Now that travel has gradually resumed to pre-pandemic level, it was time to visit our gang’s favorite destination – Boracay!
And our home away from at one of the best beaches in the world is, of course, La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel!
While the restrictions have been eased, there are some protocols to follow. First, all must register to www.touristboracay.com to get the QR Code two to three days prior to the trip. And we did just that by submitting our personal details, IDs, VaxCard, hotel booking voucher and mode of transportation. The registration was accomplished in 30 minutes! The QR code is a tourist’s essential access to Boracay!
Albert Jerez, Erriz Lanceta, Mary Love Apelado, Boy So, yours truly and Bo Parcon
Boy So, actor EA Guzman, yours truly and Mary Love Apelado
On a Southwest Tours van, we took a four hour (instead of the usual six hours) trip by passing through the newly constructed diversion, which skipped the main part of Kalibo and three municipalities, namely, Numancia, Makato and Tanghalan. We made it in time to pick up our good friend Albert Jerez at Caticlan Airport. He jetted in from Cosmo-Manille.
With our QR codes and the help of La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel trip coordinator Rufo, we breezed through the Caticlan Jetty Port counters, paid the terminal and environmental fees, and we were whisked to the La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel speedboat for a 15 minute trip to Cagban Port in Boracay. There, a van was waiting to take us to the hotel. Thanks to trip coordinators Marlon, Boyet and Milkie.
Let’s drink to that: water and Cuba Libre
White Night: Joel Catong, Albert Jerez, yours truly, Nacy Hechanova, Jennifer Pangcog, Bo Parcon, Dado Tan and Erriz Lanceta
After a warm welcome by the efficient staff, checking in to our rooms, which gave us a good view of the pool and the beach, and dropping our bags, we hit the beach.
We went to our usual haunts and tried new bistros for lunches, dinners and drinks.
Breakfasts were always by the poolside of La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel.
Yes, Boracay is slowly but surely returning to what it was before the world was gripped with a deadly pandemic but with lots of changes. It has become a family oriented vacation spot rather than a party hub! Nightlife is still alive but in a more sedate way. There are more day activities to do and spots to visit – all instagrammable!
Buying pearls from our favorite vendor Ahmed
Waiting for our turn to buy chori burger
La Carmela de Boracay Reosrt Hotel by night
The interiors of one of our rooms
A view of the famed Boracay beach from the water
The amazing sunset at the Grotto
Needless to say, our escapade was fun, and the trip home was as smooth and seamless as the one to Boracay!
See you soon, Boracay!
Station X of Hue Hotel