Things to Do in Boracay: Best for First Timers

As a first time tourist in Boracay, I spent lots of time researching about the place before I went there. As much as I wanted to experience everything what Boracay has to offer, my time and resources are limited. For a three-day vacation, it took me sometime to "weigh" things I should prioritize doing. If you are as pressed for time (and money) as I was, at least don't miss the following activities.

1. Paraw (Sunset) Sailing

My mom taking a pose during the paraw ride

Paraw is a water vehicle similar to the vintas in Zamboanga. It is powered by the winds and manually steered. What's good about it is that it is s environmental friendly and (according to the kuyas who steer the parawa) it can withstand strong winds unlike the motor boats. Sailing the paraw is a an authentic Boracay experience since, as far as I know, paraws are native to the Aklanons. No other tourist spots yet have these sails to boast. No need to reserve for a ride since there are a lot of paraws which you can avail at P150 per head. They are ducked at Station 1 before Willy's Rock. Just make sure to have your cameras waterproofed since it is quite bare. The best time to sail is at around 4 or 5 pm just before the sunset.

2. Jonah's Shakes

Most blogs on Boracay recommended for tourists to taste Jonah's shake. Following their tip, I also decided to try their shakes and compare them with the other shakes in Boracay. And true enough, Jonah's shakes are outstanding! It has no rock ice. The blend is thick and creamy with just the right amount of sweetness. It's just unexplanable! A glass of shake can be consumed by two people. Plus, the service is great! You can find their store at Station 1 near Willy's rock.

Chillin' with Jonah's Shakes

3. Night Stroll at the Beach

A stroll at the beach is always romantic. In Boracay, however, it's more than that. If you're into observing people and discovering places, strolling the shores of Boracay at night is an experience in itself. Some parts of the beach are very much alive with fire dancers and party people grooving the night away. Some parts are quiet that beckon lovers to sit and share some moments together. Some parts are throbbing with activity with all the merchandises stores have. Some parts are made for a fun evening together-whether with family or friends.

4. The Sand Art

The natives of Boracay found another way to earn extra with their artistic hands. You can find some kids and even adults making some sand figures such as the one above. Then you can pose with the figures that they made for a minimal donation. (It's up to you how generous you can be.)You can also request them to make your own choice of figure for a minimal fee.

There are still a lot of things that Boracay can offer but you can also experience them in other beaches. Those that I've mentioned are, so far. authentically- Bora.

In Worship

“Everything is worship if your mind is focused on the present moment.”

                                                                                    - Edda (The Witch of Portobello)

            Being a Christian, I believe that everything I do should be a worship. Before, I thought it’s only when I excel that I worship God so I was bent on being excellent in everything. But it was too tiring so I thought maybe God just wants me to give my best- whether I’m the most excellent or not. So that’s what I did. But there are just times, a lot of times, when I’m simply not my best. And sometimes, my best is too much.

            When I read the passage from Paulo Coelho’s novel, I thought how worship goes in the church. Usually, we sing solemn songs while the worship leader asks us to focus ourselves on God- to thank Him, to think of His grace and mercy, to state our love for Him. And that’s when I realize that when we worship God, we’re simply concentrating ourselves to Him. I’m trying to simply feel His presence and just enjoy singing to worship Him.

So in effect, I should learn how to “live for the moment.” Simply put, I should simply enjoy and be thankful for what I might be doing right now. If I’m eating, I should enjoy eating and not think about what I should do afterwards. If I’m teaching, I should simply enjoy teaching and not think about tasks that I should finish. There’s a time for that when I should be focusing my mind on tasks. And as for the tasks, I should simply be thankful that I have something to do and I have the capacity to do them. Simple as it may sound; it’s actually hard for me to do and maybe for people who have a lot of things in their minds.

            How many bus and jeep rides I had while I’m thinking of home works, of people and of memories without appreciating the view outside? How many times my mind wandered and slept in seminars and lectures which could have been useful for me? How many times have I been distracted while watching not fully enjoying the show? How many times I wished I was in some other place while talking to another person wasting the chance to know the person?  A lot of times. Countless. And in those times, I failed to worship Him simply by not living and enjoying those moments.

            That’s when I also realize that the best moments in my life are those moments when I’m simply enjoying what life has to offer during those times. How can I forget my first kiss? My high school and college graduations? My bonding times with my friends and family? My dates with my special someone? My vacations in beautiful places? I can not forget these things even there may be no pictures to remind me of them. Not only because they are happy moments but because they are the moments when I feel alive.

            And I can’t also forget the moments when I taste failure, sadness and pain; when my grandfather died, when I learned I won’t graduate on time, when I knew the family business failed, when I fought with a trusted friend, when I almost lost him, when I simply shed tears of frustration. These things also made me feel alive- sometimes more alive than the happy ones; because I’m feeling something beyond what the mind can control. I’m simply living in those moments. Somehow, even in those seemingly heartbreaking moments, I’m worshipping Him because I’m acknowledging what He’s allowing me to go through.

The Gift

With the Christmas spirit all over the air, this book is a must read to remind us all of how this season should be celebrated. That is, let's spend time with the people we love, the people that matter to us. For as the book points out, you can earn lost money but you can never earn lost time. So spend your money wisely but spend your time MORE wisely.

This story revolves around a workaholic man named Lou Suffern who had neglected his family for such a long time. His work is his life. He justifies his working habits by providing for his family. With a promotion up for grabs, Lou cannot resist to spend more time at work and less time at home. It was not until a beggar named Gabe appeared in Lou's life. With a seeming magic pill, Lou can attend to two places at the same time- work meetings and family events. Only it was just a chance for Lou to make things right because time had ran out for him. The time Gabe gave to him to be with his family was just a gift.

Though the plot may seemed cheesy and cliche, the narration was well-crafted and fast-paced. There were no abstractions and there was no attempt to be philosophical. I guess, it was just aimed to illustrate a life of what many people may have been leading and to remind them to stop and pause for awhile. In the end, the book will leave you with a question "Who/ What do you live for?" A question just in time to be reflected upon at the end of this year! The Gift