Chronicling our second day in Boracay!

My visit: May 17, 2011

Boracay

I slept like a baby so the next day we woke up at 6 a.m. for a swim. Except for a few families wading near the shore, we have the beach all to ourselves . We had an opportunity to take solo pictures on top of Willy's Rock where the Grotto can be found. 

life guard post

At around 8 a.m., we went back to La Bella Casa to eat our breakfast. Afterwards, we went back to exploring the stretch of Stations 1 to 3 again.

The day before, Gevi saw the life guard post and wanted her photo taken on top of it. She says it's pretty scary once you reached the top. When it was my turn, I calm and brave myself to reach the top. It was a success!

We pretty much splurge on food on our first day so today we plan on eating in some cheap restaurants and taste some street food.

Best Lamb Chops in Boracay!

I have already made a post about La Reserve's lamb chops over a year ago. It's one of the reasons why I love returning to Boracay! Since I learned that Gevi also loves lamb chops, this is the perfect place. We couldn't wait another day so we had our dinner at this French restaurant on our first night. 

lamb chops PhP680

OMG! Napapikit si Gevi sa sarap! haha

Breakfast at Jonah's & late lunch at Cyma

My visit: May 16, 2010

Jonah's Fruit Shake & Snack Bar

Station 1

Boracay Island

Jonah's is one of the most established restaurants in Boracay. It is open 24 hours everyday of the week and always full of diners.  Naturally, for first timers like Gevi, she has to visit the place for a taste of Boracay's famous fresh fruit shake! 

high tide at Jonah's 

When we talk about vacation, food will not be far behind. On our first day, we totally splurged on food. Starting with our breakfast at Jonah's. *totally trying to sound like Breakfast at Tiffany's haha

Inexpensive stay at La Bella Casa de Boracay!

My visit: May 16- 18, 2011

La Bella Casa de Boracay

Station 1 (behind Balabag Church)

Boracay Island

Malay, Aklan

036-2881363   +6391796641456   +63919853042   +639326298864

Gevi booked through Agoda and paid only PhP3240 for two nights accommodation in La Bella Casa de Boracay. Topping the list of our requirements for our stay is cost. I gave her a budget of PhP2000/room/night. Other requirements are air conditioned room and our own toilet and bath with heater. We got all that plus TV, personal refrigerator, King size bed, toiletries, towel and daily breakfast! Not bad for PhP800/pax/night, right? Oh, did I mention that Wi-Fi is FREE? 

improvised King size bed inside room number 6 (Deluxe)

I know that we were going to stay in Station 1. When the tricycle driver to drop us off at the back of Astoria Boracay, I know the place was going to be somewhere along its vicinity.  Little did I know that it's located behind Balabag Church- a famous landmark and across the main thoroughfare. We had to get another tricycle to drive us over to the hotel. After passing the basketball court which is another landmark, we saw the front of the church. The driver then entered an alley and behind the church is La Casa Bella de Borcay. 

Traveling Air Philippines style!

Manila -Boracay

Departure: May 16, 2011

Time: 6:00am

Air Philippines 2P 0035 (NAIA Terminal 3)

Boracay-Manila 

Departure: May18, 2011

Time: 3:40pm

Airphilippines 2P 0076 (Caticlan Airport)

Distance: 189 miles

Duration: 1 hour

Just like my Taipei trip with DH last December, my Boracay trip was also booked just a few days before our departure date. 11 days to be exact! 

I have to thank my friend, Gevi, who booked both our plane tickets and hotel stay. She directly booked with Air Philippines through their website and booked our 2 nights stay through Agoda. She is such a pro at booking last minute that I could have sworn she is used to doing it but no, she just did it for me. My schedule for the past few months is quite erratic so I am all for unplanned trip which more frequently than not pushes through. But that's just in my case!

our Air Philippines De Havilland Dash 8 turbo propeller plane

It was stated in the email that we got from Air Philippines that we have to arrive 2 hours before the departure time. My initial reaction was "Really?! even for domestic flight!" When I arrived at the airport at 4am, I now know the reason why people were required to be there two hours earlier before flight schedule. The lines were really long. It sucks! I was there before Gevi did so she didn't have to go to the end of the line. Lucky girl! 

