A Short Summer Boracay Trip to Remember

“What Happens in Boracay, stays in Boracay…”

NO WAY! πŸ˜›

It is a pledge of mine to visit Boracay at least once a year. Luckily for me, I never really paid for any of my Boracay trip airfares. It’s either I won in a contest or a company sponsored for the trip. For this specific trip, I am the one in-charge of my own budget – meaning I need to pay for my accommodation, food and other expenses.

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Lovely beachfront at Station 3.5

Call it coincidence, some blogger friends of mine were sent to Boracay to cover an event for a telco ON THE SAME  DATES. The original plan to walk around the beach of Boracay like a heartbroken girl from some random music video for a videoke place and at the same time write something sentimental just failed hehe.

I arrived in Kalibo airport at 1PM – which means I lack sleep (I never sleep a night before my flights) and I am hungry. For the first time, I am traveling from Kalibo airport to Caticlan’s Jetty Port then to Boracay Island. It didn’t help that the van driver really squeezed everyone in the van to fit in. I tried to sleep, but I really can’t. I felt a bit dizzy, but a personalized water bottle saved me.

After two hours, we arrived at the Caticlan Jetty Port. Again, the passengers needed to wait for 20 minutes 0_0. I am just glad that I am seated beside a German mom and her son and a Korean couple, who were excited for their trip to Boracay Island. I am tempted to ask them if the movie ‘Romantic Island’ convinced them to book a flight πŸ˜›

While at the ferry boat to Boracay, I found out that Yoshke and Doyzkie were in Boracay too for the event. WHAT A COINCIDENCE!

I asked some passengers to share the tricycle ride with me so we can split the cost. When we arrived, I was dropped at the ‘D Mall. Wait… Did I tell you that I didn’t book an accommodation for the night? 0_0

Since it is summer time here in the Philippines, almost all the hotels in Station 2 were either full or overpriced. I’m glad that I managed to list down some possible budget accommodation places in my notebook. My choices are: Frendz Resort in Station 1 (Fully Booked), White Divers (hmmm.. didn’t feel right) and then my last but most preferred choice is the Boracay Tree House, which offers a dorm-style accommodation to be shared with eight people. I think it is the CHEAPEST accommodation in Boracay.

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At Boracay Tree House Resort

This isn’t my first mixed shared room experience, but I want to give it a try again. Dylan referred this place for me (I think he spent almost a week there). I went up to the information desk hoping that they still have one bed for me. Fortunately, there is one vacant bed!

The rate is Php300 a night (Php200 for off-peak season). When I entered the room, bags of backpackers were placed in the other beds and on the floor. I managed to meet two girls and then I left. Oh wait… this place is located at Station 3.5 and I walked for almost 20 minutes under the heat of the sun with a hungry stomach =))

Boracay-2012-Sunset (1)
Another reason why Boracay is loved by locals and tourists

I went to D Mall to meet up with my friends, who were part of the event. I am glad to catch a lovely sunset. Hayyy… ganda ng Boracay sunset talaga!

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As the sun sets in Boracay…

Winston invited me to join them for dinner, but I was a bit shy that time. First, I am not really officially invited for the event. Second, I am hungry. I am really starving and I can’t take it anymore πŸ™

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Sorry for the blurry photo – Photographer is hungry!

So I went to the buffet stall just next to the event place. For Php330, I was able to go back to the buffet table three times with my plate so full of food. Patong-patong na ang seafood, gulay, pork, beef at kung anu-ano pa. I am THAT hungry! (These buffet tables usually charge Php250 on off-peak seasons). Yoshke and Doyzkie dropped by to say hi and took an instagram photo update πŸ˜›


I went back to Boracay Tree House to meet my dorm mates. There’s Ross from UK, Jake from New Zealand, Thamara and Priscilla from Holland & Dominic from Germany. In that instant, we became friends. It’s fun how people from different nationalities instantly become friends when they share a big room due to budget reasons πŸ˜› Now I enjoy staying in hostels but I will only do it when I am travelling alone. Might as well write a separate blog entry about it.

We also met the people behind the blog 4Guys in a Car. They have an interesting itinerary and I am glad that I met them that night. I can say that my first night in Boracay is quite interesting since I spent it playing Jenga and some games that only the Europeans can relate to.. but now I can relate too πŸ˜› πŸ˜› πŸ˜› (more photos soon)

I woke up late the next day. It is just in time for lunch, actually. I ate my brunch at ‘D Marios and I ordered a big Seafood Marinara Pasta. My self-imposed rule for this trip is “Don’t spend too much on accommodation, but splurge on food’. I deserve to eat good food #charot

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Seafood Marinara Spaghetti for Brunch

I went to ‘D Mall to bother some friends, but they’re not yet done with lunch. I went to Jonah’s Fruit Shakes to wait for them. I drank mocha, but i am not really impressed with the taste. Winston passed by, but he had to leave immediately for work. Yoshke and Doyzkie followed and I immediately brought them to Jonah’s Fruitshakes, which is one of the must-try drinks of Boracay.

