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Only two Boracay bars apply for Comelec exemption

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has expressed disappointment on the apparent failure of several bar owners in this resort island to apply for liquor ban exemption for the forthcoming midterm election.
Aklan Provincial Election Supervisor Lawyer Robert Salazar said only two bars have so far applied for exemption to their firm as of April 22.
"Because of this, we may be forced to go to Boracay and conduct a campaign among the stakeholders there wishing to be exempted from the liquor ban," Salazar said.
He added that although the Comelec had set deadline for the exemption,he expressed hopes the bar owners would be responsible enough to apply at their office in preparation for the election.
The liquor ban is expected to take effect on May 9 and will end midnight of May 13 subject to a Comelec resolution.
Establishments accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) were already considered exempted from the liquor ban.
Earlier, the Comelec warned that it will strictly enforce liquor ban to this resort island and will penalize violators without exemption.

Boracay a gold mine of investment opportunities -- DTI

This resort island is being considered a gold mine of investment and entrepreneurial opportunities, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
DTI Undersecretary Merly Cruz said that President Benigno S. Aquino III ordered the DTI to maximize the Boracay tourism to create employment, entrepreneurs and investments.
"Because of this, we in the DTI had organized the first Aklan Investment Conference (ICoN) which focuses on five industries. These industries promotes the inclusive growth of the Aquino administration," said Cruz an Aklanon.
The five focus industries were the Abaca with emphasis on plantation development and fiber processing, coco coir, processed foods with focus on pangasius and processing, livestock meat and poultry production and fruit and vegetables.
Also included in the support industries were feed milling, logistics and storage facilities.
The ICoN will be held on Tuesday, April 30, at the Gov. Corazon Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center, Old Buswang Kalibo with at least 200 participants expected to attend.
"The overarching goal of this activity is to spur development and growth of Aklan province with infusion of fresh investments by promoting promising industries in Aklan and nearby provinces as investment opportunities for existing and would be investors, provide a venue for prospective project proponents, potential investors and enablers from both the government and private sectors to meet and establish business partnership and alliances," Cruz said.

PDEA urges Boracay stakeholders for a drug free workplace

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA) on Tuesday urged stakeholders here to cooperate in their goal in making this resort island drug-free.
PDEA Officer-in-Charge Lawyer Ronnie Delicana said that although illegal drugs trade are not alarming in this resort island, they continue to receive reports of alleged use of cocaine here.
"We will appeal to resort, bar-owners and other businesses here to ensure their workplace as drug-free and their employees to never use or tolerate illegal drug-use," Delicana said.
The PDEA is planning to hold a dialogue to business owners here and solicit their help in making Boracay a "drug-free" tourism community.
"It is always a fact that the government could only achieve something without the help from the private stakeholders and the residents," Delicana said.

PCG tightens security for Boracay

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said they had tightened the security in this resort island to secure both foreign and local tourists coming amidst bombing cases around the world.
Coast Guard Caticlan Assistant Senior Chief Petty Officer Ronie Hiponia said Monday that aside from the tourists coming, passengers using the roro (roll on roll off) vessels will also be undergoing strict security measures.
"Aside from safety concerns, we also received reports on the existence of illegal drugs trade and other outside world syndicates in the roro vessel," Hiponia said.
Recently, the Highway Patrol Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP) had seized three sports utility vehicles which are suspected to be hot cars.
"We asked the public to be vigilant and cooperative to our tightened security procedures for the safety of all," Hiponia said.

Top 10 Ang Pinaka: Funtastic Places and Activities in Boracay

(www.gmanews.tv)

To officially open the summer season, GMA News TV’s award-winning info-tainment countdown show ‘Ang Pinaka’ flew all the way to Boracay to discover the fun places to visit and activities to do in what has been dubbed by travel magazines as one of the best islands in the world.

If you’re planning to go to Boracay this summer, be sure to bring our list!

10. Helmet Diving

Helmet diving or reef walking allows anyone to walk like an astronaut underwater. For those who don’t how to swim or dive professionally, this activity offers a safe, simulated diving experience– as long as you don’t mind wearing a funny-looking, fishbowl-shaped helmet on your head!

