This trip was initially planned by Brian who was arriving from Dubai to experience the sun, sand, and fun. They made advance arrangements for everything except for the accommodation because we all knew that we could get a good bargain when we get there. Although part of it is a risk of not getting what we wanted, we have credit cards ready to battle with the fancy hotels for an overnight stay while we scout for the best and the cheapest room on the island.
We left our house so very early to catch the first flight leaving for Ilo-Ilo. We have to take a diverted route because the flight was full and few of you may know that our free travel benefit works only if there are vacant seats left. It was an Airbus flight and there were more than enough seats for us to be accommodated. Our companion was traveling on a revenue ticket and it's their first time in Ilo-Ilo as well as Boracay.
Upon arrival, we took the van for SM Mandurriao for 50 bucks each, then got so lucky to find an empty van for hire going to Caticlan. We took the 5-hour ride from Ilo-Ilo and we had a quick lunch stopover somewhere. I am not sure if it was Antique but we were kind of joking about Capiz. I was not in the mood to be asking questions because I was concerned about the size of the meat we were eating. I don't even believe in those things but it was really funny it made me think about it for a while. By the way, the fare was 385PHP each. I was reminded of a sign I saw in Bora - "500 per each per head."
We passed by Kalibo and I showed them the place I stayed and the Mercury Drug Store where I used to buy bottled water and chips when I was there to facilitate training.
It was around 4:00 PM when we arrived in Jetty Port and the usual drill followed. I would get inside first together with Clive, while my wife secures everything, from tickets down to terminal fees. The terminal was not crowded with the usual bunch of Koreans who are amazingly populating most of the best tourist spots in the country.
Then when we reached station 2, the usual place that we check-in was full that time so we have to look for a place to stay. We have no choice but to take the 1,500PHP overnight stay at the back of Patio Pacific. It was for transients and the place was decent but I could not say if it was secure. After we settled our things inside, we went to St. Vincent's Cottage and were guaranteed an available room the next day for only 1,200PHP. Too bad we can't get the usual price of 800PHP a night because they told us that it was almost peak season. Well, I felt it was like it because it was hard to find a place to stay at a better price, secure and comfortable.
It was only me and my wife who knew that it was her birthday. We were on our island hopping adventure and had our lunch near Club Panoly. This is where I took this picture of Clive.
Later that night we had a bottle of Bacardi courtesy of Brian and it was a happy birthday.
Moments like this are simply the best when you enjoy it with the people you treasure and love. You give more meaning to another year of wishful thinking, crazy petty quarrels, and a love that is naturally unfolding after all the struggles of understanding the reason why you ended up with someone you sometimes can't stand with. It is not about how long you have kept holding on, but how you see yourself still standing beside the same person you held your hands within your most difficult times.
If the sweetest place on earth today is Boracay, then I am willing to spend another significant celebration with you again my island of great moments. We will walk again on the beautiful sands of Boracay like this child below walking so free. That is Basty our "Byaherong Paslit" sporting his new Boracay shirt.
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