Aklan Province and Boracay Island - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 9

icarusrising

February 8th, 2009, 03:58 PM

^^ This article refers to it as the fifth busiest as of June 2008. As for the basis of the article from Panay News, Marc could be right since it could only handle smaller aircrafts.

June 22, 2008

Loren bats for new Aklan airport authority to reinforce Boracay (http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2008/0622_legarda1.asp)

Sen. Loren Legarda, Senate economic affairs committee chairperson, has sought the creation of a new state-sponsored entity that would develop fully and oversee the two airports in Aklan province that serve as gateways to the world-class island-resort of Boracay.

Legarda's proposal is contained in a bill that proposes to establish the Aklan Airport Authority, which would look after the continuous modernization of the Kalibo airport in the Municipality of Kalibo as well as the Caticlan airport in the Municipality of Malay.

"We have to constantly build up the two airports, to include adequate night landing and all-weather support systems and equipment, to cope up with the growing demands of travel and leisure, and to support the burst of business activities associated with rapid tourism expansion," Legarda said.

"In the case of the Kalibo airport, we envision it with a truly world-class passenger terminal as well as modern safety and security facilities," Legarda said.

Passengers flying the Manila-Kalibo-Manila, Manila-Caticlan-Manila and the Cebu-Kalibo-Cebu routes have steadily increased, largely due to the continuing surge in Boracay-bound foreign and domestic tourists.

In 2007, a total of 596,784 tourists arrived in Boracay, up seven percent from 558,084 in 2006.

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific recently added Cebu-Kalibo to its domestic routes. Low-fare PAL Express has also launched a Manila-Caticlan service, with 12 flights daily, using 50-seater Bombardier Q300 turboprops.

The Kalibo airport is one of the country's 10 "international airports" with border control facility used in international flights. It is now getting a massive facelift with the construction of a new P80-million terminal.

The Caticlan airport (also called the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport) is just a "principal Class 2 airport" used for prop and jet aircraft smaller than the B737, A320 or DC9. However, due to the tourism surge, the airport is now the country's fifth busiest.

The Kalibo airport now operates as a mere division of the Air Transportation Office. The Caticlan airport operates as a mere extension of the Kalibo airport.

As proposed by Legarda in Senate Bill 940, the new airport entity would be attached to the Department of Transportation and Communications, and get adequate initial capital from the national government.

A board of 11 members, including the governor of Aklan and four private sector representatives endorsed by him or her, would direct the new airport body.

Income generated from terminal fees and other sources would be shared by the national, provincial and municipal treasuries, while a portion would be retained by the new airport entity.

iloilocitykid

February 8th, 2009, 04:11 PM

^^ I see. Thanks for the corrections.

icarusrising

February 8th, 2009, 04:11 PM

But this one clarifies that the title is based on the number of passengers...

Boracay-bound tourists surviveairplane mishap (http://www.mb.com.ph/archive_pages.php?url=http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2009/01/12/MAIN20090112145430.html)

By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

BORACAY, Aklan — A Zest Airways (formerly Asian Spirit) plane bound for this famous island resort figured in a rough landing at the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (Caticlan Airport) yesterday morning.

Tourism Regional Director Edwin Trompeta said the Zest Airlines flight from Manila to Caticlan missed the runway approach and skidded into the side of the perimeter fence of the runway.

The incident caused minor injuries to some passengers who were taken to the nearby Caticlan Baptist Hospital.

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) officials said the MA60 airplane was carrying 27 passengers, including crew members and pilots. Strong winds were blamed for the incident at 6:55 Sunday morning.

"Except for one passenger who had a fractured limb but now in stable condition. All passengers that include two Koreans, two Germans and local tourists proceeded to Boracay," Trompeta said.

Caticlan airport is the third busiest airport in the country processing 400,000 passengers in 2008. It serves other airlines — Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines Express and Southeast Asian Airline.

The regional director added the local Philippine National Police (PNP) led by Senior Supt. Clarence Guinto and the CAAP personnel were on alert for emergency and security arrangements and his Boracay tourism staff are making follow up operations to assist the passengers needing medical help or assistance.

Trompeta said that all operations of the Caticlan Airport were back to normal at 12:30 p.m. yesterday after domestic flights were diverted to Kalibo International Airport, about 68 kms. from this island.

Zest Airways flies 18 routes to 12 other local tourist destinations: Cebu, Clark, Busuanga, Cuyo, El Nido, Puerto Princesa and Rodriguez in Palawan, Camiguin, Cotabato, Zamboanga, Jolo and Tawi-tawi.

The company has MA60 fleet, an advanced 50-60 seat class regional turboprop aircraft developed by Xi’an Aircraft Company of China Aviation Industry Cooperative (AVICI) in its domestic flight to Caticlan, Malay, Aklan.

iloilocitykid

February 8th, 2009, 05:41 PM

^^

I took this from ExploreIloilo-dot-Com

In 2001, passenger traffic in the Iloilo Domestic Airport in Manduriao District was pegged at 638,538. Last year, passenger traffic increased to 708,469 or an increase of 69,931 or 9.87%, making it the fourth busiest airport in the country in terms of passenger traffic after: NAIA (16,485,178), Mactan IA (1,897,675), Davao IA (1,347,034 ). Furthermore, aircraft movement in Iloilo Airport was 13,940 in 2001 and 8,998 in 2005.

Passenger traffic in other airports in the region in 2005
Bacolod, Negros Occidental - 563,571
Caticlan, Aklan - 521,518
Kalibo, Aklan - 242,183
Roxas, Capiz - 94,249
San Jose, Antique - 2,908

Top 10 busiest airports in the Philippines in terms of passenger traffic in 2005
1. Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Metro Manila - 16,485,178
2. Mactan International Airport, Cebu - 1,897,675
3. Davao International Airport - 1,347,034
4. Iloilo Airport - 708,469
5. Bacolod Airport, Negros Occidental - 563,571
6. Caticlan Airport, Aklan - 521,518
7. Cagayan de Oro Airport - 464,054
8. Zamboanga Airport - 360,925
9. Puerto Princesa Airport, Palawan - 267,778
10. Kalibo Airport, Aklan - 242,183

Meanwhile, cargo movement in the Iloilo Airport in 2001 was 8,707,751, which increased to 10,313,511 in 2005. Also, making it the fourth busiest airport in the country in terms of cargo movement after: NAIA(414,274,230), Davao IA(70,372,167), and Mactan IA(34,045,843)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's the confusing part...though it's just a matter of miscalculation and misunderstanding (on my part).

That means in a span of 3 years, we would have lost 300,000 passengers.

Could it mean that passenger traffic in Iloilo decreased even though airlines have been continuosly added their frequency? Plus there are flights to and from DVO now and Zest Airways entered.

icarusrising

February 8th, 2009, 07:11 PM

^^ It's the same thing for Caticlan if there were only about 400,000 passengers recorded for 2008 since it had more than 500,000 in 2005. I'm not sure but perhaps the close proximity of these airports to each other may have caused some evening out effect so if the statistics were to come out, I would predict only slight differences when the number of passengers for each airports are generated. These airports in Region 6 are conveniently located about 2 hours away from each other by land transport. It's easy to choose one over the other though I noticed that the Kalibo and Caticlan flights are generally more expensive.

habagatcentral1

February 9th, 2009, 01:05 AM

^^ Kasi laging pinapapak ng mga turista ang mga promo fares bound for Boracay. That is why its usually expensive, to the point that sometimes the Aklanons themselves are deprived of their flights.

iloilocitykid

February 9th, 2009, 03:25 AM

^^ I really wish we'd see the passnger traffic statistics soon.

The good news with having a supposedly lower passenger traffic is that ILO Airport won't get saturated with its 1.2 million capacity. :lol: j/k.

Sorry for the OT.

mwg12a

February 9th, 2009, 06:03 AM

OH cool, thanks!!! So, I guess these websites actually work. I was afraid it might be the same with Airport websites like NAIA and MCIA. I guess since it's privately owned, they made sure that internet surfers would be able to get into their website and reserve a room.

chymera00

February 10th, 2009, 05:44 AM

^^ The authors should have specified (or took a better look at the statistics), hehe.

IMPRESARIO

February 10th, 2009, 01:51 PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3371/3256509039_bdf9e633b8.jpg?v=0

^^would love to retire in bora.

exploreaklan

February 10th, 2009, 03:19 PM

wow nice shots bah... hehehehe

carl_vilches21

February 10th, 2009, 03:43 PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3371/3256509039_bdf9e633b8.jpg?v=0

...Ang ganda ng pagkakuha nito...:)

spacewagon1

February 12th, 2009, 09:22 AM

^^^^ beautiful Boracay ... a haven for a sea romanticist like me ... ha ha ha

spacewagon1

February 14th, 2009, 12:58 PM

Wow! The Discovery Shores looks awesome. Thanks for providing the link for booking and reservation. Cheers.

icarusrising

February 17th, 2009, 05:47 AM

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/0/photos/181/1200x1200/17/IMGP6260.JPG?et=WiVXkSBsHGmFF5IxdrZgpg&nmid=196997093

From the site:

Aqua Boracay - Philippines Real Estate which offers outstanding investment opportunity and a tropical lifestyle dream.

* Exclusive Design by European Architects
* Environmentally Friendly
* Unique structural design for maximum sea and resort views
* Luxury Fittings
* Open plan kitchen and living areas
* Large terraces for outdoor living
* With a prime location on Bulabog Beach, a residential paradise and home of the International Funboard Cup
* Short stroll to Boracay White Beach restaurants, bars and shopping.

You can check in whenever you want, as long as you want in Aqua Boracay, 52 weeks per year. Not only you will experience the privilege of owing an absolute beachfront apartment but also the pleasure of being a VIP resort guest.

Put your mind at ease whenever you are not in Boracay Philippines with the option of having your home in the rental pool and enjoy an ongoing return on your real estate investment. Boracay Island is known to be the undisputed tourist capital of the Philippines and world renowned tourist destination.

So come! Follow your dream with us and become one of the owner of a luxury apartment of Aqua Boracay Beach Village - Boracay Philippines Real Estate Development, an Outstanding Beachfront Investment Opportunity.

Phase 1 construction will commence third quarter of 2009.

Phase 2 construction will commence first quarter of 2010.

Phase 3 construction will commence second quarter of 2010.

http://www.aquaboracay.com/images/081223%20Aqua%20Aerial%20Cam%2007%20HR.jpg

http://www.aquaboracay.com/images/Aqua%20pic1%20index.jpg

http://www.aquaboracay.com/images/aqua%20pic2%20index.jpg

Landscaping:

http://www.aquaboracay.com/images/landscaping_plan_small.jpg

Source (http://www.aquaboracay.com/)

spacewagon1

February 17th, 2009, 10:41 AM

more proposals for Boracay !
Hala Bira !!!

majaba

February 17th, 2009, 04:47 PM

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/0/photos/181/1200x1200/17/IMGP6260.JPG?et=WiVXkSBsHGmFF5IxdrZgpg&nmid=196997093

From the site:

Aqua Boracay - Philippines Real Estate which offers outstanding investment opportunity and a tropical lifestyle dream.

* Exclusive Design by European Architects
* Environmentally Friendly
* Unique structural design for maximum sea and resort views
* Luxury Fittings
* Open plan kitchen and living areas
* Large terraces for outdoor living
* With a prime location on Bulabog Beach, a residential paradise and home of the International Funboard Cup
* Short stroll to Boracay White Beach restaurants, bars and shopping.

You can check in whenever you want, as long as you want in Aqua Boracay, 52 weeks per year. Not only you will experience the privilege of owing an absolute beachfront apartment but also the pleasure of being a VIP resort guest.

Put your mind at ease whenever you are not in Boracay Philippines with the option of having your home in the rental pool and enjoy an ongoing return on your real estate investment. Boracay Island is known to be the undisputed tourist capital of the Philippines and world renowned tourist destination.

So come! Follow your dream with us and become one of the owner of a luxury apartment of Aqua Boracay Beach Village - Boracay Philippines Real Estate Development, an Outstanding Beachfront Investment Opportunity.

Phase 1 construction will commence third quarter of 2009.

Phase 2 construction will commence first quarter of 2010.

