Boracay Series: Nightlife

One thing that we also look forward to in this trip to Boracay aside from the beach is the nightlife. After the sun sets, party lights starts to glitter like fireflies along the shores of Boracay. My husband and I are not to be left out...where the party is, we go! As what I've said, we already made some research on the best party places in Boracay.

On our first night, we walked a mile by the beach to look for Cocomangas Shooter Bar. We thought that this famous bar is located at the beach front only to find out that it has been transferred along the highway. Cocomangas is famous for their "Still Standing After 15 Shots..." drinking challenge. When we arrived, the place is already jam-packed with both tourists and locals. The dance floor was already in full swing. I tried one of their famous drinks, the Jam Jars, which according to their website are "oversized cocktail jars containing potent mixes of alcohol". Husband settled for his usual beer. 

On the succeeding nights, we were already hopping from one bar to another. Since the drinks are quite expensive, hubby already have a can of beer or two in his hand while we walk by the beach to search for a place to chill. 

We've tried Tito's although I think their music/entertainers really sucks. I will give them credit though for a very nice ambiance which is by the beach and they have affordable beers and accommodating staff. 

Our favorite party place in Boracay would definitely be Epic located just a stone's throw away from D'Mall and our hotel. We were there for two straight nights. They have a DJ mixing some famous tunes. They're are bit pricey though compared to other bars but it's the best place to chill. What I enjoyed most is watching  people party like there's no tomorrow without a care in the world. We even spotted a local celebrity party the night away. We also had an epic conversation with one of the tourists at the bar and it was one swell of a night. We always hit the sack at almost 3am. We've never partied like this before but hey we're in Boracay, might as well enjoy it to the brim.

We've passed through several bars but didn't get the chance to really try them. Perhaps in our next trip to Boracay, we'll make it a point to try them all.

Boracay Series: Our Accommodation

Before embarking on this trip, hubby made some little research (well, it wasn't just a little research coz he spent sleepless nights on this) on where we could get a cheap yet cozy accommodation in Boracay. We have to thank Google for leading us to some best secrets as told by bloggers http://jenniyawanders.blogspot.com and http://justwandering.org. 

After several discussions with arguments on the side, hubby and I finally decided to book at Namaste Guesthouse less than 5 days before our trip. I called up a number we found in Google and inquired on how to make reservations. They asked for my email address and from there we communicated via email. A certain Net Sacapano sent me a statement of account and where/how I could pay the deposit. We were quoted Php3,000 for a 3-night stay  with breakfast for two - a really good deal. Three days before our trip, I made sure that we already paid the 50% requirement to guarantee our room and sent the deposit slip via email. I was told that after paying, a confirmation will be sent to my email, but on the day of the trip, I still didn't receive the confirmation. But it didn't matter since I have the deposit slip as proof.  

From D'Mall, we walked for 5 minutes to get to the place. There's a small alley right smack in the middle of Station 2 where you can find a compound of guesthouses. We were supposed to stay at Namaste Guesthouse but there were some repairs done on that side of the compound. We were then directed to Tan's Guesthouse still inside that compound. We were told that they have the same owner so we didn't bother complaining especially when we finally checked in to our room...

We were assigned to Room # 8 at the 2nd floor. The room has two huge beds (of course we only occupied one bed *wink*), cable TV, hot and cold shower, a closet and a mini ref. The room is so huge I think it can accommodate 4 people. I guess it's true what they say about the number 8...we felt lucky having that room. Come to think of it, the place is just a stone's throw away or 20 steps more or less from the white beach and very near D' Mall and other restos/bars. 

We had daily breakfasts at the roof desk served before 10am. Nothing fancy though --- we had the usual breakfast menu. My favorite is of course the tapsilog paired with brewed coffee. 

...And now we're set for this Boracay escapade! 

All Roads Lead to Boracay

The succeeding posts will be a blow by blow account of our ultimate travel this year --- our anniversary escape to the island paradise of Boracay. I'm sharing our experience in this blog in the hope that other travelers may also learn from it.

We boarded Cebu Pacific Air bound for Iloilo. As mentioned in the previous post, sometime March I was able to score a piso fare deal and only paid a total of Php1550. This is already good for two passengers round trip. Since we'll be in Boracay for four days, we were bringing a luggage that's already beyond the allocated allowance. I got a tip from some friends that it's better to purchase in advance luggage upgrade coz it's cheaper compared to just paying it at the airport. We paid the luggage upgrade a day before our trip and only paid only Php150 per way instead of Php300 if paid at the airport. 

Anyway, after less than an hour, we were already in Iloilo City. The last time I was in Iloilo City was more than 8 years ago and I am amazed at how big and modern their airport is. It's even better compared to Mactan Airport. 

From Iloilo airport, we rode a van to SM Iloilo and paid Php50 each. From SM Iloilo, we took a cab to Ceres Terminal and paid the taxi driver Php150 (amount in the meter is only about Php120 but the taxi driver was so nice we gave him extra). We immediately boarded the next bus that will bring us Caticlan. Bus fare is Php336 per passenger. 

