Boracay 2014

I have only one mission in Boracay: to have a real vacation. One without a lot of water activities (no paragliding, helmet diving, etc.) except to languidly float in its bluest water, lie in beach beds, and soak the harmful rays of the sun, while sipping fresh fruit drinks with that little umbrella on the side. Honestly, the last one is more of my sister's idea.

And one more thing: I have to be in Station 1, because I am so freaking annoyed when we try to swim in Station 1 and we're driven away like pulubi's because we're not allowed to leave our stuff in the sand (not even on their beach chairs, ha) in front of their resort/hotel. This happens every time we are in Bora (and staying at cheap accommodations in Station 2). In fact, I was so incensed last time that I did a research on res nullius and the boundaries of the  rights of beachfront property owners (kaninong sand ba talaga yan, ha?). I found out there's a lot of debate on that, and the rules actually vary from state to state, so the only real solution to my vexation is to stop being a cheapskate and get a Station 1 hotel.  

Behold, Residencia Boracay: 

One sister taking endless selfies.

Residencia is everything I dreamed of, with beach chairs under huge umbrellas facing this view:

Papa Americano! 

And these hammocks! They make me wanna grow palm trees on my porch so I can hang a hammock between them. (What am I talking about, I don't even have a porch).

I loooove these hammocks. One night, after a very full dinner and a long walk from Station 1 to 3 and back, I laid here, with A Feast of Crows on my kindle, and fell asleep while reading. I woke up at around 1am, shivering, and was momentarily disoriented because the first thing I saw were the blackest skies, and stars. Stars! I don't see a lot of stars in the city because the skies are always lit up by orange lamp posts. A few weeks later, Calla Lily performed in Boracay and stayed at Residencia (I think), and here's Kean in the same hammock I slept in, bwahaha.

From his instagram, taken without permission. Ack.
Sorry, Kean, that duyan is probably much lower now.

In the mornings, I am treated to a buffet of danggit, tomatoes, and fried eggplants. They also have  longanisa and tocino and pancakes. Pancakes, I almost forgot. The chef will cook it for you on the spot, and also prepare your eggs, however you like it.

Ang totoong bakasyon, laging may extra rice. 

But before the buffet breakfast, I would take my usual morning walk along the beach, take awesome pics,

Been to Boracay several times and didn't realize it's actually lined with coconut trees from Station 1 to 3. My mind only saw the shops, bars, and restaurants.

and give in to irresistible Starbucks (because hey, I'm on vacation!).

Apparently, my vacation name is Shona.

Boracay sunsets are not to be missed of course, and I waited every day for that moment when the beach would be bathed in warm orange hues and for everyone to have that trance-like look as they watch the sun goes down. But no, I did not get that because a typhoon came in on the second day, and it was almost always downcast, if not raining. My sister rejoiced because it meant it would not be too hot, and she won't have a tan to explain to her boss (naka sick leave lang kasi!). Oh well, maybe next time, Boracay. I'm pretty much happy with this sunset:

I am having a throwback moment here because Kororo proposed to me in Boracay, at sunset, on his birthday, three years ago. I was urging him to swim, and he was just looking so uncomfortable, he won't even float. He couldn't move around much because he might lose the ring inside his pocket. We've been going out for seven years at that time and he doesn't want me to think he's an asshole for dating me that long without formally popping the question (even though we both know it's not what we want). Wait, he didn't even ask the question. He said, "[preliminary niceties where he summarized our years of togetherness, then] whenever you're ready, I'm just here." Then gave me the ring. O di ba, he didn't even give me the chance to reject him, haha. How can I not keep on coming back to Boracay, with memories like that? 

Aaaaand because we saved a lot in foregoing the water activities, we splurged on food and drinks. Yey, no more Andok's! But we still could not resist the cheese buns from Julie's -- still the perfect pamatid-gutom on a short notice.

Buffet Dinner at the Sea Breeze of Boracay Regency.

The dancing cooks of Sea Breeze buffet dinner. We suspect they've been hired more for their dancing skills, rather than their culinary prowess. We were greatly entertained though.

Last hirit at White House, before leaving for the airport. 

Truffle pasta with crispy tilapia fillet. I recommend. 

Sisterhood of the traveling RB3025's.