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Everywhere you want to be
The Best of
Boracay 40 JOHANNESBURG amazing hours in
HO CHI MINH The perfect girls’ weekend
HOT TEST
ASIAN GETAWAYS 2013
MOROCCO Exploring an
ancient royal city
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White Sands and Golden Sunsets
T
he TRAVELIFE team welcomed summer on Boracay, the Philippines’ most photographed island. This sevenkilometer long, dogbone-shaped isle in the Visayas is just under an hour away from Manila, but its powder white sands and warm azure waters make it one of the best escapes from frenetic city life. Boracay continues to offer everyone the perfect combination of a laid-back lifestyle but with an active buzz that promises opportunities for fun and relaxation 24/7. There truly is never a dull moment here.
Photography and Art Direction by BRYAN AREVALO Model PHOEMELA BARANDA Styling by TWINKLE FERRAREN Hair and makeup by RUEL PAPA Special thanks to HENANN RESORTS BORACAY: Boracay Regency Beach Resort Regency Lagoon Resort Boracay Garden Resort
BRIGHT LIGHTS IN BRIGHT SKIES Boracay Garden Resort’s private cabanas provide a shaded refuge for an afternoon of lounging around the pool when you want a break from the beach. Neon splattered caftan, Josie Natori, Rustan’s Makati Neon splattered kaftan
TOO HOT TO HANDLE Take a dip in the cool waters of the Regency Lagoon’s pool when the su mmer heat gets too intense. Glide over to the nearby pool bar for a cocktail or two. Lobster red maillot with coco-beaded accent, Twinkle Ferraren
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BORACAY
Sriped cover up dress, Pink Salmon; lobster red maillot with coco-beaded accent, Twinkle Ferraren; orange and silver fabric twisted bangle, Lizanne Cua, AVA.ph. Shot on location at Boracay Garden Resort.
BORACAY
NoTrouble in The TRAVELIFE TEAM uncovers Boracay’s staying power
W
ith its powdery white sands, breathtaking sunsets, and 24/7 party scene, Boracay is one of the Philippines’ most popular holiday destinations. It’s the kind of place that will quickly jumpstart anyone into vacation mode. Its laid-back vibe also gives it an allure that guarantees love at first sight for most visitors setting foot on its shores.
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TIMELESS ESCAPE Time seems to stand still in Boracay – and happily so.
The Travelife team left Manila for Boracay one drizzly morning, fingers crossed for cloudless skies and sunshine in Boracay. It was gloom all the way over. But Mother Nature was kind to us and the weather’s unpredictability soon gave way to golden sunshine and bright skies dotted with fluffy clouds. It was glorious weather for being active and also for simply lazing on the beach.
AN ISLAND DISCOVERED
JUST LIKE THE MOVIES
Boracay was once predominantly inhabited by Ati tribes. Then, over a century ago, Sofia Gonzales-Tirol and her husband, Lamberto Tirol, a town judge from Panay Island, acquired ownership of several plots of land within the island. Sofia was reportedly a green thumb; she planted coconut trees all around the island, along with tobacco and copra.
Boracay became popular with foreign travelers in the 1970s after Jens Peter, a German author, mentioned it in his Philippines guidebook. The island also made it to the tourist radar after a foreign film crew used the island and nearby Caticlan as the location for some scenes in the movie “Too Late The Hero.”
Widowed quite early, though, she was left to her own devices and so she supported her family by producing high quality copra and tobacco for trading all over Luzon.
“Too Late the Hero” is a 1970s film about a US Navy lieutenant and a Japanese interpreter tasked with destroying a Japanese radio transmitter on a Pacific island. The film, starring Michael Caine and Henry Fonda, is directed by Robert Aldrich, who also directed “The Dirty Dozen” and “The Longest Yard.”