Doyzkie and Me at Jonah’s Fruitshakes (Photo Credit: Yoshke.com)

Doyzkie wanted to order the Calamansi Muffin at Real Coffee as pasalubong, but failed. We went to their hotel room. Wow. If I am staying at Station 3.5, I call theirs as Station almost zero. =))

And with that being said, I joined their event by accident. I admit feeling uncomfortable for being underdressed when I met the fashion bloggers invited for the event. I am glad that my boys were there hihi. Don’t get me wrong – I salute the fashion bloggers for their passion in their chosen field. Effort kaya mag-make up, magbihis at magsuot ng matataas na sapatos. For some too, what I am doing can be a tough challenge. I do admire every person who is not afraid to do what he/she wants to do – even if it means you need to exert extra effort, spend some moolah and step out of your comfort zone.

We ate dinner at Epic Bar and I think in our table, only three people ate rice (me included). Diet mode ON WOOT.

The official launch for the event started at almost 9pm. I do like their chosen celebrity endorsers. There’s Alodia Gosiengfiao (whom I met at the First Nuffnang Blog Awards in Singapore), Saab Magalona, Georgina Wilson and Danica Magpantay. My favorite part is when the mom of Danica named Lala Flores joined her onstage. I suddenly missed my mom. =)

 

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Alodia Gosiengfiao doing what she does best.
Bloggers in Boracay
Chuckie Dreyfus, Coy Caballes, Yoshke Dimen, Winston Almendras, Mica Rodriguez, Brian Ong and Doyzkie Buenviaje #fullnametalaga

The party ended with many photo ops and we moved to another place for drinks and chitchats. I haven’t really seen Coy, Kring and even Winston for such a long time! Later on, Brian joined us. He is in Boracay as a DOT guy. Coincidence, right? He was with two cool friends named TJ and Jack.

Bloggers in Boracay after the Parteeh!

Doyzkie, Yoshke, Brian, TJ, Jack and I were still in the mood to party. After eating Isaw, we went straight to Juice Bar for an event organized by Brian’s friend. There you have it – Time to party by dancing the night away! <3

Partying at Juice Bar, Boracay #itsmorefuninthephilippines

Dancing for hours with your fun-loving friends. Who wouldn’t love that? <3

Another group shot πŸ˜€

We may not have partners with us that night (hello naman Mica, as if you had one nyaherr), but it is not an excuse to dance like nobody is watching πŸ˜› Tgsh Tgsh Tgsh

The DJ played this song countless times 0_0

Right after partying, we all went to the beach front to gaze at the stars, play with the fine sand of Boracay and make fun of each other.

I went back to our dorm room in the morning where all of my dorm mates were sleeping. I bet they’re tired from partying as well πŸ˜›

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With my roomies Ross and Priscilla

I woke up late (again) and had Pesto Spaghetti for brunch. I had a good conversation with Ross then I joined him and Priscilla to the beach.

They do really love it in Boracay. Who wouldn’t especially in the part where we are? I am thankful that Station 3.5 is not that crowded and it is less noisy too. I left at three in the afternoon and felt sorry for myself that I couldn’t stay longer.

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I’ll be back soon, Boracay.


I left Boracay with fun memories with me. I was able to meet new friends and at the same time reunited with some of the people I miss the most. I am looking forward to my 6th visit and hoping to stay longer!

32 Comments

  1. Dylan said:

    You’re lucky Mica, your friends were there.
    I see that you really had a great time.
    I also like the way you call it station 3.5… it’s quite a long walk to D’Mall. lol
    But it’s really peaceful there… No crowd…
    Most of the people there were foreigners that it felt like we’re not in the Philippines at all.
    Even in the dorm room…

    Glad you enjoyed your stay in Boracay! Where are you now Mica?

    April 18, 2012
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Thanks again Dylan for recommending Boracay Tree House! I agree with you – parang wala nga ako sa Pilipinas when I stayed there. What I truly enjoyed is the conversations with my dorm mates and you can really see in their eyes that they fell in love with Boracay. They appreciate din yung constant signs na naka-post about cleanliness. πŸ˜€

      I’m at home now, Dylan πŸ˜€

      April 18, 2012
      Reply
  2. rdsean said:

    ganda ng sunset pics.. that’s really cool.. πŸ˜›

    April 18, 2012
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Thanks dear! πŸ˜€

      April 18, 2012
      Reply
  3. ang galing lang no. watakoinsedens, hehe.. andun lang pala mga bloggers na yan. ang kulet ng solo trip mo sa Boracay… natawa ako sa istorya mo sa tricycle when you asked somebody to ride with you to split the cost. Madiskarte at ang saya lang ha. ang kulet talaga :))