Phase 3 construction will commence second quarter of 2010.

http://www.aquaboracay.com/images/aqua%20pic2%20index.jpg

Landscaping:

http://www.aquaboracay.com/images/landscaping_plan_small.jpg

Source (http://www.aquaboracay.com/)

looks really beautiful. where will it be on the island ?

icarusrising

February 17th, 2009, 07:58 PM

^^ It's facing Bulabog Beach on the east side of the Island.

http://www.aquaboracay.com/images/Panoramic%20shot%20w-aqua%20logo.jpg

majaba

February 17th, 2009, 08:42 PM

^^ It's facing Bulabog Beach on the east side of the Island.

http://www.aquaboracay.com/images/Panoramic%20shot%20w-aqua%20logo.jpg

salamat icarusrising :)

spacewagon1

February 18th, 2009, 05:32 AM

just reviewed the render ... oh my!!! from 11.5Mphp .... it's double the price of Knightsbridge and Gramercy single-room condo in Makati.

spacewagon1

February 22nd, 2009, 12:13 AM

Come and Sail with Us

PARAW REGATTA 2009

“sailing the high seas ... mooring for more"

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

spacewagon1

February 22nd, 2009, 12:17 AM

flip2_0

February 25th, 2009, 10:26 AM

Manny Pacquiao's Boracay Hideaway
http://i40.tinypic.com/14sflaq.jpg

Shangri-La Boracay
http://i43.tinypic.com/of4j77.jpg

spacewagon1

February 27th, 2009, 01:56 AM

Boracay on high-class Aussie magazine

A WEEKLY Australian magazine, "Grazia," which explore high-end life in terms of fashion, celebrities and travel has featured Boracay's beauty.

Holding the glossy high life magazine for everyone to see, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said: "Our country's exposure in different renowned foreign publications show that we are continually on the world's blue list of the best."

Durano added: "This affirms that our investments in one of the country’s prime tourist destinations are worth every cent because Boracay is, indeed, among the world's top 10 beaches."
Boracay Island is blessed with crystal-clear waters, ultra-fine sand and a unique charm never fails to captivate tourists worldwide.

Visitors are enthralled by the island's healthy mix of nature and party atmosphere aside from water sports such as beach volleyball, skim boarding, kite surfing, sailing, snorkeling tours and bar hopping in the evenings.

Aside from a spectacular sunset for late afternoon viewing, trail hiking and mountain climbing are most appropriate in the mornings.

Spas and wellness centers happily dot the place where worn-out travelers can look forward to being pampered with massage to soothe their frayed nerves and tired bodies.

"Grazia has been a huge success and we are confident that the Australian audience will respond enthusiastically to its fresh approach to lifestyle and travel," said Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque of the Tourism Planning and Promotions.

Tourism in Boracay continues to increase by leaps and bounds, reflecting a 5.61 percent growth for Region-6 and earning them a total of P10.6 billion in 2008. (PNA)

source: The Daily Guardian ILOILO (http://thedailyguardian.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12040&Itemid=2)

majaba

February 27th, 2009, 07:23 AM

[QUOTE=flip2_0;32812642]Manny Pacquiao's Boracay Hideaway
http://i40.tinypic.com/14sflaq.jpg

it looks like a hotel with all those houses. how many houses does a man need to be happy ? maybe he has many kids..... :lol:

in_a_rush

February 27th, 2009, 07:52 PM

^^ its actually a hotel.
http://www.boracaywestcove.com

flip2_0

February 28th, 2009, 05:54 AM

^^ its actually a hotel.
http://www.boracaywestcove.com

I see, it's prolly within the vicinity :lol: :lol: :lol:

majaba

February 28th, 2009, 10:06 AM

^^ its actually a hotel.
http://www.boracaywestcove.com

and how nice too !
thanks in a rush......

regjeex

March 2nd, 2009, 12:58 PM

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/323/2boracay1977.jpg

regjeex

March 2nd, 2009, 12:59 PM

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regjeex

March 2nd, 2009, 01:02 PM

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

March 2nd, 2009, 01:07 PM

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jsl_bxu1206

March 2nd, 2009, 01:07 PM

laagan sad kaayo ka reg. niabot og boracay thread, hehehe. (ako sad diay). kaila lagi ko ani nila.

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/246/144332000pjqmxafs.jpg

regjeex

March 2nd, 2009, 01:08 PM

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regjeex

March 2nd, 2009, 01:08 PM

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regjeex

March 2nd, 2009, 01:09 PM

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regjeex

March 2nd, 2009, 01:11 PM

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regjeex

March 2nd, 2009, 01:11 PM

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

March 2nd, 2009, 01:14 PM

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/3452/boracay56.jpg

jsl_bxu1206

March 2nd, 2009, 01:15 PM

it's actually a resort. it was featured in Trip na Trip where the resort manager said that their place is Manny's favorite in Bora.

[QUOTE=flip2_0;32812642]Manny Pacquiao's Boracay Hideaway
http://i40.tinypic.com/14sflaq.jpg

it looks like a hotel with all those houses. how many houses does a man need to be happy ? maybe he has many kids..... :lol:

regjeex

March 2nd, 2009, 01:16 PM

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/6479/boracay1.png

regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

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regjeex

March 2nd, 2009, 01:53 PM

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regjeex

March 2nd, 2009, 01:54 PM

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regjeex

March 2nd, 2009, 01:54 PM

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regjeex

March 2nd, 2009, 01:55 PM

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regjeex

March 2nd, 2009, 01:56 PM

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regjeex

March 2nd, 2009, 01:58 PM

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Fundador

March 3rd, 2009, 02:17 AM

Miraflores seeks DOT help
in Bolabog circumferential road

By Jun Ariolo N. Aguirre and Boy Ryan Zabal

KALIBO, Aklan – Cong. Florencio Miraflores personally sought the help of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the implementation of the Bolabog circumferential road.

Miraflores warned that if the project is not implemented this year, its fund will expire.
He said DOT Secretary Ace Durano promised to study his request, in cooperation with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

But Boracay stakeholders are opposing the 30-meter road project. They said new roads are not needed in lessening the worsening traffic situation in Boracay.

Miraflores, however, noted a DPWH study that indicated the average travel time in Boracay – 20 to 25 kilometers per hour.

“The traffic is comparatively slower than that of Edsa in Metro Manila, where the average travel time is 40 to 45 kilometers per hour,” he said.

Miraflores said the circumferential road will widen the narrow road from Cagban Port to Brgy. Yapak.

The one-lane road construction is part of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) to spread development and tourism activities in less developed areas of Boracay.

Miraflores said the circumferential road will boost the tourism industry of Boracay.

DOT is spending about P350-million for the completion of the circumferential road and secondary wharfs in the island.

Ayala-owned Manila Water also entered into a water concession with the Philippine Tourism Authority to improve the island’s water and sewerage system, and to expand infrastructure and water supply facilities.

Around 600,000 tourists visited Boracay Island last year, mostly Koreans and Europeans. The provincial government also envisions to expand the Caticlan Port and build medical facilities and infrastructures in its five-year program until 2013./PN panay news

reggiedoc

March 3rd, 2009, 05:50 AM

Shangri-La has opened two at exactly the same time
Tuesday, 3rd March 2009
Source : 4Hoteliers.com

Shangri-la Hotels & Resorts, the luxurious hotel operator has opened two more hotels yesterday morning.:cheers::cheers::cheers:

In these difficult economical times, Shangri-La keeps continuing their expansion plans and have opened Tokyo and Boracay Monday morning, March 2nd, 2009. :banana::banana::banana:

These were the first two of the new year and several more are scheduled to open in 2009 and 2010 in both Asia, Europe and the USA.

venntro

March 4th, 2009, 01:42 AM

Alternate Boracay airport to begin construction in April (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151226/Alternate-Boracay-airport-to-begin-construction-in-April)
JUN ARIOLO N. AGUIRRE, GMANews.TV
03/03/2009 | 08:57 PM

BORACAY ISLAND, Philippines - An airport that will serve as an alternate route for Boracay-bound tourists will start construction in April, a local government executive told reporters on Tuesday.

Estimated to reach P5 billion, the airport at Carabao Island will not only serve tourists bound for Boracay, it will also attract visitors to the island itself, San Jose Mayor Filipino Tandog said.

The airport will be built and managed by the Boracay International Airport and Development Corp., a privately-held company. The company’s incorporation has already been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Carabao Island, which is under the jurisdiction of San Jose, Romblon also boasts of its white sand. The area expects a spill over of tourists from Boracay, which is only 30 kilometers away.

A consortium of Korean and Japanese investors has already expressed interest to finance other components of the project in accordance with the provincial tourism masterplan, Tandog said.

“The project has already been endorsed by the Regional Development Council of the MiMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) region," Tandog said.

He made this announcement during a meeting he attended with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who held a cabinet meeting at the tourist island this week. - GMANews.TV

reggiedoc

March 4th, 2009, 04:27 AM

Arroyo meets Cabinet in Boracay resort
By Joel Guinto
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 16:09:00 03/03/2009

BORACAY ISLAND, Philippines – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made a pitch for the country’s tourist spots as she visited a newly-opened upscale resort and convened her Cabinet here on Tuesday.

“Welcome to the Philippines. Biyahe na. Bakasyon na [Let’s travel. It’s vacation time],” the President said.

Arroyo said the government would continue to improve infrastructure here, including the upgrade of the Kalibo and Caticlan airports and the construction of more sewerage and garbage disposal facilities.

In a speech at the Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa, Arroyo said tourism continued to be the “flag-bearer in economic progress and development” despite the global crisis.

“We will not stop. We will not be cowered by the global crisis. The government, this administration, will continue to be a strong partner of the tourism industry as we promote our nation and its natural beauty,” she said.

The President said that over four years from 2004, tourism has grown at an average of 10.6 percent annually, the highest growth in 20 years.

She said construction has started for 7,000 new hotel and resort rooms worth P550 billion across the country, 2,000 of which, will open this year, giving jobs to 3,000 Filipinos.

In Boracay, tourist arrivals reached 51,000 in January, up five
percent from 48 percent in the same period last year. A five-percent increase in tourist arrivals was also recorded in Cebu during the same period.

spacewagon1

March 4th, 2009, 12:39 PM

Boracay, show window
of RP tourism - Remonde
By Jun Ariolo N. Aguirre

BORACAY – “This resort island is a national gem of the state and a show window of Philippine tourism," said Press Secretary Cerge Remonde during yesterday’s Cabinet meeting here.

He said the tourism sector is a bright spot if the country’s economy for several years now; it has withstood many economic crises.

"This is the reason why President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came here and held a Cabinet meeting to discuss ways on how to strengthen the tourism industry," Remonde said.

In her speech at Shangri-La Resort, Arroyo announced plans to strengthen the tourism industry to compliment the growing concern on the economic crisis.

Remonde said Arroyo already directed the Department of Tourism to put up necessary structures and infrastructures such as the upgrading of airports to international airports, and ensure better tourism management among key areas to boost the tourism industry.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, meanwhile, reported that aside from Boracay, other tourism destinations like Palawan and Bicol have also reported a continuous influx of investors.

Durano said new investors are needed to provide employment opportunities to the locals./PN

source: Panay News (http://panaynewsphilippines.com/aklan%20&%20bora%203.htm)

carl_vilches21

March 4th, 2009, 12:49 PM

kiretoce

March 6th, 2009, 04:55 AM

Boracay on our minds (http://www.bworldonline.com/BW030609/content.php?id=141)

Summer is beckoning, and many urbanites are planning their vacation getaways. A long-time friend sent me his musings on Boracay that he wrote after a visit in April last year. Having just returned from there, many of his observations resonate with mine. With his permission, I am pleased to share with you dear readers key excerpts from an unpublished article by John-Rene Fernandez, a bank manager and a professional photographer:

Let me tell you about Boracay, before electricity (b.e.) and after electricity (a.e.). I first heard about Boracay in the late 1970s when I was in college in La Salle Bacolod. Curiosity and savings from a job in Manila brought me to Boracay for the first time. My timing was off. August 1987 was the worst time for beach. It was the height of the typhoon season.

