After six months of hiatus, the gates of paradise is now again open to frantic revelers and discreet travelers. The world famous Boracay Island has reopened its doors last October 26, 2018. The island has undergone six months of rehabilitation after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte called the island a “cesspool”, a result of abused mass tourism and bias construction of illegal establishments. The decision on the island’s temporary closure has taken its toll on the local people and outside laborers. Thousands of people were left jobless in exchange for the island’s recuperation. The island was able to breathe freely and heal itself from years of torture brought about by over-commercialization. I have been coming on and off in Boracay since 2007 and have witnessed the increasing flow of tourism in the succeeding years.
I decided to say hello to 2019 in Boracay Island to escape the New Year celebration chaos in Manila, probably the best decision to jump-start the upcoming year. Upon arrival in Caticlan Jetty Port (gateway to the island), I noticed a bunch of tourists lining up and surrendering a piece of paper to an assigned tourism officer, which I assume is a hotel reservation. Under the scrutinizing eyes and careful inspection of the officer, a positive gesture of yes, you can enter the island will arouse you in excitement (Note: You cannot enter the Island without a hotel reservation). Welcome to Paradise! It’s like an angelic voice whispered in my ear. A revamped paradise awaits my senses as I walk in an alley destined for White Beach, a four kilometer stretch of powdery white sand. Boracay has 17 beaches (as far as I know), White Beach is the most famous and notoriously crowded. Lines of bars, restaurants, hotels, tattoo shops, and other establishments abound White Beach. It may be crowded, but it does not mean that in every square meter a person or an obstruction will hinder you to experience a piece of heaven, after all, it is four kilometers long so just find your own spot and relax. Welcome to a paradise (paraiso) that once was lost, and now regained (recuperado).
As for the food lovers, Boracay will never disappoint. The island is a fusion of East and the West. The culture of food in some parts of the world is found on this small island. White Beach is a food haven for the voracious, the never ending question of where are we going to eat? Will be your life’s most enduring quest for an answer. There are hundreds of restaurants to choose from, it will take some time to decide, but still finding a place to fill your stomach is never going to be a problem. If you want your food served fresh, then go to a restaurant with fresh catch seafoods lining up its facade. You choose what you want to eat, they will weigh it, tell you the price per 100 grams, and they will cook it for you the way you want it to. It is a bit pricey though, but it’s all worth it.
For those who have CBD or Compulsive Buying Disorder, I regret to inform you that Boracay Island is not the right rehabilitation center to treat the problem, it might just get worse. The island is packed with boutique shops, souvenir shops, toy stores, local and imported specialty shops, and many more. You can find anything from the profound to the profane. D’Mall is the go to place if you want to go on a shopping spree, located at Station 2 White Beach.
Boracay is widely and wildly considered a party island. Annually, Boracay throws a Labor Day Party dubbed as “Laboracay” which falls on the 1st of May. In my opinion, this is one of the reasons for Boracay’s closure, the after party trash is overwhelming that the government intervene and halt the annual event. As of 2018, Laboracay is officially dead, and hopefully it will not resurrect to desecrate the island again. As for now, there are still parties, but it is regulated in a discreet manner.
In 2012, Boracay Island was awarded by Travel + Leisure Magazine World’s Best Island. Boracay has brought back its old glory and hopefully forever, it will remain. The Philippine Government’s decision to temporarily close the island is a drastic move to preserve the island for generations to come. A jewel that should be cherished and protected to maintain its priceless value.
Travel date: December 31, 2018 – January 5, 2019
DA WA TA WA 
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