The first time I went to Boracay was in 1991. I went back to the island in 2001. A very big difference indeed!

In 1991, there's no colliform (did I spell it right?) on the beach and it was never heard of. Maybe it was not an issue back then that's why I never heard anyone mentioned its occurence. It was April when I went there so maybe those things did not sprout in April.

In 1991, there was generally no electricity in the island. Most of the resorts used kerosene lanterns at night except for those who opted for generators, but still there were no glaring electric bulbs on structures and open areas.

In 1991, most of the resorts are made of native materials. I was told before by the receptionist of the resort where we stayed that it was prohibited to construct structures made of concrete, masonry or steel.

In 1991, you will see no more than 10 bancas docked along White Beach.

In 1991, I was able to indulge on a conversatrion with an Italian couple and asked about their impression of the island. Surprisingly, they said it was a little bit crowded (can't imagine what their comments would be if they visit the island today) but they were quick to say that it's a lot more beautiful than Phuket/Pattaya, Bali and Hawaii.

After 10 years (2001), none of the above holds true except maybe for the comments made by the Italian couple which is very subjective. Sad to say, we can't be assured that all new visitors in Boracay today will have the same impression.


two resorts that can't get too crowded (great for r & r imo) are miniloc & lagen (both in el nido, palawan)... they've a limited number of rooms only... and both landed in conde nast's list of top 10 environmentally friendly resorts recently

http://www.boracay.com/i/bora_map.gif

^^this sewerage or storm drain outlet is actually located just infront of Red Coconut Beach Hotel in Station 2 Boracay. Matagal na yan, wala lang pakialam ang mga local authorities dun... this is really a big turn-off!

:cheers: :nuts: nindot ani e diversion ang mga sewew. hinaot maghimo og sewew farm...just to remove the rubbish then after processing it pwede na ang water balik sa canal or e process kining tubig for good use, DA gamit gihapon :banana: :bash: ^^ hehehe.

CALLING THE ATTENTION OF MALAY MAYOR CICERON CAWALING, DOT REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR WESTERN VISAYAS EDWIN TROMPETA and THE RESPONSIBLE PEOPLE OF BORACAY and FILIPINOS!

Maturn-off ro turista kon makit-an nga higko ang baeas it Boracay!

Hope the island will have a sewage treatment plant soon....http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sewage_treatment

Interesting study of water quality in Boracay...http://www.globalcoral.org/Water%20Quality%20and%20Coral%20Reef%20Health%20In%20Boracay,.htm

yukie

matagal na yan!!!

Ano ba yan nakaka turn off naman. Pro kadto man ko gyapon boracay! It's still the best place ever to enjoy life.

^^ If i heard it right, Microtell will build a Hotel in Boracay.

jan. `06


http://i12.tinypic.com/2v30k5l.jpg

see i rather have large hotel than a bunch of small one, besides these large hotel chain would have all the amenities to ensure the envirenmental requirements are followed..

My Contri.. enjoy

All taken May 2004
http://www.photos.ph/large/30717.beach_tan.jpgl.jpg

http://www.photos.ph/large/30718.boracay_ride.jpgl.jpg

http://www.photos.ph/large/30720.boracay_view_3.jpgl.jpg

^^ Hotlinks were disabled migs. Di ko makita.

Kalibo, Aklan -- With three months short of closing Calendar Year 2006, Boracay Island has projected itself as a phenomenal revenue earner for the province.


Boracay Island, with its beaches of fine, white sand and crystal-clear blue waters, is the jewel of Aklan's tourism industry and the prime tourist destination of the country.

Records displayed at the lobby of the Provincial Capitol building here from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) as part of its participation in the celebration of National Statistics Month (one provincial activity being a statistical exhibit) show that in just five years, revenue collections in the island multiplied five times since BIR-Aklan intensified its collection strategy there in 2002.

An illustration of this astounding performance is seen in the Comparative District Collection Performance total, which, in 2002, amounted to P16,494,453.34. Four years after and this early (as of September 2006), collections in Boracay Island has reached P82,808,879.61, an increase of P66,314,426.27 in a span of five years.

Collections in between 2002 and 2006 also rose remarkably. In 2003, collections totaled P19,934,305.25; 2004 -- P29,963,738.88 ( an increase of more than P10 million); while 2005 registered a total of P64,400,587.42 registering an increase of P34,436,848.54 when pitted against the 2004 collections.

The same trend manifested in the collection performance of mainland Aklan, Revenue District Office No. 71, although BIR-Aklan Revenue District Officer Lilivic Gatdula said more or less 20% of the collection is from Boracay. However, in the months of January, August and September of this year, there was a slight decrease in collection. As seen in the January 2006 record, collections amounted to P33,903,831.10 while in 2005 of the same month, P39,749,012.91 was collected. For August 2006, collected was P31,537,431.73 while during the same month in 2005, collections amounted to P39,109,362.05. In September 2006, collected was P30,358,168.55 while in 2005 of the same month, the collection was P35,265,731.32.

Gatdula said the decrease was caused by One-Time Property Transactions (ONETT) considered as non-recurring. For the month of January 2005, ONETT collection was P21,364,980; August 2005 -- P16,527.165.20 and for September 2005 -- P13,337.00.

"No non-recurring transactions were collected for the year 2006," Gatdula clarified.

For year 2003, BIR-Aklan was able to collect a total of 172,098,503.90, lower than P172,415,642.12 collected in 2002. For the succeeding years, the trend was up -- P229,842,418.02 was collected in 2004, while P367,135,350.48 was collected in 2005.

This year and short by three months to wind up the current Calendar Year, total collected revenues up to September 2006 amount to P305,047,360.33. Gatdula said the remaining goal for the year is P140,387,639.67. She is positive, however, that BIR-Aklan will be able to surpass this target and register more collections than that of 2005.

Last year, BIR-Aklan projected first in the region in terms of collection compared to prior year. In terms of goal, the revenue district came second, according to Gatdula.

(PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/10/30/boracay.island.asserts.position.as.major.revenue.earner.for.aklan.html

Sa Caticlan na lang sila magpatayo ng Mall at hindi sa Boracay mismo. At least added income pa yan sa mga taga roon at ma preserve pa ang kagandahan ng Boracay as a beach and not as a place to go malling to.

good news ergit. Wonder why a very small island can generate such huge collection.

Bravo Boracay - The Pearl of the Orient Seas !

CALLING THE ATTENTION OF MALAY MAYOR CICERON CAWALING, DOT REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR WESTERN VISAYAS EDWIN TROMPETA and THE RESPONSIBLE PEOPLE OF BORACAY and FILIPINOS!

Maturn-off ro turista kon makit-an nga higko ang baeas it Boracay!

^^ Ditto! ang dumi tignan! yuck, gov't and private sectors must join in helping clean up boracay, b4 walang green algae sa seashore ngayon hindi na umaalis,ewww,turn off talaga!:ohno:

DBP stages ro-ro inter-island race
By BAM LUCES

BORACAY – The Development Bank of the Philippines’ (DBP) nationwide inter-island roll on, roll off (ro-ro) race recently reached this island paradise.

With a pot money of P500,000 the inter-island race was a challenging eight-leg competition spanning the entire archipelago via the Strong Republic Nautical Highway.

“DBP staged the activity to promote tourism thru roll on, roll off vessel,” said Basilia Fajardo, DBP branch head, Kalibo, Aklan.

Corporate inter-island race events are an exiting and fun way of motivating and integrating DBP staff, she added. Teamwork is being emphasized.

Even non-athletic participants enjoyed the competition, added Fajardo.

“The race’s emphasis was on technique and teamwork. The team that works the best together is the one that ends up winning the race,” said one team member.

The awarding ceremonies was held at the Pearl of the Pacific Resort in Brgy. Balabag here.

(source: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news7.htm)

^^Any updates sa construction ng Discover Shores at Shang-rila ?

^^Oo nga pala, any updates on these dev't? sana yung waste disposal/water system nila at par rin to environ. standards or even higher.

Amen Incognito. :)

for Boracay's sustainable energy:

P149-M BORACAY POWER PROJECT

Meanwhile, progress is now ongoing for Akelco and National Transmission Corporation (Transco) 69-kilovolt Panay Boracay Interconnection Project which was inaugurated earlier this year.

With a budget of P149 million, the project is the first phase of Transco’s Small Island Submarine Interconnection Development (SISID) program which aims to put up a bi-directional electricity highway at the nation’s western corridor and eventually complete the Luzon-Visayas transmission loop.

Link: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/aklan.htm)

been to boracay on 2002/3... the jetty port was not yet completely done but it looked attractive though... bora was so cool and i hope we take care of it..... it's a priceless treasure we've got...

^^ That's right zhock2001 !
Btw, please drop by in our Iloilo Thread. Cheers mate!

from www.boracay.com

X'MAS 2006-NEW YEAR 2007 ROOM AVAILABILITY
by: Updated:November 29,2006

We are pleased to offer you our listing of available rooms in Boracay for the coming Christmas/New Year holidays at the following resorts/hotels with their corresponding details, terms and conditions which we ask you to kindly review very carefully as we strictly apply them. If your dates do not exactly match those listed below, let us know and we will do our best to work out ours to match yours.

Due to many resorts/hotels in Boracay being already fully booked for that super peak holiday period, we can only offer the resorts/hotels you see below and so, if you don't see your preferred hotel or resort, we're afraid that we can't be of any further assistance. And so, please go ahead and make your choice from our very limited availabilities below!

BOAT STATION 1:

1) BANS BEACH RESORT
Beachfront, near Boat station 1

Check-in: December 26
Check-out: December 28
Quantity/Room Type: 1 Deluxe aircon room, has TV, refrigerator, hot & cold shower.

Room Rate: PhP 4,500 per room per night, based on single/twin/triple occupancy. Inclusive of breakfast for up to two (2) persons, applicable tax and service charge.

Extra person/mattress : Php 400/person/night, no breakfast included. This extra person/mattress charge is applicable to the 4th and 5th persons as the maximum occupancy allowed is five (5) persons.

ROUNDTRIP TRANSFERS:
Via Kalibo..................PhP 700/adult
Via Caticlan................PhP 600/adult
Children below 12 yrs...50% off

BOAT STATION 2:

2) BORACAY REGENCY
Beachfront, Hotel type with swimming pools

Check-in: December 26
Check-out: December 30
Quantity/Room Type: 1 Superior room

Check-in : December 26
Check-out: December 31
Quantity/Room Type: 2 Superior rooms

REGENCY HOLIDAY 4DAYS/3NIGHTS PACKAGE RATES
PER PERSON basis

SUPERIOR ROOM
PhP 28,558/person SINGLE Supplement
Extra night at PhP 8,833 per night
PhP 15,310/person TWN Sharing
Extra night at PhP 4,417 per person per night

PhP 11,186/person TRIPLE Sharing
Extra night at PhP 3,043 per person per night

Check-in: December 26
Check-out: December 27
Quantity/Room Type: 1 Family room

Check-in: December 26
Check-out: December 28
Quantity/Room Type: 1 Family room

FAMILY ROOM
PhP 11,951/person QUADRUPLE Sharing
Extra night at PhP 3,298 per person per night
PhP 10,149/person QUINTUPLE Sharing
Extra night at PhP 2,697 per person per night

Above Regency Holiday 4Days/3Nights package rates include:
4days 3nights airconditioned room accommodation.
Free daily breakfast, starting on the 2nd day.
Free daily dinner for three (3) evenings.
Free roundtrip land and sea transfers via Caticlan airport.

Extra night package rate includes airconditioned accommodations, breakfast, applicable tax and service charge only.

- Children from 7 years old and above will be considered adults.
- There is an additional PhP 300/person if transfer originates from Kalibo airport.

CHECK IN TIME: 1400H
CHECK OUT TIME: 1200H

3) RED COCONUT BEACH HOTEL
Beachfront, Hotel type with swimming pool

Check-in: December 26
Check-out: December 27
Quantity/Room Type: 3 Seaview superior rooms
Room Rate: PhP 6,810 per room per night, based on single/twin occupancy.
Extra Bed : PhP 1,300 /night

Check-in: December 26
Check-out: December 27
Quantity/Room Type: 2 Garden view aircon rooms
Room Rate: PhP 5,130 per room per night, based on single/twin occupancy.
Extra Bed : PhP 980/night

Check-in: December 29
Check-out: January 1
Quantity/Room Type: 1 Garden view aircon room
Room Rate: PhP 5,130 per room per night, based on single/twin occupancy.
Extra Bed: PhP 980/night

Above room rates include aircon room accommodation, applicable tax and service charge only. NO breakfast NOR transfers included.

Other Extra Charges:
Roundtrip Kalibo Transfers : PhP 760/adult
Roundtrip Caticlan Transfers: PhP 650/adult
American/Filipino breakfast : PhP 435

4) SUN VILLAGE CENTRAL
Beachfront, right beside Red Coconut Beach Hotel

The Sun Village Central is a quaint botique resort located in the middle of the famed white beach ( near boat station 2 ), within the hottest party and shopping places in Boracay. Its exciting features include:
* Spacious air-conditioned rooms with cable TV and private toilet and bath equipped with hot showers
* Full service restaurant serving continental, Asian and Filipino cuisine
* Coffee station serves freshly brewed coffee and other delicious coffee concoctions
* Cocktails at the beach bar

Check-in: December 26
Check-out: December 27
Quantity/Room Type: 1 Deluxe Room

Check-in: December 26
Check-out: December 29
Quantity/Room Type: 1 Deluxe Room

Room Rate: PhP 5,454 per room per night, based on single or twin occupancy.
PhP 1,350 per extra person per night

Above room rates include aircon room accommodation, tax and service charge. Maximum of 4 persons allowed in each room and so, extra person charge will apply to the 3rd and 4th persons. Meals and transfers are NOT included.

Other extra charges:
Roundtrip transfers Via Caticlan : PhP 650 per adult
Roundtrip transfers Via Kalibo : PhP 760 per adult

Breakfast : US$ 3

Children 10 years old & below, sharing bed with 2 adults, get to stay for free. However, two (2) kids 10 years old and below sharing room with at least one (1) adult are considered equivalent to one (1) adult. Full transfer rate applies to children from 3 to 10 years old though.

Check-in time: 1PM
Check-out time: 11AM

OTHER TERMS & CONDITIONS:

-ALL ABOVE RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

-U.S. DOLLAR RATES ARE CONVERTED TO PESOS AT THE PREVAILING RATE USED BY THE RESORT OR HOTEL AT TIME OF PAYMENT.

-IF YOUR TOUR DATES OR CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT DATES DO NOT EXACTLY MATCH OURS AS INDICATED ABOVE, YOUR BOOKING WILL HAVE TO BE REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE RESORT/HOTEL CONCERNED BEFORE WE CAN CONFIRM YOU.

-ABOVE ROOMS & PACKAGES ARE OFFERED ON A BOOK & BUY BASIS WHICH MEANS THAT ONCE YOU BOOK & GET CONFIRMED , FULL PREPAYMENT IN CASH/CHECK MUST FOLLOW. AND SO, RESORTS/HOTELS WILL NOT WAIT FOR AIRLINES TO CONFIRM YOUR FLIGHTS BEFORE YOU PAY THE ROOM(S).

-ALL ROOMS & PACKAGES SOLD ARE FINAL & THEREFORE, NON-REFUNDABLE, NON-REBOOKABLE.

-ALL BOOKINGS ARE SUBJECT TO OUR REVIEW, APPROVAL AND CONFIRMATION AS WE TRY OUR BEST TO MAXIMIZE OUR ROOM ALLOCATIONS.

-ABOVE LISTINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE AS IT UNDERGO CONSTANT REVISION WHEN ROOMS & PACKAGES ARE SOLD.

-WE DO NOT PROCESS CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS YET AND SO, BOOKINGS HAVE TO BE SETTLED IN CASH. IF YOU'RE BASED OVERSEAS, THIS MEANS THAT YOU'LL HAVE TO SEND YOUR PAYMENT VIA BANK WIRE OR TELEGRAPHIC TRANSFER, OR MONEY TRANSFER VIA WESTERN UNION, MONEYGRAM OR SIMILAR SERVICE. THEREFORE, EXPECT TO PAY ADDITIONAL TRANSACTIONAL FEES AS WE HAVE TO RECEIVE EXACT FULL PAYMENT WITHOUT ANY DEDUCTIONS THAT MAY RESULT FROM WIRE OR MONEY TRANSFER TRANSACTIONS.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE BASED IN THE PHILIPPINES, YOU MAY GO TO OUR OFFICE ADDRESS BELOW TO PAY IN PERSON OR MAKE THE CASH /CHECK PAYMENT VIA BANK DEPOSIT INTO OUR EQUITABLE-PCI OR BANCO DE ORO BANK ACCOUNT.

TO PLACE YOUR BOOKING, PLEASE CONTACT GIOVANNI OR FERRY AT THE CONTACT INFO BELOW.

BORACAY.COM
Managed & Operated by:
BRANDPHILIPPINES.com, Inc.
U79, Grace Park Comm'l Complex
4th Ave. West bet. J. Teodoro & A. Del Mundo Sts.
Grace Park, Kalookan City
Philippines

Boracay undertakes ecological projects
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=regions3_dec4_2006
By Jun Ariolo N. Aguirre

BORACAY ISLAND—The Boracay Chamber of Commerce and Industry has undertaken two environmental projects to allay fears that this resort island is unclean and dangerous to public health.