Notwithstanding the traumatic first visit to Boracay, I returned to the island every year after that, as if it was my ultimate refuge from a harassed corporate life in Metro Manila. I was proud to be the first — at least among my friends and relatives to visit the famous white-sand island. Suddenly, I was an expert on Boracay. I wrote a guide to Boracay in our company newsletter to entice more people to visit the island. To give you an idea what Boracay was like before electricity (b.e.), let me share with you portions of what I wrote then (circa 1990):

BORACAY, The Sublime Paradise

South of Metro Manila, there is a dot of an island with pristine white beaches that continues to attract tourists from all over the world. Foreigners defy rumors of coup d’etat, survive Ermita hawkers and rude taxi drivers just to spend a week or two in that enchanted paradise. It is unfortunate, though, that only few Filipinos have been to this place. It is not an expensive destination for a summer hiatus. A three-night budget of P2,500 is enough for the trip. Bring extra cash if you drink. Beer costs P8 to P15 a bottle.

Boracay beach stretches for three and a half kilometers uninterrupted. The sand grains are as fine as flour and your soles will not get burned even at noontime. It is fashionable to walk around the island barefoot. Leave your cottage locked and bring only the essentials: Sunglasses, suntan lotion, towel and a P100 bill for lunch and drinks.

Aside from swimming and sunbathing, you can rent a boat for a P350 half-day cruise around the island. Learn windsurfing or scuba-diving. Hike five kilometers up on the hills to Yapak’s famous puka-shell beach on the north. Explore the bat caves. Jog to the eastern barrio of Bulabog to watch the morning sun emerge majestically out of the deep blue sea. Bike. Play volleyball. Borrow a book from the library of Red Coconut. (If you are lucky, you can buy a secondhand Tom Clancy thriller for only P50 and a Gabriel Garcia Marquez epic for only P70.) The island’s interiors have fascinating rural sights few people see: coconut plantations, fishponds, rice paddies, shallow lakes, and a haunting lagoon of dead mangrove trees.

Walk along the beach to watch the sunset. There is a lot of activities going around late in the afternoon — volleyball games, tourists coming home from whole-day swimming, children building sand castles, people milling around bars for milkshakes, beer and billiard. Return to your cottage for bath and rest. Have a quiet dinner. Mingle with strangers. Make friends with foreigners. Boracay is a relaxed avenue to make friends. It is advisable to go to Boracay between November and May. The waves turn wild from June to October.

My last trip to Boracay b.e. (before electricity) was in 1990. For 18 years, I resisted returning there. I’ve been there, done that, I told newcomers to the island. I had good memories of that paradise at I wanted to preserve. Electricity wired the island in 1991. Boracay then blossomed into an obscenely popular leisure destination, with local tourists surpassing foreigners in numbers. Talk about commercialization.

Finally, on April 2008, I accepted a photography job in Boracay. It was a modest assignment for a weekend professional photographer. Within my two-night stay, I observed two positive developments in Boracay a.e. (after electricity). The first improvement is the port of entry. Caticlan airport has evolved from a grassy airstrip to a concrete landing path with air-conditioned terminal. Now, docking is restricted in Manok Manok pier and a ticketing system predetermined the land fare for the specific destination in the island. It is very efficient.

The second welcome sign is that the options for food, accommodation, leisure activities and entertainment have improved over the years. The souvenir shops offer more variety.... The sports options have also improved....

On the negative side, I was alarmed at the deterioration of the environment.... I saw pollution and congestion. The narrow tricycle lane from at the back of Boat Station One all the way to Manok Manok used to be a dirt road with forests, ponds, birds, cool air and tranquility. Now, it is laced with buildings and concrete fences.... Restaurants, bars, inns, private houses, squatters, hardware, grocery stores are squeezed within every available space along the main road.

Many establishments are invading the sea. There used to be a strict ordinance or a gentleman’s agreement that barred construction within 100 meters of the sea at high tide.... Now, restaurants and resorts have built seawalls that pushed tourists into knee-deep water while passing by....

On my last day, I had the whole morning to enjoy the beach by myself. It was very quiet at 7 a.m. Except for a few joggers, everyone seemed to be asleep in the island. I listened to the waves. I smelled the sea.... My reverie lasted two minutes because slimy green algae starting clinging to my ankles. I rushed out of the water. My flight back to Manila was 1 p.m. I rushed out of Boracay at 9 a.m. I just didn’t want to stay an hour longer.

Don’t get me wrong. Boracay is beautiful and fun for those who have never been there b.e. (before electricity). And the resort owners never promised a perfect paradise. What they offer is urban entertainment and comforts accessorized by sun, sea and white sands — at a price that can dent the pocket and a cost that can smear the environment.

I’d rather keep Boracay as a utopia on my mind b.e. (before electricity).

true blue ilonggo

March 8th, 2009, 07:31 PM

katahum guid man ya sang boracay... i wonder how the island looked like when it was still undiscovered? tam-an guid guro ka tahum... :ohno: really a paradise. :ohno:

Fundador

March 9th, 2009, 01:01 PM

GMA No. 1 endorser of Boracay – Marquez

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

BORACAY – Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez hailed President Gloria Arroyo-Macapagal for her five-minute advertisement of Boracay, the Philippines’ tropical paradise, during her recent visit.

“President Arroyo is the No. 1 advertiser of Boracay Island. We are fortunate that the President endorsed the premier tourist destination amid the global financial crisis,” he said at the Kapihan sa Latte organized by the Kalibo Cable Television Network and IBC DyRG Budyong ng Kalibo.

At the Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa, Arroyo described Boracay as the premier showcase of the country’s tourism destinations, citing the increase of tourist arrivals and improvements in tourism infrastructure.

Marquez said pump-priming projects in the reclaimed area of Caticlan will be constructed by the provincial government and the private sector in the next five years.

The projects include the expansion of the Caticlan port, a wellness hotel with medical facilities, and improved services at the Caticlan jetty port for tourists.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said Australian magazine Grazia recently named Boracay as one of the best beaches in the world for its crystal-clear waters, fine white sand, and natural charm.

Arroyo made a two-hour trip to Boracay Island for a Cabinet meeting last week to push the central Philippines super region and the tourism industry as the hedge of the Philippine economy against the global economic downturn.

The governor said the deluxe resort being built by Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa in the northern part of the island is a “dream come true” for Arroyo. The 12-hectare hotel with 219 rooms, villas, and suites opens this month.

“She lobbied to the leading luxury hotel group in Asia-Pacific and stakeholders for the entry of Shangri-La in the island,” Marquez added.

The President took off her shoes, rolled her slacks, and walked along the shore with her Cabinet officials.

Shangri-La has six existing hotels in the country, including one at The Fort at Fort Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Metro Manila./PN panay news

Igsuonnimo

March 9th, 2009, 05:10 PM

^^ Hayan na naman hah!?!? Nag-promote na naman si Acting, este Vice-President pala!

Tingnan nyo ang "golden province" promotion noong Hunyo, ilang linggo matapos masabi ang Aklan as Golden Province daw???
Hayun, binaha ang Aklan, ang Aklan River umapaw!

reggiedoc

March 9th, 2009, 07:55 PM

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has expanded its global portfolio of luxury hotels with the opening of a new hotel in the Philippines. (http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news09/93-ShangriLaHotel.shtml) by Asia Travel

The first five-star international resort on Boracay Island, Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa brings new dimensions in luxury and leisure to the tropical destination.

The 219-room resort features 36 villas and suites. Located in the northern part of Boracay Island, the resort's secluded setting includes 350 metres of pristine beachfront and 12 hectares of grounds that are home to a number of interesting and rare wildlife species.

The resort is designed by renowned Hawaii-based architect firm, WATG, and the interior by Singapore-based LTW Design Works. The spacious guestrooms and villas, all finely furnished and finished with ethnic Filipino decor and native materials.

Each room connects to a balcony where guests can relax and take in panoramic views of the world-famous beach. Villas include private lap pool, outdoor shower, a pergola for outdoor dining, and a day bed for relaxation or massage.

The resort features a wide range of dining facilities, including Rima, an intimate fine dining restaurant on a hilltop offering sweeping views of the ocean and forest, serving authentic northern Italian cuisine beneath the stars. The seafood restaurant, Sirena, offers fresh favourites from a cliff top overlooking the sea while the Solana Sunset Bar becomes the hub of activity after dark, where guests can lounge in cabanas and mingle over cocktails to the hypnotic music.

Guests looking to soothe their travel-weary senses can find their sanctuary in CHI, the spa at Shangri-La, a 6,000-square-metre spa village.

garzland

March 10th, 2009, 01:36 PM

DOT director says opening of Shangrila in Boracay to provide more employment, boost tourism (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/DOT_director_says_opening_of_Shangrila_in_Boracay_to_provide_more_employment_boost_tourism.shtml)

ILOILO CITY, March 7 (PNA) – Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Edwin Trompeta said that the opening of Shangrila Hotel in Boracay last March 2 has provided more employment to the local people there.

Trompeta said that the opening of Shangrila’s 270 rooms initially has provided employment to 600 employees. “Over all there would 3,000 employees who would be hired once all the 6,000 rooms will be completed,” the official said.

He said that Shangrila's is a clear manifestation that tourism industry in Boracay island and elsewhere has not been affected by the global economic crisis.

He also noted that the five percent increase in tourist arrivals in Boracay island for January this year as compared to the same period last year.

“DOT is still pushing for a strong and more viable tourism industry,” Dir. Trompeta said.
He also said that when President Arroyo and her Cabinet walked on the white sands of Boracay during a brief visit last March 3 will be a big boost to tourism and encourage as well Filipinos to travel in their own country.(PNA)

garzland

March 10th, 2009, 01:38 PM

280 German, European travel agents arriving in Boracay (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/280_German_European_travel_agents_arriving_in_Boracay.shtml)

ILOILO CITY, March 10 (PNA) – Around 280 German and European travel agents are scheduled to visit the famous Boracay island last week of March.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Edwin Trompeta said the travel agents Boracay visit is part of the DOT strengthening of the industry marketing.

Trompeta is also scheduled to leave for Berlin, Germany together with the five other hotel and resort managers from Western Visayas to join the Internationale Tourismus-Borse (ITB-Berlin) exhibition from March 11-15.

He said the visit of the 280 agents is now being arranged by the Myer’s Group, which is one of the biggest major tour operators in Europe.

Myer's is closely working together with the DOT in inviting these travel agents to Boracay island in Aklan province.

Trompeta said that the DOT is aggressively marketing the tourism industry of Boracay, because of its sun, sand, sea and greenery which were nature’s blessings and cannot be found anymore in Germany and Europe.

“We are still optimistic to have German and European tourists because tourism industry here is still cheap,” Trompeta said.
He explained that because of the cheaper cost of hotels and other tourist facilities in Boracay, the DOT is still confident that it could invite German and European tourists to take vacation in the island and in other parts of the country. (PNA)

rustyboi

March 10th, 2009, 04:26 PM

Boracay here I come!! :cool:

ashton

March 10th, 2009, 05:59 PM

I dunno if Myer's below is same Meier's that I always contact with for bookings here in the Maldives.... They got gazillions of German guests here. :)

280 German, European travel agents arriving in Boracay (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/280_German_European_travel_agents_arriving_in_Boracay.shtml)

ILOILO CITY, March 10 (PNA) – Around 280 German and European travel agents are scheduled to visit the famous Boracay island last week of March.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Edwin Trompeta said the travel agents Boracay visit is part of the DOT strengthening of the industry marketing.

Trompeta is also scheduled to leave for Berlin, Germany together with the five other hotel and resort managers from Western Visayas to join the Internationale Tourismus-Borse (ITB-Berlin) exhibition from March 11-15.

He said the visit of the 280 agents is now being arranged by the Myer’s Group, which is one of the biggest major tour operators in Europe.

Myer's is closely working together with the DOT in inviting these travel agents to Boracay island in Aklan province.

Trompeta said that the DOT is aggressively marketing the tourism industry of Boracay, because of its sun, sand, sea and greenery which were nature’s blessings and cannot be found anymore in Germany and Europe.

“We are still optimistic to have German and European tourists because tourism industry here is still cheap,” Trompeta said.
He explained that because of the cheaper cost of hotels and other tourist facilities in Boracay, the DOT is still confident that it could invite German and European tourists to take vacation in the island and in other parts of the country. (PNA)

jsl_bxu1206

March 10th, 2009, 07:29 PM

Business group asks DENR to stop erosion of Boracay beach
JUN ARIOLO N. AGUIRRE, GMANews.TV
03/10/2009 | 08:45 PM

BORACAY ISLAND, Philippines – A business group has asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to check the activities of developers and resort owners that have led to the erosion of a beach in a portion of the country’s premiere tourism destination.

