I Dare You Juan, Can You Spell TRAVEL?

Every Juan is dreaming ….
 To experience the Juanderful Hidden Gems…
   To capture those picturesque and Juantastic Scenes

    Shout it out to the world,“Let’s Visit Philippines!"

 Jonathan Orbuda

FYI : Its not just a country , its Philippines ! ( Bohol Beach Club)

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I was born and nurtured in a remote place in Bohol where I started to build my dreams. I  always looked up to the sky every time I heard an airplane passes by and  I wonder how it feels to fly. Sigh……

After High School, I decided to move to Manila to study in a State University. It was my first time to travel - unfortunately via ship. Sigh…..

It was never an easy road for me; it was a great fracas towards the rapid changes of my lifestyle and adapting to an environment I’m not used to. I had to survive in bare minimum and continue studying despite of scarcity. Luckily, I became a student leader and University Publication Section Editor which had its benefits (e.g. free meals). Regardless of these sacrifices, I never failed to recall my dream … To experience being in an Airplane to soar high and see the view from above…. Sigh…

But those hardships ended when I finished my degree. Aside from my Diploma, the greatest gift that I received was a round trip air-ticket to Bohol for free from the Publication team. I had the opportunity to fly home with the University Publication staff.  It was very glorifying and indescribable feeling. It made my dream come to reality. I no longer needed  to look up because I was seeing the world in a different angle - from above... Thanks to Cebu Pacific Air. Sigh...

HHWW : A romantic scene in Panglao Island , perfect for lovers

When the airplane landed, I was nostalgic and there was a sudden flashback from childhood. Tears fell down from my eyes. I was no longer dreaming of being on a plane Ive experienced it.  We visited the Baclayon Church, Loboc River, Tarsier Sagbayan Peak, Chocolate Hills, Wildlife Sanctuary and the wide white beaches of Panglao Island (prior to the devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake). I never realized how rich Bohol is, though I grew up here yet I never experienced these hidden beauties before.

After that experience, I started to dream all over again ; to TRAVEL perpetually.

‘We meet People maybe because we are either meant to change their lives or ours.  

Boracay :In the dark, you can do what you want;you can also explore 

yourself and know who you are.

The best part of travelling is you get to meet and talk with random people in the middle of the road – People that when you meet as acquaintances would end as a friend.  And sometimes would be so inspiring that it would change your perspective of life.

As I continued to travel and experience the different cultures one place has to offer, Boracay would be one of the best.

Boracay everybody’s dream destination. Known for its powdery white sand, blue and clear water,Definitely a tourist target, but for me, it was more.

Behind the paradise are Innumerable Tales ... 

7PM wherein the Boracay  rave culture starts, the people begin to paint the town red, the sea is totally silent but the shoreline of Station Two is alive of various entertainments – ei. Boracay Fire Dancing. I planned to drink and party all night without spending money (Yes, I have to be insightful and it’s a challenge.) .So I sauntered the stretch of Station Two and Three alone. Since it was summer, every twenty meters you will find a free taste of liquors as part of Brand Promotions .Until I realized that I had way too much to drink.  And found myself  lying in the middle of the wide shore of Station One – far from the crowd and the placid environment exist. Until I noticed a silhouette coming …

“It seems that you’re drunk, are you with someone? Are you alright?” a modulated voice uttered. “Yes, I am ok, I’m just indulging the beauty of the place because I don’t know when I’ll be able to come back here” I answered. He introduced himself and so did I. We began to talk and as the night went on we got to share a lot of things even though we barely knew each other. “I grew up in a luxurious life, I can do what I want, and I almost have everything” he said. “But wealth is worthless if you are not happy , if you are limited .I travel to enjoy life because life is too short.” He stressed in a sad manner. “I’m immune-suppressed and diagnosed for three years now” as he blurted out these words, I was shocked; I didn’t know how to respond, he didn’t even look sick.