The Boracay chamber, which was recently accorded the Most Outstanding Young Chamber Award by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has built a material recovery facility and contracted Japanese waste management consultants to ensure that the island’s garbage problems are addressed according to international standards.

Charles Uy, the chamber’s president, said the material recovery facility was built with a P9.2-million financial assistance from the Department of Tourism and technical assistance from the Department of Science and Technology.

According to Jeorge Billedo, the chamber’s communication officer, the MRF uses a bio-reactor and they hope this technology will prove to the international community that the resort island is clean and safe for tourists.

Aside from the material recovery facility in coordination with the provincial and local government, the chamber has also contracted a solid waste management expert from the Japan International Cooperation Agency to boost their waste management campaign.

Uy said the Japanese consultant, whom he did not identify, is here to study how to fix the island’s closed dump, which was closed by the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau which claimed its operation might create environmental hazards.

In another development, Uy said the chamber has also contracted two lawyers, Wilfredo Peaflor and Clarence de Guia, to study the land valuation and titling problems faced by resort owners because of the controversial Presidential Proclamation 1064.

*********************************************

Ano naman kaya ang plano nila sa mga imburnal at kanal na umaagos sa dagat kagaya ng nakita ni Dancethingy

Boracay undertakes ecological projects
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=regions3_dec4_2006
By Jun Ariolo N. Aguirre

BORACAY ISLAND—The Boracay Chamber of Commerce and Industry has undertaken two environmental projects to allay fears that this resort island is unclean and dangerous to public health.

The Boracay chamber, which was recently accorded the Most Outstanding Young Chamber Award by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has built a material recovery facility and contracted Japanese waste management consultants to ensure that the island’s garbage problems are addressed according to international standards.

Charles Uy, the chamber’s president, said the material recovery facility was built with a P9.2-million financial assistance from the Department of Tourism and technical assistance from the Department of Science and Technology.

According to Jeorge Billedo, the chamber’s communication officer, the MRF uses a bio-reactor and they hope this technology will prove to the international community that the resort island is clean and safe for tourists.

Aside from the material recovery facility in coordination with the provincial and local government, the chamber has also contracted a solid waste management expert from the Japan International Cooperation Agency to boost their waste management campaign.

Uy said the Japanese consultant, whom he did not identify, is here to study how to fix the island’s closed dump, which was closed by the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau which claimed its operation might create environmental hazards.

In another development, Uy said the chamber has also contracted two lawyers, Wilfredo Peaflor and Clarence de Guia, to study the land valuation and titling problems faced by resort owners because of the controversial Presidential Proclamation 1064.

*********************************************

Ano naman kaya ang plano nila sa mga imburnal at kanal na umaagos sa dagat kagaya ng nakita ni Dancethingy


hintayin na lang natin..:)

Yehey ! The premiere tourist destination is back !


:dance: :dance:

More ecological and environmental projects for Boracay. Boracay is really beautiful. A pride for all of us Ilonggos, Western Visayans and Filipinos. Let's all help preserve Boracay's beauty. Its splendour is undeniably incomparable. That's why lots and lots of tourists are visiting Boracay.

Al-teeway, any pics of Boracay? Kindly share it with us p're.

^^ ^^ actually, I haven't seen this thread lately. I thought natapos na ang thread na to, yon pala nakatago lang. Thanks for bringing it back in the front page, al. Cheers amigo.

Any updates for Boracay? Please post here. Cheers !

Discovery Shores Boracay joins world’s exclusive circle

The brand of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) marks its first entry into key markets in the Middle East and Asia as it adds four new hotels to its rapidly growing portfolio of independent, privately-owned hotels. The landmark additions to its exclusive portfolio include new sophisticated hotels in the Middle East, Hong Kong and the latest prestige resort in the Philippines: Discovery Shores Boracay.

When it formally opens in February 2007, Discovery Shores in Boracay Island, the Philippines will represent luxury of the highest order. The hotel is built in the popular Station 1 of one of the top beach destinations in the world. Spread over a sprawling area of gently sloping terrain, Discovery Shores Boracay offers panoramic views of lush woodland, well-manicured tropical gardens, and one of the world’s finest white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.

The hotel’s spacious suites, ranging from 41 to 122 sq. meters, make them the most luxurious accommodations in Boracay. The sumptuous rooms are embraced between sea and slope with a breathtaking 67-meter beach, a majestic 14-meter waterfall, several cascading pools, and a swim up pool bar.

Discovery Shores’ main facilities include the Sands Restaurant and the Discovery Shores Spa operated by the world renowned Mandala Spa,

The inclusion of Discovery Shores Boracay into this elite circle of celebrated hotels and resorts assures guests of the highest quality of facilities designed to give the ultimate in pampering and beauty. In addition, it commits the hotel to participate in the economic development, cultural preservation and environmental protection of the island – the underlying objectives of SLH.

source: http://www.mb.com.ph/TOUR2006120681689.html

Another beauty to unveil soon in the world-famous island of Boracay. Hala Bira Boracay !

Photos By Nat Pagayonan
Using any of my photos for any commercial purposes without my written consent is a violation of Copyright Law

A Night In Boracay

http://ct.pbase.com/u41/explorer/large/39573541.ANightInBoracayP1200641.jpg
http://k53.pbase.com/u41/explorer/large/39573540.ANightInBoracayP1200638.jpg
http://k53.pbase.com/u41/explorer/large/39573550.ANightInBoracayP1200662.jpg
http://k47.pbase.com/u41/explorer/large/39573549.ANightInBoracayP1200660.jpg
http://ct.pbase.com/u41/explorer/large/39573548.ANightInBoracayP1200659.jpg
http://k43.pbase.com/u41/explorer/large/39573545.ANightInBoracayP1200652.jpg

sources:
http://ct.pbase.com/u41/explorer/large/39573541
http://k53.pbase.com/u41/explorer/large/39573540
http://k53.pbase.com/u41/explorer/large/39573550
http://k47.pbase.com/u41/explorer/large/39573549
http://ct.pbase.com/u41/explorer/large/39573548
http://k43.pbase.com/u41/explorer/large/39573545

Indi ko makita ang mga photos. Something wrong with my computer? :lol: :lol:

Another beauty to unveil soon in the world-famous island of Boracay. Hala Bira Boracay !
That's right. San- siya ma-open?

That's right. San- siya ma-open?

Post ko nalang ulit yung photos mamaya :) 2007 yata ang opening ng Shangri-La at Discovery Shores.

Boracay ID scheme begins

BY BAM LUCES

BORACAY – The Boracay Special Tourist Police Office (BSTPO) has started implementing the ID System here.

Residents, resort owners and workers, and those with businesses here are required to have the ID.

It remains unclear if tourists will also be required to secure the ID, and if they are, where must they apply for one.

The Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) supports the ID system.

It was the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) that proposed an identification (ID) system to bolster the security of this popular island resort.

For security reasons, workers and visitors going in and out of Boracay must be kept tract by the police, said Chief Supt. Geary Barias, regional police director.

“We are looking into this strategy to materialize soon. Policemen should especially monitor new faces,” Barias said a few months ago.

The ID system could also help the police track crime suspects who may be seeking shelter in Boracay.

The security measures in Boracay are not enough, Barias also said. “We need some high tech equipment that could help our security system.”

Barias said he already directed the Boracay Special Protection Unit (BSPU) to come up with a security master plan, particularly in the island’s entrance and exit points.

The ultimate goal is to prevent terrorist attacks in Boracay. “There are lots of foreigners and prominent figures are going in and out,” Barias stressed.

Last August, a police intelligence report had it that the Southeast Asia-based Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist organization will launch a series of attacks after suicide bombers slipped into the country. The terrorist group carried out the October 12, 2002 Bali island resort blasts that killed 202 people, mostly tourists, in Indonesia.

According to intelligence reports, the regional militant network Jemaah Islamiyah would carry out the attack with the help of the Abu Sayyaf.

MODERNIZING SECURITY MEASURES

With the global threat on terrorism, the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) prepared a “modern” security plan for Boracay and submitted it to Camp Crame.

Aside from the PNP, also securing Boracay are the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard.

Among the PRO-6’s recommendations are:
• setting up of a data base of residents, stakeholders and employees in Boracay;
• implementation of no-gun policy among the residents;
• modernization of equipments
• setting up of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) in key areas of Boracay.

Because it is believed that terrorists could enter Boracay through its shores, the Boracay Security Plan is also tasking the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard to simultaneously conduct patrol boat visibilities around the island.

At present, there are only 100 policemen in Boracay protecting some 13,000 residents.

Post ko nalang ulit yung photos mamaya :) 2007 yata ang opening ng Shangri-La at Discovery Shores.

Looking forward sa mga pics mo Al. Hala Bira ! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

bora is only 2 hours (private bus) ride from our house in nabas, pero dpko nkkpunta dun kahit kelan. hanggang sa ferry terminal lang kmi ng caticlan :cry:

*stabs our daddy for being so kuripot xd*

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/martiano/16348973.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/martiano/16202024.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/martiano/16202038.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/martiano/16202040.jpg

bora is only 2 hours (private bus) ride from our house in nabas, pero dpko nkkpunta dun kahit kelan. hanggang sa ferry terminal lang kmi ng caticlan :cry:

*stabs our daddy for being so kuripot xd*

ha? 2 hours? Kalibo is only 1 and a half hours to Boracay, while Nabas which is adjacent to Boracay is 2 Hours, How come?

great helicopter adventures. I like that one. Magkano ang rate per hour? I remember a heli tour of the Grand Canyon. Superb site for only 300 US dollars.

Looking forward sa mga pics mo Al. Hala Bira ! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

'ko rin.

great helicopter adventures. I like that one. Magkano ang rate per hour? I remember a heli tour of the Grand Canyon. Superb site for only 300 US dollars.


manglilibre ka space? hehe.. para makakuha tayo aerial photos ng aklan :)

Hi chigusa.. hindi ko namalayan na meron tayong bagong kasama. :) welcome fellow Aklanon!

manglilibre ka space? hehe.. para makakuha tayo aerial photos ng aklan :)
kung affordable man lang, wala gid problema migs. :)

BARRIA launches Boracay
educational tour for brgy dads
BY ULYSSES ESPARTERO

BORACAY – The Boracay Association of Resorts, Restaurants and Independent Allies, Inc. (BARRIA) chaired by Nemesio M. Dalisay recently launched its project, “Boracay Educational Tour.”

BARRIA Consultant Max P. Zurbito Jr. said the tour is part of the marketing thrust organized by BARRIA as its share in the promotion of tour movements to the island in the advent of the Philippine Tourism Authority’s (PTA) takeover of island’s administration.

Special feature of the program is a lecture series on “Good Governance – A Key to Economic Enterprise Development anchored on Sustainable Tourism.”

There will also be lectures on the powers and limitations of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials.

The thrust is to let them learn the rudiments in ordinance writing, deliberation and implementation, and likewise the opportunity to confer with their counterparts on the varied opportunities and concerns.

Resource persons were invited from the Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) particularly the tourism office, economic enterprise and jetty port administration.

The discussion will focus on the provincial government’s thrust especially with regards to the provincial tourism vision/mission, the rudiments of economic enterprise development and the role of jetty ports in tourism and socio-economic progress.

The program was first availed by the Sangguniang Barangay of Botongon, Estancia, Iloilo under the leadership of Punong Barangay Rodolfo M. dela Cruz.

“This was the first of the series of group of Barangay and SK officials and the rest of Iloilo province taking part on this program,” Zurbito confirmed.

link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/aklan.htm
source: Panay News

kung affordable man lang, wala gid problema migs. :)

me, too, space. Libre mo rin. :lol: :lol: :lol:

diin ini naghalin ang libre-libre nga ini? Puli ta ya Kirbs sa 2008 ah. Para sadya man lakwatsa ta. Tjis time balik Boracay naman kita. Ano mga foreigners lang may karapatan magkadto dira?

Puwede naman kita mangin foreigners kay iba man aton passport. Galing foreigner nga pinoy ang itsura. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Baka magiging Pasig River ang Boracay pag hindi inaksyunan. :ohno:

Baka magiging Pasig River ang Boracay pag hindi inaksyunan. :ohno:

I assure you na hindi mangyayari yan.. lahat ng mata nakatuon sa Boracay.

ha? 2 hours? Kalibo is only 1 and a half hours to Boracay, while Nabas which is adjacent to Boracay is 2 Hours, How come?

ntgalan ata kmi nun dati sa private car kya dko nmalayan ang oras :D but my bro who's been to bora coz of their company trip said it's only 2 hours nga from kalibo. dko maniwala :lol: it's like my byahe from home to skul ;o

@askal, wag nman! dpko nkkpunta dun! :D

I assure you na hindi mangyayari yan.. lahat ng mata nakatuon sa Boracay.
I agree Al. I hope Boracay will continue to redevelop environmentally. MOre info for Boracay ecological improvement!
Hala Bira Boracay!

DOTC to prioritize upgrading of Caticlan airport

MALAY, Aklan - In support of tourism development, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is embarking on a prioritized program of upgrading and construction of the country's airport to serve as gateways to major tourism destinations, including the Caticlan airport.
DOTC secretary Leandro Mendoza said the rehabilitation of old and construction of new ones aim to spur domestic travel and encourage investment in the local region.

"The enhanced efforts of the DOTC to attract more local and foreign tourists would ultimately translate to national economic growth as more tourists mean more jobs and livelihood opportunities for all," he added.

Some of the airports scheduled for construction and upgrading are the Regional International Airport in Daraga City, Albay; the Caticlan Airport in Malay, Aklan, Panglao and Tagbilaran airports in Bohol; the new Iloilo Airport and Silay Airport in Bacolod.

The improvement of the existing Caticlan airport, a main jump off point to the famed Boracay Island, would further enhance the tourism industry and services in the island, he stressed.

Mendoza said the completion of development work on the runway and terminal facilities at the Loakan and Bagabag Airports and the introduction of regular flights to the region would give tourists and potential investors bound for the Cordillera region to visit Baguio City, the Banaue Rice Terraces and the heritage sites in Banaue, Hungduan, Kiangan and Mayoyao.

To cope with the increasing tourists traffic in Palawan, the DOTC will upgrade the Palawan Airport to meet the international standards.

The DOTC has also programmed the improvement of the existing Busuanga Airport and the construction of the El Nido Airport to serve as links to the Northern Palawan destinations.

Mendoza said they will also construct a new one in Lallo, Cagayan, which will connect to Cordillera by upgrading of the Tabuk-Tuguegarao road by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Other airports for construction and rehabilitation are the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City, the new Zamboanga International Airport; the Dipolog Airport; the Pagadian Airport and the Balai Airport in Iligan.

expect more South Koreans to flood Boracay pristine waters next year. Go BORACAY !

After ATI-ATIHAN, it's BORACAY's time na for many visitors and tourists. Then DINAGYANG in Iloilo City. Few more weeks to go .... and counting ! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

any news for Bora?
Btw, I'm glad to hear that they're tightening up security in Philippine's premiere tourist destination, Boracay Island. I hope they'll form a task force to overlook the island all the time for visitors and tourists alike.

wala mo ni siguro mabasahan Space. But here's an answer to your prayer.
___________


Boracay security task group formed
By Erly C. Garcia

Various law enforcement agencies yesterday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the enhancement of security at the world renown Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan in the wake of terror threats in the country.

The MOA eventually created the Joint Task Group Boracay (JTGB) with the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 as the lead agency.

JTGB is composed of specified units, offices and personnel of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency and the Philippine Coast Guard.

Chief Supt. Geary Barias, PRO 6 regional director, said the MOA formalizes and defines the role of every agency involved in the security of Boracay Island.

more info: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/12/15/boracay.security.task.group.formed.html
source: The News Today

Boracay back to normal
BY DELON PORCALLA


BORACAY -Despite being hit by super typhoon "Seniang," it’s business as usual at Boracay island in Aklan and the world-renowned tropical beach resort still has electricity.

Orlando Sacay, Boracay Foundation Inc. chairman clarified newspaper reports that the island remains powerless. Most resort owners, particularly the huge ones, have generator sets, he added.

The owner of Waling-Waling Beach Hotel said because of poor electric service in the island for the past years, resorts have generating capacity, with more than 200 generator sets to handle frequent brownouts.

"Boracay is back to normal, there’s no need to worry," he said.
Nenette Aguirre-Graf, BFI president, said, "We are looking at two weeks maximum to put the island in full operation." Water in the island was restored earlier in the week.

Graf, who owns The Boracay Beach Resort, said the typhoon claimed the life of a "boatman who fell on the water and drowned." All the missing persons have all been accounted for by the Philippine Coast Guard right after the typhoon left.

Electricity was restored early this week in the main road of Malay town, where Boracay Island is located, as promised by the Aklan Electric Company (Akelco).

Graf said Seniang caused damages to many houses of local residents in the island, including beach bars and restaurants that were made of light materials.