In letters to Environment Secretary Jose Atienza, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Boracay expressed alarm that the beach along Barangay Diniwid in Balabag Boracay was already showing signs of severe erosion.

"Many establishments at the northern part of Diniwid beach violate national laws and municipal ordinances such as building permanent structures on the marine reserve zone or within the no build zone, the set back from the tide mark, and have no building permits and no mayors permit to operate business as a resort or establishment. These violations aggravate the erosion, which changes the once attractive Diniwid beach," Peter Brugger, PCCI-Boracay external vice president said.

Because of the beach erosion, the whole areas of northern Diniwid are not accessible to tourists anymore, particularly at high-tide when the water is two-meters deep due to the abrupt drop of the beach and on the other side fences and buildings, which are a violation of setback laws.

Brugger said establishments tried to stop beach erosions by building walls and bring in huge boulders. He laments these act could worsen the erosion.

"We hope that the DENR will act on these issues before it's too late to save the beach of Diniwid as well all other beaches on the island, which show visible signs of erosion, too. The PCCI-Boracay is currently in communication to conduct research with National Committee on Marine Sciences (NCMS)/ Mr. Miguel Flores and we hope to be able to work together with your agency on that matter," he added. - GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/152156/Business-group-asks-DENR-to-stop-erosion-of-Boracay-beach

venntro

March 11th, 2009, 03:56 AM

Business group asks DENR to stop erosion of Boracay beach (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/152156/Business-group-asks-DENR-to-stop-erosion-of-Boracay-beach)
JUN ARIOLO N. AGUIRRE, GMANews.TV
03/10/2009 | 08:45 PM

BORACAY ISLAND, Philippines – A business group has asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to check the activities of developers and resort owners that have led to the erosion of a beach in a portion of the country’s premiere tourism destination.

In letters to Environment Secretary Jose Atienza, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Boracay expressed alarm that the beach along Barangay Diniwid in Balabag Boracay was already showing signs of severe erosion.

"Many establishments at the northern part of Diniwid beach violate national laws and municipal ordinances such as building permanent structures on the marine reserve zone or within the no build zone, the set back from the tide mark, and have no building permits and no mayors permit to operate business as a resort or establishment. These violations aggravate the erosion, which changes the once attractive Diniwid beach," Peter Brugger, PCCI-Boracay external vice president said.

Because of the beach erosion, the whole areas of northern Diniwid are not accessible to tourists anymore, particularly at high-tide when the water is two-meters deep due to the abrupt drop of the beach and on the other side fences and buildings, which are a violation of setback laws.

Brugger said establishments tried to stop beach erosions by building walls and bring in huge boulders. He laments these act could worsen the erosion.

"We hope that the DENR will act on these issues before it's too late to save the beach of Diniwid as well all other beaches on the island, which show visible signs of erosion, too. The PCCI-Boracay is currently in communication to conduct research with National Committee on Marine Sciences (NCMS)/ Mr. Miguel Flores and we hope to be able to work together with your agency on that matter," he added. - GMANews.TV

jsl_bxu1206

March 13th, 2009, 03:11 AM

Zest Air to boost nationwide presence
Updated March 13, 2009 12:00 AM

CEBU, Philippines - Zest Air, which brands itself as Asia’s most refreshing airline, is set to establish its presence in a total of 19 destinations all over the country by March 16.

Mark E. Hilario, assistant vice president for marketing and sales, said that come March 16, the airline will be servicing the airports of Kalibo, Tagbilaran, Iloilo, Tacloban and Bacolod using the A320 and the airports of Legaspi, Naga and Puerto Princesa using the MA60. The new destinations will bring the areas serviced by Zest Air to a total of 19, which includes their existing flights to and from Cebu and Davao and the Manila to Busuanga, Virac and Caticlan routes.

“We will be using the A320 for the bigger airports and the MA60 for the smaller airports,” he said.

Hilario said the airline expects an increase in passengers within the next three months, especially with their competitive fares and the comfort that their airplanes offer. He said flying with Zest Air is different from other airlines because their planes have spacious legroom. An A320 for example, which he said has an actual capacity of 167 to 170 passengers, has been reconfigured by Zest Air to accommodate only 162 people, thus creating bigger spaces between seat rows. An MA60, meanwhile, which actually accommodates 60 passengers, has been reconfigured by the airline to accommodate only 56 passengers.

“We want our passengers to know that we put premium on comfortable travel. Aside from ensuring that our passengers are comfortable, we also offer overflowing Zesto juices during our flights,” he added.

Ambassador Alfredo M. Yao, the president and CEO of Zest Air, is also the chairman of Zesto Corporation, the makers of Zesto fruit juices and drinks. It was in March 26, 2008 when Yao’s AMY Holdings Corporation acquired 99.6 percent of Asian Spirit Inc. The new owners then infused capital, initiated re-fleeting, altered the management style of the company and changed the brand name of Asian Spirit Inc. to Zest Airways, Inc. Zest Air officially started its flights in October 2008.

Aside from servicing local destinations, the airline is also set to service international destinations like Incheon in Korea, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia and Vietnam. Hilario said the airline is planning to start its Kalibo, Aklan to Incheon, Korea flights in May.

“We are also considering flights to the Middle East because of the presence of Overseas Filipino Workers there. We are, however, still in the process of acquiring bigger aircraft for these international flights,” he added. – Quennie Sanchez Bronce

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=448104&publicationSubCategoryId=108

rustyboi

March 16th, 2009, 09:30 AM

Crown Regency Boracay
March 13, 2009
by me

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/cebupics3/Boracay/03-2009/Px3120006.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/cebupics3/Boracay/03-2009/Px3130338.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/cebupics3/Boracay/03-2009/Px3130285.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/cebupics3/Boracay/03-2009/Px3130302.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/cebupics3/Boracay/03-2009/Px3130472.jpg

garzland

March 21st, 2009, 05:10 AM

Aklan prepares for sports tourism (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/Aklan_prepares_for_sports_tourism.shtml)

KALIBO, Aklan, March 20 (PNA) -- This province is now preparing to embrace sports tourism in addition to the white beaches that its Boracay Island offers.

Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo said that for several years already, Boracay Island has been host to several international and national sports events organized by private stakeholders in the resort island.

Among these sports events are international kite boarding and windsurfing competitions, as well as beach volleyball.

"Through the proposed P55-million Calangcang Sports Complex project in Makato, we could now be able to say that we have a sports tourism industry in the province," Calizo said.

"The Calancang Sports Complex, when realized, will serve as alternative tourism destination for sports in the next few years. We could hopefully invite sports organizers to do their sports events in Calangcang or in Boracay Island," said Calizo.

She added that this endeavor would create additional livelihood for local residents as many groups of athletes will be coming all over the region next year.

"Of course, the athletes will buy their food, personal necessities and 'pasalubong' in Aklan, thus creating opportunities for the locals," Calizo said.
Meanwhile, the Aklan provincial government will receive on Friday the Western Visayas Private Schools Athletic Association (WVPRISAA) flag from Capiz province as a signal that Aklan is prepared to host the regional athletic competitions next year. (PNA)

reggiedoc

March 22nd, 2009, 10:35 PM

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Boracay/overview.jpg

icarusrising

March 23rd, 2009, 09:14 AM

venntro

March 24th, 2009, 03:21 AM

15 hotels to open this year (http://http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=news4_mar23_2009)
By Roderick T. dela Cruz

FIFTEEN new hotels and resorts offering 2,000 rooms will open this year despite the economic downturn, the Tourism Department says.

The new properties are worth P20 billion, and they will be employing 3,000 workers, the department says.

It says some of these new properties have already opened, and they include 28 cluster villas under the Amanpulo Resorts, which owns Sugihara Villa Resort, Vauban Villa Resort, Salamanca Villa Resort, Almonavides Villa Resort, La Galice Villa Resort, Kapangyarihan Villa Resort, and La Pucelle Villa Resort.

Rates at the Amanpulo properties start at $1,150 a night.

Shangri La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, with 219 rooms, opened to guests on March 2 with daily rates of P20,500.

Discovery Bay Misibis on Cagraray Island, Albay, with 38 villas, also opened early this year with room rates starting at $305 a night.

The 75-room Park Bed and Breakfast Hotel and Restaurant in Pasay City, which is managed by Legend Hotels International Corp., has also opened, and its rates start at P1,500 a night.

The 50-room Microtel Inn and Suites in Puerto Princesa opened early this year, and it offers a daily rate of P3,800.

The largest hotel in Cebu, the 556-room Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort, will open on May 20, although it has yet to announce its room rates, the department says.

It says more hotels and resorts are opening in the second half of the year, including the 232-room Oakwood Premier Manila in Ortigas Center, which opens its doors to guests in the third quarter. The room rates at its sister facility, the Oakwood Makati, start at P10,000 a night.

The 100-room Picasso Serviced Residences in Salcedo Village, Makati, is expected to be completed by Ardent Development Corp. by the second half.

Also opening in the second half are two luxury hotels near the airport in Manila and beside the Villamor Championship Golf Course.

The Newport Marriott Hotel will have 365 guest rooms, and Maxims Hotel 170 suites.

The P500-million Silang Wakeboard Park is rising up on a 12-hectare plot of land in Silang, Cavite, and it’s expected to open by August.

The Manila Ocean Park in Rizal Park is building extra facilities including a boutique hotel.

The Tourism Department is also processing an application from Bella Roca Island Resort and Spa in Marinduque.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano says these new investments in tourism-related facilities and establishments are expected to add more than 2,000 new accommodation rooms and generate 3,000 jobs.

“With this initial list of investments, the country is assured of a vibrant tourism industry with bigger revenue and more jobs,” Durano said.

The new hotels and resorts will pay no taxes for four to six years and may import capital equipment tax-free if they are registered with the Board of Investments, according to Victoria Jasmin, director of the Office of Tourism Standards.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Bill is expected to result in more investment and create more tourism zones once it is signed into law.

The Senate and the House’s bicameral conference committee has approved the bill, which will give the Tourism Department powers beyond its marketing functions.

carl_vilches21

March 24th, 2009, 02:49 PM

^^
...15 hotels in just 1 year??!!!
...Gosh, Boracay is realy a hot tourist destination!

icarusrising

March 30th, 2009, 02:17 PM

^^
...15 hotels in just 1 year??!!!
...Gosh, Boracay is realy a hot tourist destination!

That's for the whole country...

Arroyo treats New Guinea head to Boracay’s pride (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=news5_mar30_2009)

PRESIDENT Arroyo toured Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Michael Somare around Shangri-La’s newly opened resort on Boracay yesterday to call attention to the Philippines’ new tourist draw.

Mrs. Arroyo hosted a state dinner for Somare, who arrived in Manila Saturday night, at the first five-star international resort on Boracay Island, where all the guestrooms and villas have been furnished with native materials.

The two leaders will stay at the resort until today for a meeting, in the course of which Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap and Papua New Guinea Fisheries Minister Ben Semri will sign a fisheries agreement.

The Philippines and Papua New Guinea are members of the so-called Coral Triangle Initiative countries, a six-nation group that makes up around 70 percent of the world’s tuna catch, including threatened species such as the big eye and yellow-fin tuna.

The group, which includes Indonesia, East Timor, Malaysia and the Solomon Islands, spans 6.5 million square kilometers that are home to over 600 reef-building corals.

Before arriving in Caticlan yesterday afternoon, Somare attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Park and a mass at the San Agustin church, and then had a working lunch with Filipino entrepreneurs including business tycoon Lucio Tan.

From Boracay, Somare flies back this afternoon to visit the International Rice Research Institute in Los Baños, Laguna, before leaving on Tuesday.

Earlier, Mrs. Arroyo said the kidnapping of three Red Cross workers in Mindanao would not hurt the tourism industry, which she said was expected to grow at a 10-percent clip each year despite the global economic crisis.

“We’ve already identified our tourist centers, so I don’t think it’s an issue for tourists,” she said.

“They [Abu Sayyaf kidnappers] are in the innermost jungles, and that is not part of our tourist circuit.”

Mrs. Arroyo was referring to the two-month- long hostage crisis involving Filipino Jean Lacaba, Swiss Andreas Notter, and Italian Eugenio Vagni, three members of the International committee of the Red Cross who were kidnapped in Jolo on Jan. 15 while doing field work.