He continued to travel even on medication. I felt a sudden gush of emotions and tears fell.  And in that very moment, I was changed. It improved how I looked at things, to should spend my every waking moments and to enjoy being in the moment. For all we know, it could be the last. 

Can you afford spending your life in a status quo? Or can you now spell the word TRAVEL?

When I had youth I had no money; now I have the money I have no time; and when I get the time, if I ever do, I shall have no health to enjoy life.-  Louisa May Alcott

This Article is an “I Love Tansyong” Official entry in a Writing/Blogging Contest organized by Wego in partnership with Cebu Pacific Air, the Tourism Promotions Board, and ABS-CBN Choose Philippines with a theme “Your Life-Changing Travel Story”

Thank you Eliza J. Diaz (Market Development Manager for Wego Philippines) for the invitation.

Also thank you to the four judges, Anita Duffin, Doming Ramon C. Enerio III, Phillip Kimpo Jr.

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Boracay not Bora: The Paradise Island and a Playground for Beach Lover.

What is Boracay?

April of 2012, when I first visited the Island, I was very excited at last I can now wander the number one Tropical Island of the country. Boracay is famous tourist spot for popular and well-known people; in fact it is popular playground to those who can really afford like celebrities and businessmen. As an ordinary wanderer who allocates and saves for this travel, it is really glorifying to experience the Island.   

Trivia

Boracay came from old local word bora which means bubbles and bocay for white, associated with the Atis' or Aeta amazement at the resemblance of the white sand to water bubbles.

How to get there?

There are two airports located near to the island of Boracay. 

                       • Caticlan or Godofredo P. Ramos Airport

                         • Kalibo International Airport

My Top 10 memorable picks in Boracay Island.

1. Walking from Station 3 to Station 1.                       I met a local, he worked at Mang Inasal . He toured me from station 3 to station 1 by walk only. Imagine the distance we walked, we started 11AM and we finished 1PM. For the span of 2 hours I was able to take pictures of the long shoreline on the said Island in different angles. We were only walking topless and only wearing sunglasses the whole time. I really enjoyed the heat of the sun while walking and while looking the establishments along the beachfront, I forgot the too much heat of the sun because it was totally fun. I experienced how long the Boracay Shoreline is. It is perfect for jogging with your golden retriever.

2. Boracay Phoenix Fire Dancer (Click here Upclose and Personal)

With their sexy curves and toned muscles, it really captures your attention. With the burning fire and the beat of the music, it is very entertaining to watch this group of fire dancer in Boracay performing every night for the tourists at the beachfront. It is for free since the show is just right at the open area of the beach. You can also take pictures with the dancers right after their routines, you just give a certain amount for donation to the baskets.

3. Island Hopping

Island Hopping in Boracay is very fun to do with your friends. We rented a motored boat to tour around the Island.  It was pleasurable while we were sailing, we met a lot of locals and foreign tourists in their boats across the sea that were waiving their hands towards us and we did the same. Along the way, we were able to witness the various water sports like jetskie and many more.

In addition, indescribable feeling while glancing the white beach from a different point of view which was from our motored boat. You will appreciate the beauty of the entire island. 

4. Rave Culture during night. (Click here )

Have you been to rave and overnight wild parties? In Boracay you will notice those party-goers who don't get tired dancing all night. Will maybe if you are too tame and not too observant you won’t notice that. But it was my true experience at Epic Bar and Juice Bar; I was approached by someone offering me a colored pill that came with symbols and designs stamped on it. You knew what I mean.

In the Island, the local drug authority has classified the island as one of the areas where drugs, including Ecstasy, is available to tourists and locals alike. As long as you know the right person to approach discreetly, you will be able to experience it here. However, since it is an illegal drug therefore it is a crime. Moreover, raves are only common during weekends and super peak season. 

5. Boracay Pasalubong in Talipapa.

The pasalubong I bought were brinted Shirts, bracelet and what I loved the most was the Paper Weigh made of shell where-in inside there were lot of small shells and marine products being designed. I got it for PHP50 only. 