Several boats were destroyed and later capsized.

good for Boracay. Let's keep the country's premiere destination clean and clear.
Hala Bira Boracay !

http://static.flickr.com/132/322656183_0c378f7d9a.jpg?v=0
Fridays Boracay, Beachfront, November, 2006

http://static.flickr.com/142/319753512_a2878b23ef.jpg?v=0
Fridays Boracay, Beachfront, November, 2006


http://static.flickr.com/138/326622982_b647e59893.jpg?v=0
Still the best in Boracay, IMO.

Wow! November is one of the best months to go to Boracay. Those colliforms (not sure of the spelling :)) are hibernating.

Mukhang banned na nga ang mga bangka sa dalampasigan... Cool!

now that's the Boracay i've known the first time i've visited in 1992!

http://static.flickr.com/132/322656183_0c378f7d9a.jpg?v=0
Fridays Boracay, Beachfront, November, 2006

http://static.flickr.com/142/319753512_a2878b23ef.jpg?v=0
Fridays Boracay, Beachfront, November, 2006


http://static.flickr.com/138/326622982_b647e59893.jpg?v=0
Still the best in Boracay, IMO.
really, really beautiful. I miss Boracay now !

now that's the Boracay i've known the first time i've visited in 1992!

That's right Edmund. The pics are reminiscent of the old Boracay when I went there for the first time in 1991. Clean beach, minimal bancas at the shoreline, no concrete resort structures and no electricity even.

Those were the good ole days...

Wow! Wow! and Wow!
Thanks for posting these beautiful photos of Boracay, DaimosLA.

http://static.flickr.com/142/319753512_a2878b23ef.jpg?v=0
Fridays Boracay, Beachfront, November, 2006


Grabe. I love this picture. Salamat DaimosLA!

That's right Edmund. The pics are reminiscent of the old Boracay when I went there for the first time in 1991. Clean beach, minimal bancas at the shoreline, no concrete resort structures and no electricity even.

Those were the good ole days...

Shayaman,
Yeah, i've been back to Boracay again in 1995, 2000. And i have to say it made my heart break to see how Boracay had changed and this goes with the pollution and more rough corals on the shore. I remember in 1992, we were barefoot the whole time we were in the beach and the sad was as fine as flour. :ohno:

Shayaman,
Yeah, i've been back to Boracay again in 1995, 2000. And i have to say it made my heart break to see how Boracay had changed and this goes with the pollution and more rough corals on the shore. I remember in 1992, we were barefoot the whole time we were in the beach and the sad was as fine as flour. :ohno:

i share the same feelings. i still have old pictures of my holy week in boracay in the 1980's. how i wish it should have stayed that way.

Shayaman,
Yeah, i've been back to Boracay again in 1995, 2000. And i have to say it made my heart break to see how Boracay had changed and this goes with the pollution and more rough corals on the shore. I remember in 1992, we were barefoot the whole time we were in the beach and the sad was as fine as flour. :ohno:

If you were back after 3 years only, imagine my surprise when I went back 10 years after in 2001.

Pagbaba ko pa lang sa beach, sumalubong na sa amin yung mga lumot. They said that these were present ever since, seasonal nga daw. Di ko lang alam kung anong months ito lumalabas. In 1991, it was April when we went there… walang lumot. In 2001, it was February… maraming lumot. These latest pictures was taken in November… walang lumot.

In 1991, we still walk on sand at the main road. In 2001, it’s already paved.

In 1991, we can walk and wade along the beach with not much obstruction. In 2001, zigzag ang lakad mo because of the bancas moored along the beach.

In 1991, we were told by the owner of the resort where we stayed that it was prohibited to construct structures that predominantly use concrete materials. After 10 years, concrete structures are everywhere.

In 1991, we used lanterns as lights in our cottage; big resorts used generators for their power requirements. The submarine cable from Panay was still in the works at that time. In 2001, the island was already powered up. I consider electricity a must for the island though.

I’m not so sure sure about the sand’s fineness in 2001. I was able to take home a jar-full of white sand in 1991. It’s really powder-fine.

the government hasnt put good enough measures to keep the beauty of boracay.. grrrrrrrrrr!

i still have Boracay's sand with me. :lol: :lol:

Russians flock Boracay

THE year 2007 opens with a bang for Western Visayas tourism with the arrival of two charter groups from the Russia Federation in Boracay Island Jan. 5,6 and 8.

The groups carry 403 Russian tourists from Vladivostok and Kransncyarsk, Siberia.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Director Edwin G. Trompeta said these charters are scheduled every first week of January in conjunction with the Orthodox New Year in Russia.

The groups are staying an average of 8-10 days.

Blue Horizon Travel and Tours, Inc., the company handling the charter groups from Russia since early 90’s with Boracay and Cebu as the main destinations, is optimistic that with the completion of Iloilo and Silay airports, Western Visayas will be beneficiary of direct international flights in the future.

The local governments of Aklan and Malay together with the DOT, PNP have been requested to extend courtesies to the group and ensure the safe, convenient and comfortable stay of the visitors in the island.

The cooperation of the LGU and the composite security task force in Boracay has been requested considering that Boracay has limited entry and exit capabilities for the efficient handling in case of the emergency situation.

It is expected that Aklan province and Malay will realize considerable economic value from the charter.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/topstories9.php)

Shayaman,
Yeah, i've been back to Boracay again in 1995, 2000. And i have to say it made my heart break to see how Boracay had changed and this goes with the pollution and more rough corals on the shore. I remember in 1992, we were barefoot the whole time we were in the beach and the sad was as fine as flour. :ohno:

I remember the sand so white too. Now it's grey and it's black and white sand mixed . the second time i went i wasn't even sure if it was boracay because I was expecting a whiter colored shoreline. :ohno:

I remember the sand so white too. Now it's grey and it's black and white sand mixed . the second time i went i wasn't even sure if it was boracay because I was expecting a whiter colored shoreline. :ohno:

yes, the sand was whitter the first time i went there in 1992. it is so sad to see this happened and the gov't officals seems to not show any concern. i guess they just want to get the most of the island until it just get rotten and no one wants to go there anymore and they search for another island to exploit.

^^ good 2007 start for Boracay, Space. I hope to see more Europeans in my next visit sa Boracay.

I talked to my moms friend today.. and she said that she has been to boracay. (shes british btw).. and she told me she had to get a very small plane going there and all the other passengers were chicken and goats and she was like "oh my, i do hope the island is not like this" and she felt that the plane was unreliable too... lol... she said neks time shell go to some other place rather than boracay even though she commented that it was like paradise that was a bit too overcrowded... i was whispering to myself *if you only saw the other side of the island, full of squatters already* lol... but i told her to get back there, or palawan, or bohol, or cebu and she said shes definitely going back to the pinas because she doesnt find it hard to communicate with the poeple there

squatters in Boracay island? oh my, this is so hearth breaking.....why did they let this happened to the island? sometimes i wish a major resort, just 1, lease the whole island. in this way it would be talen care of. darn it!

Squatters at Boracay? Damn, I thought local government supposed to issue ID's for the local to control the population? I supposed these squatters have ID's

^^ good 2007 start for Boracay, Space. I hope to see more Europeans in my next visit sa Boracay.
ditto mi amigo. :banana:

I can't believe squatters would infiltrate Boracay, there's so many places for them to pest, they chose one of country's assets instead.

Boracay tourist arrivals reach .5-million mark

BORACAY, Aklan: The target of both the provincial government and the Department of Tourism of 1million Boracay tourists by year 2010 is slowly being realized.

Both foreign and local tourists’ arrivals registered a significant increase in the year 2006.

Summary of tourist arrivals report prepared by the Malay Municipal Tourism Office showed that Boracay had welcomed 510,232 foreign and local tourists from January 1 to December 31, 2006.

Of the figure, some 321,014 were domestic tourists.

The foreign tourists—from East Asia, South Asia, Middle East, North America, South America, West Europe, South Europe, East Europe, Australia and Africa—reached 163,024.

“The figures would have been better if not for the series of typhoons that affected Boracay, especially during the months of September and November,” said Barbarra Flores, tourism operations officer.

August tourist arrivals only reached 28,494 (foreign and domestic) while November recorded 39,195.

The month of October and December got more tourists arrivals as it registered 44,194 and 45,852 respectively.

Of the categorized group of countries, South Asia registered the most number of foreign tourist arrivals taking. The leader was Korea, which registered 110,519 visitors, followed by China, which had 5,832, Japan with 4,316 and Hong Kong, 2,479.

Following the lead was North America with 10,235 from the USA; followed by Canada with 2,264; and Mexico, 2,200.

North Europe: United Kingdom registered 3,876 tourists followed by Sweden, 1595; and Denmark, 1,077 among others.
--Panay News


source: The Manila Times (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/jan/08/yehey/prov/20070108pro5.html)

I can't believe squatters would infiltrate Boracay, there's so many places for them to pest, they chose one of country's assets instead.

isnt that just irritating and hearth breaking? i dont think i could go back to Boracay again, i would just be so depressed to see what happend to this beautiful island.

A lot of comments were already posted ‘bout these squatters but until now, I still have a vague idea on how this squatter colony looks like. Perhaps ikra could elaborate on this… by describing in more details what she saw? Approximately how many shanties are there? Is it dense? Is it near the beach or within a forested area? A picture from anyone can help us clear things up since no one has ever mentioned any squatters colony in Boracay before as far as I know.

they are on the inside of the island. It is also ridden with trikes so the noise and eventually air pollution if not regulated and IMO banned will continually destroy boracay.
the mayor must be one greedy #$*. Most provincial LGUs are still of the guns and goons type. :ohno:

Are they not the original residents of the island since Boracay island is composed of 3 populated barangays before it became a tourist destination? Whether they are illegal settlers or not, I also believe that these settlements should be properly monitored and regulated by the local government. There should be no permanent migration to the island. Who knows, some of these people are relatives and friends of the original residents who came to the island from other places to settle there because of economic opprotunity that the island will provide them.

legal residents or not one thing for sure is thaat boracay is a small islang and cannot support all that people or it will die.

They should just shove off anyone who isn't doing anything for the benefit of Boracay. I can't believe nag-bubulagbulagan ang mga politicians nila sa Boracay, if I was the mayor I would immediately burn the squatters down if they refuse to move away (yung house, di sila no, di naman ako demonyo). We need iron fists in this country, alot of Filipinos are so poorly disciplined.

ha ha ha. Grabe ka talaga, Otakaw. But I do agree with you. Anything not beneficial to Boracay should be condemned and put in oblivion. :)

I like how otakaw thinks.

Are they not the original residents of the island since Boracay island is composed of 3 populated barangays before it became a tourist destination? Whether they are illegal settlers or not, I also believe that these settlements should be properly monitored and regulated by the local government. There should be no permanent migration to the island. Who knows, some of these people are relatives and friends of the original residents who came to the island from other places to settle there because of economic opprotunity that the island will provide them.

The original residents are the "Atis" and some Akeanon. The squatters nowadays are the people coming from the south (I've been to Boracay several times in 2004-2005 and much earlier in 2001 and really theres lot of changes both good and bad). I am not against Muslim Traders but they are actually infiltrating the area at a rapid pace that they could outnumber the "locals"....in due time. Its like flocking to the city. They of course sell everything from beads to pearls to sarong. I'm only suggesting that this should be regulated for safety of Boracay as well both environmentally and againts terrorism.

I don't know if right now the Boracay Sewerage system has improved... which will be the key factor in keeping Boracay clean.

Just my HMO!

:banana: :banana: :banana:

Boracay here I come. Looking forward to see Boracay na naman. Naka-schedule na akon kadto sa Boracay. Kabay pa nga indi lang magbaylo ang paminsaron sang mga relatives ko to change a venue for outing. My sis is invited sang iya friend to spend three days in Kalibo. So big possibility that we might take an offer kay nagpauli gid siya from US to attend Ati-atihan and dira magpabunyag sang iya bata sa Aklan. Pag madayon, I'll post more of Boracay pictures diri.

Wow! Mapa-Boracay ka gale Weck. Sige lang ng sige !

and the stupid manilenos artistas who dirty and leave their trash everywhere.

Hey guys, I see a lot of great feedback on the restaurant/bar below on the net. You guys might want to check it out. Buffet (picture) is only 200 php. Live entertainment/band sometimes karaoke. Located at/in Alice of Wonderland, Beach front-on White Beach, Between Boat Station 2 and 3, Next to a Diving Store. Never been there myself, so if anyone does, take some pics.


http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o99/jjpaul_c/Secs8.jpg

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o99/jjpaul_c/SECSinBoracay.jpg

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o99/jjpaul_c/Secs.jpg

and the stupid manilenos artistas who dirty and leave their trash everywhere.

:tongue3:

13 January 2007

North of Station 1

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/1102/boranthdq8.jpg

stayed here for a week but the weather was generally overcast and there were a few drizzles early morning and early evening. It was my first time to stay on the northern part of white beach and now i definitely know this is the area where i'll be coming back to.

this is only a few of the many pictures i took where the skies were a bit clearer though i still adjusted brightness and saturation on this one.

http://img354.imageshack.us/img354/5305/hotelshangboracaytm2.png (http://imageshack.us)

Shangrila - Spa and Resort Boracay

- Presidential and VIP villas, 50 Villas and 170 guestrooms
- Chi Spa and treatment room cabanas
- Main building housing lobby, lobby lounge and coffee shop restaurant
- Banquet Facilities with pavilions, breezeways, courtyards, and function terraces
- Entertainment zones, sports zones, swimming pool levels

Hey guys/gals...I've never been to Boracay...I'm from Canada
How much does it cost to go there to Boracay let's say from Metro Manila
travel cost, hotels(not the most expensive resorts but a good quality well known company one), amenities etc... how much will it all cost me in Pesos for like a 1-2 weeks stay? thanks

Onionz,

1- 2 weeks stays sounds delightful..as far as costs go and if you have stayed in Makati...well its pretty much alike. Beach views are pricey whereas those inland costs less, unless they are boutique hotels.

i think its best if you get to know the places in boracay and the white beach which resorts are classified by stations (stations 1 to 3), these areas have varying price points in restaurants and resorts.

you can get more answers at
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g294260-Boracay_Visayas-Vacations.html
the forums have information by travelers for travelers.

13 January 2007

North of Station 1

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/1102/boranthdq8.jpg

stayed here for a week but the weather was generally overcast and there were a few drizzles early morning and early evening. It was my first time to stay on the northern part of white beach and now i definitely know this is the area where i'll be coming back to.

this is only a few of the many pictures i took where the skies were a bit clearer though i still adjusted brightness and saturation on this one.
nice pic crez. :cheers:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/134/322343145_91555ca246.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/134/322342038_ea79cd8e20.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/139/323203082_608d2abfeb.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/137/322656181_70abdb0a26.jpg?v=0
Taken last November, 2006 on our last visit to the island. Still great after all these years. Stayed at Fridays.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/138/326622982_b647e59893.jpg?v=0
Fridays Boracay

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/132/322656183_0c378f7d9a.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/130/319756839_1fb212efa4.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/142/319753512_a2878b23ef.jpg?v=0
Our usual hangout at Fridays!

^^ what an awesome vacation! :eek2:

very nice! the water look really clear just like in the early 90's. i really wish and hope that they'll do something about the water pollution, garbage, population problem in the island. it would just a shame and heart breaking to see this paradise go to dump@!

i think those pics were taken a while ago. It doesn't look like that now anymore. they should also get rid of the boats. last time we were there ,there were no places to swim as there were boats evere 10 meters.
they also pollute the water.

yeah that's true about those boats

and apparently there are squatters at the back of the island

Crappypants, those pictures were taken last November 2006...

It's been a while since I've been back to Boracay (more than 10 years ago was my last visit) and when I visited last November, I was expecting the island to be commercialized, a bit dirtier, etc...

Surprisingly, I wasn't disappointed when I went back in 2006. Yes, given that it's a bit more commercialized, let's give some credits to the folks living and working in Boracay. I'm sure they want the island to be as pristine as possible because their lives depend on people who visit the place.

Water is still clear, and clean.

And let's not be too selfish about those boats, they're the livelihood of the people who live there. There is actually a regulation now about anchoring those boats near the shore. And besides, they add an "exotic", Filipino touch. That's what tourists are looking for, the local flavor.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/128/322635624_79268b925b.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/130/322342043_6dcddb839b.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/135/323197406_f45d5f63ec.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/142/319756844_cac300b158.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/131/319753535_c67b0db09f.jpg?v=0

Those boats....

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/129/319753527_b5aa800207.jpg?v=0

That boat is distinctly Filipino.

it depends on the time of year kasi.. pag summer medyo madumi yung shore.. pero pag November to January.. malinis sya..

it depends on the time of year kasi.. pag summer medyo madumi yung shore.. pero pag November to January.. malinis sya..

yeah, i think Nov to Feb is the best time to go to boracay... cleaner, less people and low season rates pa :okay:

yan naman!! ano kelan tayo pupuntang Bora?

yeah, i think Nov to Feb is the best time to go to boracay... cleaner, less people and low season rates pa :okay:

the pictures of DaimosLA are recent

notice one of the boats has a Discovery Shores logo, thats the new and still being finished new upmarket hotel.

but i find its "mediterranean" adaptation to be an eyesore. most visitors (specially foreigners) want native inspired buildings, not concrete carparks!