After almost 6 hours, we finally reached Caticlan. We were dropped off at Jetty Port only to be directed by security to Tabon Port for some reason. We boarded again another tricycle paying the regular fare of Php25 per pax. At Tabon Port, there were 3 counters that you need to approach to be able to board a boat that will bring you to Boracay. We paid the following fees per person:

Terminal Fees: Php50 

Environmental Fees: Php75 

Fare: Php20

Boat ride from Tabon Port to Boracay Port only takes 15 - 20 minutes so we were already in Boracay in no time. From Boracay Port, we took a tricycle that will bring us to D'Mall. Since we already made initial research, we made sure that we only paid the regular fare of Php25 per person. 

After walking a few meters in the sea of tourists, I finally got a glimpse of the beach to my dismay. The beach was totally deserted and waves were really huge. The resorts built these windbreakers and sand screens at the beachfront. It's feels like were isolated from something. But of course, I didn't allow that sight to ruin our vacation. We're finally in Boracay and there's no turning back.

NEXT POST: Our home for the next 3 days

Cheers to 10 Years

"Being together isn't about a honeymoon. It's about the real you and me. I want to wake up with you beside me in the morning, I want to spend my evenings looking at you across the dinner table. I want to share every mundane detail of my day with you and hear every detail of yours. I want to laugh with you and fall asleep with you in my arms. Because you aren't just someone I loved back then. You were my best friend, my best self, and I can't imagine giving that up again..." 

- Nicholas Sparks -

Last August 3, Earl and I celebrated our 10th year wedding anniversary in Boracay Island no less. I was able to score a piso fare deal from Cebu Pacific last February for a flight from Cebu to Iloilo (and back). Being with each other on that beautiful island on our 10th wedding anniversary is our gift to each other. The weather in Boracay didn't cooperate though as it was windy and there were rain showers most of the time. We also didn't get the chance to swim and enjoy the beach as the waves were very huge and unsafe for swimming. Nevertheless, we still enjoyed each other's company for 4 days. We went out and party the Boracay way hopping from one bar to another and getting wasted after --- something that we haven't done together in years. 

Until now, I am still amazed at how far we've come in this marriage. Fact remains that we're two different personalities combined and though at times we clash and collide, we remain steadfast in our commitment, love and respect for each other. I give credit to my husband for putting up with me and my imperfections all these years. 

So, cheers to 10 years dad --- more blissful years to come!!!

Amazing Spiderman

I received an invitation from Globe for an exclusive screening of The Amazing Spiderman at no less than SM IMAX Theatre. I was supposed to watch it with my husband but the kids tagged along so I throw all decency outside the window by asking for two more tickets from our Globe account manager. I felt really ashamed but for Spiderman and for the kids, who cares? It was our first time in IMAX we were really giddy.  And it was Zabbie's first time watching movie in big screen. Not to mention the free Flame It Burger and drinks. How amazing is that?

lucky kiddos

I have to beg off in attending our PAS Board Meeting just for this. The new Spiderman, Andrew Garfield is way too HOT for the role. And I think I'm girl-crushing on Emma Stone. She's beyond beautiful. I've read somewhere that they're a real couple off-screen. Oh well, they're too cute together. 

If not for the little drama after the movie, it would've been a wonderful night for the family. Sigh!

Thank you Globe for this treat. Until next IMAX experience!

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel

It just dawned on me that as member of the Philippine Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals Cebu Chapter, I get to visit hotels and resorts every month as one of the perks and I never blogged about it. We always hold sponsored membership meetings in various hotels and resorts in Cebu City and Mactan Island.Almost always, we get a guided tour around these venues. 

From now on, I will be blogging about our monthly meetings and post some pictures. I'm sure our sponsors will appreciate it. For a start, let me share with you my experience at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel - the venue of the 2012 National Convention of Administrative Professionals. I was lucky to be sent by our company to this biggest gathering of secretaries, executive assistants, office assistants and admin professionals. I was with our president, Rhiza who was sent by PAS Cebu Chapter as one of the privileges being the president of our association. 

This is my second time in attending this convention. Being PAS President last year, I was also privileged to attend this gathering. Anyway, going back to the venue, I was very excited knowing that the convention will be held at Sofitel. Aside from the fact that this is one of the most luxurious hotels in the country, I was anticipating the food and the amenities. 

We occupied Mindanao Ballroom for the duration of the convention but lunch was served in other function rooms. 

This was the view from the function rooms. 

Manila Bay

That hammock is so inviting.

Cebu delegation

I think they need to upgrade their furniture --- feels like Marcos regime pa

I didn't get to photograph the food though. I was famished after every session. I wanted to try the famous buffet at Spiral as suggested by the husband but it was closed for renovation after severely hit by typhoon Pedring. Well, that's all folks! I know this is long overdue but better late than never as they say. 

More hotel experiences to dominate this blog...watch out for it!

DAY 17: WHAT'S SOMETHING YOU WISH YOU COULD SAY TO SOMEONE?

Dear YOU,

 What happened?

Love, 

ME

Photo Credit: random tumblr post