Helmet Diving:
Address: Manoc Manoc, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact No. : 0920-2519229
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Daily
Price: P700/person

9. All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)

Dubbed as the number one landsport in Boracay, riding an ATV or “all terrain vehicle” allows you to tour Boracay’s picturesque landscape while enjoying the warm summer breeze on your face. It’s recommended that you have a driver’s license first before you attempt to drive an ATV.  But in Boracay, they’ll let you drive as long as you go through a safety orientation first.

ATV:
Address: Happy Dream Land, Sitio Pinaungon, Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact No. (036) 288 - 2112
Website: http://happydreamland.weebly.com
Price: P1500/ATV 1 hour tour

Motorbike Rental Mountain Bike Rental
Address: D Mall (in front of Budget Mart), Balabag, Boracay
Contact No. : (036)-2886702
Operating Hours: 8:00 am –6:00 pm daily
Price: P200/hour

8. Island Hopping

When in Boracay, do yourself a favor: Go island hopping and discover the other beautiful islands this place has to offer. The “Ang Pinaka’ team recommends you visit Crystal Cove Island Resort, Crocodile Island, and Puka Beach.

Island Hopping:
Address: Manoc Manoc, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact No. : 0920-2519229
Operating Hours: 7:00 am -5:00 pm daily
Price: Small boat, 7 pax- P2,000 (3 hours)
Medium boat, 16 pax- P3,000 (3 hours)
Big Boat, 20 pax- P4,000 (3 hours)
Crystal Cove- P200 per person
Snorkeling- P100 per person

7. Sunset Cruise

The Sunset Cruise offers a great view of the famed Boracay sunset. But more than just sailboats and sunsets, the cruise also allows tourists to see the rich marine life of Boracay from the safety of a glass-bottomed boat.


Sunset Cruise:
Address: Boracay Activities, Boracay Glass Bottom Boat, Boat Station 2, Sitio Manggayad, Brgy. Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact No. : (036) 288-4599
Operating Hours: 8:00 am -10:00 pm, Daily
Website: www.boracayactivities.com
Price: P750 (Adult), P300 (Kids, Ages 1-5) , P400 (promo rate for booking one day in advance)

6. Mountain Biking

As an effort to boost environmental and health consciousness in Boracay, a group of bike enthusiasts formed the Boracay Mountain Bikers Club. You don’t have to be a professional biker to join the fun, as there are guides who will help you enjoy the ride even if you’re a beginner!

Boracay Mountain Bikers Club and Rescue Group
Address: Cabanbanan, Manoc Manoc, Boracay
Contact No. : 0917-5851092

Motorbike Rental Mountain Bike Rental
Address: D Mall (in front of Budget Mart) Balabag, Boracay
Contact No. : 0917-3246319


5. Kite Boarding

Bahari Beach Resort is owned by our host Rovilson Fernandez’s good, old buddy Marc Nelson. At Bahari Beach Resort, learn the challenging and exciting sport of kite boarding. Kite boarding is wakeboarding, surfing, and paragliding rolled into one. By using the power of the wind, you can glide across the water on a small surfboard.

Bahari Beach Resort:
Address: Sitio Mampusa, Union, 5607 Nabas Town, Aklan
Contact No. : +63 948 7460039 or +63 935 3127483
Email: baharibeachresort@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BahariBeachResort
Twitter: twitter.com/BahariResort

4. Go Kart

Go Karting in Boracay is fast becoming a favorite activity of those with the “need for speed.” Its smooth road forces the kart to drift around every corner of the 700-meter race track, giving riders a 15-minute-long adrenaline rush.

Go Kart
Address: Happy Dream Land, Sitio Pinaungon, Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact No. (036) 288 - 2112
Website: http://happydreamland.weebly.com
Price: P400 for 20 minutes

3. Mermaid Lessons

At the Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy in Boracay, your dreams of becoming a real-life Dyesebel or Ariel will come true with their mermaid swimming lessons. Within the two-hour session, you’ll be able to learn three to four different mermaid strokes.

Kids who enroll at Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy will receive a special lecture about poisonous corals. Kiddie lessons last for about three to four hours.

Mermaid Swimming:
Address: Fisheye Dive Shop, Station 1, Boracay Island
Contact No.: 0917-3243947
Operating Hours: 3:30pm - 5:30pm, Daily
Website: www.philippinemermaidswimmingacademy.com
Facebook: Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy

2. Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center

Surf’s up at the Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center with its newest attractions, the wave pool and wave rider. If you’re planning to go surfing but you’re not yet ready to try the real thing, then this wave pool is for you. The continuous flow of water in this pool allows you to practice surfing. Wave rider, meanwhile, gives you stronger, continuous waves so you can also try wakeboarding and skim boarding.