----

hi there spacewagon1, i didn't get a chance to see Guimaras, the local gov't has done a poor job promoting the island...i really wanted to go there but didn't know which place is free from the oil spill.

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/8937/dscn0728tk4.jpg
http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/7112/dscn0877hk6.jpg
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/5756/dscn1207fj2.jpg
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/1072/dscn1050oj0.jpg
My Boracay Vacation 2007

@Incognito: Looks like we have the same itinerary whilst in Iloilo. Cool man. I'll post our Boracay pics soon. Just awaiting my photbucket uploads.

here's my share:

BORACAY - January 20-22, 2007 (with 33 of my friends and relatives)

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/ILOILO20073040.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/ILOILO20073041.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/ILOILO20073042.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/ILOILO20073043.jpg

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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/ILOILO20073062.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/ILOILO20073063.jpg

and who says there's a banca docking in the seaside? :lol: :lol:

more to come fo my Boracay Trip. Truly, the best beach and nightlife for me ..... cheers !

beautiful Boracay pics Weck. Ina 'ya ! :banana: :banana: :banana:

the pictures of DaimosLA are recent

notice one of the boats has a Discovery Shores logo, thats the new and still being finished new upmarket hotel.

but i find its "mediterranean" adaptation to be an eyesore. most visitors (specially foreigners) want native inspired buildings, not concrete carparks!

----

hi there spacewagon1, i didn't get a chance to see Guimaras, the local gov't has done a poor job promoting the island...i really wanted to go there but didn't know which place is free from the oil spill.
poor Guimaras' promotion indeed, crez. Did you happen to drop by the regional DOT whilst you're in Iloilo? They could have helped you a bit with regards to Guimaras' beaches. Anyway, Boracay is sure the best choice for beach lover like you. All the pics posted looks really nice and cool.

has anyone tried nami resort?

Got back from Boracay a couple of weeks ago. Last time I was there was in 1993. I was shocked at first, but the sand is as white as ever, and the resorts and restaurants are pricey but good quality. I think the new sewerage system is doing well. They have gotten rid of the boat stations on White Beach, and there is only one entry point now at the south end. They also started cracking down on the boats anchored unneccessarily at the beach -- I think the enforcers came by early February because the beach seemed strangely empty of boats after Jan 30.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e117/PiliNut/Bora1.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e117/PiliNut/Bora2.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e117/PiliNut/Bora3.jpg

^^ ^^ very nice pictures systematica. Boracay is becoming more and more "commercial" but still maintaining it's pristine good looks. I'm glad the national government and provincial government of Aklan is always looking at things for improvement and what's best for the island. Judging from all your photos posted above, the sand looks as marvelous as ever, and water's pristine as well.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/ILOILO20073062.jpg
other from D'Mall, there's a D'Talipapa as well. Any more photos Weck?

il go der.. soon...

i loved those photos. Cool Boracay !

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/129/319753527_b5aa800207.jpg?v=0

That boat is distinctly Filipino.

yup... bora sunset.. as beautiful as ever...:)

here's one of the pics i took last year...

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s282/aldrinbee/BoraSunset07a.jpg

^^ i bet no one has taken a sunrise picture at white beach :lol: :nuts:

there's always something in the sunset, ika nga. Great photo, double_bee.

While I had a fantastic time on Boracay, I just wanted to vent a few beefs.

One thing the government should do is build nice public washrooms at regular intervals along the beach. I saw quite a few guys peeing right into the water (pinoys and foreigners alike) at night. With all those bars and restaurants, there should be an effort to build enough CRs. A lot of establishments serve food and drink without having to provide facilites, and taxes should be levied on them to fund public washrooms.

Another thing are the dogs: they crap all over the place, and if it's ever picked up, it is not until the wee hours in the morning. Unleashed dogs should not be alowed on the beach and should be rounded up, with their owners fined, and if nobody claims them, they should be shipped off-island.

Noise by-laws. God, does the island ever need these. From unneccessarily loud discos broadcasting their music out towards the water to rooster coops directly behind resorts. I puzzles me why some people have to raise fighting cocks on a resort island! We had to move from one hotel because the noise of 10 roosters from 4am was just unbearable.

While I had a fantastic time on Boracay, I just wanted to vent a few beefs.

One thing the government should do is build nice public washrooms at regular intervals along the beach. I saw quite a few guys peeing right into the water (pinoys and foreigners alike) at night. With all those bars and restaurants, there should be an effort to build enough CRs. A lot of establishments serve food and drink without having to provide facilites, and taxes should be levied on them to fund public washrooms.

Another thing are the dogs: they crap all over the place, and if it's ever picked up, it is not until the wee hours in the morning. Unleashed dogs should not be alowed on the beach and should be rounded up, with their owners fined, and if nobody claims them, they should be shipped off-island.

Noise by-laws. God, does the island ever need these. From unneccessarily loud discos broadcasting their music out towards the water to rooster coops directly behind resorts. I puzzles me why some people have to raise fighting cocks on a resort island! We had to move from one hotel because the noise of 10 roosters from 4am was just unbearable.

Hello! very good observations, could we send this to a gov't official incharge in the island of Boracay? they should actually have tourists fill out a form what they like, dislike and what thye could do to improve the island as a majot tourist destination.

i agree, those dogs, roosters and animals (pets) have no business is the island, they should enforce this matter.

CR, i agree with you also, they should have public restrooms that is connected to a sewer (if the island have one).

Prostitutes, they should also watch for the loose prostitutes. the last time i was there in 2002 or 2003, me and my cousin was being chased by crossdresser male and they dont understand the work "no". it was actauly very irritating, we have to tell the security of the resort to stop them from following us.

Very nice suggestions guys. This will surely help Boracay move forward. Please post your comments or email the Department of Tourism Region 6 in Iloilo City and the Province of Aklan. I'm sure they're all willing to listen to any tourist comments for the good of Boracay.

Department of Tourism - Western Visayas (Region 6)
Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City 5000
Tel. : (033)3375411
Telefax: (033)3350245
email: deptour6@mozcom.com or deptour6@iloilo.net

Thanks.

Prostitutes, they should also watch for the loose prostitutes.

Aren't all prostitutes loose? :lol:

Aren't all prostitutes loose? :lol:


:lol: good point! :lol:

i guess crossdressing males do not fall into that category automatically :lol:

double post

While I had a fantastic time on Boracay, I just wanted to vent a few beefs.

One thing the government should do is build nice public washrooms at regular intervals along the beach. I saw quite a few guys peeing right into the water (pinoys and foreigners alike) at night. With all those bars and restaurants, there should be an effort to build enough CRs. A lot of establishments serve food and drink without having to provide facilites, and taxes should be levied on them to fund public washrooms.

Another thing are the dogs: they crap all over the place, and if it's ever picked up, it is not until the wee hours in the morning. Unleashed dogs should not be alowed on the beach and should be rounded up, with their owners fined, and if nobody claims them, they should be shipped off-island.

Noise by-laws. God, does the island ever need these. From unneccessarily loud discos broadcasting their music out towards the water to rooster coops directly behind resorts. I puzzles me why some people have to raise fighting cocks on a resort island! We had to move from one hotel because the noise of 10 roosters from 4am was just unbearable.

Hello! very good observations, could we send this to a gov't official incharge in the island of Boracay? they should actually have tourists fill out a form what they like, dislike and what thye could do to improve the island as a majot tourist destination.
i agree, those dogs, roosters and animals (pets) have no business is the island, they should enforce this matter.

CR, i agree with you also, they should have public restrooms that is connected to a sewer (if the island have one).

Prostitutes, they should also watch for the loose prostitutes. the last time i was there in 2002 or 2003, me and my cousin was being chased by crossdresser male and they dont understand the work "no". it was actauly very irritating, we have to tell the security of the resort to stop them from following us.

I especially agree with the highlighted comments of @Edmundtanso. All tourist and recreational facilities should have this feedback questionnaire. Almost all hotel establishments here have those. Disney and Universal studios have those if only to upgrade the services in the area and to further enhance tourism. Most importantly, it will also address the ecological concerns of the people -- the beauty of Boracay after all is the reason why people go there.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/132/390517214_ec901064f1.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/128/390517213_06e2380a0f.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/141/323206672_0c3cb539c3.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/323197404_1dba7a951e.jpg?v=0
Taken early morning

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/135/322532098_b741e15b58.jpg?v=0
I love these kids

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/143/322546530_9be473a423.jpg?v=0

That's my partner.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/127/392508862_bb05face2d.jpg?v=0

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Beautiful photos, DaimosLA. Thanks for sharing it with us.

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/7965/dscn1247mr4.jpg
http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/3223/dscn1248zg0.jpg
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/3493/dscn1163nq7.jpg
Feb 2007 Caticlan/Boracay

^^ man, you're everywhere. Enjoy ka talaga sa bakasyon mo. more, more, more Incognito ! :banana:

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/7965/dscn1247mr4.jpg
http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/3223/dscn1248zg0.jpg
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/3493/dscn1163nq7.jpg
Feb 2007 Caticlan/Boracay

Do you also cheer for Real Madrid?? I love that team!

anyway, fully implemented na gali ang one-entry, one-exit sa boracay kag na-clear na ang front beach sang mga bangka.

^^ good improvement for Boracay, al-teeway. Wecky says, the front beach were all cleared of banca or pumpboats since January this year unless you go for island-hopping tours where a banca will collect your groups in a nearest beachside. And yes, one entry, one exit is fully implemented, too. :banana:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/132/390517214_ec901064f1.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/128/390517213_06e2380a0f.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/141/323206672_0c3cb539c3.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/323197404_1dba7a951e.jpg?v=0
Taken early morning

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/135/322532098_b741e15b58.jpg?v=0
I love these kids

I really enjoyed your pictures of Boracay @DaimosLA. Oh, I remember those ice candies in plastics. It's funny how those Boracay kids are eating those while swimming in the waters. I hope they don't just throw away the plastic in the water.


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/158/392510657_4ee5acb4f5.jpg?v=0

The dog seemed to be in blissful contentment just soaking in the sun, the sand and the sea. He is so cute. :)

Test on first pic...:cheers1:


http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t260/callmethebreeze77/darrensphilsphotos022.jpg

Finished Sandcastle

Finished Sandcastle

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t260/callmethebreeze77/darrensphilsphotos080.jpg

Beach Shot

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t260/callmethebreeze77/darrensphilsphotos060.jpg

After rough day at beach, you always need refreshments:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t260/callmethebreeze77/darrensphilsphotos048.jpg

Me cruising the high seas......


http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t260/callmethebreeze77/darrensphilsphotos082.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t260/callmethebreeze77/darrensphilsphotos084.jpg

^^nice pictures!! :D

i'm going to boracay this june for my birthday celeb..but whew, i'm worried about the weather..it's rainy season pa naman..any suggestions guys on where to stay??

^^ friday's and waling waling has always been favorites. if you're looking to splurge a bit, nami boracay looks very nice. very secluded pa and you get your own butler. hehe. www.namiboracay.com

nice Boracay photos @callmethebreeze77! Thanks or posting 'em here.

part 1 >>http://abante.com.ph/issue/mar0807/main.htm

part 2>>http://abante.com.ph/issue/mar1007/main.htm

Aklan - The Philippines' Oldest Province

Brief Description
Aklan is the oldest province in the Philippines, organized in 1213 by settlers from Borneo, as the Minuro it Akean to include what is now Capiz. It became an independent province when President Magsaysay signed into law on April 25, 1956, Republic Act 1414 separating Aklan from Capiz. Aklan was inaugurated as an independent province on November 8, 1956.


Geography
Aklan encompasses the northwestern portion of Panay Island and nearby Boracay Island, both situated within the Visayas island group and having an estimated land area of 181, 789 hectares. Cadastrally located between 12°N, 11°19' S and between 121°50' W, 122°35' E, the province is bordered by the Sulu Sea on the northwest, the Sibuyan Sea on the northeast and the east, by the province of Antique on the west, and by the province of Capiz on the south. The northernmost limit of Aklan is Lapuz-Lapuz point on Boracay Island (Malay), while the southernmost limit is that point in the municipality of Libacao where the borders of Aklan, Antique, Capiz meet. The easternmost part of the province is the eastern shoreline of Mambuquiao Bay in the municipality of Batan; the westernmost location is Pucio Point (Buruanga).


Political Subdivision
The province is composed of 17 municipalities, the largest in land area being Libacao, and the smallest, Lezo. Each municipality maintains a municipal government whose seat is the poblacion. It has 327 barangays.


Climate
According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geographical and Astronomical Service Administration, the province of Aklan is characterized by two areas of somewhat different climates. The coldest month is experienced in January measuring 26° rises steadily to an average of 29° in May, and then declines gradually to the January level. The best time to visit is on the months of October to May.


Population
The total number of the population of Aklan as of the year 2000 is 451,314.
spacer spacerLanguage / Dialect
The Aklanons primarily speak Akeanon. The people also speak English, Tagalog, Hiligaynon, and Cebuano.


Major Industries
Most Akeanons derive livelihood from rice, corn, coconut, abaca, and pottery making. Fishponds and offshore fishing employ many persons in the province. What thrive in Aklan are small-scale industries like piña cloth weaving, abaca and bamboo handicraft.

Pottery making and pop rice (ampaw) making are local industries that have augmented the people's livelihood in this province. Residents living near the banks of the river make clay pots and jar the old-fashioned way, as others engage in pop rice making. Popularly known as "ampaw" in the local dialect, it is processed from cooked rice, dried, deep fried with oil and sugar, and then molded into the same sizes and dried slowly.

source: WoW Philippines Website

Welcome to Aklan Thread!

Please don't hesitate to post anything related to the province of Aklan.

Hala Bira to Ati-Atihan Country !

Dela Cruz Insitute of Business and Industry
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/dibi2.jpg

Aklan Polytechnic College
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/apc2.jpg

Central Panay College of Science and Technology (Medyo ginakay-o pa pero ga-operate na)
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/cpcst.jpg

STI College Kalibo
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/sti1.jpg

St.Anne Montessori School
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/stanne.jpg

Northwestern Visayan Colleges (RSQ Building)
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/nvc1.jpg

Portion of NVC Admin Building (sa unahan, ang nauna nga building sang St.Gabriel Hospital)
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/P1010011.jpg

This building houses Radio GMA Kalibo, Panay Medicare Cooperative, Lifeline Caregiver
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/P1010007.jpg

from R-L(Botika ng Bayan, a building, Masing Sons Home Depot, Mercury Drug)
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/a5.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/112.jpg

Botika ng Bayan
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/a6.jpg

posted by al_teeway in Panay Thread.

Aklan IRA up by P20 million
By ULYSSES ESPARTERO

KALIBO, Aklan - The Provincial Budget Office headed by Mary Grace Macahilas reported an increase of P58 million in Aklan’s Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share.

“We are pleased to inform you that the national government has increased our new IRA share in the amount of P367,675,848 million, higher compared to 2005 of only about P309 million,” Gov. Carlito Marquez said.

This is a welcome development, said Marquez, adding that the provincial government is serious in the implementation of projects and programs funded through appropriation ordinances.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan chaired by Vice Gov. Ronquillo Tolentino approved five most important appropriation ordinances for 2005.

The approval of the Annual Executive Budget of the General Fund for 2007 and the Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD) for 2007 took the provincial board three-day marathon sessions.

“Passage of these two most important documents had been very meticulous and were approved after lengthy debates among the members of the august body,” Tolentino said.

The provincial government’s General Fund Budget as provided in Appropriation Ordinance No. 06-006 carries a total appropriation of P420,259,032 while Appropriation Ordinance No. 06-007 which enacted the EEDD budget for 2006 carries a total appropriation of P243,985,667 or a total of P664,244,699 which financial analysts said the biggest budget so far in the history of Aklan.

The provincial board also approved P73,161,225 budget for programs and projects to be funded under the 20 percent Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) Development Fund for 2007.

“A total of P35 million of the 20 percent IRA Development Fund will go to General Services sector to include contractual, statutory and special projects and activities, P4.7 million for social development and P33.4 million to economic development,” Marquez stressed.

“In our revenue projections for 2007 under the General Fund, our provincial government has an IRA share of P87% while local revenues composed of operating and miscellaneous revenues and local taxes account for 13 percent,” he added./

article taken from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news7.htm

Kalibo airport opens up to reg’l flights on March 16

KALIBO, Aklan – Kalibo Airport is busy preparing for direct flights from South Korea starting March 16.

According to Airport Manager Engr. Percy Malonesio, Bureau of Immigration and Deportation Commissioner Jose Carrandang told him about this.

The maiden flight on March 16 is under the chartered flight of Pacific Pearl Airlines.

Malonesio reported this development during the Airport Security Committee Meeting at the Air Transportation Office here attended by the police, officials of neighboring barangays, airline company managers, concerned national government agencies and the local government of Kalibo.

Direct flights from South Korea are expected to spur more direct flights to Kalibo from other countries in the Southeast Asian region.

Malonesio said officials and tanods of neighboring barangays will be playing a larger role in keeping safety and secure the perimeter of the Kalibo Airport.