At the VIP Lounge of the Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Spa
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ON PHOEMELA: YELLOW TUBE DRESS, LIZANNE CUA, AVA.PH; PANDORA EGYPTIAN NECKLACE, VINTIQUE BY BENITEZ; AMETHYST STATEMENT CUFF, ZURI, AVA.PH; AMETHYST RING, GIRLIE BENITEZ. SHOT ON LOCATION AT BORACAY REGENCY BEACH RESORT AND SPA.
For many vacationers, the highlights of the day are the rising of the sun on Bulabog Beach, and then its setting along White Beach. That brilliant orange and purple moment is what makes romance thrive on the island. The rest of the day, time creeps slowly by.
BORACAY
MUSICAL INSPIRATION Italian singer and composer Mike Francis, well-loved for songs like “Let Me In,” “Suddenly Back to Me,” and “Friends,” was inspired by Boracay’s magic. He performed the song, “Moonlight in Boracay,” live in Manila, describing Boracay as “a very beautiful place, a place where the moon at night changes everything—the trees, the beach, the sea—into a diamond land. I think it’s a place you should save: a place called Boracay.”
ON PHOEMELA: BLOUSE, CULTE FEMME, RUSTAN’S MAKATI, MAILLOT, TWINKLE FERRAREN; BANGLES, LIZANNE CUA, AVA.PH
“Mike Francis: The Very Best Live,” the album that contains the song about Boracay, was released only in the Philippines in 1994.
WHAT’S IN A NAME? No one knows exactly where Boracay got its name. Some say this came from the Ati word “borac,” which means cotton, referring to the cotton-like texture and color of the sand. Others believe it came from a merging of the Ati words “bora” (bubbles) and “bocay” (white), as “white bubbles” is probably how the Atis saw Boracay’s white sand.
X MARKS THE SPOT
Chilling on top of Mt. Luh o
Perhaps the best-kept “well-known secret” is where to go for amazing views of Boracay. It’s the top of Mount Luho, the highest point on the island. From Mount Luho, you can see the entire Boracay, including the different islands around it. There’s also a mini zoo with an odd menagerie of lizards and snakes, and even a turkey and an eagle.
SUN-KISSED IN BORACAY
TRAVELIFE cover girl Phoemela Baranda, TV host for ANC’s Cityscape and president of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP), shares her thoughts on the island.
To get there, rent an ATV, buggy, or bicycle for a quick drive up the hill.
MY FIRST IMPRESSION OF BORACAY was that of a party place. But I soon discovered that it was more than this, with its white sands and beautiful sunset. THE MOST EXCITING THING I’VE DONE in Boracay is kite boarding. My latest Boracay discovery is that THE VIEW FROM MT. LUHO IS BREATHTAKING. PHOEMELA’S BEST PLACES TO… ..have breakfast: Real Coffee ..get a tan: secluded area in Station 1 ..have a late lunch or dinner: Kasbah ..make new friends: everywhere on the island
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NO ROOM FOR BOREDOM We were determined to be active, however, and to take up all offers of sports and leisure activities along the famous White Beach. We’d done enough lazing on the beach on previous visits. This time, we’d come to explore the island. We didn’t have to wait long for the first opportunities, either. As soon as we got off the boat that ferried us from Caticlan to Boracay, local guides with worn-out laminated menus of tours and water adventures greeted us like longlost friends. Everything was ours for the picking, with the corresponding price, of course. Back in the early days of Boracay as the Philippines’ premiere party town, the favorite tourist activity was the infamous banana boat. An inflatable raft, exactly as you might imagine a banana boat to look like, was attached to a motor boat and then filled with passengers. It would then speed through the waters like a race car driver on a freeway, and throw shrieking passengers into the open sea at every sharp turn. These days, tourists can choose from many more water sports activities including helmet diving, zorb and zipline, ATV and buggy drives, biking tours, parasailing, kite boarding, and kayaking.
