We recently went on a over-night stay at the Shangri-la Boracay Resort and Spa. It is one of the newest resorts on the island of Boracay and probably the biggest one so far.

The resort is nothing short of spectacular. Combine the ambiance and expertise of the Shari-la Hotel with the breathtaking natural settings of Boracay island and what you get is this:

The place is so big they’ve placed golf carts all over the place to bring visitors around the resort. But the best of all, you get the pampered treatment from the hotel staff that makes you feel you own the island.

Of course, all these pampering comes with a price tag — at least $200 a night and up to $1,500 a night for the hill-top villas.

Boracay Island is the top destination this summer and Philippine Airlines (PAL) is nearing it’s promo end for Boracay via Kalibo, Aklan. PALakbayan Boracay prices starts at Php 2,190 per head.

Package inclusions and price list are as follows:

PALakbayan Boracay (via Kalibo or Caticlan)
Valid: 01 April 2007 to 31 March 2008
Package #1. Download PDF Package here.

PALakbayan Boracay
Valid: 01 April 2007 to 31 March 2008
Package #2. Download PDF Package here.

PALakbayan Boracay
Valid: 30 July 2007 to 31 March 2008
Package #3. Download PDF Package here.

PALakbayan Boracay (via Kalibo or Caticlan)
Valid: 01 April 2008 to 31 March 2009
Package #4. Download PDF Package here.

PALakbayan Boracay
Valid: 01 April 2008 to 31 March 2009
Package #5. Download PDF Package here.

The PALakbayan Sale Promo is only available in the Philippines. A 12% VAT is added to the total amount quoted on all transactions involving purely domestic services only.

The participating hotels are as follows:

White Beach
Near Boracay Boat Station 1 Area
Boracay Gold Crowne Club
Boracay Escondido Beach Resort (Non-beach front)
SandCastles
Boracay Terraces Resort
Near Boracay Boat Station 2 Area
Boracay Regency Beach Resort
Boracay Tropics Resort
La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel
Near Boracay Boat Station 3 Area
Surfside Resort and Spa

Together, with other bloggers, we spent 3 days and 2 nights in Microtel Boracay, a renowned brand of American chain of hotels. Their tagline, “The same great hotel everywhere you go!” speaks for the other Microtel hotels. They all look the same but not for Microtel Boracay. Microtel Boracay was conceptualized to be a resort-hotel. Likewise, the architectural design of Microtel Boracay is very different from the other Microtel hotels because it used the Mediterranean design.

The way the furnitures and fixtures are lay out in the double rooms and suites are all the same. They maintain this kind of standard in every Microtel hotel. I would certainly bet that you would not forget your Microtel stay once you’ve slept on their beds. The mattresses they provide are approved by chiropractics and are imported.

Other guestroom features and amenities are the following:

• Complimentary continental breakfast
• Colored TV with cable channels and remote control
• Individually controlled air-conditioning unit
• Multi-function telephone system with IDD and NDD
• Internet ready data port
• Toilet & Shower with hot and cold water
• Electronic keycard system
• Radio clock
• Fully automated fire safety alarm system
• Window seating for relaxation
• Baby cribs available upon request
• Children under 12 years old stay free in parents’ room

But if you want to have the ultimate Microtel experience, you could try out the suite which has the following additional features:

• Coffee/tea making facilities
• Refrigerator
• Microwave Oven
• Kitchen counter with sink
• Sofa sleeper
• Bath tub
• and Handicapped rooms

But if you’re up for the Microtel Boracay experience, you might want to get a suite facing the beach. What’s best about the beach front of Microtel is that you could only see a few people there making your Boracay stay a relaxing one. The reason for this is that it has its own main cove in Diniwid Beach. If you want to go to the main beach, you could walk at the pathway. You could also ride the shuttle service provided.

The rates are for double rooms and suites respectively are:

Super Peak – Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, and Holy Week
- 150 USD
- 190 USD

Peak – October 16 – June 15
- 130 USD
- 160 USD

Lean – June 16 to October 15
- 70 USD
- 90 USD

More information about Microtel Boracay can be found on their website.