Source: Panay News

^^ Kalibo Airport may be a feeder airport but technically they may be the first international airport in Western Visayas. :okay:


Kalibo Pastrana Park, family ‘pasyalan’ a new

KALIBO, Aklan – As the sound of the drums and the melodies of the lyres die down, the continuing facelift of the very center of political activities, cultural events and the town’s festivities is bringing more families, students and lovers to stroll along the wide expanse of the now beautiful Kalibo Pastrana Park.

The part has new cobblestone-like pathways and its classic lamp posts bring nostalgia to the old-timers who look at the park as an integral part of their daily life, and entice younger park visitors.

The Kalibo Pastrana Park is a destination for joggers, athletes and basketball players in the morning and a favorite “pasyalan” for lovers on a date, families, friends to hang around and crowds whenever there are scheduled variety shows.

“The continuing beautification of the Pastrana Park that was began last year is based on our Pastrana Park Development Plan of which some of the phases is implemented through the funding of our congressman, Joeben Miraflores, where the most recent, after the installation of lamp posts, is the improvement of the cobblestone-like walkways and pathways and the perimeter fences,” said Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo.

The new face of the Pastrana Park is complimented with its widely lit sections to discourage troublemakers and vandalism and the roving patrol of policemen not to mention the close proximity of the Kalibo Police Station which is just across the street.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news9.htm)



Here's a best news for Aklan and the whole of Panay:

Aklan to land WV’s 1st international flights
V.G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan – With the scheduled inaugural flight of the Asian Spirit Airline from South Korea direct to Kalibo Airport tentatively on the first week of March, Rep. Florencio Miraflores said Aklan will be the first province in Western Visayas to receive an international flight.

Miraflores said the Asian Spirit is already prepared for this event with its landing rights already approved and its request to the offices of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs already in place.

“Having the first international flight from Korea to Kalibo is like opening Aklan to the world. When we open Kalibo to international flights we will see the progress of business and the economic advantages in Kalibo and the entire province. There will be a bigger employment generation, the tourism industry and the services sector will thrive more, and other allied services will be needed,” Miraflores said.

He also expressed happiness over the approval of the 2007 national budget, saying this will mean an additional P50 million budget for the Kalibo Airport terminal improvement specifically for its international section.

He said temporary arrangements have been identified by Customs, Immigration and Quarantine officials just for the initial flights of three times a week.

The Asian Spirit is now readying its aircrafts that can stand direct flights, the MD 82 that has 167- passenger capacity, a medium range aircraft.

“Once we can prove that medium-range aircrafts can be accommodated in Kalibo then we can already ask the national government and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to go for long-range aircrafts because we have enough land here. Our advantage here is we have a big room for expansion, we will not affect big buildings that will entail big expenses.”

“These opening flights will open the eyes of the national government that the market for international tourists is here with us. So I’m sure the President will grant this, because she has said so herself that it is Kalibo Airport that should be developed as an international airport,” Miraflores said.

With this positive economic development, other airline companies besides the Asian Spirit which is very aggressive as it knows the strong Korean tourist market are expected come in as the province improves its airport facilities.

The direct flights from South Korea to Kalibo and vice versa are also seen to open the window of opportunities for Aklanon businessmen here.

“Not only will Aklan be open to tourists but the Korean market for Aklan’s products also. Our world-class products can be brought direct to South Korea. This is one opportunity that the whole Western Visayas and the neighboring provinces could benefit. Capiz, for instance, could also bring their sea food products direct to South Korea from Kalibo Airport,” Miraflores said. (PIA)

source: The Guardian Iloilo (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localnews0.php?id=1907)

taken from Panay Thread as posted by @kirby21, @berniemacksouthctr and @spacewagon1

@miaka: anywhere in station 2 (for me). It's nearer to almost all points in Boracay and there's too many cottages, hotels, inns available to choose from. Besides, station 2 is considered the liveliest part of Boracay day and night. A walking distance to D'Mall and D'Talipapa will surely give you a touch of Boracay's commercial side. Unless, if you want a secluded or exclusive place, then NAMI is also my recommendation. On the other hand, Club Panoly (though bit old by now), still is a place to go in Station 3 along with the famous "Grotto". Enjoy your Boracay trip !

stills on my Boracay's trip:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/ILOILO20073067.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/ILOILO20073070.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/ILOILO20073071.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/ILOILO20073072.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/ILOILO20073076.jpg

Boracay safer with one entry, one exit policy

BORACAY Island – Task Force Bantay Boracay hosted a media engagement here March 3 to observe the impact and outcome of the one entry, one exit policy.

“The security of our tourists and residents are now more stable with the strict implementation of the one entry, one exit policy” said Aklan PNP acting director, Senior Supt. Benigno B Durana Jr.

Under the said policy, this island’s front beach, which is the main attraction here, is off limits to sea crafts, providing safe and ideal swimming areas for tourists and guests.

During an interview conducted by the tri-media, almost all local and foreign tourists were satisfied in the enforcement of the policy as passengers coming in and out in the island can be closely monitored for security purposes.

Architect Niven Maquirang, Caticlan Jetty Port administrator, said that under the one entry, one exit policy, any sea vessel is strictly prohibited to embark and/or disembark passengers anywhere in the island except at the Cagban Port in Brgy. Manoc-Manoc, Malay, Aklan.

The scheme began Feb. 15.

The existing boat stations 1 and 3 on the beachfront will be used for pick-up and drop-off points of tourists provided that the vessels should be moored in the designated area not less than 200 meters away from the shoreline while station 2 shall be off limits to all kinds of vessel.

The task force, which is chaired by Durana, is composed of the Provincial Tourism Office, PNP, Philippine Coast Guard, the Caticlan Jetty Port administrator, Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Ports Authority, Maritime Police and Philippine Ports Authority.

The Guardian Iloilo

Rice-based processing technology held

AKLAN, Kalibo – Aside from its world-class tourism resources, this province has an abundance of agricultural products and one of them is rice.

The province is endowed with plentiful supply of rice but few of its local food processors produce rice-based products.

Commonly used raw materials for native delicacies or “kakanin” and snack foods are wheat and flour despite the abundance of rice here.

Because of this, the Aklan Food Producers Multi-Purpose Cooperative asked technical assistance from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-6 for the conduct of a training and workshop on rice-based processing technology.

The training and workshop was held March 1 and 2 at DOST Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC).

The participants came from the academe, the private sectors and entrepreneurs.

Each participant did hands-on exercises of all the processing technologies such as preparation of materials and demonstration on rice-based products like rice wine, rice buchi, rice kropeck, rice-mongo crunchies, and rice polvoron.

Cooking of the product was also done to taste and evaluate the product’s marketability.

Recommendations were also given to the participants to further improve their products such as the use of mechanical equipment and also improving its packaging and labeling design.

Participants and other interested individuals can utilize this technology as alternative source of income.

For more information on technology assistance and trainings, please call DOST 6 at telephone numbers (033) 320-0907, 320-0093, 320-0908 or visit the Regional Office at Magsaysay Village, La Paz, Iloilo City.

The Guardian Iloilo

Newly Born! Welcome...

Welcome to the new Aklan Thread !

Al, time to make your province to shine !

Hala Bira Aklan ! Viva Aklan !

LGU-Kalibo radio station rules
media caging championship

KALIBO, Aklan – Ka-Tribu radio basketball team “CBIS Hotspotters” of the local government of Kalibo bagged the championship of the 1st United Media Vice Governor’s Cup Basketball Tournament.

The tournament last March 4 was held at the ABL Sports Complex here.

Hotspotters, composed of the anchors, personalities, reporters and support and technical staff, trounced the equally formidable Network Knicks team.

CBIS Hotspotters went head on for the second game of the best of three championship title against the Network Knicks, a combined team of personalities from DyRU, Philippine Information Agency, Provincial government Media, the news writers of Panay News, Viva Aklan, Panay Explorer, Hala Birada and others.

With a 2-0 record in the championship and a zero looses during the games, the Hotspotters was consistent in its victory in the very first basketball tournament hosted by both the Aklan United Media Association and Vice Gov. Ronquillo Tolentino.

The tournament intended to unite the various media personalities and organizations through sports and provide the different fans and supporters an enjoyable entertainment.

As the Honorary Station Manager and one of the players of the CBIS Hotspotters, Mayor Raymar Rebaldo was ecstatic when the Hotspotters won the championship. He said the achievement achieved in the hard court was a reflection of the CBIS Ka-Tribu Radio’s success in providing a balanced programming and developmental news to the public.
The 3rd and 4th place of the tournament is still at stake between the Kalibo Cable Network “Warriors” and the Aklan Cable Television “The Pioneers.”

Their deciding game will be held this March 11 at the ABL Sports Complex to be followed by an awarding ceremony.

article taken from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/aklan.htm

BAS reports better Aklan agriculture

Kalibo, Aklan - The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) here said Aklan’s agriculture sector exceeded its 2005 level by growing 4.80 % in 2006 despite Seniang’s disastrous effects in the fourth quarter of last year and insufficiency of water in rice farms.

BAS-Aklan also reported that output benefits were sustained in the livestock, poultry and fishery subsectors. The crop subsector however recorded a small decline in output.

“At current prices, the gross value of agricultural production summed up to P4.83 billion or 1.64 percent higher than the 2005 level,” the BAS report revealed.

The BAS report also bared that the livestock subsector grossed P987.47 million at current prices and displayed remarkable 16.43 percent earnings. With both production and prices going up, cattle grossed 27.70 percent more.
The gross value of hog production was higher by 14.32 percent, while that of goat production expanded by 29.06 due to higher production and bigger price increases.

On the other hand, the poultry subsector grossed P389.45 million at current prices of 2.37 percent higher than the previous year’s record. Chicken production went up by 1.83 percent while that of duck soared by 6.79 percent.

In the fishery subsector, gross value of production added up to P1.06 billion, showing a 28.03 percent growth from last year’s earnings. The biggest gain was posted by municipal fisheries which grossed 31.31 percent more because of higher products and prices obtained during the year.

Asked on the possibility of Aklanons having insufficient supply of food this year, BAS-Aklan OIC Manuelito Delegencia said the province has currently enough food supply to last for months.

Just recently, the national government through President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo zeroed in on new economic directions of “8 by ‘08” or achieving the eight blessings of a strong economy by 2008.

Of these eight blessings, food sufficiency is seen by concerned government agencies here to be enjoyed by Aklanons, with the province’ hybrid rice program and other agricultural ventures like seaweeds propagation, vegetable and fiber production, etc.

Other blessings PGMA has identified which are already being enjoyed or practiced in Aklan include job creation (because of the presence of Boracay Island, the anchor of Aklan’s tourism industry in Aklan and the region if not the country); better cost of living, a strong peso, more investments (because of Boracay Island and the scheduled international direct flights from Korea to Kalibo, Aklan), pro-poor education; pro-poor health care (the province under Governor Carlito S. Marquez presently targets to give Aklan indigents 100% Philhealth coverage); housing, green Philippines (Aklan joined this government greening project by planting ornamental trees and flowering plants from Caticlan, Malay to Cabangila, Altavas, the route of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway) and anti-terrorism (one measure implemented by the provincial government here is the One Entry, One Exit Policy in Boracay Island to check incoming and outgoing visitors).

article taken from: The Iloilo Daily Informer
link: http://dailyinformer.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=924&Itemid=376

stills on my Boracay's trip:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/ILOILO20073067.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/ILOILO20073070.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/ILOILO20073071.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/ILOILO20073072.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/ILOILO20073076.jpg

:lol: :lol: it reminds me of my last trip to boracay.
more shopping than the beach :lol:
though it was just an unplanned/on the spot trip
will go back anytime this year :banana: :banana:

^^thanks @wecky & kunol8 for the tip! i really appreciate it..:okay:

i'm just worried kasi june, rainy season po kac birthday ko.hehe..:) so baka aabutan kami ng bagyo doon..:D

wow, ang nice sa nami, how much ba ang rate nila?:) thanks!

^^ check out boracay regency... it's close to boat station 2... only a short walk to d mall and all the great restos in that area... btw, don't worry if it's gonna be rainy in june... imo the beach is great rain or shine :okay: ;)

that's right @laquacherra. Boracay Regency is one of the best hangout places in Boracay Island. A great dine-in area from mid-afternoon til late evening. I loved the place though. My cousins have fun diving in their pools, too. After Boracay Regency, check into Club Bora (i'm not sure the real name) in Station 3, you'll sure enjoy the best of Boracay's Nightlife. The Bazura disco does not appeal to me anymore nowadays, though it was my fave 5 years ago.

‘Viva Aklan Tourism Fair’ set
By ULYSSES ESPARTERO

BORACAY – A four-day Viva Aklan Tourism Fair will be staged here from March 14 to 17.

Provincial Tourism Officer Roselle Ruiz-Quimpo told Panay News that the event aims to promote community-based eco-tourism sites in Aklan, highlight cultural heritage and market Aklan-made products.

Familiarization tours shall be made in Tangalan, Malay, Kalibo and Libacao.

Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez stressed that the fair is geared towards showcasing the best of the province’s tourism products, eco-tourism sites, crafts and services.

“We feel that this is an opportune time to promote alternative attractions and show our marketing aggressiveness to tourists who are in the island,” the governor said.

“We believe that our concerted efforts to promote our tourist attractions in the province will help us attain our goal of increasing awareness and in effect increase tourist arrivals in the province,” he added.

Kalibo Senior Sangguniang Bayan Member Mark Vega Quimpo said the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival being one of our main tourist drawers will be highlighted in the said event.

A Kalibo Ati-Atihan tribe will do a show during the opening program while participants will stage the reenactment of the Barter of Panay.

Invited to grace the occasion are Canadian Ambassador Peter Sutherland and Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Edwin Trompeta.

It was learned that 15 Ati-Atihan arches to be displayed in the entry points of the mall and its vicinity to project an authentic aura of the festival.

Tourism officers will also be present for the duration of the event to facilitate information dissemination and promotion of the tourist attractions in Aklan.

The event is a project of Cong. Florencio Miraflores, Marquez, Vice Gov. Ronquillo Tolentino and the provincial government in cooperation with PACAP-AUSAID, Pearl 2, USWAG Development Foundation, D’Mall Boracay, Department of Tourism, Department of Trade and Industry, Boracay Regency Hotel and Boracay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Panay News

weeee!! :banana: THANK you guys for the advice..i'm excited na to go there..sus, ang tagal pa non, mag bohol kasi kami this summer..:D

Whow!! Naunahan ko. hehe. plano ko tani sa April 25 ko himuon ang thread sang Aklan. Anyway, thanks kay wecky. Post ko di pag may bag-o nga development sa aklan.

ngaa man April 25, al. Don't worry, you'll have a whole lot to prepare for Aklan's second thread. Keep posting mate sa mga development sang Aklan. It's nice to see that the oldest province is wide-awake again.

So. Aklan The Oldest Province
Cebu City-The Philippines Oldest City
Unisan,Quezon- Oldest Town

ngayon ko lang nalaman na Aklan pala ang Oldest Province,so nice Info..:cheers:

Whow!! Naunahan ko. hehe. plano ko tani sa April 25 ko himuon ang thread sang Aklan. Anyway, thanks kay wecky. Post ko di pag may bag-o nga development sa aklan.

oh sorry @al_teeway. I did open the thread for Aklan cos I know Aklan deserves it. With bigger promotion in terms of tourism and progressively developing infrastructurally as well, Aklan by its own is another economic giant of Panay Island. I hope I did not pre-empt anything you wanted to put in this thread as well. Don't worry, mate, we'll see to it, that Aklan's thread will be yours to start. There's no better way to start Aklan's thread than from a real Akeanon himself.

Keep all photos and articles coming in @al. We all loved to hear everything from Aklan's development.

So. Aklan The Oldest Province

ngayon ko lang nalaman na Aklan pala ang Oldest Province,so nice Info..:cheers:
That's right @bonixx. You've just visited the thread of the oldest province of the Philippines ! Welcome, btw.

you're welcome. :) Enjoy !

Boracay braces for heavy tourist influx on Holy Week
By Jonathan L. Mayuga
Correspondent

BORACAY ISLAND—As the simmering hot summer starts to be felt, local and foreign tourists start arriving onboard motorized bancas from Caticlan and Romblon, boosting expectations that tourist arrivals this year will hit an all-time high as projected.

Aklan Gov. Carlo Marquez said the province is eyeing around 600,000 local and foreign tourists to arrive this summer, exceeding by 100,000 last year’s record of 500,000 tourists.

Marquez said preparations are now being made for the expected heavy influx of tourists for the Holy Week during the first week of April as the Aklan airport will soon be opened to international flights coming from South Korea and other Asian countries.

Starting March 24, he said, Asian Spirit and Pacific Pearl air carriers will start bringing in passengers at the domestic airport in Kalibo, the capital of Aklan. He said the two airlines have made special arrangement for the opening of the domestic airport. Around 300,000 to 400,000 foreign tourists are expected to arrive in Kalibo, and all roads lead to Boracay Island.

“This is the first time that the airport will be opened to international flights,” he said. He said his office is now coordinating with local and national government agencies, particularly the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), as well as the local tourism officers Malay town.