Negotiations for the hostages’ release are stymied by the terrorists’ demand that the military pull back from their jungle stronghold.

The President said the government was banking on tourism and the business process outsourcing industry to bail out some 46,000 workers displaced by the global economic meltdown.

“Definitely, tourist arrivals are up and as for BPO, the signs of growth are really unmistakable. Tourism and BPO are the least affected dollar-earning industries,” she said.

The President said Banyan Tree Holdings was also investing $240 million to build three resorts in Coron, Palawan, which are part of 15 new hotels and resorts worth P20 billion that are opening this year to offer 2,000 extra rooms to the travel trade.

The Shangri-La Boracay and the Banyan resort aside, the properties in the pipeline include the 28 cluster villas under the Amanpulo Resorts; Discovery Bay Masibis on Cagaray Island, Albay; the Park Bed and Breakfast Hotel and Restaurant in Pasay City, and the Microtel Inn and Suites in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

The largest hotel in Cebu—the 556-room Imperial Palace Waterpark Resorts—would open next month, Mrs. Arroyo said. Joyce Pangco Pañares

icarusrising

March 30th, 2009, 02:19 PM

Arroyo treats New Guinea head to Boracay’s pride (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=news5_mar30_2009)

PRESIDENT Arroyo toured Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Michael Somare around Shangri-La’s newly opened resort on Boracay yesterday to call attention to the Philippines’ new tourist draw.

Mrs. Arroyo hosted a state dinner for Somare, who arrived in Manila Saturday night, at the first five-star international resort on Boracay Island, where all the guestrooms and villas have been furnished with native materials.

The two leaders will stay at the resort until today for a meeting, in the course of which Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap and Papua New Guinea Fisheries Minister Ben Semri will sign a fisheries agreement.

The Philippines and Papua New Guinea are members of the so-called Coral Triangle Initiative countries, a six-nation group that makes up around 70 percent of the world’s tuna catch, including threatened species such as the big eye and yellow-fin tuna.

The group, which includes Indonesia, East Timor, Malaysia and the Solomon Islands, spans 6.5 million square kilometers that are home to over 600 reef-building corals.

Before arriving in Caticlan yesterday afternoon, Somare attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Park and a mass at the San Agustin church, and then had a working lunch with Filipino entrepreneurs including business tycoon Lucio Tan.

From Boracay, Somare flies back this afternoon to visit the International Rice Research Institute in Los Baños, Laguna, before leaving on Tuesday.

Earlier, Mrs. Arroyo said the kidnapping of three Red Cross workers in Mindanao would not hurt the tourism industry, which she said was expected to grow at a 10-percent clip each year despite the global economic crisis.

“We’ve already identified our tourist centers, so I don’t think it’s an issue for tourists,” she said.

“They [Abu Sayyaf kidnappers] are in the innermost jungles, and that is not part of our tourist circuit.”

Mrs. Arroyo was referring to the two-month- long hostage crisis involving Filipino Jean Lacaba, Swiss Andreas Notter, and Italian Eugenio Vagni, three members of the International committee of the Red Cross who were kidnapped in Jolo on Jan. 15 while doing field work.

Negotiations for the hostages’ release are stymied by the terrorists’ demand that the military pull back from their jungle stronghold.

The President said the government was banking on tourism and the business process outsourcing industry to bail out some 46,000 workers displaced by the global economic meltdown.

“Definitely, tourist arrivals are up and as for BPO, the signs of growth are really unmistakable. Tourism and BPO are the least affected dollar-earning industries,” she said.

The President said Banyan Tree Holdings was also investing $240 million to build three resorts in Coron, Palawan, which are part of 15 new hotels and resorts worth P20 billion that are opening this year to offer 2,000 extra rooms to the travel trade.

The Shangri-La Boracay and the Banyan resort aside, the properties in the pipeline include the 28 cluster villas under the Amanpulo Resorts; Discovery Bay Masibis on Cagaray Island, Albay; the Park Bed and Breakfast Hotel and Restaurant in Pasay City, and the Microtel Inn and Suites in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

The largest hotel in Cebu—the 556-room Imperial Palace Waterpark Resorts—would open next month, Mrs. Arroyo said. Joyce Pangco Pañares

jsl_bxu1206

March 30th, 2009, 06:18 PM

Arroyo treats New Guinea head to Boracay’s pride
Monday, March 30, 2009

PRESIDENT Arroyo toured Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Michael Somare around Shangri-La’s newly opened resort on Boracay yesterday to call attention to the Philippines’ new tourist draw.

Mrs. Arroyo hosted a state dinner for Somare, who arrived in Manila Saturday night, at the first five-star international resort on Boracay Island, where all the guestrooms and villas have been furnished with native materials.

The two leaders will stay at the resort until today for a meeting, in the course of which Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap and Papua New Guinea Fisheries Minister Ben Semri will sign a fisheries agreement.

The Philippines and Papua New Guinea are members of the so-called Coral Triangle Initiative countries, a six-nation group that makes up around 70 percent of the world’s tuna catch, including threatened species such as the big eye and yellow-fin tuna.

The group, which includes Indonesia, East Timor, Malaysia and the Solomon Islands, spans 6.5 million square kilometers that are home to over 600 reef-building corals.

Before arriving in Caticlan yesterday afternoon, Somare attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Park and a mass at the San Agustin church, and then had a working lunch with Filipino entrepreneurs including business tycoon Lucio Tan.

From Boracay, Somare flies back this afternoon to visit the International Rice Research Institute in Los Baños, Laguna, before leaving on Tuesday.

Earlier, Mrs. Arroyo said the kidnapping of three Red Cross workers in Mindanao would not hurt the tourism industry, which she said was expected to grow at a 10-percent clip each year despite the global economic crisis.

“We’ve already identified our tourist centers, so I don’t think it’s an issue for tourists,” she said.

“They [Abu Sayyaf kidnappers] are in the innermost jungles, and that is not part of our tourist circuit.”

Mrs. Arroyo was referring to the two-month- long hostage crisis involving Filipino Jean Lacaba, Swiss Andreas Notter, and Italian Eugenio Vagni, three members of the International committee of the Red Cross who were kidnapped in Jolo on Jan. 15 while doing field work.

Negotiations for the hostages’ release are stymied by the terrorists’ demand that the military pull back from their jungle stronghold.

The President said the government was banking on tourism and the business process outsourcing industry to bail out some 46,000 workers displaced by the global economic meltdown.

“Definitely, tourist arrivals are up and as for BPO, the signs of growth are really unmistakable. Tourism and BPO are the least affected dollar-earning industries,” she said.

The President said Banyan Tree Holdings was also investing $240 million to build three resorts in Coron, Palawan, which are part of 15 new hotels and resorts worth P20 billion that are opening this year to offer 2,000 extra rooms to the travel trade.

The Shangri-La Boracay and the Banyan resort aside, the properties in the pipeline include the 28 cluster villas under the Amanpulo Resorts; Discovery Bay Masibis on Cagaray Island, Albay; the Park Bed and Breakfast Hotel and Restaurant in Pasay City, and the Microtel Inn and Suites in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

The largest hotel in Cebu—the 556-room Imperial Palace Waterpark Resorts—would open next month, Mrs. Arroyo said. Joyce Pangco Pañares

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=news5_mar30_2009

jsl_bxu1206

March 30th, 2009, 06:19 PM

Job creation, ensuring low price of goods main focus to address global financial crisis, says PGMA

Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan (30 March) -- The government is focusing more on job creation and ensuring low prices of goods in the wake of the global financial crisis that has caused loss of jobs among Filipinos within the country and abroad.

During a one on one interview with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo by Gus KBP-Aklan President and Station Manager of IBC-DYRG-Kalibo March 30 at the Shangrila Resort and Spa in Boracay Island, the President said that to realize this, the government should give the private sector incentives so they could create more jobs.

PGMA also acknowledged the importance of tourism in job creation, comparing it into a tent which enables openings from the most-skilled jobs to the least skilled jobs.

"Tourism is a very labor intensive job, especially in luxury resorts like in Boracay. According to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, the ratio in ordinary resorts is 1 is to 1, meaning one worker per room. In Boracay, the ratio of employment is 4 workers per room, this includes the maintenance, but that's the ratio. Kapag luxury hotels, that's labor-intensive, and that's what we are pushing," PGMA told Tolentino.

For those who lost jobs, PGMA said the government is trying to ensure low prices of goods and subsidies for food, fuel for the transport sector, for rice, kaya tuloy-tuloy ang NFA subsidy ni Secretary Yap na kasama rin natin ngayon, at ako naman ay natutuwa na itong ating formula about subsidizing food, fuel and rice and creating jobs, kasi kahit na meron tayong world economic crisis, we were able to create half a million jobs. So ito ay nakapababa ng ating hunger rate very drastically. Tumaas ang ating employment rate, bumaba ang ating hunger rate at kailangan nating ituloy yon.

The President said this could be done by government by tightening its belt during this time just like an average Filipino household.

"So I've done a series of steps para tanggalin na itong wasteful spending. Isa ditto ay ang aking executive order na sinasabing bawat ahensya ng pamahalaan ay ibaba ang kanyang Maintenance Overhead and Operation Expenses (MOOE) by one and a half percent at ang savings na ito ay gamitin para sa emergency employment," the President said.

PGMA cited that one possible emergency employment in Boracay is the DOT's hiring of "seaweeds" removers among the locals along the stretch of the white sand beach of the island.

"This is an emergency employment related to the region and also related to the primary economic activity of the area," PGMA said.

The President was in Boracay from March 28-30 to receive Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare who arrived in the country for a state visit. (PIA 6)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p090330.htm&no=74

jsl_bxu1206

March 30th, 2009, 06:20 PM

PGMA confident Caticlan Airport to become international too

Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan (30 March) -- With the Kalibo Airport already receiving international flights, the eyes of tourism-related investors, stakeholders and the government are now focused on the development of Caticlan Airport into an international one.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who was in Boracay Island from March 28-30 for the official visit of Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, told Augusto C. Tolentino, IBC-DYRG Station Manager during a one on one interview today that many investors are eying the development of Caticlan Airport to become international under the Build-Operate and Transfer (BOT) scheme.

The interview was held at the Shangrila Resort and Spa in Boracay Island.

"Kalibo Airport is already serving international flights, it has already its Instrument Landing System (ILS) which allows airplanes to land even at night and its terminal building is being built. Roads are also good from Kalibo to Caticlan and travel only takes an hour," President Arroyo told Tolentino.

President Arroyo told Tolentino, however, that there are many tourists and hotel owners who want to have international flights landing in Caticlan Airport.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p090330.htm&no=52

Fundador

March 31st, 2009, 07:38 AM

2 INT’L AIRPORTS FOR AKLAN – GMA

BORACAY – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said the tourism industry would further flourish with the completion of two vital infrastructure projects in Aklan province – the soon-to-be-completed Kalibo International Airport and the soon-to-be-constructed Caticlan International Airport.

In a one-on-one interview with Agusto Tolentino, Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) regional president and station manager of DyRG-AM at the ShangriLla Resort here yesterday morning, Arroyo said these two airports, once completed, would provide the necessary support to further strengthen Boracay Island and the rest of Aklan as the country’s premiere tourist destination.

The two airports would provide tourists and locals alike a more convenient and closer venue to enter and exit Boracay Island, she explained.

For the Kalibo International Airport, Arroyo said upgrades such as the installation of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) on the runway and in the control tower have already allowed several local and international flights to land even at night.

She added that the Kalibo International Airport passenger terminal, which is currently undergoing expansion with the construction of a new passenger terminal building, will provide incoming and departing passengers a more comfortable travel experience with its state-of-the-art facilities not to mention easier access to their luggage.

“So, yang Kalibo (International) Airport, matatapos ‘yan sa November (2009). Even then, it si actually already serving international flights,” the President said.

For the Caticlan International Airport, on the other hand, Arroyo expressed confidence that construction and upgrading procedures would commence immediately since four local and international developers have individually expressed their intent to develop the airport.

“Yang sa Caticlan (International Airport) naman, tiyak na yan kasi may apat o limang bidders na. Pipiliin na lang kung sino,” the President said.