6. Buko Juice in the Middle of the sea.

During our Island hopping, I was surprised when I saw a Buko Juice Vendor right in the middle of the sea sailing and selling.  

7. Meeting Tourists and Locals

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I met different people during my stay in the Island. Tourists and locals, I was able to mingle with them. I spoke one of locals who worked as a supervisor in a hotel. I won’t forget his statement saying “ Para sa akin di ako naniniwala sa Love between a tourist and local inhabitant” he said.

The place is very perfect and romantic for the visitors, the tendency is you will get tempted to meet anyone in the Island and you thought that everything is perfect for a relationship. But the truth is, you are just looking someone half of you especially if you are on vacation by yourself. That is the nature of this Island, for one night spectacular only.

I also met a foreigner in a disco, and he told me that he is with her wife and he met his wife in Boracay few years ago and they are now married.

I met various people with various story. Some are dramatic approach some are not

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8. White Beaches.

The four kilometers long white beaches and about a hundred meters at its widest point. The pristine Beach is perfect for relaxation. Beach front in each station reflects on how enjoyable to stay there.

                    • Station 1. – Very Silent and Elegant place. If you are staying in Station 1 you were labeled as socially inclined individual because the place is very expensive and high class services offered. 

                   • Station 2- Partyphiles place and crowded. It is very lively place, lot of events from various companies are happening (for promotions) within this proximity. If you are looking for affordable party places and restaurants, Station 2 is perfect for you. Pang MASA is the Approach. 

                    • Station 3. Hotels and Establishments. Station 2 is more like a combination of the atmosphere of Station 1 and 2 

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9. Volleyball until Sun burn

For those who love to get naturally tanned and just want to spend the day basking in warm sunshine, Boracay Beaches have the perfect places for you. You can do yoga, massage, dragon boat and any adventure under the heat of the sun. Sunbathing and just enjoying a cool drink is just one of best thing you need to do during at night.

For me, what I loved the most was playing volleyball 12NN up to 1PM. Yes, I played it with my friends, we only have a bottle of water aside, and every time we felt the sun burn we just dive towards the sea water.  

10.  Aglipay- 

We usually called AGLIPAY if we see a Filipina (woman or gays) with their foreigner partner.  We come up the term AGLIPAY simply UGLY PINAY. It was just a common joke nothing serious.  I don’t wanna say something about it, baka mabomba ako ng mga AGLIPAY haha. 

The Hot Entertainment with “Boracay Phoenix Fire Dancers”

 On my fist night in the Island, I can’t avoid roving around since nightlife in the island is more exciting. With various people, nationality, bars, lights and entertainment that will surely trigger your excitement to party. Aside from those triggering factors, the performance of   “Boracay Phoenix Fire Dancers” is also a reason for you to get out from your hotel room and enjoy the night. A performance that will not only feast your eyes but also gives you a FUN fire experience.

Advertisement by Google: “Boracay Phoenix Fire Dancers” is a freelance group of fire poi dancers base in the Island of Boracay, established in year 2007. Basically, before watching them, I already witnessed solo performance in some of the bar along the shore that night but they are the only group in the island of Boracay who started putting choreography and a twist of comedy from a traditional poi spinning, creating a great fire production. The way they entertained, they are very highly competent in performance.

You can catch them and watch their nightly performance at Beach Bum Bar Boracay. It is Located at Station 1, beside yellow cab and Havaianas shop. Experience the FUN and AMAZING fire show with these fire artists.

“For the long years of experience the group has gone through many achievements and we aim for better fire production to spice up the vacation of tourists who are visiting the island of Boracay.” Fredie Aviola said. Fredie Aviola is there Choreographer.  “We are trusted fire poi group by many of event planner and hotel organizers.” He added. Part of their performance experience are Miss earth 2009, ASAP XV summer station ID, PNA Philippine Nursing Association Convention,UNILAB ,MTV Asia Singapore,UNILIVER ,Rustan group of company,Farewell party for Vice President Noly Decastro,SMART summer event 2011,Ginebra San Miguel summer event 2010,VISCAR,Thunder bird Convention 2011,PEPSI Cola National convention 2011,Havaianas flip flops summer event 2011,Twice contender of Talentadong pinoy And many other corporate events.