Things to remember before going to the airport for domestic flight only:

1. Be at the airport 2 hours before the scheduled departure time
2. Bring a valid Identification Card (driver's license, passport or any government issued ID)
3. Bring the credit card used in online transaction to be presented upon check in
4. If the passenger is not the credit card owner, a photocopy of the credit card used for online transaction and a copy of valid ID of the credit card owner should be presented. 
5. If boarding from NAIA, bring PhP200 for terminal fee

Failure to do numbers 2, 3 & 4 may result in denied boarding on the plane or maybe advised to purchase new tickets.

El Centro Fruit Shakes in Boracay

This is our second fruit shake in a day. The first one was in Jonah's Fruit Shake which costs twice as much as El Centro's fruit shake. 

 El Centro's Avocado fruit shake PhP50

El Centro is found right smack in the middle of Station 2. I terribly needed this fruit shake. After walking the whole stretch of all 3 stations, I am so out of energy to even lift a finger!

Chronicling our first day in Boracay!

My visit: May 16, 2011

Boracay Island

Our Boracay trip almost didn't push through. For one, we couldn't agree on a specific date. And when we did, we couldn't find a cheap airfare. Then the problem of lodging came up. But at the end of our three day vacation, Gevi and I now have an even stronger bond. The experience made us even closer. It's like we just pick up where we left off during our college days. We also learned that we have more things in common like our love of lamb and sleeping quirks among others!

 via Air Phil Express

Talk about being excited, you don't want to mess with two girls who didn't have a decent sleep the night before haha We look really messed up here. Gevi, please don't kill me for releasing the following photos haha By the way, it is the start of my 3 day no make up look ; p 

I will write a separate post about our overall Air Phil Express experience. You have to read about the  supposedly "online service charge" on my friend's credit card bill that came out of nowhere in my next post!

When in Boracay get a henna tattoo!

So you have seen our braided hair, it's now time to show off some skin. No, not what you are thinking ; p It's our first day, we have to have an ink to feel the vibe of the island of Boracay haha

Gevi and her butterfly & a rose tattoo

Gevi decided to have her tattoo a little below her shoulders. Since the design is not in the center, the tattoo artist didn't trace the design anymore. He drew directly on her skin. 

Stylish hair braid in Boracay!

Here is my first of a series of Boracay posts. When you leave two thirty something giddy girls in Boracay, what do you think the first thing they would do? Hair braid, of course! 

We chanced upon an "ate" behind this temporary shed in front of Gasthof while walking towards Station 3. She looked nice and so we asked her how much for a half hair braid. "PhP150" she said. Go!

Juvy

She works really well and fast too! I did not feel a tug or a pull while she is braiding my hair. The hair braid she did looks better than the girls that did my hair when I went to Puerto Galera.  It lasted longer too. I had it done Monday and the braid stayed in place until I took it off Sunday morning.

Boracay Chronicle: Montenegro Lines, Cebu Pacific and other expenses

My visit: April 27, 2010

Boracay Island

What else there is to do in Boracay? But to eat, eat, eat!

El Centro Fruit Shakes

What can I say? I got tired of walking, met with DH after my shopping spree and head off to the nearest stall the sells fruit shakes- El Centro in Station 2

Boracay Chronicle: Sunset, Sand Castle, and more resturants

April 26, 2010

Boracay Island

Station 1

take me to the sea

Rent a paraw for sunset view!

Jonah's Fruit Shake, Derek Ramsay and Fire Dancer... all in Boracay!

My visit: April 26, 2010

Jonah's Fruit Shake & Restaurant

Station 1, Boracay

Going to Boracay is not complete without trying Jonah's Fruit Shake. Well, it's actually nothing special hehe but people come in droves just to buy their fruit shake. I, personally, would order a fruit shake or two for the duration of my stay in Boracay.

 (l-r) fresh mango and papaya shake PhP75@

Mañana Boracay

My visit: April 26, 2010

Mañana Boracay

Boracay

And so after eating in Zuzuni, we went on with our food hunt. Next stop, Mañana Boracay!

burritos platter PhP363

Now, this is a very generous serving! Burritos platter is 2 huge burritos stuffed with chicken or beef with Mexican sauce and cheddar cheese. It is served with rice, sweet corn and beans! Burp!