The existing Caticlan airport, officially named Godofredo P. Ramos Airport after the late congressman from Malay, Aklan, is classified as a feeder airport, one of the two gateways to the world-famous Boracay.

Despite its status, Caticlan is the third busiest airport in the Philippines, with the fifth highest number of passengers and the second highest number of aircraft movement, according to aviation authorities.

Arroyo said many investors are eying the development of the Caticlan airport to become international under the Build-Operate and Transfer (BOT) scheme.

She said many tourists and hotel owners want to have international flights landing in Caticlan.
Arroyo revealed that there was already a proposal to turn Caticlan Airport to international status from Ambassador Frank Alba who is from Aklan, in partnership with George Yang of McDonald and Fairways and Bluewaters.

“Under the rules of the BOT, if a proponent has submitted a proposal, this should be published, and it was published already to invite challengers. There were three or four challengers. I talked with Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza and I reminded him that under the rules, if there are challengers, they will give the challenge to the original proponent. If the original proponent matches the challenge, the project will go to him," Arroyo explained.

The President also talked about the planned development of an airport in Carabao Island by some interested investors Panay news

ericlucky290

April 2nd, 2009, 03:58 AM

Arroyo wants Boracay cleaned of moss (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20090402-197489/Arroyo-wants-Boracay-cleaned-of-moss)
By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Inquirer Visayas
First Posted 01:58:00 04/02/2009

ILOILO CITY – Authorities on Boracay Island will launch a clean up of moss (green algae) on the island-resort’s waters, which have caught the attention of President Macapagal-Arroyo.

Undersecretary Virtus Gil, secretary of the Boracay Eminent Persons Group and island administrator, said in a telephone interview on Tuesday that the government would hire workers to put up nets 150 meters from the shoreline to keep the moss from reaching the bathing area.

In an interview with a government-run radio and TV network on Monday, the President said that she has issued instructions to remove the floating moss from the waters.

While she said that the presence of the moss is seasonal, this was not “tolerated” by some resorts.

The President said the clean up of the moss could also help generate jobs.

Gil said they have decided to put up nets because the moss keeps on coming back, carried by the water current.

Resort owners have said that the presence of the green algae was not a cause for alarm, pointing out that they disappear by June.

But concerns have been raised on the quality of the waters because of the green algae.

Boracay was recently hit by coliform contamination from untreated human wastes that drain out to sea.

A business group on the island had raised alarm over the erosion of part of the island’s famous white beach.

In a letter to Environment Secretary Jose “Lito” Atienza dated Feb. 25, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) – Boracay, called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to help stop the erosion, especially along the Diniwid Beach, at the northern end of the 1,032-hectare island-resort.

reggiedoc

April 2nd, 2009, 05:49 AM

Press Releases

Shangri-La Opens In Tokyo And Boracay (http://www.shangri-la.com/en/corporate/press/pressrelease/29776)

6 Mar 2009 Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, opened two new hotels on 2 March 2009, bringing the total number of hotels in the strong network to 62. The two new hotels are Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo and Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa, Philippines.

Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo occupies the top 11 floors of Marunouchi Trust Tower Main, a 37-floor, mixed-use building adjacent to Tokyo Station, and offers views of Marunouchi to the east and Tokyo Bay to the west. The 202-room hotel contains two restaurants – Piacere, a signature Italian restaurant, and Nadaman, an authentic Japanese restaurant – as well as the Lobby Lounge offering afternoon tea and live entertainment. CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, the group’s own award-winning spa brand developed from ancient Chinese and Himalayan healing therapies, makes its Japanese debut. The hotel also features meeting rooms and banquet facilities, wedding facilities complete with a chapel, a health club, an indoor swimming pool and the Horizon Club lounge, which offers an elevated level of service. Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo is also home to over 2,000 pieces of artwork and more than 50 distinct chandeliers handmade in the Czech Republic by Lasvit, a world-renowned light design and manufacturing company. In homage to the city of Tokyo, glass carved into the shape of ginkgo leaves – the symbol of Tokyo – decorates various chandeliers throughout the hotel. In addition, a 10-metre long chandelier illuminates a grand staircase connecting Levels 27, 28 and 29.

The hotel's interior is designed by Hirsh Bedner Associates, based in Santa Monica, California, while the Horizon Club lounge, Piacere and Nadaman are designed by Andre Fu of AFSO, a Hong Kong-based design studio. Shangri-La’s unique brand is exemplified through a grand staircase, elegant chandeliers and bold carpets, complemented with a distinct Japanese influence. In addition, flower arrangements by Nicolai Bergmann, one of the most celebrated foreign artists in Japan renowned for his contemporary floral designs, feature prominently within the hotel. Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo is the first hotel in the world to feature Bergmann’s works in all areas of the hotel, from public areas and guestrooms to wedding facilities.

Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa, Philippines also opened on the same day. The first five-star international resort on Boracay Island, Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa brings new dimensions in luxury and leisure to the tropical destination. The 219- room resort features 36 villas and suites. Located in the northern part of Boracay Island, the resort's secluded setting includes 350 metres of pristine beachfront and 12 hectares of grounds that are home to a number of interesting and rare wildlife species.

The resort is designed by renowned Hawaii-based architect firm, WATG, and the interior by Singapore-based LTW Design Works. The spacious guestrooms and villas, all finely furnished and finished with ethnic Filipino decor and native materials. Each room connects to a balcony where guests can relax and take in panoramic views of the world-famous beach. Villas include private lap pool, outdoor shower, a pergola for outdoor dining, and a day bed for relaxation or massage.

The resort features a wide range of dining facilities, including Rima, an intimate fine dining restaurant on a hilltop offering sweeping views of the ocean and forest, serving authentic northern Italian cuisine beneath the stars. The seafood restaurant, Sirena, offers fresh favourites from a cliff top overlooking the sea while the Solana Sunset Bar becomes the hub of activity after dark, where guests can lounge in cabanas and mingle over cocktails to the hypnotic music.

Guests looking to soothe their travel-weary senses can find their sanctuary in CHI, the spa at Shangri-La, a 6,000-square-metre spa village that is due to open later in March 2009.

The resort is situated within a peaceful nature reserve with 75 species of plants on the ravines, cliffs and seashore. Other recreational facilities include a health club, one of the country's largest free-form swimming pools, a marine centre, a water sports pavilion and two outdoor tennis courts and an entertainment zone for adults and children alike. The resort also provides meeting and banqueting facilities including an outdoor, oceanfront wedding pavilion, which is an ideal venue for weddings and special events.

“We are forging ahead with an aggressive expansion plan, and we have one single vision, which is to lift Shangri-La to a global level. The two new openings complement our 60-strong network of hotels, reinforcing our commitment to building a global luxury-hotel brand,” said Madhu Rao, managing director and chief executive officer of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.

About Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific’s leading luxury hotel group, currently owns and/or manages 62 hotels under the deluxe Shangri-La and mid-market Traders brands, with a rooms inventory of over 28,000. The group has over 50 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, Maldives, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, Thailand, United Kingdom and the United States. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.

For digitised pictures of the group’s hotels, please go to http://www.shangri- la.com/imagelibrary.

icarusrising

April 2nd, 2009, 11:05 AM

Arroyo orders Boracay cleared of moss (http://www.gmanews.tv/print/155286)

Article posted April 02, 2009 - 02:09 PM
MANILA, Philippines — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo wants Boracay Island cleared of moss that gathered on the island-resort's waters.

The President gave the order after hosting visiting Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Michael Somare there last weekend, during which she noticed moss encroaching into the shoreline, a report of online news site Visayan Daily Star (www.visayandailystar.com) said Thursday.

Boracay Eminent Persons Group secretary and island administrator Virtus Gil said they will hire workers to put up nets 150 meters from the shoreline to block the moss from the bathing area.

Gil said they have decided to put up nets because the moss carried by the water current keeps on coming back.

The report said resort owners do not consider the green algae as a cause of alarm as it disappears by June, but added there are concerns over the quality of the waters because of the green algae.

Earlier, a business group on the island raised alarm over the erosion of part of the island's famous white beach.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Boracay, called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to help address the erosion especially along the Diniwid Beach, at the northern end of the 1,032-hectare island-resort.

In a letter to Environment Secretary Jose “Lito" Atienza dated Feb. 25, the group said the erosion has reached several meters.

“This move could alter Diniwid beach forever and make erosion worse,"
the group said. - GMANews.TV

boy muscovado

April 3rd, 2009, 09:13 AM

oboi

April 3rd, 2009, 08:22 PM

And what's with the banana?

sick_n_tired

April 4th, 2009, 05:42 AM

27-30 March 2009

Share ko lang :D

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http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3408986445_a5994d25ac.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3370/3409797400_b7e5b8655f.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3606/3408990211_f9959b3bfc.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3379/3408995249_b1f8372a93.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/3408996449_a57ae26f58.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3337/3409807352_9955fdbcc6.jpg?v=0

boy muscovado

April 4th, 2009, 10:36 AM

And what's with the banana?

thats symbolically the "bacteria" :lol:

pangyao™

April 8th, 2009, 02:01 PM

Aklan has 2 first class municipalities

Kalibo, Aklan (12 February) -- Aklan has 2 municipalities classified as first class now - Kalibo, the capital town, and the latest addition - Malay, which was recently re-classified from 3rd class to first class.

Malay is where the world-famous Boracay Island is.

Malay's re-classification is contained in Memorandum Circular No. 01-M(4)-08 issued by the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) of the Department of Finance dated November 19, 2008 re-classifying municipalities of the Province of Aklan effective July 29, 2008.

Malay's re-classification was based on Section 2 of Department Order No. 23-08 that states that the income classification of municipalities shall be based on the income brackets as follows: P55 M or more - 1st class; P45M or more but less than 55M - 2nd class; P35M or more but less than 45M - 3rd class; P25M or more but less than P35M- 4th class; P15M or more but less P25M - 5th class; and below P15M - 6th class.

According to LGU-Malay, its average annual income (in million pesos) for CYs 2004-2007 has reached P56.545, which is the reason for its re-classification as a first class municipality - now joining Kalibo.

Too, records of the BLGF showed that Malay placed 2nd in the entire Philippines in the CY 2006 Top Ten Municipalities based on collection from Locally Sourced Income (3rd Income Class category).

LGU-Malay, headed by Mayor Ciceron Cawaling, attributed the achievement of the municipality to investors and tourists who flock Boracay Island year-round, and to the entire Malaynon community.

source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p090212.htm&no=44

pangyao™

April 8th, 2009, 02:11 PM

garzland

April 9th, 2009, 05:43 AM

8T tourists expected to arrive daily this Lenten season (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/8T_tourists_expected_to_arrive_daily_this_Lenten_season.shtml)

BORACAY ISLAND, April 9 (PNA) – Around 8,000 tourists are being expected to arrive daily in the resort island for their vacation this Lenten season.

Jetty port administrator Niven Maquirang said despite the volume of tourists bound for this resort island, they are assuring them of their safe and convenient travel because of the enough number of motor banca transportations to ferry them to and from Boracay.

The Caticlan Jetty Port serves as the major gateway for tourists bound for this resort island.

Maquirang said Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez has ordered the deployment of medical team in the jetty port to ensure that the health needs of the tourists would be taken care of.