    April 18, 2012
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Hehe ganun talaga dapat maging ma-diskarte din πŸ˜€ Yung solo trip ko naging bongga =))

      April 18, 2012
      Reply
  4. Galing ng sunset photos! Na-excite tuloy ako sa solo travel ko to this place this September. I’ll have to take note of that super cheap accommodation. πŸ˜‰

    April 18, 2012
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      I suggest that place too kung super tight ang budget. Don’t expect too much though since bed and common bathroom ang meron. Maganda pero sa area nun and lucky if your dorm mates are cool πŸ˜€

      April 18, 2012
      Reply
  5. Will - Gap Daemon said:

    Swoon. Lovely post Mica. When are you going to take me to Philippines and make me your dorm mate? I want to swim in that lovely blue pool and throw my swimming gear back out on the beach. Promise me we will?

    April 18, 2012
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Haha when are you coming to the Philippines? Maybe you need to wait for me in the UK instead LOL

      April 19, 2012
      Reply
  6. Marx said:

    I miss Boracay! Eto yung beach na di ka magsasawang puntahan kahit crowded sya! Hehehe!

    April 18, 2012
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      TRUE! πŸ˜€

      April 19, 2012
      Reply
  7. Melai said:

    Where is Station 3.5? I sort of disliked the crowded areas. Hahaha. I was looking for something with less people. I’ve walked the long beach but whatta fail. Hahaha. Nice meeting you Mica! Enjoyed reading your entry. Wow gusto ko rin matry ang hostels. I’ve never tried it. At bilib ako sayo guurl! Mag-isa ka lang. Bongga! Di ko kaya mag-isa kung ako yun!

    hearts,
    Melai of Style and Soul

    April 18, 2012
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      It is a term coined by my travel blogger friend Eileen of Possibly Pinay hehe. Station 3.5 is 20-25 minutes away from ‘D Mall (leisure walk… pangrampa chos!). Sayang nakaabot ka sana dun hehe less crowded at mas malinis siya compared sa beachfront ng other stations. Try mo rin mag-hostel minsan πŸ˜€

      April 19, 2012
      Reply
  8. blissfulguro said:

    hi mica! kamusta naman ang lakad from 3.5? nakakagutom di ba? pero the beachfront has its own charm… pangtambay mode talaga πŸ™‚

    hmmm… kelan kaya walang planned or unplanned blog-related activity pag nasa boracay ka?

    April 19, 2012
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Hehe oo nga pero worth it naman ang alay-lakad hehe πŸ˜€ mas malinis at tahimik compared sa ibang station.

      And about your question, siguro mangyayari lang yan kung kasama ko na magbo-boracay ay isang jowa na hehe πŸ˜›

      April 19, 2012
      Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Right, Audrey! πŸ˜€

      April 20, 2012
      Reply
  9. Talagang Station 3.5? Hahaha. Hopefully when I go back dyan sa Boracay matry ko din mag-stay sa Dorm with other nationalities as well. =)

    April 19, 2012
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Oo LOL ang layo kasi eh =))

      April 20, 2012
      Reply
  10. soloflightEd said:

    alright, boracay! hehe. good luck to me. will meet the family ni honey… nice kasi nakahanap ka ng murang place. will probably transfer to boracay tree house tomorrow πŸ˜€

    April 20, 2012
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Haha goodluck sa meet-up with honey’s family <3 nakapag-Boracay Tree House ka na?

      April 23, 2012
      Reply
  11. Doyzkie said:

    Miss u already Mics! Lets have another outing soon! \m/

    April 21, 2012
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      I miss you too Doyzkie! Oo nga kahit within Pinas lang na trip! πŸ˜€

      April 23, 2012
      Reply
  12. Drew said:

    Swerte at magaling chumamba! Wala kang katulad Mica hehe! πŸ˜€

    April 22, 2012
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      LOL! I know how to have fun, that’s why πŸ˜›

      April 23, 2012
      Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Gora na sa Boracay! πŸ˜›

      April 25, 2012
      Reply
  13. david.edward said:

    namiss ko bigla ang bora!! enjoy ang mga solo moments no? hehehe.. will be there next week πŸ˜€ excited lang! ahhahaha

    June 6, 2012
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Buti ka pa! Gusto kong bumalik doon at mag-emote haha

      June 7, 2012
      Reply
  14. Sashi said:

    ang sarap naman magtampisaw sa Boracay! How I wish makatungtong rin ako dyan at matry ang mga masasarap na pagkain with my family. Thanks for sharing your wonderful trip!

    January 30, 2013
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Yup! Go and give Boracay a try πŸ˜€

      January 31, 2013
      Reply

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