for you in this link Shawie:
http://www.mywrittenxpressions.com/2009/06/tag-and-award-in-one.html
Hope you like it!

Warren Baldwin said...

It is still beautiful, but it is sad to see the natural, pristine flavor gone, isn't it? I see the same thing in some of the beautiful areas in the mountain states, like Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. WB

Asian Traveler said...

Boracay is one of the best beaches in the Philippines. However, it's now too crowded and highly-commercialized. I hope Boracay will not become a paradise lost.

Just popping in to say Hi. Meanwhile, have you tried The Tornado Ride? Visit my page to see it. Have a fun-filled day!

Salute said...

Hi Shawie,
Stop in and there will be a little token for you.

Unknown said...

Gorgeous! It is stunning, even with the crowds but I'd pick the less populated version myself.

Mel Avila Alarilla said...

It may not be the pristine white sand beach it was 10 years ago but it is still a beautiful sand beach that is one of the best in the world. Boracay may not have the modern amenities that Pattaya or Bali have but it is the most beautiful beach on its own. You will surely enjoy a vacation trip to Boracay. Thanks for the post. God bless you always.

Secondary Roads said...

That is a lovely place. I have a couple of award for you today on Secondary Roads.