The 7-day Western Visayas Tourism Assembly with the theme, “Entrepreneurial Tourism: Beyond Tourist Arrivals”, is slated on November 12 – 18 in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

The assembly aims to highlight, promote and showcase the diversity of the tourism attractions, services and facilities of the different areas of Region VI. It is intended to be a colorful display of destination attractions, cultural and historical events, shopping and investment opportunities.

Some of the highlights of the assembly are the Regional Tourism Fair and Cultural Showcase on November 12 – 18 at SM City Bacolod, Regional Travel Exchange on November 12 – 14 at Sugarland Hotel, Regional Tourism Congress on November 14 at L’Fisher Hotel, Tourism Excellence Awards on November 14 at Nature’s Village Resort, Talisay City, Search for Ms. WV Tourism on November 15 at the Provincial Capitol, and Regional Parade of Festivals on November 16.

The assembly is sponsored by the Department of Tourism – VI, Bacolod City Government, Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, Negros Island Tourism Inc., Association of Tourism Officers of Negros Occ. (ATONO) in cooperation with Naitas Hrano, Women in Travel in Bacolod.

For information, the Negros Occ. Tourism Center can be reached through 433-2515 and 709-8775 or e-mail at tourism_negocc@yahoo.com.

- Capitol News

Upcoming Festivals to watch out for!

Sinulog 2010
Ati-atihan 2010
Dinagyang 2010
Panagbenga Festival 2010
Philippine International hot Air Balloon fiesta 2009 Clark Pampanga

There are so many activities that you can do while on a vacation in Boracay. Of the tons of water sports available, from scuba diving to motor bike rides, the one that sparked my interest was kite surfing. Also called kite-skiing or fly-surfing, this sport basically uses a parachute-type kite and 4 lines hooking up the surfer and his surfboard.

The gear, a wipika/flysurfer or the kiteski, are specialized equipment which can be bought between $600 to $1,500 or can be rented for around $90 in Boracay.

However, it seems like this kite-surfing is a little regulated like scuba-diving so you will need to take a 3 and a half day course which costs about $350. A little on the expensive side but it looks too exciting to pass up.

What are the general details of your boat trip to Boracay?

We rode the Negros Navigation ferry from the Manila Pier to Caticlan on our way to Boracay and the WG&A Super Ferry on our way home. There were four of us going there and three going home.

How long was the trip?

The actual boat ride itself averages 12 hours. Going there we arrived the port at around 3 p.m., boarded the boat around 5:30. We were actually the last ones to board. There were problems with people who booked online. We finally got off the boat around 8:30 a.m. the next day. There’s a lot of waiting involved.

How much did you save?

As opposed to riding a plane I saved Php 1,700.00 total. Our tickets cost around Php 800.00.

How was the ferry?

It was ok. It looked like an old Japanese boat; there were Japanese writings all over. I was actually surprised at how big it was. It had four floors. We stayed at the economy air-conditioned section. Double-decked bunk beds all over with only around a meter between beds. But there was actually a section that was open air. Something like a super-economy section. ‘Nung umaga nga, tumitilaok na yung mga manok ‘eh.

What did you do during the trip?

Played poker. Tried to sleep. Ate dinner. Checked out the people who partied at the roof deck. There was a DJ and people were actually dancing. Some of the girls were even sort of ledge-dancing. And this was all on the rooftop, open-air, really, really strong sea breeze.

Do you think the savings from riding the ferry was worth it?

No. It’s a very, very long trip. You waste almost 30 hours. You could have been a lot more productive than the Php 1,700.00 that you saved in 30 hours. By the way, this is if you are going on vacation.

Would you do it again?

If all of us were to ride the boat, I’d do it again. If not, I’d probably just do it one way. Definitely to go there, and ride the plane to go home.

Any last words to describe this experience?

It was really exhausting. It’s not for people who lack patience. Don’t do it if some of your friends are riding the plane. You wouldn’t want to be with the group who chose the boat. On our way home, I was part of those who rode the ferry. Our trip was scheduled for 5:45 p.m., their flight was scheduled for six. They were already in Manila and we were still waiting in line to board the ferry. Finally, I got sick after. Must have been the airborne germs from the loads of people in the sleeping quarters, it was like a hospital ward there.

Post edited from Thoughts In Binary for Pinoy Travel Blog.