"We will be manning the jetty port 24/7. We also have enough personnel to provide assistance for tourists visiting Boracay," said Maquirang.
Operatives from the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippines Coast Guard are also on red alert during the Lenten season. (PNA)

icarusrising

April 11th, 2009, 05:41 AM

kalbongdad

April 11th, 2009, 05:58 PM

galing...that will be a reat treat to travellers who frequent the place.....another international airport....ramdam ang asenso...:lol:

jsl_bxu1206

April 15th, 2009, 08:18 PM

Starbucks Boracay

http://s3.amazonaws.com/img.tnt/1MOCEGNN0kiBapyzcb36Kgss/KYOQai3lBEqzHtwSooSU2Ass_l.JPG

http://images.google.com.ph/imgres?imgurl=http://s3.amazonaws.com/img.tnt/1MOCEGNN0kiBapyzcb36Kgss/KYOQai3lBEqzHtwSooSU2Ass_m.JPG&imgrefurl=http://www.tripntale.com/trip/4824&usg=__H4PImSugXRnze-5Ib00ZS-cMgNM=&h=224&w=299&sz=17&hl=en&start=2&um=1&tbnid=3PMUrk05QorG7M:&tbnh=87&tbnw=116&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dstarbucks%2Bboracay%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26channel%3Ds%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1

jsl_bxu1206

April 15th, 2009, 08:20 PM

Shakey's Boracay

http://s3.amazonaws.com/img.tnt/JJolTkfVtkmWKMNhQC2Ztgss/q0nP3WOh7ki25j4xqO8xzAss_l.JPG

http://images.google.com.ph/imgres?imgurl=http://s3.amazonaws.com/img.tnt/1MOCEGNN0kiBapyzcb36Kgss/KYOQai3lBEqzHtwSooSU2Ass_m.JPG&imgrefurl=http://www.tripntale.com/trip/4824&usg=__H4PImSugXRnze-5Ib00ZS-cMgNM=&h=224&w=299&sz=17&hl=en&start=2&um=1&tbnid=3PMUrk05QorG7M:&tbnh=87&tbnw=116&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dstarbucks%2Bboracay%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26channel%3Ds%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1

national guard

April 16th, 2009, 10:04 AM

STARBUCKS BORACAY

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3444345154_422873f6d1.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3298/3443540955_c452cb5e9f.jpg?v=0

^^ (Originally posted by allan_dude in the Coffeehouses in The Philippines Thread)

national guard

April 16th, 2009, 06:38 PM

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/8283/img4019l.jpg

Another pic of SB-Boracay, posted by sick_n_tired in the Coffeehouses in the Philippines Thread 2.

garzland

April 19th, 2009, 05:09 AM

Aklan gov vows to continue re-greening and beautification program (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/Aklan_gov_vows_to_continue_re-greening_and_beautification_program.shtml)

KALIBO, Aklan, April 19 (PNA) - In order to compliment the tourism industry in Boracay Island, which is a world-class tourist destination, Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez vowed to sustain his re-greening and beautification program among the barangays in the province.

Results of the first beautification program contest both in the Eastern and Western District will be made known to the public by the Office of the Provincial Tourism next week.

The awarding of the contest will be held during the 53rd Aklan year celebration on April 25th.

Marquez said he was inspired not only by the results of the contest but also by the support provided by the municipal and barangay officials, residents, school children and other sectors.

"I am very well pleased to know that even children helped in the cleaning of barangays. Because of this, I am planning to sustain the project by doing the contest twice a year to further beautify the Aklan barangays," Marquez said.

Since the program started late last year, both tourists and residents were awed by the intense beautification and re-greening of barangays along the provincial roads especially visible to the Western part of Aklan.

Altavas Mayor Kathryne Refol, a medical doctor, said that aside from the initiative of the provincial government, the town also has its own re-greening contest held quarterly.
"Our town serves as the doorway for tourists coming from nearby Capiz and Iloilo provinces. We would like to make sure that we would be welcoming the tourists through our beautiful and clean barangays," said Refol. (PNA)

oboi

April 19th, 2009, 02:20 PM

Gone were the rustic days of Boracay. :ohno:

________________

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/7107.jpg

The 7,107 Island Cruise of Mr. Tajanlangit in Boracay.

April 11, 2009

boy muscovado

April 20th, 2009, 11:46 AM

Gone were the rustic days of Boracay. :ohno:

________________

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/7107.jpg

The 7,107 Island Cruise of Mr. Tajanlangit in Boracay.

April 11, 2009

the ship is white naman at the opposite side...funny:banana:

Aeriez

April 20th, 2009, 12:55 PM

actually the moss and alge issue is nothing to be worried about

its part of the cleansing of the sand according to the locals

these algae helps cleanse the sand making it "polvoron white" again

so by june after these algae disappear the sand will glow back to its natural beauty again

been there last holy week though the algae looks eeky but it has a good feel to it...

parang gulaman LOL :D

icarusrising

April 20th, 2009, 01:53 PM

^^ Yup, aside from the sand of Boracay being made from powdered corals (that makes them powdery in texture), the algae are natural bleaching agents that whiten it.

oboi

April 20th, 2009, 02:24 PM

The 7,107 Islands Cruise in Boracay

Starboard side
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/7107_2.jpg

Port side
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/7107.jpg

garzland

April 22nd, 2009, 05:32 AM

Aklan’s rich fiber industry is the province’s ‘gold’ (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Business_19/Aklan_s_rich_fiber_industry_is_the_province_s_gold.shtml)

KALIBO, Aklan, April 22 (PNA) – If Aklan’s Boracay Island is considered as a national treasurer, the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) bared that the province’s rich fiber industry is its other gem.

FIDA Administrator Cecilia Gloria Soriano said that unknown to many, the fiber products of the province has reached the fashion streets of New York, a manifestation that the quality of Aklan fibers is golden.

She cited Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap saying that a dresses sold in fashion stores in New York with materials coming from Aklan are sold as high as 5,000 US dollars.

Soriano served as the keynote speaker of the 10th Aklan Pina and Fiber Festival both organized by the FIDA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

This year's celebration also coincided with the declaration of the United Nations that 2009 is the year of natural fibers.

Aside from the New York fashion, the FIDA is also currently is coordinating with the city government of Marikina to try introducing natural fibers in its shoe industry and likewise promote the product to the Zobel de Ayala firms, although they are already regular patrons of the province’s fiber products.

"I therefore urged the Aklan farmers to plant more fibers such as pina, abaca, raffia, and others because there is a worldwide demand for it," said Soriano.

She noted there is already a law, Republic Act 9242, which mandates government employees in the country to use fibers in their uniforms, which will increase demand for these fibers.

Anna India Legaspi of the Aklan Pina Manufacturers and Traders Association Inc (Aklan Pina MANTRA) said aside from New York, the province is also exporting fibers to Europe and Asian countries.
Aklan is also the supplier for European famous brand Calvin Klein. (PNA)

oboi

April 22nd, 2009, 06:40 AM

fharz

April 22nd, 2009, 11:53 AM

Perhaps BORACAY Islands prompted me to take photography seriously. Maybe the charm of this island paradise awakened my dormant photographic eye.

oboi

April 22nd, 2009, 09:15 PM

Plane Spotting in Caticlan, Malay, Aklan

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/catpal.jpg
PAL Express

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/catcebpac.jpg
Cebu Pacific

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/catzest.jpg
Zest Air

oboi

April 23rd, 2009, 12:14 PM

Near Nabas Junction
Nabas, Aklan

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/nabasjunc.jpg

leml

April 23rd, 2009, 12:17 PM

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/catpal.jpg
:bash: KALA KO NAGCRASH! :o T_x"

pangyao™

April 24th, 2009, 10:03 AM

nice pics.. anyway take a look at this, kinopya ko lng sa ibang thread. hehe

Philippine's busiest airports by passenger traffic 2008

1. Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) - 22,253,158

2. Cebu (Mactan-Cebu International Airport) - 3,642,862

3. Davao (Francisco Bangoy International Airport) - 1,692,877

4. Iloilo (Iloilo International Airport) - 1,073,907

5. Cagayan de Oro (Lumbia Airport) - 902,184

6. Bacolod (Bacolod-Silay City International Airport) - 843,488

7. Caticlan (Godofredo P. Ramos Airport) - 761,961

8. Tacloban (Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport) - 627,201

9. Puerto Princessa (puerto Princesa Airport) - 481,756

10. Zamboanga (Zamboanga International Airport) - 469,540

11. Kalibo (Kalibo Airport) - 400,042

Source: http://www.caap.gov.ph/

The two airports in aklan are among the top 11.. wow
when we sum up the two airports:

caticlan - 761,961
kalibo - 400,042

total - 1,162,003

It will surpass iloilo in the 4th place. hehe

Igsuonnimo

April 28th, 2009, 04:27 PM

exploreaklan

April 28th, 2009, 05:42 PM

Near Nabas Junction
Nabas, Aklan

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/nabasjunc.jpg

cool pics bah... hehe nagpa-bora ka ay?? hehe

icarusrising

April 28th, 2009, 06:29 PM

Kung uuwi ulit ako sa Aklan, malamang dadaan muna ako sa Roxas City sa Capiz para ma-appreciate ko talaga ang nag-u-ugnay sa dalawang lugar.

Sa ngayon kasi sa mga nagro-RORO, kapag sinasabing Roxas ay itong sa Mindoro.(Byaheng mula pa Roxas-Caticlan).
Nakakalito kasi eh. :wave:

True! :lol:

NagRORO ako minsan from Caticlan going to Mindoro. Noong malapit na kami sa Port of Roxas, may nagtanong sa akin kung saan daw ang Mindoro. So tinuro ko ang direksyon ng pier ng Roxas. Sabi niya hindi daw yun Mindoro kasi Roxas yun kaya nasa Capiz pa lang daw kami... :nuts:

And mind you, may town pa ng President Roxas sa capiz aside from the City of Roxas. :nuts:

IMPRESARIO

April 28th, 2009, 07:12 PM

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/2/photos/197/1200x1200/3/IMGP6934.JPG?et=ALGBbUL4%2CTtSgZ06WGvaaQ&nmid=222089605

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/0/photos/197/1200x1200/6/IMGP6937.JPG?et=uGnWyynuUoyEGNUNxgUclQ&nmid=222089605

^^naka punta na rin ako dyan. you just put your coca cola bottle in the cold spring for several minutes, then its cold and ready to drink already. hehehe

my good friend is the daughter of the former mayor of nabas.

garzland

April 29th, 2009, 01:28 AM

Aklan provincial gov’t signs P500-M stimulus package (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Cities_And_Towns_23/Aklan_provincial_gov_t_signs_P500-M_stimulus_package.shtml)

KALIBO, Aklan, April 29 (PNA) – The provincial government of Aklan headed by Gov. Carlito Marquez will embark on series of projects worth P500 million which is expected to generate jobs for local residents here.

The projects will serve as the provincial government’s contribution in cushioning the impact of the global economic crisis.

Just recently the provincial government has entered into an agreement with the Pasig City-based Andres Y. Narvasa (AYN) Resource Group headed by Andres Y. Narvasa that will spearhead the conduct of the feasibility study for the provincial government's 2.6 hectares reclamation project in Barangay Caticlan, Malay Aklan.

The Caticlan, Malay is where the Caticlan Jetty Port is located serving as an entry and exit point for tourists visiting Boracay Island.

"After the conduct of the feasibility study in 45 days, we will then raise the P500 million needed funding for the reclamation project through the bond flotation," said Narvasa.

Marquez said that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has accredited Aklan as one of the provinces in the country which are successful in the practice of bond flotation.

"The provincial government project plans to put up a wellness center, a resort and spa as their contribution to the medical tourism in the reclamation project including an ocean park and a cable car facility for tourists visiting the resort island," said Narvasa.
The Aklan provincial government is confident that with the near realization of the 'ambitious' project it would also translate in the income and livelihood generation for the residents of the province. (PNA)

icarusrising

April 29th, 2009, 02:59 AM

Allow me to repost this here...

Aklan plans to reclaim 2.6-hectare in Caticlan

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan, April 29 (PNA) - The provincial government plans to reclaim 2.6 hectares of land in Caticlan to pave the way for the establishment of a resort and spa that will complement the tourism industry in this island.

"We are planning to establish a wellness and health project for the reclamation area. We are planning to put up a resort and spa as our contribution to the medical tourism program," said Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez.

Marquez has called on multi-national companies to explore for other business potentials of the Boracay Island to complement the planned reclamation project.

St. Luke Medical Center in Quezon City has expressed interest in expanding its services in this resort island, it was gathered.

"We are expanding the tourism industry in Boracay. There is always room for business potentials in this resort island. Records of the Department of Tourism revealed that Boracay is surviving the economic recession," said Marquez.
The provincial government is also contemplating on the possibility of putting up a cable car facility for Boracay and an ocean park .(PNA)

icarusrising

April 29th, 2009, 03:00 AM

^^naka punta na rin ako dyan. you just put your coca cola bottle in the cold spring for several minutes, then its cold and ready to drink already. hehehe

my good friend is the daughter of the former mayor of nabas.

Have you been to Malumpati in Pandan as well? The setting is more natural. IMO, Basang looks like a pool now.

