COUNTDOWN TO 2009 ON THE ISLAND OF BORACAY —FREIDA DARIO HAS YOUR OPTIONS TO CELEBRATE!
Boracay Island has been dubbed one of the “Top Ten Beaches of the World” by CNN and Conde Nast Traveler magazine — and with good reason. With its powder-fine white sands and crystalline waters, it has that unspoilt beauty you only see in the movies. Yet just like Ibiza and Koh Samui, Bora (as locals have nicknamed it) has earned infamy as a top party destination. The island has played host to some of the world’s biggest DJ acts like Pacha Ibiza’s DJ Matt Caseli, Hong Kong’s DJ Vinnie Quek, and Filipino DJ Manolet Dario, to name just a few. It’s no wonder an average of 50,000 tourists flock to the island on New Year’s Eve. Right here, our list of the best ways to celebrate the last days of 2008, Boracay-style.
behold the famous sunset
No two sunsets are ever alike on the island, making 4pm to 7pm the best hours to lounge on the beach and enjoy the spectacle unfold. Beach Bum Bar offers fabulous sunset cocktails, with all-night Happy Hour prices on their drinks and a soundtrack of tropical, house and R ’n’ B beats to add to the chill atmosphere. Come back at midnight — they give away free shots to anyone dressed in red. Station 1, in front of Hawaiian BBQ26, tel: +63 917 716 1626.
For a more romantic option, take a one-hour boat ride on a paraw (native outrigger sailboat) at around 4.30pm (times vary so check with your concierge). Joey Gelito of The Red Pirates offers cruises to different coves, snorkel sites, waterfalls and secret spots. They’ll even organize a barbecue on the beach, with a cooler stocked with ice-cold San Miguel beer! Call tel: +63 (36) 288 5767/+63 915 203 0790, email: redpiratesboracay@hotmail.com, www.red-pirates.blogspot.com
In the mood for speed? Book yourself a ride on The Badabong, the only 37-footer sports cruiser on the island. The onboard experience allows you to enjoy your favorite tunes while sipping champagne. Call Boracay Weddings at tel: +63 (36) 288 5982.
Join the island’s most exclusive party on board the Vianelle, which is hosted by Nami Resort. For US$100 (PHP4,846) per person, you can enjoy the New Year’s countdown yacht party from 10pm to 1am. Think live percussion house music, an open champagne bar, a very exclusive guest list and the best view of the New Year’s fireworks. The Vianelle accomodates up to 50 passengers, with resort guests given first priority, of course. Nami Resort, Diniwid Beach, tel: +63 (36) 288 6753 to 55, www.namiresorts.com
dine on the beach
Boracay offers every culinary indulgence under the sun, so you are spoilt for choice. The following places offer the best of both worlds: a delectable feast and a spectacular view of the fireworks!
If anyone knows how to throw a dinner party, the people at Discovery Shores certainly do. Their New Year’s Eve gala dinner (PHP3,200++ per adult, PHP950++ for kids seven and below) includes live entertainment and an extravagant buffet of international cuisines. Station 1, tel: +63 (2) 720 8888 and +63 (36) 288 4500, www.discoveryshoresboracay.com
Just next door, Friday’s Boracay offers a New Year’s Eve package (PHP5,000++ per person) inclusive of a buffet on the beach complete with freshly shucked oysters and roast carvings, free flow of wine and drinks, a live band playing Latin and retro beats, plus party hats and noisemakers to welcome 2009. White Beach, tel: +63 (36) 288 6200, email: reservations@fridaysboracay.com, www.fridaysboracay.com
For PHP1,500++ per person, indulge yourself at the New Year’s spread of Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel. The full-course buffet features the freshest prawns, crabs, fish, and the piece de resistance — the lechon or suckling pig. Enjoy all these with a complimentary glass of wine, live music, and a fine view of the fireworks! Station 2, tel: +63 (36) 288 6209 to 12, email: lesoleil@pjlhuillier. com, www.lesoleil.com.ph
Longing for some eclectic cuisine? The beachfront restaurant Barlo at the Two Seasons resort serves an excellent meñu of Euro-Asian food concocted by celebrity chef Gene Gonzales and his talented son Gino. Station 1, tel: +63 (2) 415 4652, www.twoseasonsboracay.com
For the island’s juiciest steaks, head over to The Courtyard Bistro. Certified US Angus beef is grilled to perfection on a cast-iron grill with lava rocks, in a picnic-by-the-sea setting. Favorites include the orgasmic rib eye — certified Angus steak at its best. By reservation only. Lazy Dog Bed and Breakfast, Palomar, Bulabog Beach, tel: +63 (36) 288 4347, email: thecourtyardbistro@gmail.com
Last but not the least, the chichi Dos Mestizos restaurant is famous for its tapas dinner buffet, with stars like the beef salpicao and callos con garbanzos (stewed ox tripe with chick peas). The cuchinillo, a baby suckling pig roasted the Castillan way, is a must-try. The flavored mojitos will put you in a party mood! Sand and Ice Bldg, Brgy Manoc Manoc, email: dosmestizos@yahoo.com
watch the fireworks
