Bora, Oh Bora.

Photos by Kendall Arevalo, my dad, and yours truly

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Boracay is this wondrous paradise full of energy so intoxicating that I'll never tire of. In that regard, my heart breaks a little to leave this place soon - mostly for the simple beautiful things as waking up to the sound of the ocean and the sea wind blowing, the calling of street vendors as they parade along the island for our morning "taho" fix, the candyfloss-colored skies as the sun sets to bring the night, and the familiar faces of local Aklanons greeting us with hospitable smiles as we wander the stretch of the island's famous white beach bikini clad. Now all I'm left with is a memory card of imagery captured in the moment.

In retrospect, Boracay has been, even on my initial visit, a place of firsts. This time, I had my first ever cliff-diving experience up on the rocky magic island, learned beginner's surfing along the coast of white beach station 1, and para-sailed up high for a view of the majestic ocean in the sky. 

Not to say that I wasn't completely prepared - if time allowed previously, I would have done all things at once. But this time I wasn't cramming to do multiple activities within just a few days. We took to take time to lie on the sand underneath the sun and relish the moment in between. And as there's a lot more to do, to discover, I plan to go back again for more firsts.

You should try too.