Igsuonnimo

April 29th, 2009, 10:58 AM

True! :lol:

noon kasi kapag sinabing ...'dadaan muna ako sa mga kamag-anakan ko dyan sa Roxas(Capiz)'

Pero ngayon ay iba na?!, yun pala ay dun sa Roxas sa Mindoro.
May kamag-anak kasi ako na nakapag-asawa ng taga Mindoro.

garzland

May 2nd, 2009, 01:29 AM

Aklan solon cites PGMA’s role in promoting Boracay (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/Aklan_solon_cites_PGMA_s_role_in_promoting_Boracay.shtml)

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan, May 2 (PNA)- Aklan Lone District Congressman Florencio Miraflores has cited the role of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in promoting Boracay Island as a top destination for both local and foreign tourists.

"The President is now the primary endorser of Boracay as a premier tourism destination. Because of her initiative of promoting the resort island, we are confident that tourists will continue to visit the resort island," said Miraflores.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) office in Boracay has registered more than 600,000 foreign and local tourists in the year 2008 despite the issues on climate change and economic recession.

"Because of this, we are confident that we could reach 800,000 this year and will be reaching one million tourists for Boracay in the year 2010," Miraflores said

The management of Zest Airways recently expressed intention to provide direct flights from Incheon, South Korea to the Kalibo International Airport in Aklan.
"I have been told by the management that aside from the direct flight to Korea, the Zest Airways is also planning to increase its domestic flights soon and the Aklan provincial government welcomes this development," said Miraflores. (PNA)

'Tyo Tagoy'

May 2nd, 2009, 06:59 AM

nice pics Oboi! tnx pre! :cheers:

jsl_bxu1206

May 2nd, 2009, 03:22 PM

Beach gals

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3342/3493323547_b9611ae018.jpg

jsl_bxu1206

May 2nd, 2009, 03:22 PM

Alta Vista

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3299/3493321987_4174f63abf.jpg

jsl_bxu1206

May 2nd, 2009, 03:23 PM

White

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3493320527_35fa9a4190.jpg

jsl_bxu1206

May 2nd, 2009, 03:28 PM

Colours

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3493334165_8a1331fc3e.jpg

jsl_bxu1206

May 2nd, 2009, 03:28 PM

Henna

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3646/3493332953_65ae5edaff.jpg

jsl_bxu1206

May 2nd, 2009, 03:29 PM

I love Bora

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3648/3494148676_8f8da00773.jpg

bacolodchamp

May 11th, 2009, 03:48 AM

^^congrats aklan. your bet is among the top three who brought the titles in last night's miss philippines pageant. all top 3 are from WV!:cheers:

golden_eagle

May 12th, 2009, 08:22 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3299/3524860482_a56ab5ce6c.jpg

CGYanon

May 12th, 2009, 08:33 PM

hi beautiful people of Boracay!

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bBU7QL8fK_U&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bBU7QL8fK_U&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

check their song 'Boracay'
http://www.myspace.com/wearethelittleones

golden_eagle

May 15th, 2009, 06:43 PM

Bombom Bar
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3572/3530964032_e3cef3f69f.jpg

spacewagon1

May 18th, 2009, 06:51 PM

TV show features European invasion of Boracay

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/travel_a.jpg

TRAVEL Time will features Meier’s Weltreisen, Europe’s largest long-haul travel operator, visit to the country for a tourism convention and exposure trip for 265 travel agents.

Find out what they love about the country as the Department of Tourism together with the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila and Blue Horizons Travel and Tour take them to the Philippines’ top spots.

Follow their journey to the country – from a grand welcome at the National Museum, to the farewell beach party at Shangri-la Boracay Resort and Spa, Boracay’s newest gem.

Travel Time is the longest-running travel show in the country hosted by Susan Calo-Medina.

Catch this spectacular episode May 23, 2009 on ANC, 9:30am, with a replay on Tuesday at 11:30pm.

TFC (The Filipino Channel) subscribers can catch it on Sundays and Mondays in North America, Middle East, and Europe.

source: The Daily Guardian ILOILO (http://thedailyguardian.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13346&Itemid=2)

patoy

May 21st, 2009, 02:53 AM

can't wait to go to the island on august.

PINOYmeat

May 22nd, 2009, 04:19 AM

urgent! guys, patulong naman, anong magandang resort sa station 1, yung tahimik pero di naman kamahalan. thanks a lot po, i dont have time to backread na kasi.

spacewagon1

May 22nd, 2009, 08:08 AM

DPWH eyes 2 circumferential roads
By JUN AGUIRRE

BORACAY - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Tourism, provincial government and stakeholders have agreed to implement two circumferential roads for this resort island.

DPWH District Engineer Roberto Cabigas said the roads are aimed at minimizing heavy traffic and providing safety for residents and tourists.

He disclosed that the roads will be one way for the smooth flow of traffic.

Currently, tourists and residents are experiencing moderate to heavy traffic everyday in several business districts here due to the increasing number of visitors and migrants.

“Some stakeholders are cooperating with us in the use of their road right of way while we are still in the process of negotiating with other stakeholders,” Cabigas said.

Tourism Regional Director Edwin Trompeta earlier said the two circumferential roads will further boost Boracay's tourism industry./PN

source: Panay News (http://panaynewsphilippines.com/aklan%20&%20bora%202.htm)

spacewagon1

May 22nd, 2009, 08:09 AM

charissa

June 1st, 2009, 08:18 AM

http://www.lingganay.com/images/view1/IMG_8955.jpg

"Lingganay" means bell, and so it was named after a bell like shape stone found in the properties own cave. This cave and its small hidden beach has been known as Lingganay ever since it was found by the islands inhabitants centuries ago.
visit www.lingganay.com

charissa

June 1st, 2009, 08:33 AM

http://www.lingganay.com/images/view1/IMG_8990.jpg

charissa

June 1st, 2009, 08:41 AM

http://www.lingganay.com/images/view1/IMG_8963.jpg

http://www.lingganay.com/images/view1/IMG_8923.jpg

http://www.lingganay.com/images/view1/IMG_0309.jpg

private beach exclusively for Lingganay Boracay Hotel Resort Guests

carl_vilches21

June 1st, 2009, 01:05 PM

Henna

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3646/3493332953_65ae5edaff.jpg

...Aiming to have one...:)

OceanBreezeInn

June 4th, 2009, 06:40 PM

...Aiming to have one...:)

It looks cool, but please be aware that it may also cause skin reactions because its contains a chemical, called PPD (paraphenylenediamine). More details here (http://www.eastonwest.co.uk/bhw.html) and here. (http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/black-henna-tattoos-can-cause-major-skin-problems-re-issue_10079453.html)

Ibex

June 6th, 2009, 08:51 AM

I know its off season for Boracay this time of the year... what do you think guys were going there next week enlighten me what to expect there... ^^

carl_vilches21

June 6th, 2009, 10:25 AM

I know its off season for Boracay this time of the year... what do you think guys were going there next week enlighten me what to expect there... ^^

...You'll expect a huge crowd!!!That's all..

al_teeway

June 6th, 2009, 10:53 AM

Regional flights from China, Taiwan boost Aklan's tourism
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - TransAsia Airways launched its first direct charter flights from Taipei on Wednesday afternoon, bringing to three the regional flights from the neighboring countries to Kalibo International Airport, the gateway to the famous Boracay Island.

TransAsia Airways, a Taiwan-based airlines, touched down at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday with 176 travelers from Taipei.

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Kalibo airport manager Engr. Percy Malonesio said the China Eastern Airlines and Mandarin Airlines also started its flights to Kalibo to carry foreign tourists and businessmen from Taiwan and China.

Mandarin Airlines uses a B737-300 aircraft every Wednesday and Saturday, which can carry 165 passengers.

Kalibo International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the country, is constructing a new passenger terminal building to accommodate the influx of passengers from the region and wide-bodied aircrafts.

The airport also served domestic flights of Cebu Pacific, Zest Air (formerly Asian Spirit) and the Philippine Airlines.

Aklan gov’t to award contract to develop Aklan Sports Complex
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL / Panay News / Manila Bulletin
http://www.mb.com.ph/node/203203

KALIBO, Aklan – The provincial government of Aklan will award the official contract to the winning bidder this week for the initial construction and development of a modern Aklan Calangcang Sports Complex .

Provincial Engineer Victory Fernandez said the Dynamic Builders Construction Company was selected to perform Phase I construction work for the sprawling 6.5 hectares sports complex in Barangay Calangcang, Makato, Aklan and eyed for completion within six months.

The P23.7-million project involves embankment works and asphalt leveling of the track oval. Dynamic Builders, a Triple A general construction engineering company, has constructed several projects in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental, including renovation of the Paglaum Sports Complex, civil works of the Silay City airport and the Valeriano Gatuslao Memorial District Hospital in Negros Occidental.

“Two competing bidders qualified in the bidding Phase I infrastructure project and by next week, we will formally award the contract to Dynamic Builders, which has also an existing project in Libacao, Aklan. We also completed the detailed engineering works for Phase II project. Within 45 days, the provincial government will enter into a contract agreement with the winning Phase II bidder,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez, also the Prequalification, Bids and Awards Committee (PBAC) chairman, said the P55-million Phase II bidding will start on July for the construction of Olympic-sized swimming pool, main grandstand, rubberized track and field oval and other support facilities and infrastructures.
The funds for the construction of the planned sports complex would be taken from Land Bank of the Philippines, he added.

By 2010, Aklan is hosting the West Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet (WVRAA) for some 2,500 athletes and officials from the provinces of Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Antique and Iloilo.

In its development trust to promote sports related activities among the people of Aklan, the provincial government through Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez and the Aklan State Univerisity (ASU) represented by President Dr. Benny Palma signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on April 23, 2009 for the construction, development, management, operation, maintenance and control of the sports facility.

Under the MOA, the provincial government will provide the initial investment capital or share comprising of 60 percent for the construction and development of the Aklan Sports Complex and to construct and maintain access roads to and from the facility.

Aklan State University (ASU) covers around 10 hectares property in Barangay Calangcang, Makato, Aklan. It offered its 6.5 hectares as sports complex site representing 40 percent of its initial investment for the project.

OceanBreezeInn

June 6th, 2009, 07:15 PM

I know its off season for Boracay this time of the year... what do you think guys were going there next week enlighten me what to expect there... ^^

Plenty of rooms, low prices and a lot of fun at Beach & Bars. Hopefully weather will change ... too much rain within the last days ..

Waldenstrom

June 8th, 2009, 01:59 PM

I wish I could go to Boracay.... I wish...

Ibex

June 10th, 2009, 06:51 AM

...You'll expect a huge crowd!!!That's all..

mabuti naman kung ganun... :cheers:

:dance:

Plenty of rooms, low prices and a lot of fun at Beach & Bars. Hopefully weather will change ... too much rain within the last days ..

yun nga apprehension ko baka maulan ngayon doon and malakas na ang alon. Anyway thanks a bunch sa feedback nyo :)

jsl_bxu1206

June 17th, 2009, 03:07 AM

Thousands of Aklanons benefit from Ombudsman Caravan of Government Services

by Venus G. Villanueva

Kalibo, Aklan (16 June) -- The recent Caravan of Government Social Services in Aklan brought by the Office of the Ombudsman Regional Office, Iloilo City in coordination with the Provincial Government of Aklan and 35 national government agencies served a total of 2,721 Aklanons.

Records provided by the Office of the Ombudsman showed that 1,192 Aklanons benefited from the free medical check up offered in the caravan. These people also availed of free medicines provided by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

The Caravan also gave free dental services to 305 Aklanons, while 1,019 clients were served by partner- agencies.

During the Caravan too, eighty-six (86) persons were able to avail of free Shiatsu massage from the Philippine Army, while 119 availed of free haircut.

Young boys, some about to start school, and adult males availed of the free haircut given by personnel from the Philippine Army.

"Now my son will look very neat when he goes to school", a mother said, looking at her son while being given a haircut by a soldier. Parents welcomed the free haircut, especially those with two or more sons, because they could save money, and buy school things for their children instead.

The Ombudsman Caravan in Aklan, held for two days on May 28 and 29, consisted of courtesy calls by the Ombudsman Office on Aklan’s provincial office, press conference with the local media, meeting with Aklan’s 17 mayors, and Public Accountability Seminars on the first day and Caravan of Government Services on the second day.

The Ombudsman Caravan in Aklan was the third conducted by the office in Western Visayas, after San Jose in Antique and Pototan in Iloilo. (PIA)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p090616.htm&no=81