The best way to appreciate the thrilling fireworks display in Boracay is to get as close as possible! If you’re not out sailing on the high seas, head for The Solstice on the roof deck of the Tides Hotel. It’s strategically facing White Beach, which is the main beachfront of the island. Dine on Asian and Filipino specialties by celebrity chef Fernando Aracama (PHP700++ per person) which includes an open bar on standard cocktails and beers. From 9pm, it’s a full-on party with an open bar flowing until midnight and guest DJs from abroad and Manila’s Embassy Superclub spinning. The Tides Hotel Boracay, D’Mall, Station 2, +63 (36) 288 4517 to 18, www.tidesboracay.com. Want to replicate this pyrotechnic spectacle for a wedding or a special event? Contact Dragon Fireworks, tel: +63 (2) 372 0878, email: inquiry@dragonfireworks.com, www.dragonfireworks.com
dance barefoot on the sand
Hey! Jude Bar is certifiably Boracay’s party central, and has played host to the biggest foreign DJs such as Café Del Mar’s DJ Bruno, John “OO” Fleming, Lisa Loud and more. The bar hosts the island’s hottest parties, including their New Year’s Eve White Party, wherein everyone turns up in white and grooves until morning — so remember to bring your sunglasses. Dance to the tunes of resident DJs Manster, Erwin Edralin, Patch, and Surf. D’Mall D’Boracay, tel: +632 521 4017 / +63 (36) 288 6482, email: barheyjude@yahoo.com, www.heyjudebar.com. For more adventurous revelers, surprises await you at the bars in Station 2. Summer Place and Juice Bar serve up house and R ’n’ B music. Get energized by DJ Eric’s electro and classic house beats. For those who don’t mind the crush of the party crowd, take a tricycle to Station 1, Balabag. Cocomangas Shooter Bar on the Main Road plays pumping house and a lot of hip hop, from 6pm to
5.30am. Try the famous “15 and Still Standing” shooters challenge and get your name up on the wall of fame! Neighboring bars Club Paraw, Beachcomber Bar and Restaurant, and Guilly’s offer very festive party vibes.
keep it intimate
For a New Year’s Eve celebration just for two, skip the party and stay in. Alta Vista de Boracay on the north side of the island provides everything you need within its gorgeous 80-hectare Eco Village. Each room is designed with South-East Asian-inspired interiors and provides awesome sea views. You’ll love the infinity pool, which looks romantic when lit up at night. Grab a bottle of Champagne, and toast to the new year without leaving the resort. Brgy Yapak, tel: +63 (36) 288 9888, email: reservations@altavistaboracay. com, www.altavistaboracay.com
the morning after
After pulling an all-nighter, you deserve a hearty breakfast. Detoxify with a glass of fresh watermelon and pineapple juice at Real Coffee which opens at 7am. Try Jack’s Omelette — three eggs, tuna, cheese, onions, tomatoes, with or without pesto) or their mango French toast. Station 1, inside Boradise, tel: +63 36 288 5340, email: realcoffree@ hotmail.com. At Lemon Café, order the Big Hangover — beef tapa, fried garlic rice, and fried egg with fruit salad on the side. D’mall square, D’mall D’Boracay, tel: +63 (36) 288 6781/82, email: lemonicafe@yahoo.com.ph. Craving something that’s not on the meñu? If you booked a bed-and-breakfast package at Fat Jimmy’s Resort, the chef will whip up breakfast just the way you like it! Station 2, Balabag, tel: +63 (36) 288 5562, email: fjboracay@yahoo.com, www.fatjimmysboracay.com
recover after the revelry
Mandala Spa & Villas offer spa treatments meant to detoxify, relax and rejuvenate you. You can also opt for public yoga classes taught by certified instructors. Go to www.mandalaspa.com for schedules. Call the spa reception to book your place. Brgy Manoc Manoc, Boracay, tel: +63 (36) 288 5857/58, email: info@ mandalaspa. com
DO YOUR PART: PROTECT PARADISE
Boracay’s powder-white sand beaches and laid-back yet upbeat charm is the Philippines’ major tourism attraction. With tourist traffic increasing year after year, and with more developments to cater to this growth in tourism, the island’s infrastructure and fragile ecosystem are at risk. Support these environmental non-government projects through your donations, and you can help preserve Boracay and ensure more happy holidays there for all.
- Boracay Forever Project Through the Boracay Foundation, Inc, tel: +63 36 288 3971
- PCCI-Boracay 1 RAB House Bulabog Road, Balabag, tel: +63 (36) 288 5758/59, email: chamber@kalibo-cable.tv and pcci_boracay@yahoo.com, www.boracaychamber.com
YOUR SURVIVAL GUIDE TO NEW YEAR’S EVE A LA BORACAY
- Wear a belt bag or body bag, or make sure your pockets are secure. You don’t want to lose your camera and boasting rights when you get back home!
- By all means, dance barefoot in the sand — it’s absolutely worth walking barefoot back to your hotel. Or better yet, leave your Havaiana flip flops or Birkenstocks in your room and take along a cheap but comfy pair. Don’t worry — no one looks down at your footwear as they are too busy gazing at the stars! z
- Be waterproof and swim-ready — just in case you feel the urge to submerge anytime during the partying! Just remember to entrust your phone and camera to a friend on dry land before you jump into a pool or the sea. And make sure you’re not intoxicated!
- Always hydrate yourself with bottled water. You’ll be surprised how that can fuel you to party all the way until sunrise!
- Please don’t litter. The people of Boracay value cleanliness.
- Don’t take more alcohol than you can handle. Party hearty but avoid the folly of sheer foolishness.
- Do have bottled water, acetaminophen, and antacids on hand for afterwards, just in case!
- Take your sunglasses as well as an open mind, and you’re all set for great adventures for the new year!
Bookmark This Post