Security preparations, he said, is also being made. Aside from security, he said they are also preparing for the garbage disposal problem that might hit Boracay.

The local government of Malay, he said, is readying its materials recovery facilities (MRF) in three barangays.

“The local government of Malay is now making plans on how to effectively haul the garbage,” he said.

Marquez said Boracay’s popularity continues to attract tourists despite the recent negative report pertaining to the water quality owing to the defective sewerage system.

More than its pristine water and white sand beaches, Boracay has become the ultimate party place, with bars and restaurants along the beach.

The official said with the cooperation of hotel and restaurant owners in Boracay, water quality has improved.

Booking in hotels are now hot, according to hotel and restaurant owners. Casa Pilar Beach Resort, which maintains a total of 74 rooms, said it is fully booked for the entire Holy Week as early as January.

“As much as we want to accommodate more guests, we can’t do so because we are already fully booked,” Marquez said.

Boracay resorts lack environment documents
By Roderick T. dela Cruz
(First of two parts)
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=business3_mar12_2007

BORACAY Island—The municipal council of Malay, Aklan is in talks with Palafox Associates, the firm established by architect and urban planner Felino Palafox Jr., to draft a master plan for the fast-developing 10-square kilometer island.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, whose office donated more than P4.8 million to help manage the critical garbage problem on the island, said the master plan would address problems related to over-development and environment.

Durano said the town of Malay had allowed the construction of new resorts on the island even in the absence of required environmental compliance certificate.

“For local government units, issuance of business permits is a revenue function for them, not regulation,” he said. “With a master plan, we can tell the LGU to rationalize the issuance of business permit,” he said.

Private investors in Boracay complained that the lack of master plan had contributed to the problems of traffic, squatting and pollution on the island.

“These are gargantuan problems Boracay is facing. We are now sowing the seeds of our own destruction and if we do not work together, the entire island would be gone, lost in the squalor and decay of garbage and human misery,” the Boracay Chamber of Commerce and Industry said in its March newsletter.

Former environment secretary Elisea Gozon, now a consultant for the World Bank, cited the need to put in the necessary systems to manage the over-development of Boracay.

“The island can only carry so much,” she said, referring to the large structures that have been recently built on the island.

Gozon said the ground water quality of Boracay had exceeded its threshold capacity as early as 1990 and the saltwater intrusion in the aquifers, as a result of continuous extraction of freshwater, threatens the sustainability of the island.

She said the coliform problem in 1997, which severely affected tourism and livelihood in the island, should serve as a warning for residents, tourists and establishments alike.

Assistant Secretary Consuelo Padilla, the presidential assistant for Boracay, said pollution threatened the island’s sustainability.

“Tourism will die if people will come to a trash island,” she said, while quickly adding that over the past 14 months, residents in the island had learned to segregate their trash.

She said waste segregation was being enforced in the island, with violators made to pay hefty fines, in compliance with Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

Good News!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:banana: :banana: :banana:

Mayor excited over maiden int’l flight at Kalibo airport

Che Q. Indelible
2007-03-13

KALIBO, Aklan – “With the opening of international flights soon at the Kalibo Domestic Airport, we can definitely achieve our goals of economic prosperity and social progress.”

This was the statement of Kalibo mayor Raymar Acevedo Rebaldo as regards the opening of direct flights from South Korea to this town starting March 16.

“We are able to pursue with vigor and determination that the Kalibo Domestic Airport can cater and accommodate flights from our neighboring countries to further bolster our tourism industry not only in Boracay but Aklan in general,” Rebaldo said.

Based on data from the Department of Tourism, some 500,000 tourists visited Boracay yielding P10.2 billion of tourism receipts last year.

“There is no reason for the national government not to prioritize the request of the municipality of Kalibo as well as our provincial officials for the upgrading of the runway and the installation of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) to accommodate direct flights from other countries,” Rebaldo said.

Engr. Percy Malonesio, Kalibo airport manager, said a chartered flight of the Pacific Pearl Airlines will land on the facility March 16 while another Korean airline will arrive the following day.

“I do believe that these direct flights from Korea will spur additional international flights to Kalibo from other countries in the Asian region because of Boracay and other tourist destinations in Aklan,” Malonesio said.

Bureau of Immigration and Deportation Undersecretary Jose Carandang said strict security measures will be implemented by the airport aviation security group and the police during the maiden flight because President Gloria Arroyo is expected to arrive and grace the occasion.

From : The Guardian Newspaper

good news indeed for all Akeanons, Aklan province and Panay Island ! It is a welcome move for tourism and economic prosperity of the whole region.

Paspas na Aklan ! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Viva Aklan Tourism Fair opens today
By ULYSSES ESPARTERO

BORACAY – Canadian Ambassador Peter Sutherland will be in this paradise island today as keynote speaker during the opening of Viva Aklan Tourism Fair at the D’Mall de Boracay.

Prior the opening program at 5 p.m., a street parade will be staged along the white beach at 4 p.m.

Sutherland will also lead the ceremonial ribbon cutting to mark the grand opening of the first ever tourism fair here. He will be assisted by Cong. Florencio Miraflores, Gov. Carlito Marquez and Vice Gov. Ronquillo Tolentino.

The ambassador will be introduced to the exhibitors, tour operators and guests by USWAG Development Foundation Executive Director Didi R. Quimpo.

Also expected to attend are Aklan town mayors Charito Navarosa (Libacao), Raymar Rebaldo (Kalibo), Jed Tirol (Tangalan), Ceciron Cawaling (Malay) and Lolong Dalisay (Nabas).

Prominent national and local officials have been invited to grace the occasion including DOT Regional Director Edwin Trompeta and wife, DILG Regional Director Evelyn Trompeta.

Provincial Tourism Officer Roselle “Carina” Quimpo-Ruiz told Panay News that this four-day event will showcase the best of tourism products, eco-tourism sites, festivals, crafts and services of Aklan.

“We feel that this is an opportune time to promote alternative attractions and show our marketing aggressiveness to tourists who are in the island considering that this is a peak season where we would benefit a greater mileage,” Ruiz added.

Among the eco-tourism site to be featured during the fair are Bugna it Tangalan, Manggad it Kalibo, Wildriver of Libacao and Malay Mainland Expedition.

“We believe that our concerted efforts to promote our tourist attractions in the province will help us attain our goal of increasing awareness and in effect increase tourist arrivals in the province,” Marquez further said.

taken from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news8.htm

Viva Aklan Tourism Fair opens today
By ULYSSES ESPARTERO

BORACAY – Canadian Ambassador Peter Sutherland will be in this paradise island today as keynote speaker during the opening of Viva Aklan Tourism Fair at the D’Mall de Boracay.

Prior the opening program at 5 p.m., a street parade will be staged along the white beach at 4 p.m.

Sutherland will also lead the ceremonial ribbon cutting to mark the grand opening of the first ever tourism fair here. He will be assisted by Cong. Florencio Miraflores, Gov. Carlito Marquez and Vice Gov. Ronquillo Tolentino.

The ambassador will be introduced to the exhibitors, tour operators and guests by USWAG Development Foundation Executive Director Didi R. Quimpo.

Also expected to attend are Aklan town mayors Charito Navarosa (Libacao), Raymar Rebaldo (Kalibo), Jed Tirol (Tangalan), Ceciron Cawaling (Malay) and Lolong Dalisay (Nabas).

Prominent national and local officials have been invited to grace the occasion including DOT Regional Director Edwin Trompeta and wife, DILG Regional Director Evelyn Trompeta.

Provincial Tourism Officer Roselle “Carina” Quimpo-Ruiz told Panay News that this four-day event will showcase the best of tourism products, eco-tourism sites, festivals, crafts and services of Aklan.

“We feel that this is an opportune time to promote alternative attractions and show our marketing aggressiveness to tourists who are in the island considering that this is a peak season where we would benefit a greater mileage,” Ruiz added.

Among the eco-tourism site to be featured during the fair are Bugna it Tangalan, Manggad it Kalibo, Wildriver of Libacao and Malay Mainland Expedition.

“We believe that our concerted efforts to promote our tourist attractions in the province will help us attain our goal of increasing awareness and in effect increase tourist arrivals in the province,” Marquez further said.

taken from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news8.htm

Good news, good news, good news!!!!!:banana: :banana: :banana:

Caticlan airport arrivals can equal NAIA’s volume

Jeehan V. Fernandez
2007-03-14

THE number of visitors coming to Boracay Island in Aklan daily could equal the passengers arriving at the country’s busiest airport in Manila.

Caticlan airport, which serves as gateway to the region’s major tourism destination, caters to almost the same daily arrivals at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila.

“The Caticlan airport serves 64 incoming flights daily – that’s almost like NAIA,” said Alan Java, chief of the Air Transportation Office (ATO-6).

Java noted the Caticlan airport could accommodate eight aircrafts at a time though the facility mostly caters to smaller 18-seater planes.

With the influx of arrivals, especially Boracay tourists, Java announced the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has proposed for the expansion of the facilities of Caticlan airport.

“The DOTC has allotted P14million for the improvement of Caticlan airport terminal, ramp and runway,” Java told reporters yesterday.

Java explained their development plan includes a 50-meter extension of the airport’s existing 950-meter long runway.

Meanwhile, Java said that Western Visayas’ first international flight by Pearl Pacific Airways from Inchon, South Korea will land at the Kalibo Domestic Airport in Aklan on March 16.

He added that Asian Spirit airline will also have direct flights from South Korea to Kalibo airport thrice a week.

Java explained the Kalibo airport will start hosting incoming international flights after the installation of Instrument Landing System (ILS) is completed. ILS signals the shift from the use of non-precision approach into a precision one to meet international standards on aviation. ILS allows the pilot easy and more accurate landing process.

from the guardian newspaper

Good news, good news, good news!!!!!:banana: :banana: :banana:

Caticlan airport arrivals can equal NAIA’s volume

Jeehan V. Fernandez
2007-03-14

THE number of visitors coming to Boracay Island in Aklan daily could equal the passengers arriving at the country’s busiest airport in Manila.

Caticlan airport, which serves as gateway to the region’s major tourism destination, caters to almost the same daily arrivals at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila.

“The Caticlan airport serves 64 incoming flights daily – that’s almost like NAIA,” said Alan Java, chief of the Air Transportation Office (ATO-6).

Java noted the Caticlan airport could accommodate eight aircrafts at a time though the facility mostly caters to smaller 18-seater planes.

With the influx of arrivals, especially Boracay tourists, Java announced the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has proposed for the expansion of the facilities of Caticlan airport.

“The DOTC has allotted P14million for the improvement of Caticlan airport terminal, ramp and runway,” Java told reporters yesterday.

Java explained their development plan includes a 50-meter extension of the airport’s existing 950-meter long runway.

Meanwhile, Java said that Western Visayas’ first international flight by Pearl Pacific Airways from Inchon, South Korea will land at the Kalibo Domestic Airport in Aklan on March 16.

He added that Asian Spirit airline will also have direct flights from South Korea to Kalibo airport thrice a week.

Java explained the Kalibo airport will start hosting incoming international flights after the installation of Instrument Landing System (ILS) is completed. ILS signals the shift from the use of non-precision approach into a precision one to meet international standards on aviation. ILS allows the pilot easy and more accurate landing process.

from the guardian newspaper

Amo ina 'ya! I'll definitely go for Caticlan or Kalibo airports. Paspas na. With the opening of Kalibo airport for Korean passengers, Kalibo's economy will eventually turn 360 degrees. Let's see how the passenger movement goes once the international flights from South Korea starts entering Kalibo Airport. :)

in a month's time, we'll meet thousands of Koreans in every corner of Boracay Island and Aklan. More of them will flock to visit the premiere destination of the Philippines and of course visit other neighbouring provinces as well including Iloilo.

Go Aklan! More huge investment will find its way to Aklan with the opening of these international flights. Aklan deserves it really well. Hala Bira mga amigo !

So it's final now - Pearl Pacific Airways from Ichon, South Korea to Kalibo and Asian Spirit from Seoul, South Korea to Kalibo. Grand !:banana:

^^ more tourism activities and more international (regional - ASIA) flights coming from our Asia's neighbours. :banana: :banana: :banana:

Keep them all coming guys ! Sadya na ini sa Panay in a month's time. I'm looking forward to see Kalibo taking-in some more regional flights (Asia Region).

ngaa man April 25, al. Don't worry, you'll have a whole lot to prepare for Aklan's second thread. Keep posting mate sa mga development sang Aklan. It's nice to see that the oldest province is wide-awake again.

Amo ina siya ang Anniversary sang Aklan.:)

oh sorry @al_teeway. I did open the thread for Aklan cos I know Aklan deserves it. With bigger promotion in terms of tourism and progressively developing infrastructurally as well, Aklan by its own is another economic giant of Panay Island. I hope I did not pre-empt anything you wanted to put in this thread as well. Don't worry, mate, we'll see to it, that Aklan's thread will be yours to start. There's no better way to start Aklan's thread than from a real Akeanon himself.

Keep all photos and articles coming in @al. We all loved to hear everything from Aklan's development.

Thanks. Pero ok lang, maayo gani ara kamo para magpost sa thread nga ni kay ako daw kis-a nalang guid maka check diri.:) dako kag gamay nga investment kag development sa Aklan, post ko diri. buwas, try ko nga magkadto sa airport para ma witness ang pag abot sang Pacific Pearl.

No probs Al. Please re-post Aklan's airport photos here. It's nice to see Aklan is developing. I wish more investments in Aklan in the years to come.

@al teeway: Good to see you back, mate. Please continue posting developments in Aklan province. Cool pictures of Aklan Airport as well.

KBP holds leaders’
conference in Boracay

MALAY, Aklan – The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters ng Pilipinas (KBP) recently held its 10th National Chapter Leaders Conference here.

The KBP Aklan Chapter under IBC-DyRG Station Manager Agusto Tolentino hosted the conference.

Anchors and radio personalities were greeted by a much improved sight of the white beach. They lauded the “One Entry-One Exit” policy for making the beaches uncluttered with so many pump boats.

Some of the KBP Chapter Leaders are constant visitors to Boracay.

The KBP leaders arrived on March 9 at the Kalibo Airport and had an audience with Cong. Florencio Miraflores, Gov. Carlito Marquez and Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo before dropping by Aklan State University campus in Banga, Aklan.
From the campus, they proceeded to Boracay.

During the conference, KBP unveiled the Broadcast Code of the Philippines -- the new “bible” for radio and television broadcasters.

Panay News

Aklan empowers rural women’s group

Kalibo, Aklan - A recognized barangay women’s association in Aklan was further empowered when it received financial assistance from the Provincial government of Aklan on the celebration of International Women’s Day here. The financial assistance came in the form of P50,000 given to the Talon Women GAD Rural Improvement Club (RIC). Talon is one of the barangays of Altavas, Aklan, the municipality bordering the province of Capiz.
Last year, this women’s association was awarded first place as the most promising Agri- Business Entrepreneur.

Currently, the women’s association indulges in vegetable production, rice production, hog production and nito craft in Talon. Their produce are bought by traders to be sold in Boracay and Kalibo; and in Altavas, they have a Bagsakan Center for their products in a restaurant owned by Altavas Sangguniang Bayan member Medialyn Barcelona, herself awarded last year as the National GAD Rural Woman Achiever of the country.

Her restaurant is also a stopover point of RORO buses plying the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) and so their produce have big chances of being promoted and bought by tourists, foreign and local.

Nelsie Villas, the association president, in her response upon receiving the financial assistance in behalf of her group, thanked the local government of Aklan and the Aklan Gender and Development Commission for recognizing their group.

“The Talon GAD Rural Improvement Club is a women’s association with a woman president-but with many men as members, clearly showing that men and women are partners for progress, Villas said in her reponse. “We will use the financial assistance with care through a rolling scheme and we will try to replicate the success of our association in other barangays of our municipality.

The gesture of the provincial government of Aklan in recognizing the potential of the women’s group in Altavas in uplifting their situation coincidentally answered the call of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to concerned agencies to work with cooperatives and NGOs to provide wider access to microfinance funds for women.

At a gathering in Manila for the Womens’ Day celebration, PGMA recognized the role of women in nation building and said the government should provide them with livelihood.

“Women who earn their keep are empowered. I want to make women successful businesswomen,” GMA said. With the strong peso and vibrant stock market, Arroyo said interest rates from loans were lower and more funds for microfinance could now be accessed.

She reiterated that she would remain focused on the economy to maintain political stability, create jobs, generate more investments, and provide the people with social services.

The Iloilo Daily Informer

Kita kits sa BORA!!! :D

Kalibo readies to commemorate the heroism of the XIX Martyrs of Aklan

Malay, Aklan -- The whole town of Kalibo readies for the commemoration of the heroism and martyrdom of the very first Katipuneros outside Luzon, the XIX Martyrs of Aklan, this coming March 23, 2007 at the Aklan Freedom Shrine.

In its 110th year, students from the Regional Science High School (RSHS) of Region 6 and the Kalibo Pilot Elementary School (KPES) under the Kalibo Council for Culture and the Arts (KCCA) has kept themselves busy in preparing to render a re-enactment that the Kalibonhons as well as the Aklanons have well known to affect the hearts of their audience.

Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo on an interview expressed his sentiments to educating the youth through the re-enactment of the heroism of the 19 Martyrs of Aklan so that they may serve as an inspiration to help in nation building and continue to push this Ati-Atihan town towards progress and development.

The Commemoration of the XIX Martyrs of Aklan is a Special Public Holiday for the whole province under Republic Act No. 7806.

Terence Toriano

The News Today

Pacific Pearl inaugural flight from South Korea to Kalibo today

Pacific Pearl Airlines (PPA) launches its inaugural flight today, March 16, 2007 from South Korea to Kalibo, Aklan.

Air transportation Office (ATO) said the airport is ready to accommodate its first international flight now that it is equipped with an instrument landing system (ILS) that allows precision landing approach.

Said instrument allows the plane to touch down the runway without the need for the pilot to see the ground, he explained.

The installation of the ILS made the Kalibo Airport compliant with international criteria, thus making Aklan the first province in Western Visayas to open its airport to international flights.

Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez is optimistic that such development will not only open more opportunities for Aklanons, but to residents of the neighboring provinces as well.

He said upgrading Kalibo Airport to international standards would boost tourism economy in the province.

Marquez also plans to develop the famous Boracay Island into world-class standard.

He said the province is also promoting other tourism destinations such as the "Manggad It Kalibo" in the Mangrove Eco Park, the "Bugna It Tangalan" Jawili Falls, and the "Hurom-Hurom" Cold Springs of the town of Nabas
.
With the coming in of more airlines flying direct to the province, Marquez targets one million tourist arrival in the province by 2010.

The new airport would also provide foreign tourists easier access to Boracay Island from their point of origin since they would not longer pass through Manila.

PPA will have continuous chartered flights to Kalibo airport.
Meanwhile, Java also confirmed the maiden flight of the Asian Spirit Airlines (ASA) to Kalibo this coming Saturday.

The 167-seater aircraft of the ASA is now ready for its projected three flights a week, he said. (PNA)

The Guardian Iloilo

YESTERDAY AT THE FRONTPAGE OF THE PHILIPPINE STAR

Calvin Klein goes for Aklan fiber
By Katherine Adraneda
Publication Date: [Friday, March 16, 2007]


Taking pride at being able to enter the competitive international designer industry, the province of Aklan announced that it has successfully kept its fibers free from virus amid infestations being experienced by other fiber-producing provinces in the country.

Fiber manufacturers of Aklan said they have implemented strict quality control of their products, from planting, propagating, and harvesting of crops.

Because of this, they have been able to penetrate the international market, supplying fiber products to top designer label Calvin Klein for seven years now.

"Aklan fibers remain free from virus," said Anna India Legaspi, president of the Aklan Piña Manufacturers and Traders Association (APMTA), referring to the bunchy-top virus which has affected crops in the Bicol region, Eastern Visayas, and Caraga. The virus causes the degradation of the fibers, which break easily when afflicted by the crop disease.

Legaspi’s family owns Manufacturer Heritage Arts and Crafts (MHAC).

MHAC chief executive Javier Legaspi said the company earns around $50,000 annually from supplying Calvin Klein with fiber products such as sinamay and abaca, which are used in products like pillow covers and curtains designed by the Calvin Klein firm.

The MHAC, along with other Aklan-based companies involved in fiber production, source their sinamay, abaca, and raffia within the province, specifically from Libacao, Malinao, and Madalag towns, including agrarian reform communities (ARCs) that were established through the government’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

"Whenever we have meetings, we always make it a point to make the people, including the local government, farmers, everyone, conscious of efforts to prevent the occurrence of the virus," Legaspi said.

Legaspi also revealed that they have already registered with the Intellectual Property Office and secured a quality seal for Aklan fiber products two years ago.

"We are now in the process of developing a unified quality control system for the whole province of Aklan to sustain this (virus-free) status," she added.

Data provided by Legaspi showed that the entire workforce of the fiber industry in Aklan consists of 9,486 workers. Total investments were pegged at P3.3 million.

Aklan fiber manufacturers have penetrated markets in the United States, Japan, Italy, France, China, Malaysia, Canada, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

Abaca fiber registered the highest export sales to the US, amounting to $106,669 per year. Domestically, total sales of abaca fiber products reached P33.6 million.

Piña and silk products, meanwhile, have domestic sales of P40.753 million and export sales to the US of $30,407, while raffia-based products have domestic sales of P4 million and export sales of $30,200.

due to the new one-entry and one exit rule plus the removal of parked boats in the sea, can anyone who is planning to go there in the days to come, if you can share some pictures here?

im interested to see the area north of station 1 or from Bans Beach and northwards towards Fridays and maybe a shot from Fridays looking south.

thanks.

One entry, one exit implementation in Boracay a hit with tourists and locals
By VG Villanueva

Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan (16 March) -- “I was amazed by the great change. Now all I can see is the long stretch of the long, white beach, the clean, blue waters free of pump boats.”

“There is now an orderly system in entering and leaving the island. Tourists and local residents alike can feel safe and comfortable.”

“I can now enjoy swimming without fear of encountering a moored pumpboat and getting hurt, or encountering flotsams and undesirable wastes that might be emitted by vessels passing near the island.”

These were just some of the happy comments heard from tourists and visitors who had been to Boracay Island lately and had seen the positive changes brought about by the implementation of the “One Entry, One Exit” policy in the island.

Fully implemented on February 15, 2007, the Provincial Ordinance, “An Ordinance for the Preservation, Protection Security and Safety of the Provincial Tourism Assets and Resources” directs that any seacraft is prohibited to embark or disembark passengers anywhere around the island except at the Cagban Port in Barangay Manoc-Manoc.

Passengers, tourists and guests going to Boracay island now embark at the Caticlan Jetty Port and Passenger Terminal and submit to security check, inspection and for port clearance and disembark at Cagban Jetty Port. Bulk cargoes, construction materials, and others now use the Manoc-Manoc beach to and from Boracay.

On the directive of Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, Aklan PNP Provincial Director Police Sr. Supt. Benigno Durana reactivated the Task Force Bantay Boracay, which would strictly implement the ordinance.

The task force is composed of the Provincial Tourism Office, Caticlan Jetty Port Administration, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Ports Authority and Maritime Police.

Gov. Carlito S. Marquez said the ordinance is for the security of tourists and residents – as there is a need to establish a more systematic, orderly, safe and comfortable mode of transport from Caticlan Jetty Port to Boracay Island and vice versa.

Violators of the ordinance will be sanctioned with penalties, ranging from paying specific cash amounts for the first and second offense and for third offense – cancellation of accreditation permits will be effected.

Possessing illegal drugs, prohibited firearms/ammunition, explosives and the like have corresponding graver and heavier penalties including imprisonment.

In pushing for the strict implementation of the ordinance, the provincial government stressed that “time has come to finally streamline and put order in the movement of tourists, goods and transport services to and from the island and safeguard the tourist, guests and passengers from any undue harm while in the island.”

The full implementation of the “One Entry, One Exit” policy in Boracay island is seen here as Aklan’s essential counterpart to the just-recently signed Human Security Act of 2007 by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

The Aklan ordinance is in response to Boracay stakeholders’ fear that terrorists might enter the island and ruin the billion-peso tourism industry of the province plus lives and properties. The Human Security Act penalizes terrorism with life imprisonment without eligibility for parole.

good news for Aklan. More, more and more developments for the province "It Akean" !

Towns making headways
for a ‘green’ Philippines

KALIBO, Aklan – Some Aklan towns have long started making headways to promote a green Philippines by coming up with pro-environment measures.

Promoting a green Philippines is one of the government’s “Eight in 2008” anchor programs for 2008, her way of delivering her promise of social payback as a result of a strong economy.

In Aklan, the Green Philippine Highways project is being sustained by local government units and other involved agencies.

The Green Philippine Highway in Aklan is a stretch of national highway from Caticlan, Malay, the jump-off point to Boracay and port of entry of ro-ro boats that ply the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) to Cabangila, Altavas, the boundary of the province.

The highway is planted along its sides with flowering and ornamental plants and various tree species.

One municipality with a novel idea of implementing its pro-environment approach is the town of Tangalan.

Tangalan, a town in the western part of Aklan, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office here, has come up with a declaration of its rivers, tributaries, water shed and forest reserve as protected areas.

The main proponent of this initiative is Tangalan Mayor Jed Tirol himself, because of his strong conviction that protecting the watershed means sustaining the Coastal Eco-Tourism Program of the municipality, one of the flagship industries and attractions of the town.

Tangalan also has a Marine Sanctuary and Coral Garden which will benefit much from the protective declaration. The sanctuary, established in 2003, hosts numerous species of hard and soft corals, sponges, shells, sea stars cucumbers and oysters, while the coral garden, a 10-hectare area located within the Marine Sanctuary, aims to rehabilitate an area previously decimated by dynamite and cyanide fishing.

Tangalan has a Municipal Environment Code already, according to DENR and so is Balete, a town in the eastern side of Aklan, while Kalibo, the capital town which also boasts of its successful Mangrove Reforestation Project is working for its own.

Panay News

One entry, one exit implementation in Boracay a hit with tourists, locals

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/19/boracay.jpg

Boracay Island -- "I was amazed by the great change. Now all I can see is the long stretch of the long, white beach, the clean, blue waters free of pump boats."

"There is now an orderly system in entering and leaving the island. Tourists and local residents alike can feel safe and comfortable."

"I can now enjoy swimming without fear of encountering a moored pumpboat and getting hurt, or encountering flotsams and undesirable wastes that might be emitted by vessels passing near the island."

These were just some of the happy comments heard from tourists and visitors who had been to Boracay Island lately and had seen the positive changes brought about by the implementation of the "One Entry, One Exit" policy in the island.

Fully implemented on February 15, 2007, the Provincial Ordinance, "An Ordinance for the Preservation, Protection Security and Safety of the Provincial Tourism Assets and Resources" directs that any seacraft is prohibited to embark or disembark passengers anywhere around the island except at the Cagban Port in Barangay Manoc-Manoc.

Passengers, tourists and guests going to Boracay island now embark at the Caticlan Jetty Port and Passenger Terminal and submit to security check, inspection and for port clearance and disembark at Cagban Jetty Port. Bulk cargoes, construction materials, and others now use the Manoc-Manoc beach to and from Boracay.

On the directive of Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, Aklan PNP Provincial Director Police Sr. Supt. Benigno Durana reactivated the Task Force Bantay Boracay, which would strictly implement the ordinance.

The task force is composed of the Provincial Tourism Office, Caticlan Jetty Port Administration, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Ports Authority and Maritime Police.

Gov. Carlito S. Marquez said the ordinance is for the security of tourists and residents – as there is a need to establish a more systematic, orderly, safe and comfortable mode of transport from Caticlan Jetty Port to Boracay Island and vice versa.

Violators of the ordinance will be sanctioned with penalties, ranging from paying specific cash amounts for the first and second offense and for third offense – cancellation of accreditation permits will be effected.

Possessing illegal drugs, prohibited firearms/ammunition, explosives and the like have corresponding graver and heavier penalties including imprisonment.

In pushing for the strict implementation of the ordinance, the provincial government stressed that "time has come to finally streamline and put order in the movement of tourists, goods and transport services to and from the island and safeguard the tourist, guests and passengers from any undue harm while in the island."

The full implementation of the "One Entry, One Exit" policy in Boracay island is seen here as Aklan's essential counterpart to the just-recently signed Human Security Act of 2007 by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

The Aklan ordinance is in response to Boracay stakeholders' fear that terrorists might enter the island and ruin the billion-peso tourism industry of the province plus lives and properties. The Human Security Act penalizes terrorism with life imprisonment without eligibility for parole.

from: The News Today
link: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/19/one.entry.one.exit.implementation.in.boracay.a.hit.with.tourists.locals.html

One entry, one exit implementation in Boracay a hit with tourists, locals

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/19/boracay.jpg

Boracay Island -- "I was amazed by the great change. Now all I can see is the long stretch of the long, white beach, the clean, blue waters free of pump boats."

"There is now an orderly system in entering and leaving the island. Tourists and local residents alike can feel safe and comfortable."

"I can now enjoy swimming without fear of encountering a moored pumpboat and getting hurt, or encountering flotsams and undesirable wastes that might be emitted by vessels passing near the island."

These were just some of the happy comments heard from tourists and visitors who had been to Boracay Island lately and had seen the positive changes brought about by the implementation of the "One Entry, One Exit" policy in the island.

Fully implemented on February 15, 2007, the Provincial Ordinance, "An Ordinance for the Preservation, Protection Security and Safety of the Provincial Tourism Assets and Resources" directs that any seacraft is prohibited to embark or disembark passengers anywhere around the island except at the Cagban Port in Barangay Manoc-Manoc.

Passengers, tourists and guests going to Boracay island now embark at the Caticlan Jetty Port and Passenger Terminal and submit to security check, inspection and for port clearance and disembark at Cagban Jetty Port. Bulk cargoes, construction materials, and others now use the Manoc-Manoc beach to and from Boracay.

On the directive of Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, Aklan PNP Provincial Director Police Sr. Supt. Benigno Durana reactivated the Task Force Bantay Boracay, which would strictly implement the ordinance.

The task force is composed of the Provincial Tourism Office, Caticlan Jetty Port Administration, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Ports Authority and Maritime Police.

Gov. Carlito S. Marquez said the ordinance is for the security of tourists and residents – as there is a need to establish a more systematic, orderly, safe and comfortable mode of transport from Caticlan Jetty Port to Boracay Island and vice versa.

Violators of the ordinance will be sanctioned with penalties, ranging from paying specific cash amounts for the first and second offense and for third offense – cancellation of accreditation permits will be effected.

Possessing illegal drugs, prohibited firearms/ammunition, explosives and the like have corresponding graver and heavier penalties including imprisonment.

In pushing for the strict implementation of the ordinance, the provincial government stressed that "time has come to finally streamline and put order in the movement of tourists, goods and transport services to and from the island and safeguard the tourist, guests and passengers from any undue harm while in the island."

The full implementation of the "One Entry, One Exit" policy in Boracay island is seen here as Aklan's essential counterpart to the just-recently signed Human Security Act of 2007 by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

The Aklan ordinance is in response to Boracay stakeholders' fear that terrorists might enter the island and ruin the billion-peso tourism industry of the province plus lives and properties. The Human Security Act penalizes terrorism with life imprisonment without eligibility for parole.

from: The News Today
link: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/19/one.entry.one.exit.implementation.in.boracay.a.hit.with.tourists.locals.html

DOT: Boracay still RP’s No. 1
Jeehan V. Fernandez

BORACAY Island is still unbeatable.

This was the assessment of the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office on the world-famous island resort which remains as the country’s top tourist magnet.

DOT-6 regional director Edwin Trompeta was asked to compare Boracay to other attractions in Bohol and Cebu since the government is boasting the Visayas region as the tourism hub of the country.

“The number of rooms and investments can speak well for Boracay as a tourism haven,” stressed Trompeta.

The DOT chief was referring to five star hotels such as the newly-opened Shangrila and Boracay Discovery Shore.

Trompeta boasts of 3,600 hotel rooms, 65 flights daily and eight roll-on roll-off (RoRo) transport services bound for Boracay.

Trompeta said Boracay’s tourism industry will peak during the Holy Week April 6-7 while incoming flights are expected to hit 75 a day.

The introduced direct international flights to Kalibo Airport will also translate to 350 additional tourists.

“There are so many things happening there with bands, concerts and bars full-packed. Holy Week is something everybody is anticipating in the island. It is really going to be crowded and noisy,” Trompeta said.

Trompeta also cited the 24/7 security operations implemented by police and other law enforcers in Boracay in the island which is a vital factor for the tourism industry.

Trompeta said they are expecting around 15,000 to 18,000 tourists to swarm Boracay this Holy Week.

He recalled that Boracay’s Holy Week rush even hit 29,000 visitors several years ago.

Domestic tourists account for 80 percent of the arrivals during the Lenten season.

Boracay’s peak season, which starts in September, accommodate 70 percent domestic visitors and 30 percent of foreign travelers.

The Guardian Iloilo

DOT: Boracay still RP’s No. 1
Jeehan V. Fernandez

BORACAY Island is still unbeatable.

This was the assessment of the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office on the world-famous island resort which remains as the country’s top tourist magnet.

DOT-6 regional director Edwin Trompeta was asked to compare Boracay to other attractions in Bohol and Cebu since the government is boasting the Visayas region as the tourism hub of the country.

“The number of rooms and investments can speak well for Boracay as a tourism haven,” stressed Trompeta.

The DOT chief was referring to five star hotels such as the newly-opened Shangrila and Boracay Discovery Shore.

Trompeta boasts of 3,600 hotel rooms, 65 flights daily and eight roll-on roll-off (RoRo) transport services bound for Boracay.

Trompeta said Boracay’s tourism industry will peak during the Holy Week April 6-7 while incoming flights are expected to hit 75 a day.

The introduced direct international flights to Kalibo Airport will also translate to 350 additional tourists.

“There are so many things happening there with bands, concerts and bars full-packed. Holy Week is something everybody is anticipating in the island. It is really going to be crowded and noisy,” Trompeta said.