PLAZOLETA SHOPPING PLAZA is known for handicrafts like hand woven bags, bamboo jewelry, carvings and lanterns for home furnishing and decorations. D’ TALIPAPA MARKET in Station 3 sells an assortment of souvenirs and clothing at cheap prices. BEACH VENDORS walk along White Beach all day, selling customized trinkets, souvenirs, shirts, and even home decors. If you’re lucky, you’ll bump into one with fresh coconut juice to beat the heat.
At Kai Regency Spa
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ISLAND SHOPPING D’ MALL BORACAY is the largest shopping center in Station 2. It offers everything from clothing, swimwear and accessories to sports equipment and crafts.
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BORACAY
Helmet diving
Horseback riding
ALL ABOARD!
ON PHOEMELA: YELLOW-GREEN TOP, CULTE FEMME, RUSTAN’S MAKATI; GREEN MULTI SET BANDEAU TOP AND PURPLE BAMBOO LINEN CAPRI PANTS, TWINKLE FERRAREN; TIGER’S EYE MULTIPLE DONUT SHAPE NECKPIECE, ZURI, AVA.PH.
For a real serene break, go on board MAHAL, a luxury yacht docked at the end of Station 3. MAHAL is owned by Steve Broderick and Lilyan Wei, certified sailors who fell in love with the island and decided to offer tours around Boracay on their own catamaran. It has three rooms, a dining area, and a kitchen. Lilyan herself prepares the meals. The 42-feet French-made catamaran, which can accommodate up to eight stay-in guests, has witnessed 10 proposals and hosted parties for VIPs. The yacht can be commissioned to sail to any island around the Philippines, or to take guests to various snorkeling and dive spots around the country. www.boracay-sailing.com
Zi pli nin g
BOREDOM BUSTERS
My Boracay Guide escorts you on adventures beyond the beach MyBoracayGuide.com assures a smooth and hasslefree online booking process for accommodations and a wide array of activities. Check some of these out:
• TAKE A HELICOPTER for sky-high views of
• GO PARAW SAILING and witness the most
• TUMBLE DOWN A HILLL ON A ZORB – a giant
beautiful sunset in the Philippines
water-filled ball – or zipline barely above tropical jungles on a 300-meter cable
• GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR INNER INDIANA
Boracay’s beaches and the neighbouring islands like Carabao and Crocodile Islands
JONES via an eco tour through the jungles of Antique. Or explore Nabas, the longest cave in the Philippines
• Flex those muscles as you KAYAK FROM ONE
• TAKE A BIKE TOUR through Panay or follow the
• WALK ON THE OCEAN FLOOR on a helmet dive,
trails of the three beautiful beaches of Diniwid, Puka Shell, and Ilig-Iligan
and feed schools of fish
• DRIVE AN ATV or a buggy to the top of Mount
SWIMMING LESSONS that enhance fitness of body, mind and spirit.
Luho, the highest point on the island
• GO HORSEBACK RIDING through one of the privately-owned beach strips
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ISLAND TO ANOTHER and snorkel around the seas of Boracay
• Combine fun with exercise with MERMAID
For more information, visit www.myboracayguide.com.
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Drive a bu gg y
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THE TOP 7
Here are some of Boracay’s best beach spots:
At Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Spa
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WHITE BEACH occupies a four-kilometer stretch and its 100-meter wide beachfront is the focal point of the island. Station 1 offers luxury accommodations with a premium on privacy, while Station 2 is the central hub for dining, shopping, and partying. Station 3 is a serene spot away from the crowds and loud music.
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BULABOG BEACH, on the east side of the island directly opposite White Beach, is well-known as one of the best wind surfing and kiteboarding spots in Southeast Asia. Sports competitions are held here annually, particularly early in the year when the winds are at their strongest.
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PUKA SHELL BEACH boasts of an 800-meter long shoreline that stands out from the others for its abundance of small “puka” shells – thus the beach’s name.
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DINIWID BEACH has a 200-meter shoreline accessed by trekking through a footpath that cuts into a rocky cliff. A short climb to the top of the
hill gives a bird’s eye view of the blue waters of Boracay. This beach is usually uncrowded, making it perfect for picnicking and lazing around.