 Making the island of Boracay picturesque by night is the goal of this group as they gave opportunity to their audience to take photos with them after their fire dance production routine.

⛵ My Confession: The Secrets I Kept Hidden in the Darkness of Boracay Island

Boracay is a world-renowned tropical paradise in the Philippines. Famous for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Boracay is celebrated as one of the longest beaches globally and was listed by CNN as the 84th Best Beach in the World. While many tourists flock here for the picturesque views, lively beach activities, and vibrant nightlife, there’s a hidden side to Boracay that few see or talk about.

The Bright Side of Boracay: Daytime Adventures

During the day, Boracay offers an extensive range of activities for every type of traveler. From island hopping and scuba diving to jet skiing, paddleboarding, and relaxing spa treatments, you can immerse yourself in the thrill and relaxation this paradise offers. Every resort and travel agency around the island has options, and you’ll quickly find yourself swept up in the energy of the beachfront.

But for me, Boracay wasn’t just a daytime paradise. As the sun set, I discovered a different side to the island. Here’s a personal experience I’ve kept hidden for years—a story of curiosity, indulgence, and the reality of nightlife in this otherwise tranquil island.

The Confession Begins: My First Night Out

On my first night, I decided to explore the local bars and nightlife with some new friends I met through a social networking app popular among the MSM (men who have sex with men) community. I was online, scrolling through profiles and messages when someone named Jake reached out. After a brief exchange, we agreed to meet near the fire dancers at Station 2.

I described my outfit and location, and before long, Jake—a well-built guy with a friendly smile—approached me. We headed to Juice Bar, known for its inclusive vibe and frequent MSM gatherings. We were soon joined by others, creating a lively group at our table. Drinks were flowing freely, and soon the bar was packed with people from all over the Philippines, from Manila to Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao.

Into the Night: A Spiraling Adventure

As the night went on, I felt the drinks beginning to affect me. It was around midnight when my phone buzzed with a message from my travel buddy asking me to come back to our room. I tried to leave, but my new friends insisted I stay for "one more drink." The drinks kept coming, and soon, I was too disoriented to even know where I was. I vaguely recall someone helping me as we left the bar, but I couldn’t tell where we were going.

When I came to, I was in an unfamiliar, upscale hotel room. The sight that greeted me was shocking—my party companions from Juice Bar were still there, lost in their own world, and some were even under the influence of what seemed to be drugs. The room was dim, but I could see syringes, tablets, and capsules strewn on a nearby table.

One of the men offered me a drink, but this time I was wary. I politely asked him to take me back to Station 2. He responded that we were both too "wasted" to leave. I declined the drink he offered, and it was then that I realized how different this place was at night. I had crossed into an unfamiliar realm where secrets and desires lingered in the shadows.

The Truth About Boracay’s Dark Side

Drugs, clandestine encounters, and even open displays of intimacy in secluded parts of the beach are real elements of Boracay’s nightlife. While the island is a paradise by day, nightfall unveils a side of Boracay that few tourists see or want to acknowledge.

I don’t share this story to tarnish the island’s reputation. Rather, I share it as a reminder that every paradise has its shadows. For me, that night in Boracay was an eye-opener—a realization that behind the dazzling lights and pristine shores, there exists a hidden world.

In the darkness, we find parts of ourselves we never knew existed, but we must also be cautious. The night can reveal hidden parts of who we are, but it can also present temptations and risks we may later regret.

Final Thoughts: Reflecting on the Experience

Boracay remains one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited, but it’s also a place that taught me valuable lessons about boundaries and self-discovery. My journey showed me that while it’s important to explore and be open to new experiences, it’s equally vital to stay grounded and safe, especially when entering unfamiliar territory.

For those planning a trip to Boracay, embrace its beauty, enjoy its activities, but stay vigilant at night.