Crown Regency Resorts and Convention Center
Address: Crown Regency Resorts and Convention Center, Boat Station 2, Main Road, Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island
Contact No.: (036) 506-3111
Operating Hours: 10:00 am –12:00 nn; 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Daily (Wave Pool)
9:00 am – 8:00 pm, Daily (Wave Rider)
Website: www.crownregencyhotels.com/boracay
Price: Wave Rider P1,500/hour; P1,200/30 mins.
          Surfing P2,200/2 hours; P1,100/30 mins.

Philippine Surfing Academy
Address: 11th floor Strata 100 Building, Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig
Contact No. : 0917- 8946767
Facebook: Philippine Surfing Academy

1. Ariel’s Point

Cliff diving at Ariel’s Point is fast becoming popular among travelers looking for some daytime extreme adventure. Travelers who want to take the plunge have the option to jump from cliff heights of five, eight, and 15 meters. Daredevils need not worry though about safety because a lifeguard is always on standby at the cliff diving spots.

If cliff diving sounds too extreme, Ariel’s Point also offers snorkeling. Those who don’t swim can enjoy the buffet and drinks, hiking trails, and water buffalo rides.

Ariel’s Point:
Address: Boracay Beach Club, Behind Ariel’s House near Station 1, Boracay Island
Contact No.: (036) 288 6770 or (036) 288 4853
Operating Hours: Departs at 11:30 am and returns before sunset daily
Website: http://www.arielspoint.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/arielspoint
Price: P1500
* Eat and drink all you can

Watch “Ang Pinaka” every Sunday at 6:30 PM on GMA News TV, or follow the show on Facebook andTwitter.

—Bernice Sibucao/PF, GMA News Online

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PRO-6 to regulate blue guards in Boracay

 The Police Regional Office (PRO-6) will now regulate the operations of blue guards in this resort island to ensure peace and order.
The regulation came as blue guards figured in different crime incidents in this resort island, many of which were cases involving land disputes.
Among the planned regulation is to put up an extension office of the Firearms and Explosives, Security Agencies and Guards Sections (FESAGS) of the PRO-6. Also, the blue guards coming from different security agencies will be formed into an association to be known as Boracay Security Organization Association (BSAO).
Supt. Conrado Garganillo, chief of the Security Agencies and Guards Unit (SAGU) of PRO-6, said during the forum that forming the association will also eliminate fly by night operations of blue guards in Boracay.
"We are also planning to put up a complaint desk in the Boracay PNP that will deal on possible complaints against blue guards in Boracay," he said.
Blue guards will also be registered with the Malay Employment Service Office so they would have database for future references.

World's star dancers in Boracay festival

Top world class dancers on Salsa and Latin dances will be arriving here this May for the first Boracay International Dance Festival.
The dance event will be held on May 9-13 at Boracay Ecovillage Resort and Convention Center. Dance enthusiasts from all over the world have been invited.
Among the stars who confirmed participation are Edwin Rivera (California, USA) considered as one of the most popular dance personalities in the world especially in South America; Junior and Emily (Los Angeles, California) the 8th time international Salsa Dance champions and have worked with different Hollywood stars; Rodney "Rochata" Aquino, a Filipino-American who popularized Bachada Dance in San Francisco Bay; Alejandro Rey, assistant director of the critically acclaimed Paso De Oro Dance Company; Madeline Ho, Asia Banchata championship second runner-up of 2011; Afrolatin Hurricane; Ben Benedictus of Australia; Gary Foo of Singapore; Gabi Pineda; Raymund Gerard (Australia); Seigo Kimoto considered as the fire twirler star; Jonathan Picayo; Jaxen Tan (Malaysia);and Aki Kalaitziz (Germany).
Also to attend are DJ stars such as DJ Nelson Torres, a native New Yorker of Puerto Rican descent who has been the official DJ for New York Salsa Dance Congress and DJ Cola known as Latin DJs for Chinese culture since 2002.
The festival will feature workshops and all night dancing and performances on Salsa, Kizomba, Bachata, Merengue, Mambo, Pool Party and others.