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CAGBAN BEACH, where the main jetty port dock is located, is said to be a good place for treasure hunting. “Cagban” means ‘cave’ or chest, and local tribal chiefs and Spanish galleon traders have reportedly hidden chests in its sands.
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ILIG-ILIGAN BEACH is known for its lavish jungle and giant fruit bats hanging from trees. Local guides offer a 30-minute walk to the bat caves, while snorkeling and offshore scuba diving are offered from November to February, when the wind is warm and the sea is calm.
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BALING HAI BEACH is a secluded area covered by rock walls. It is home to a resort that serves drinks and food by pulleys and ropes.
FOODIE FAVORITES Don’t leave without trying Boracay’s most famous foods
HAPPY HOUR
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Looking for something to do in Boracay? Check out these events for 2013.
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April 25 - 27 Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival Organized by the Boracay Island Paddlers Association (BIPA), this event includes the parade of teams and the traditional dotting of the “eye of the dragon.”
CALAMANSI MUFFINS at Real Coffee and Tea Cafe are moist and tasty with just the right amount of zest. Best to pre-order a day before as this freshly baked delights don’t last long on the store shelves. White Beach Manggayad, Station 2
CHORI BURGERS, which are sold by stalls along White Beach, are grilled chorizo slices sandwiched between burger buns that are glazed with BBQ sauce. White Beach Balabag, Station 1 and 2
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LOCO FRIO FROZEN COCKTAILS come in assorted flavors such as lime margarita, kiwi strawberry daiquiri, cosmopolitans, mojito, and mudslides. Back entrance of the D’Mall, Station 2
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JONAH’S FRESH FRUIT SHAKES are among the best coolers on the island. Crowd favorites are mango-banana, mango-melon, and bananachoco-peanut. White Beach Balabag, Station 1
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HALOWICH’S FLAVORED SHAVED ICE DESSERTS are topped with bananas, mangoes, watermelons or pineapples in variations of the local halo-halo. These may also include unusual toppings like red beans, cereals, and soft-serve ice cream. D’Mall Boracay, Station 2
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BEYOND WHITE BEACH Take a boat and visit the other islands around Boracay
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CRYSTAL CAVE ISLAND is Just 20 minutes away by boat, there are two caves in the middle of the island which window the blue waters and cradle the most stunning crystals.
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CROCODILE ISLAND Just 15 minutes away from Boracay, it offers peaceful snorkeling and a world of diverse marine life.
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TABLAS ISLAND The combination of landscape and wildlife makes this a must-see. Less crowded than the area’s more popular beach isles, this island also has waterfalls and caves just waiting to be explored.
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May 11 - 13 Boracay Food Festival A showcase of the best Filipino dishes and delicacies. September 9 - 15 Caddie Shack Golf Tournament November 11 - 17 Chairman’s Golf Cup These two tournaments bring together local and international golf players on an excellent course. December 28 - 30 Bulabog Village Fiesta This is a fun-filled extension of Christmas. It includes religious processions, fireworks displays, and disco dancing in the plaza.
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PARADISE FOUND Boracay is only seven kilometers long; and the four-kilometer stretch of White Beach is where almost everything happens. It’s a colorful and sometimes slapdash smorgasbord of options that can seem unnerving at times because of its variety. The key to enjoying your stay is to finding your own niche within this crowded beachfront. Boracay is known as a hip-and-happening party place at night. However the best time to truly experience its magic is in the early morning, when most tourists are still in bed after a long night of partying, and only a handful of people can be found at the beach. When White Beach is almost deserted and the water is calm and serene, you can really appreciate the wide expanse of its shore. Walking the stretch from Station 1 to 3 at this early hour is more a practice in meditation than physical exercise.
