Kablog2’s Weblog

Boracay—The last time I was here was 13 long years ago. I did not have much time on the beach then because I was busy keeping the Panay-based hosts of the 1993 CEGP National Congress from gutting their UP-Manila, PCU and PLM saboteurs. I sometimes think I should have been a little less effective that time just to teach ang mga putang-ama a neat lesson—you know, get them nicked on their earlobes by gleaming pocket knives. But politics in command, right?

I had a lousy two hours on the beach one afternoon and three excruciating hours at night watching the CEGP old timers at the time cry about the failed congress. Back then, the beachfront was almost empty and dark by eight in the evening, which was perfect for some couples making out (Ginny Weasly would say “snogging”) on the white, coliform-free sand.

I planned to be back here many times. But my political tasks and my poverty prevented me this past decade. Plus, I have been hearing that Boracay has become so crowded and prohibitively-priced that someone of my means would be hard pressed to really enjoy and relax this so-called Paradise Island.

But one would really be stupid to pass up a chance to come and visit Boracay anytime a slight excuse presents itself.  My wife and I have some business partners (naks!) from New Zealand who we have to bring to Iloilo and around.  They have two days to spare before one of them goes back to Wellington and one flies on to Kenya and Tanzania (lucky Kiwi, this guy).  Boracay seems just the right place to impress them a bit.  Best bunion-ed foot forward, right?

It is August. Boracay is in its “moonsoon season” at the moment. The beach windbreakers are up and the room rates are down. Only Koreans seem to be arriving in numbers. There are still lots of people about but our American volunteer says he thinks this isn’t “crowded” yet. Boracay for less? Anytime!

We checked in at the Class AA resort called Tonglen. No complaints from me against this digs, except for two things: 1. the staff doesn’t know who or what is “Tonglen”, and 2. they don’t have tabo (dippers) in the bathrooms. The latter, I think, is bare racism. Do they have something against us Pinoys? But, whatever! I’ll show these snobs I know how to use tissue paper!

Walking by the flea market yesterday, I saw that the island has recovered admirably from the huge fire that consumed the entire marketplace last January. But I also learned that most of the swank hotels, resorts and restos are foreign-owned. Wala na talagang pagmamay-ari ang mga Pinoy. Lahat na lang, ari ng dayuhan. Even the nubile girls along the strip and on the beach, they work for the ari ng dayuhan. (My Gabriela-indoctrinated wife fumes every time she sees an old, white gorilla pawing a little brown baby. Apologies to King Kong and Diane Fosey.)

Our Swede-born, strict vegetarian and Spanish-speaking Kiwi girl visitor was so taken with this Indian resto called True Food along the strip that she wanted us to have dinner there last night. The ambulance, ay ambiance pala, was good. There were huge golden pillows on the banig floor where we have to squat to have our mouths romanced by strong-flavored South Asian fare. To be fair, most of what we ordered was good. I could hold my own when it comes to spicy food. Pero hindi ko napigilang tuluan ng uhog nung nakita ko yung bill. ‘Tangna!

Good thing the moon was out last night. As we were strolling on the beach after dinner, the gorgeous view made it easier for me to forget all about that nasty episode. There were sandcastles on the beach, bands were playing, and I had three beers. Not a bad night, considering.

Early this morning, my wife and I took a long walk along a good length of the white beach. We were holding hands and thinking of and talking about breakfast and the days ahead.

At the moment, I am on the veranda sitting on intricate bamboo chairs. I have two firm pillows propping me up, the aircon’s blowing some welcome air my way, I just visited the bathroom, I have sand between my toes and Pom’s in the pool swimming.

Yes, this country can be a paradise sometimes.