Trompeta also cited the 24/7 security operations implemented by police and other law enforcers in Boracay in the island which is a vital factor for the tourism industry.

Trompeta said they are expecting around 15,000 to 18,000 tourists to swarm Boracay this Holy Week.

He recalled that Boracay’s Holy Week rush even hit 29,000 visitors several years ago.

Domestic tourists account for 80 percent of the arrivals during the Lenten season.

Boracay’s peak season, which starts in September, accommodate 70 percent domestic visitors and 30 percent of foreign travelers.

The Guardian Iloilo

DOT expects rise in tourist arrivals in Boracay this Holy Week
By Maricar M. Calubiran

Boracay Island in Aklan which is known for its white sand is still the place to beat this summer.

Department of Tourism (DOT) regional director Edwin Trompeta said they are expecting some 22,000 domestic and foreign tourists to visit Boracay Island this Holy Week.

Trompeta said, Boracay still remains the favorite tourist spot in the country. During Holy Week, the ratio between domestic and foreign tourists is 70:30.

Trompeta added that the recent direct launching of Korea-Kalibo flight will likewise increase the foreign tourist arrivals. He said having a direct flight is already an indication that tourism is alive in the island resort.

The Koreans posted the highest number of visitors in the island last year. There were some 500,000 Koreans who visited the island. The tourism sector should take advantage of the open sky policy right now. Trompeta said there is a big possibility that the number of Korean tourists will increase because of the Kalibo-Korea flight.

With the anticipated increase in tourist arrivals, the Boracay Police purposely stationed in the island has already mapped out plans this Holy Week. The security in the island is in place 24/7. The one-entrance-one-exit policy also helps the police in its security measures, he said.

from: The News Today
link; http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/21/dot.expects.rise.in.tourist.arrivals.in.boracay.this.holy.week.html

I pity the poor island, how commercialism has focused too many people to this single tadpole-shaped island.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l296/thegreat184/CIMG0207.jpg

what municipality does boracay belong to? and is it benefitted by the presence of tourists and developments in boracay? IMO, that town ought to be a city by now, or at least gain a status of either 2nd or 1st class...

Aklan braces for Korea-
Kalibo inaugural flight
By ULYSSES ESPARTERO

KALIBO, Aklan – The provincial government is now preparing for the inaugural flight of Asian Spirit McDonnel (MD 83) direct from Incheon, South Korea.

Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez recently issued an executive order organizing the committee on the inaugural flight which will take charge of the programs and activities to ensure a successful inaugural international flight in terms of planning, coordinating and integrating all offices, LGUs, the private sector, media and the entire people of Aklan.

The committee is headed by the governor as chairman with Cong. Florencio Miraflores and former congressman Allen Quimpo as co-chairpersons. The Vice Chairpersons are Vice Gov. Ronquillo Tolentino, former Vice Gov. Jean Rodriguez and Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo.

The executive committee is also composed of mayors from the 17 towns of Aklan as members.

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has designated Asian Spirit as official carrier to/from Incheon, South Korea to Kalibo, Aklan while the Bureau of Customs, Immigration and Quarantine has granted Special Landing Permit to Asian Spirit to operate said route.

Marquez said the provincial government is extremely grateful to the management of Asian Spirit for its pioneering and missionary routes.

“This international route will transform Kalibo and the 16 other towns of the Province of Aklan into a truly world-renowned destination as it did in Malay where Caticlan Airport now takes pride of being considered the busiest airport outside of Metro Manila and Cebu,” the governor added.

With the opening of the Kalibo airport for international flights, the number of tourist arrivals will help achieve the One Million goal by 2010 with a prediction that the growth center that is Boracay Island will expand to the whole province of Aklan in effect boosting its local economy and providing unlimited job opportunities.

This historic event will not only be an opportunity to showcase the positive traits of the Aklanon people but to ensure that this route will be viable and sustainable.

from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news11.htm

five star hotels such as the newly-opened Shangrila and Boracay Discovery Shore

Shangrila is already open? :?

I think Shangrila will open 2008.

Boracay's Best Kept Secret

http://talonggo.blogspot.com/2007/03/now-viewing-other-side-of-boracay.html

Tourism, agriculture – capitol’s major thrusts
BY ULYSSES ESPARTERO

KALIBO, Aklan – Agriculture and tourism remain to be the major thrusts of the Aklan provincial government.

“Before us is a challenge to improve agricultural productivity and increase tourism revenue, and to effectively implement programs and projects for the greater welfare of Aklanons and the development of Aklan,” said Gov. Carlito Marquez.

Agriculture remains to be the main lifeline of Aklan’s economy, the sector being the number one employer and generator of income for the Aklanons.

With assistance from Cong. Florencio Miraflores and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan under Vice Gov. Ronquillo Tolentino, the provincial government has innovated production programs in crops, fisheries and livestocks.

“With the rice hybridization program, we envision to be known as the hybrid rice seed capital of Western Visayas. We have successfully implemented the initial phases of our coastal resources management program by providing assistance to organized fish farmers. We have initiated mango plantation, installation of artificial reefs in coastal barangays and the dispersal of tilapia and catfish fingerlings to upland fresh water,” Marquez said.

For the agriculture development program, the Office of Provincial Agriculturist Delano Tefora provided grafted mango planting materials for a 25 hectare plantation, allocated one million for a 200 hectare abaca plantation in Libacao and initiated a breakthrough artificial insemination program which undoubtedly contributed to an increase in population of cattles and carabao.

Tourism, on the other hand, continues to be one of the anchor industries of the province.

“I am convinced that tourism remains one of the biggest sources of income for the country and for our province and in the development of our province, our leaders play crucial roles,” he said.

Despite the worldwide slump in tourism due to economic downturns, tourist arrivals in Boracay continue to increase, making the island a top tourist drawer.

From a largely untouched tropical island, Boracay was transformed into a prime tourist destination. The island now enjoys the reputation as crown jewel of the Philippine tourism industry.

“We have to preserve, secure and protect the island and our growing number of tourists,” stressed Task Force Bantay Boracay chairman Senior Supt. Benigno Durana Jr.

The implementation of the one entry, one exit policy is one initiative crafted by the provincial government to ensure the safety and security of tourists and guests coming to the island of Boracay.

from: The Guardian Iloilo
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news10.htm

can anybody tell me which station landbank is located in boracay? I've been to bora maybe 11 years ago and planning to go there again (same location) if i go back to philippines next time but i forgot its location already:) Also if you know available hotels near this area much better. Thanks in advance.

what municipality does boracay belong to? and is it benefitted by the presence of tourists and developments in boracay? IMO, that town ought to be a city by now, or at least gain a status of either 2nd or 1st class...

Malay, Aklan if I'm not mistaken

awwww...i get it now...

The resort island Boracay is geographically part of the municipality although administratively independent of it (Boracay is under the administrative control of the Philippine Tourism Authority in coordination with the provincial government of Aklan). (wikipedia)

too bad...all the cash directly goes into some agency while Malay is left with virtually nothing...no wonder why it's still a 4th class municipality

Aklan seeks improved health services
By ULYSSES ESPARTERO

KALIBO, Aklan – The provincial government is determined to improve the delivery of health services particularly in the hospital system.

In a recent Provincial Health Board meeting, Gov. Carlito Marquez said the delivery of health services here had become a gargantuan task for both the national and local governments.

“Health services including hospital operations had been allocated last year more than 30 percent of the provincial budget, and yet, we are always found wanting in this particular area in serving our people,” he said.

Marquez added that with the integration of the two district hospitals in Altavas and Ibajay and the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH) into the Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD), local officials are very hopeful that hospital operations can be self-sustaining with the end-goal of delivering health services efficiently, adequately and with human touch at least.

“We hope that hospital operations can subsidize it to free the rest of the provincial funds for use in other basic services needed by our people particularly in agriculture, livelihood generation and infrastructure,” Marquez said.

EEDD Chief Rex Victor Consemino stressed that placing the operation of the DRSTMH and district hospitals in Ibajay and Altavas under the umbrella of EEDD is a major innovation of the Marquez administration.

Vice Gove. Ronquillo Tolentino said EEDD was created through a provincial ordinance as a response to the burgeoning need for funds to finance various services in the province.

from: Panay ***s
link: http://www.panay***s.com.ph/aklan.htm

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/ether_2006/IMG_1502.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/ether_2006/IMG_1410.jpg

^^i love bora, i wanna go back there, of course after i go to iloilo first. =)

This is the first I saw an aerial shot of the island. Elongated pala sya. :D Wala lang.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/ether_2006/IMG_1410.jpg

WHOAAH!
This shot is immaculate! No bancas moored at the beachfront!

^^it was my clinical instructor who took those shots during her vacation to boracay, she asked me to make a slideshow for her wedding, and i asked for her permission to post her bora pics here...

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/ether_2006/IMG_1414.jpg

^^ Beautiful BORACAY ! Maganda talaga ! Now, I'm missing Philippines more with ILOILO and BORACAY ! :banana:

Anyone here from Kalibo Aklan?

There are still a few places left in Boracay where one will hardly feel the commercialization.

Click : http://myprivateboracay.blogspot.com

Direct South Korea-Kalibo flights to give better opportunities for SMEs – DTI

by VG Villanueva

Kalibo, Aklan (2 March) -- The direct flights from South Korea to Kalibo seen to start March 16 will spell better business opportunities for Aklan’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), according to DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Ermelinda P. Pollentes.

This is so because these direct flights will be bringing in to Aklan more Korean tourists, who are potential buyers of Aklan’s processed foods, loom-woven products and gifts and housewares, main products of Aklan’s SMEs.

“When these tourists buy our products from Aklan, there will be greater demand for more supplies which will trigger bigger sales, and more people will be given employment,” Pollentes said.

The direct flights will also benefit the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program of the government. OTOP showcases the potentially strong product of all towns. Each of Aklan’s 17 towns has identified its own product for the OTOP program.

Asked on the prospect of Aklan entrepreneurs bringing their products direct to South Korea because of these direct flights, Pollentes said the import/export restrictions of South Korea’s market should be studied first.

“If Aklan’s SMEs plan to bring their products direct to South Korea, we have to do a market study first. Initially, the SMEs should just count on these tourists to buy their products, and let this tourists bring them (the products) home to Korea for the others to see,” Pollentes said.

Presently, the Kalibo Airport is being readied for these direct flights. This latest development is seen to motivate other airlines to have their own direct flights to Kalibo from other various Asian countries.

Airlines initially identified to have direct flights from South Korea this month are the Asian Spirit and Pacific Pearl.

@ joey, what's wrong with too many gays? Aren't gay people allowed to go there? Does my presence on the island make it less desirable or "evil"?

Tepok ka joey...discriminatory statement mo....:bash:

Exotic beaches has a cycle....

1st cycle = only people who explore exotic beaches...these people want serenity and privacy. they don't want any 5 star treatment..they want places that doesn't represent technology and modernization...this happened during the mid 70's till mid 80's

2nd cycle = people start developing the place for more accomodation..starts putting up generators...from the explorers...they hear things that the beach is exotic..so the 2nd wave of people go there...but complaints of it's poor amenities....this happened in boracay during mid 80's up to mid 90's

3rd cycle = everything break loose...electricity and running water is available due to development...concrete roads are in place....a modern airport is developed ...a 5 star hotel is in place....everybody now wants to be seen in that area/beach or resort...

all beaches experienced this cycle....look at matabungkay/puerto gallera etc...

the 4th cycle is...the beach dies due to pollution and over development...which happens to be the cavite area right now...and paranaque

But still boracay is nice during Christmas and New years eve...very peaceful...walang tahong at kropek na nagtatapon sa beach...

Maybe there should be a limit on the number of visitors it gets... kinda like how the US does with giving away visas. hahaha.. It might cause prices of everything in Boracay to skyrocket though. Well anyway, I think DOT should start promoting other beaches to ease the number of people and development going to Boracay.

http://myprivateboracay.blogspot.com

I've never been to Boracay so I can't say conclusions pero just recently, nakita ko ang isang feature about Boracay, ang ganda, nakakabulag ang "whiteness" ng sand. Hindi ko nakita ang mga negative aspects na namention sa thread na 'to. O baka, ni-sugarcoat lang ng mga producers ng show ang segment para may ma-lure pa na mga turista

During the early 80's ...it was really powdery sugar white....when there wasn't any electricity yet in the island and only Bazura and Sharks were the only discos there....at night...the sand would reflect back to the moon ...thus making the beach luminous...Up to now..I can still reproduce that site in my brain...I just couldn't forget it..even though I would go home drunk every night..and the wind would blow the coconut leaves....ngayon...wala na yun...it's all vendors....

During that time...most of the visitors were German and French....I wasn't allowed to play my music....pinagagalitan nila ako nun.since I was still a kid then....ang baon ko lang nun eh 1,500 pesos...kasama na ferry pabalik sa manila via batangas city. A complete meal during those times would cost me P 25...kasama na 1 whole fish...rice...soup..salad plus desert...and 1 mix drink...the private cottage would cost me P75/night...may kulambo and private bathroom...stayed at Willys when he was still poor...trying to make a loan in the bank...and he was selling me the lot beside him for I think...100 per square...pero rights lang yun..but beachfront....

Those things cannot be repeated anymore...sarap talaga mag reminiscing....

^^ wow pag binili mo sana yung beachfront na yan ang laki na nang tinubo nang pera mo....tapos sana meron free beach na ang ssc:lol: totoo rin sabi mo na dati puro germans and french ang mostly visitors dito kasi noong time nang pag punta namin ganon din. tabi namin na cottages puro germans and french.

anyway, ako naman last time i went there was 1996 ata and i have many good memories din of bora. crystal clear beach, makita mo mga corals and reefs very clearly. ang ganda talaga...tapos the sands white very clean. I have taken din a lot of nude photos of foreign girls kasi special request nang male friend ko, he he...tapos kung minsan while strolling in the beach may nag titinda nang fresh na seafoods, murang mura lang tapos pede mo dalhin sa cottage mo ipaluto don o pede kayo na mag barbeque. our cottage is beside the landbank branch there in bora. ngayon di ko na ma identify kung san ang location nya. gusto ko sana bumalik sa bora with same location. Life in bora was really not commercialized back then, very simple, provincial life. sana ganon pa rin. pero alam ko sa panaginip na lang to kasi ang dami na nang developments nangyayari ngayon dito. hay...

not yet
i wanted to be more futuristic

I don't have a problem with a beach resort being commercialized and "over developed". For one, you don't have to worry about crappy primitive toilet facilities.

I remember going to White Beach in Puerto Galera five years ago and back then, it was so primitive as compared to today. And my golly, despite renting a nice beach hut that near the top of the hill with a spectacular view, the bathroom was crap. No flush or even a toilet seat and it clogged up right away! Now I just came back from the same area and is much improved! Now if only they have better roads so that if you do take the car ferry to Calipanan, your non-4x4 vehicle won't fall apart if you decide to drive in (since the banca ferry service, specifically the Commandos 7, SUCK!).

I know its a small thing but it does make a difference not having to worry about stupid trivial things like that in a modern beach resort. I'm sure the same goes with Boracay between now and then. The key is sustainability and to ensure that the commercialization does not ruin the overall ambiance. So its okay for Boracay and other beach towns to modernize as long as it is well maintained, the natural surroundings aren't spoiled, and ppl don't abuse the location.

I don't have a problem with a beach resort being commercialized and "over developed". For one, you don't have to worry about crappy primitive toilet facilities.

I remember going to White Beach in Puerto Galera five years ago and back then, it was so primitive as compared to today. And my golly, despite renting a nice beach hut that near the top of the hill with a spectacular view, the bathroom was crap. No flush or even a toilet seat and it clogged up right away! Now I just came back from the same area and is much improved! Now if only they have better roads so that if you do take the car ferry to Calipanan, your non-4x4 vehicle won't fall apart if you decide to drive in (since the banca ferry service, specifically the Commandos 7, SUCK!).

I know its a small thing but it does make a difference not having to worry about stupid trivial things like that in a modern beach resort. I'm sure the same goes with Boracay between now and then. The key is sustainability and to ensure that the commercialization does not ruin the overall ambiance. So its okay for Boracay and other beach towns to modernize as long as it is well maintained, the natural surroundings aren't spoiled, and ppl don't abuse the location.

Nako..buti nga may CR..may pinupuntahan kami na walang CR...so alam mo na...may I ihi sa beach at may I baon sa lupa ...hahahahahha:banana:

You can have a good CR and still have the place quiet and uncommercialized. I hate it when resorts have really crappy restrooms.

I've never been to Boracay, but my province is pretty much a coastal one. A relative of mine owns a beachfront lot so whenever we want to go swimming, we don't have to worry about the crowds or crappy service or whatnot. I suppose because of that, I got used to really having peace at the same time enjoying myself, and rarely go to resorts. I'm not much into the nightlife either.

Basta ma-maintain ng mga developers ang beauty and cleanliness of Boracay (or any beach for that matter), advancement/commercialization is fine. It's a source of income, after all. The visitors should also take part in keeping the place as pristine as possible. Respect lang, ika nga.

IMHO, saying that "I've been to Boracay" nowadays is more of a status symbol than anything else.