A BLISSFUL ESCAPE As the biggest spa on the island, KAI REGENCY SPA offers a range of treatments in 22 Oriental-inspired treatment rooms that will transport you to a world of pure relaxation and bliss. Try the 90-minute Kai Signature Massage, or their assortment of body wraps and scrubs for refreshment and rejuvenation. For the ultimate pampering treatment, indulge in their Kai Soothing Rituals at the Imperial Suites. www.boracayregency.com
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Apart from the occasional joggers plying the beach; the beach is yours for the taking. So lay your towel on the still cool white sand, softly bathed in early morning sunlight, and just watch the beach slowly come alive. n
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TRAVELIFE’S NAVIGATE YOURSELF
Boracay Island
NEED TO KNOW Located in the province of Panay, in western Philippines, Boracay is a world-famous beach destination known for its long stretch of white sand beachfront, great scenery, and clear waters. HOW TO GET THERE Visitors can fly to Kalibo or Caticlan airports via regular commercial flights on Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, ZestAir, SEAIR, and Airphil Express. From the Caticlan Jetty Port, take the 15-minute boat ride to Boracay. WHEN TO GO The best time to visit Boracay is during the Amihan season from November to April. There is limited rainfall and a cool northeast wind blows through the island. WHERE TO EAT REAL COFFEE AND TEA CAFE Bring home some of the famous calamansi muffins from Real Coffee and Tea Café, which also serves the besttasting pancakes, omelets, salads and coffee on the island. Owner Lee Rosaia welcomes each guest to her café in a nipa hut with an energetic smile. White Beach Manggayad, Station 1
At Boracay Garden Resort
MAÑANA MEXICAN RESTAURANT Have your Mexican fix with tacos, burritos, and nachos at Mañana in Station 1. Its colorful interiors match perfectly with its lively cuisine. Don’t leave without tasting their bestsellers—the Mañana combination, frijoles refritos, and tortillas de papas. www.mananamexicancuisine.webs.com ARIA This Italian favorite provides diners with a great view of the beach and delectable cuisine. Well-loved for its pizza and pasta selections, Aria also offers refreshing salad combinations, hearty entrées, and some of Boracay’s best desserts. www.aria.com.ph
Photo by Kyle Stanley
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special feature HENANN RESORTS
Sea Breeze Café Christina’s
Hap Chan
Mesa
ISLAND FARE Boracay is well-known for its international cuisine. Here are some of the choices at the Boracay Regency Resort & Spa: SEA BREEZE CAFÉ Indulge in Sea Breeze’s daily international buffet, widely recognized as among the best-value on the island. They have special themes for specific days, and the Sisig Days, Asian Stir-Fry Days, and Salpicao and Salpicado Days are not to be missed. The open-air café vibe makes it ideal for leisurely meals with family and friends.
Mesa
CHRISTINA’S This modern restaurant, facing White Beach itself, offers beautifully plated and delectable dishes for discerning diners. Their culinary repertoire includes osso buco, lobster thermidor, and codfish gindara. Cap your meal with mango crepes or chocolate mousse. It’s the ideal venue for a romantic dinner.
MESA Starters and salads in this modern Filipino restaurant will tickle the palate with its interesting fusion of ingredients. Meat-lovers get a smorgasbord of choices including kare-kare and chicken and pork pochero, while vegetarians can enjoy original concoctions such as laing done in two ways – the taro leaves are cooked in coconut cream and pork shrimp paste, either saucy or dry. End the meal with traditional favorites like sweet saba bananas encased in crispy lumpia wrapper, and jackfruit ice cream.
HAP CHAN This is the Boracay outlet of one of the country’s well-loved Chinese restaurant chains, right along the beachfront. Favorites include steamed fish fillet with garlic, and beef broccoli.
WAVE This trendy restaurant bar offers great food selections, unique cocktails, and an extensive bar list, amidst a modern ambiance complemented by music mixed by Manila DJs. Don’t miss their signature cocktails: the Chairman’s favorite, 007 James Bond (Absolut Kurant, dry vermouth, and olives, shaken, not stirred), and Crazy Coconut (fresh coconut meat blended with rum, Malibu, and milk, served on a coconut shell).
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