Get the chance to seethe best festivals of Western Visayas all in one event! You don’t need to go to Intramuros, Manila to witness this event at the Wow Philippines. This time the event will be held right in the regional capital of Western Visayas, Iloilo City.

Babaylan Festival of Bago City Negros Occidental

On October 27, 2006 all festivals will converge in the Queen’s City of the South for the Parade of Festivals 2006. This event is part of the upcoming Western Visayas Tourism Assembly slated October 23-29, 2006.

Tultugan Festival of Maasin, Iloilo

Among the contingents expected to perform are the world famous Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival, Antique’s Binirayan Festival, Iloilo City’s Dinagyang Festival, Maasin’s Tultugan Festival, Bacolod’s Masskara Festival, Passi City’s Pintados de Passi Festival, Guimaras’ Manggahan Festival, Santa Barbara’s Kahilwayan and the Sinadya sa Halaran of Roxas City.

Iloilo city’s Dinagyang Festival

The parade will start at 8AM in front of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, going to the Freedom Grandstand.

Five out of the top 10 contingents in the Aliwan Fiesta 2006 came from the Western Visayas Region. These are the Dinagyang Festival (2nd place), Pintados de Passi (3rd place), Kahilwayan Festival (5th place), Tultugan Festival (7th place), and Babaylan Festival of Bago City (10th place).

Masskara Festival of Bacolod City

The Aliwan Fiesta is an annual competition of festivals from all over the Philippines. This year’s edition was participated by 30 festivals from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao

Santa Barabara, Iloilo’s Kahilwayan Festival

http://www.byahilo.com
Your Journey Begins Here

Upcoming Festivals to watch out for!

Sinulog 2010
Ati-atihan 2010
Dinagyang 2010
Panagbenga Festival 2010
Philippine International hot Air Balloon fiesta 2009 Clark Pampanga

Yes, all hell broke loose in Boracay last weekend. There were lots of people (both foreign and local tourists), loads of noise coming from party events, tiangge stalls lining up the inner part of the shore from station 1 to station 2, and trashes everywhere. Good thing there was still the magnificent Boracay sunset.

If you are like me who booked a 3day/2 nights package in Boracay this coming weekend, this is what awaits you in the so called paradise island of the Philippines.

• Century Tuna Superbods Model Search,
• Winston Lights in Concert, featuring Freestyle and True Faith,
• MTV  Mobbed Event
  
• Among other events

Expect to see member of Pinoy bands such as Pupil, Mojofly, Freestyle, True Faith, Sandwich and more, roaming around the island starting this evening and probably until Monday.

And here are some last minute tips that might help all of us Boracay bound this weekend;

• Arrive early at the domestic airport to avoid last minute hazzles,
• Wear comfortable clothing,
• Bring less sets of clothing (do not bring denim pants, you won’t have a need for it)
• Change your footwear into flip flops or rubber sandals if you are wearing leather ones, just before loading the “bangkas” or small boats that will ferry you from Caticlan to the Island proper, nobody touches the white sand of Boracay without getting their feet wet,
• Prepare loose change to pay for some “required government dues”,
• Bring one of those small sling bags to carry your cellphones, camera, wallets, keys,
• and most importantly, don’t forget your sunblock lotion, unless you want to come back in Manila, toasted and roasted from the heat of the sun.

Technorati Tags: Boracay, Travel, Tips

Be prepared as the BIG three is coming. Three of the country’s biggest festivals will unfold starting next week!

On the third Sunday of January, chants of “Hala Bira!” will be heard all over Kalibo as the town celebrates its annual Ati-Atihan Festival. Arguably, the oldest festival in the Philippines.

On that same Sunday, the Cebuanos have their own way of celebrating and honoring the Infant Jesus. The Sinulog Festival, known as the Mother of all Festivals will be held this coming January 16. Pit Senyor!

On the last Sunday of January, the Ilonggos have their own way of celebrating too. The quaint and genteel city of Iloilo is transformed into one big party place. People paint themselves in black and dance their way through the streets chanting “Viva Senor Santo Nino!”

Upcoming Festivals to watch out for!

Sinulog 2010
Ati-atihan 2010
Dinagyang 2010
Panagbenga Festival 2010
Philippine International hot Air Balloon fiesta 2009 Clark Pampanga