Boracay senior citizens to get free boat, motorcycle rides

Senior citizens who are residents of Boracay island and Malay town can now avail of the free rides on boats and motorcycles in coming to and from this resort island.
This developed as identification cards (ID's) have been distributed to the senior citizens by the Malay municipal government, which has jurisdiction over Boracay island.
But local government officials said that boat operators will only provide free rides to senior citizens who could present a senior citizen ID provided by the local government. Senior citizens who are not residents of Malay, Aklan are not included in the free fare.
Those Malay residents who are over 60 years old and have not yet availed of the senior citizens ID are urged to register themselves with the Malay municipal hall now.

Free!

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Army to build houses for the Atis in Boracay

The Engineering Batallion of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army is preparing to build houses for the Atis in this resort island.
Building these houses is supported by the Asisi Foundation. Among its executives is Viel Aquino, the presidential sister.
In an information, the Asisi Foundation said it continues to solicit funds from sponsors because of their limited funding.
The foundation needs at least P80,000 to build one housing units for the Atis.
The houses will be built in the lot promised to them by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
The lot is still being contested by several private land claimants in court.
For potential sponsors, they could inquire at the Holy Rosary Parish in Barangay Balabag, Boracay or at the office of the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent De Paul in Bolabog, Boracay.

ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISTS ELECT NEW OFFICERS

A multi-awarded environmental journalist has been chosen as the new president of the Philippine Environmental Journalists, Inc. 

Imelda V. Abano was elected during the general assembly held at the Astoria Plaza in Ortigas Business District, Pasig City. 

Abano is an environmental journalist for 12 years now. She is the first Filipino to receive the Developing Asia Journalist of the Year Award, given by the Asian Development Bank Institute in 2009 for her climate change stories. She is also the Asian Winner of the Global Awards on Environmental Reporting by Reuters and IUCN in Washington DC in 2002.

Elected vice-president was Alex Rey Pal. A veteran journalist, he has been in the media industry for 28 years now.

Among his many awards are Excellence in Environmental Reporting given in 1999 by the Asian Development Bank and the Asia Pacific Federation of Environmental Journalists and the Exemplary Environmental Stewardship Award given by the Save Tanong Strait Citizens’ Movement in 2008. He is the Editor- in- Chief of the Dumaguete-based “The MetroPost.”

Henrylito Tacio was elected as the secretary. Based from Davao, he specializes in writing science feature stories such as in medicine, agriculture, environment, and technology. He has received several national and international journalism awards, including the Hall of Fame in Science Reporting from the Philippine Press Institute and the Journalist of the Year Award from the Rotary Club of Manila, both awards in 1999.

Chosen treasurer was Delmar Cariño, who is a lawyer by profession but also works as journalist. Based in Baguio City, he has been writing about the environment, agriculture and culture of the Cordillera peoples and places for many years now.

The new board of trustees were Edgardo V. Espiritu, a photojournalist from Baguio City; Rhadyz Barcia, a photojournalist from Bicol region; Jun Aguirre, a journalist author of boracayislandupdate.blogspot.com and Marilou Guieb, a journalist writing for Business Mirror.

PNEJ is a non-governmental, non-profit and non-partisan media group. With the support from the U.S.-based Internews’ Earth Journalism Network, PNEJ was launched in Manila on June 5, 2010 (World Environment Day) to empower and enable journalists to improve the quality, accuracy, and intensity of environmental reporting in the Philippines.

Promotion for Boracay tourism in China in full swing - DOT

The promotion of the Department of Tourism (DoT) of Boracay among potential Chinese tourists is in full swing this year.
DOT-Western Visayas regional director Lawyer Helen Catalbas on Monday said they are expecting numerous flights coming from different parts of China this year.
"We are in the aggressive promotion nowadays in China as travel operators in there are now ready to bring more Chinese tourists in Boracay. We would like to maximize this opportunity," she said.
Beginning April 27, Chinese tourists coming from Chengdu, China via Cebu Pacific will arrive to Kalibo International Airport (KIA). Then on April 30, another flight coming from Chongquing are scheduled to arrive.
Both Chengdu and Chongquing tourists will then be regularly coming to Boracay via KIA at least once every five days.
On April 29, tourists coming from Hangzhou, China will arrive to Kalibo via SEAIR. Nanjing tourists will also arrive on May 1.
The DOT is also currently finalizing the expected regular flights from Beijing, China before this month ends.
Catalbas said, more flights are coming from Xiamen, Guangzhou and Shanghai. Currently, the DOT is also working for flights coming from Wuhan, Changsa and more.