Zuzuni Boracay

My visit: April 26, 2010

Zuzuni Boracay Boutique Hotel and Restaurant

Boracay, Aklan

It was our last night in Boracay and I still have a long list of food establishment that we have not tried. DH and I decided that we should at least try an order or two in each restaurant on the list.

Philippine Tatler award 2009

First on the list was Zuzuni. 

Boracay Chronicle: Boracay Pearls and more!

 I bought numerous fresh water pearls from this "ate"

Her stall is situated near Yellow Cab in Station 3. I took a tricycle from Station 1 to Station 3. The ride costs Ph10 one way. Then I will walk my way back to Station 1 stopping only to shop or drink fresh fruit shake/ pearl milk tea lol Where's my DH all this time, you ask? He was in our room lounging on our king sized bed.

Boracay Chronicle: C.C. Bubble

Now, even Boracay has pearl milk tea! I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to order one...

station 3

Boracay Chronicle: La Reserve Beach Hotel Inc.

My visit: April 26-27, 2010

La Reserve

Station 1, Boracay

info@lareserve-boracay.com

(63) (36) 2883020

It's hot! hot! hot! in Boracay! DH and I can't find one air conditioned restaurant.  We were eyeing a steak house which I forgot the name, by the way, but as we climbed our way to the second level, ground floor houses Paolo collection- a bikini haven, we were greeted by smothering hotness by the afternoon sun. We asked the kind waitress if there is another steakhouse in the island which has an air conditioned dining area. And she pointed us to La Reserve- a restaurant owned and managed by Frenchman, J. B. Etcheverry.

We entered an empty restaurant, flinched a little and asked ourselves "Should we stay or leave?" Decided to stay since it's the only air conditioned restaurant available. We then made our way to our table. 

with Mr. Etcheverry himself

As I was browsing through a magazine I saw an ad about Astoria Boracay- I was ecstatic because that was where we stayed!

Boracay Chronicle: Sea Wind Barbeque Dinner Buffet

My visit: April 25, 2010

Sea Wind 

Station 1, Boracay 

After DH took a nap and my shopping therapy, DH and I decided to walk along the stretch of powdery, white sand of Boracay. Reaching the cul-de-sac of Station 1, we don't have a choice but to go back. 

DH spotted this al fresco restaurant as we were walking our way back. The waiting staff were very attentive and would fill our glasses with water every time it's half empty.

 dinner buffet PhP595

Boracay Chronicle: Real Coffee and Tea Cafe... Home of The Calamansi Muffins

My visit: April 25-27, 2010

Real Coffee and Tea Cafe

Home of The Calamansi Muffins

Station 1, Boracay

Armed with my list of good food and restaurant in Boracay, I aim to tick one restaurant at a time. After our lunch in I Luv Backyard BBQ, we went straight to Real Coffee and Tea Cafe. We still had time before to spare before the check in time of 2pm at Astoria Boracay. 

 

Real Coffee and Tea Cafe

Tucked in an alley but visited by many, this bamboo hut houses different types of muffins, all freshly baked by the owner, Ms. Lee.

Boracay Chronicle: I Luv Backyard BBQ... 100% pure meat!

My visit: April 25, 2010

I Luv Backyard BBQ

Station 2, D Mall

Boracay

DH had an upset stomach because of the oyster he ate the last time we were in Boracay over four years ago. For the first time, I have to ride a tricycle solo to find a drugstore. So, we avoided seafood on our first meal in the land of fun under the sun. 

We went around D Mall to check out the various restaurants available and crossed out the restaurants that can be found in Manila. We didn't travel by air, land and sea just to eat the same food we have here in Manila, right?

We found out later that I love Backyard BBQ has the same owner as the Hawaiian BBQ found in Tagaytay all along, duh? So much for being a picky eater, huh? lol

 DH reading the menu, behind him are numerous signs 

You can actually take the signs off the wall and take a picture with you holding it. I would rather pose in front of the signs.