Such a breaking news right before April 4th of 2018 came to end – President Rodrigo Duterte approved the 6-month closure of Boracay Island starting April 26. I am pro #SaveBoracay as I have seen how it was taken for granted and abused by both locals, tourists, and stake holders, but honestly, I’m still processing 6 months of not going to Boracay. Superficial as it may sound, but we will going to miss it this summer!
Though I was not able to experience Boracay as a castaway island, I first came to Boracay when those boats would ask which station you’re going and they’ll dock right along White Beach, when there were tourists freely sunbathing topless along the beach, and there were only single storey hotels or cottages.
Yes, there was a time when I lost my love for Boracay because it got too mainstream (we love our beaches to be secret spots) and lost its island vibe, but I rekindled my feelings when I had children. They love Boracay so much. Soft talcum-like sand and because the beach is safe, I don’t have to keep on telling them what to do and not to do. They are free in Boracay.
Boracay may be a party island, but it is totally kid and family-friendly with plenty of family-friendly hotels in Boracay and different things to do in Boracay with kids.
Still, it is not hard to deny the environmental issues in Boracay from sewage to waste disposal. Thankfully, I’ve been to Boracay countless times that I have hacked on how to find a secluded place away from the crowd.
This shutdown is only a manifestation of political will and though I will miss Ferra Hotel and other hotels we have stayed in Boracay, I’m looking forward to the new Boracay. On the other hand, closing Boracay will also pave the way to discover other island destinations in the country like Samal or Islas de Gigantes. Because hey, there is more to Philippines than Boracay.
Let the clean-up begin. Rehabilitate the island. Take care of our tourism poster child. Give Mother Nature a break. Let Boracay heal.
How about you? How do you feel about Boracay’s 6-month closure?