PCG opens 24/7 sailing of boats

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has officially announced that it will be opening to the public 24/7 the sailing of boats coming to and from Boracay Island.
PCG-Caticlan Lt. Commander Jimmy Oliver Vingno said only fast crafts will be allowed for the 24/7 rides as boats are only allowed until 10 p.m.
The PCG has opened the 24/7 rides as more tourists are now coming after 10 p.m. because of the summer season.
"Based on the Certificate of Public Conveyance (CPC) given to the motorboat operators, they are only allowed to sail before 10 p.m.," Vingno said.
The PCG also prohibits passengers for a chartered boat for security measures.
The Department of Tourism had noted a nine percent increase of tourist arrivals in the month of March.

Globe opens first telco concept store

Globe Telecom marked another milestone with the opening of its first telco concept store in Boracay after intensifying its network coverage in the area.
The Globe Store located at D’Mall in Station 2 in Boracay is a one-stop telecommunications shop showcasing the unique store concept of Globe.
The store opened in time for the island’s peak season where both local and foreign tourists flock to Boracay, considered as one of the world's top beach destinations attracting nearly 1.2 million visitors a year.
The Globe store offers top-of-the-line gadgets and accessories, as well as superior customer service and after-sales support. It offers live demo units of the latest smartphones that customers can try and test and enable customers to do various transactions such as account opening, account management, payments, top ups, and GCASH transactions.
It also has a self-help area for customers who want immediate answers or who need a copy of their bill. In addition, friendly and courteous store specialists are on hand to provide consultations and solutions to customers.
Its trendy design layout that complements the tropical island vibe of Boracay was done by J. Antonio Mendoza Design Consultants. The distinctive tropical appeal is further enhanced with beautiful accent chairs made by Kenneth Cobonpue.
The Boracay store personnel on the other hand, will soon don uniform designed by Charina Sarte, one of the country’s famous designers.
Globe currently has 172 stores providing superior customer experience nationwide. Globe is poised to open more concept stores in strategic locations all over the country.

DOT confirms Boracay, Iloilo to host APEC summit

The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Western Visayas has confirmed that both Iloilo and Boracay Island will be among the major venues for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in 2015.
DOT regional director Lawyer Helen Catalbas said their department is also coordinating to include Bacolod City in the major venues.
"Originally, I was made to understand that Bacolod, Iloilo and Boracay will serve as venues but as of now the only confirmed places were Iloilo and Boracay. Bacolod too is a nice place to stay and I hope that it can be included as venues for the said summit," she said.
The summit in the Philippines reportedly would consist of at least four senior official meetings to be followed by five separate ministerial meetings. The series of meetings will be held beginning January and will culminate in November all in 2015.
At least nine cities and provinces in the country were considered as possible venues.
"Right now we are preparing our tourism infrastructures in the region so that it would be capable of hosting the prestigious international summit by 2015," said Catalbas.

Tourists told:Beware of fake online Boracay reservations

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is in the process of investigating reports on the existence of fake online reservations for this resort island.
Tim Ticar, DOT-Boracay officer in charge, said that at least two local tourists fell victims to the fake online scam during Holy Week.
"We are in the process of seeking the help of the National Bureau of Investigation, National Telecommunications Commission and the Department of Trade and Industry to unmask the culprits and prevent similar incident that may happen in the future," said Ticar.
The undisclosed victims reported to the DOT that they have made reservations through an online reservation agency based in San Juan, Metro Manila. The victims paid initial deposits and when they arrived in Boracay, it was then that they realized that their purported hotel reservations were non-existent.
"With the said incident, we are calling on tourists seeking reservations online to only negotiate with tour operators and hotels duly accredited by the DOT. Tourists wanting to reserve their rooms using Internet are protected to be victimized by scams if they negotiate with accredited tour operators since it will be easy for us to penalize them if they commit violations," said Ticar.
The DOT-Boracay continues to accredit tourism related services in this resort island.