ItsMoreFun in Ati-Atihan

Blazing red, sunny yellow, screaming blue, dominating orange and more eye catching colors, energetic street dancers, heart pounding sounds of the drums, and perfectly complimenting music of lyres greeted me in Makato and Kalibo on the day of 15th of January as the two municipalities celebrates their versions of Ati Atihan Festival.

Once again the the two towns of  Aklan, burst in beautiful and übër bright colors. Drums and lyres gives life to the week long celebration of the feast of the Child Jesus. Devotees and visitors alike are once again one in shouting Viva kay Señor Sto. Niño!!!

The municipality of Makato celebrates its version of Ati-Atihan every 14th and 15th of January, while Kalibo celebrates it every 3rd Sunday of the same month. This year, the celebration of the feast of the Child Jesus or popularly know as the Ati-Atihan Festival of both municipalities falls on the same date, thus, giving locals and foreign visitors a choice to choose where to spend their Ati-Atihan experience. It is expected that in Kalibo, many groups will join the street dancing contest (modern, tribal, balik ati) as it is the capital town of  Aklan but Makato also, is very spectacular in its own special way, as how the capital town celebrates its festival. In fact, most of the tribal group in Makato also joins the tribal contest in Kalibo.

This once a year spectacle is considered as the "mother of all festivals" in the Philippines, Ati-Atihan means "to be like Aetas". According to history books, aetas are the primary settlers of the island. Maybe you're wondering why the participants wear black make-up and or charcoals to cover most part of their bodies, thats because, aetas basically, had short curly hair and is dark skinned.

Unlike any other celebration (sinulog of Cebu and dinagyang of Iloilo) honoring the Sto. Niño, in Ati-atihan, everyone, devotees and visitors alike, can join the street dancing parade of the participating groups. No marshals and everyone is welcome, as they say "the more the merrier, happier and better"

So as everyone is on mardi gras mode despite the scourging heat of the sun and the pounding of the drums and beautiful lyre exhibition is giving beautiful music all around the place, I was also busy playing with my favorite toy, my camera. Let me share you some :-) Disclaimer: this trying hard blogger is not a professional photographer so please bear with me. :-)

Suggested Island Activities in Boracay

Maybe most of us wanted to be in this island paradise. And just when you had your first step in its powdery super white sand, you immediately dove to its crystal clear water. That would be a very normal activity on your first day. Now, after that, whats next? 

Below are the suggested activities and its corresponding prices. Please take note that prices may be different as of this writing:

Up for extreme experience in the waters of Boracay? try any of these,

Parasailing            15 mins                             Php. 2500.00/person

Flyfish                  15 mins                                       600.00/person

Jetski                    30 mins                                     2000.00/jetski

                            1hr                                            3500.00/jetski

Banana Boat        15 mins                                        300.00/person

TUBERIDE/WATERSKI/WAKEBOARD

            15 mins                                                     1500.00/ride

            30 mins                                                     2500.00/ride

              1 hr                                                         3800.00/ride

Or maybe, you havent heard yet of the new day tour being offered in the island. A six hour day tour from Boracay Island to Buruanga, Aklan. Try the ever famous cliff diving in Ariels Point in Burunga Aklan.

6 HOUR Day Trip from Boracay Island to Buruanga                         
 Php. 1500 per person

*Round trip boat ride,

* Famous cliff diving,

*Snorkeling and swimming,

*BBQ and Lunch Buffet,

*Unlimited drinks

Or try those fishes do their job for you.  

FISH FOOT SPA

15 mins                                                 Php. 200.00

20 mins                                                          250.00

30 mins                                                          400.00

1 hr                                                                  750.00

Body Fish Spa

15 mins                                                 Php. 300.00

20 mins                                                          350.00

30 mins                                                          400.00

Massage Service is also available in the island. Prices depends on Spa Centers. Prices may range from Php. 350.00 to Php. 600.00 per hour (whole Body). Also freelancers therapist can be found in the island. Tip. Just make sure that you ask for their identification card before bringing them in your hotel room. Cliche as it is but  "Prevention is always better than cure"

more tips soon.
just in any case that you have queries, please have your comments and ill try my best to help you. 

from Boracay to World "happy 2012"

Happy New Year!!!!

Happy New Year Everyone.

Holidays is almost over and unfortunately, the hotel I am working with is still fully booked til the 8th of January. Fully booked is almost synonymous to tons and tons of workloads for everyone. More guest to entertain, and probability of complains is higher than normal days but beyond these concerns, everyone is looking forward to meet every guest with excitement.

New guest, new complains and new things to learn. In the industry like this, everyday is different. I consider myself blessed being in this industry for I had given an opportunity to meet people from different parts of the world. Just like Pinoys who are truly proud of Philippines, as a very pinoy slogan goes "taas noo, kahit kanino" foreign guest too usually takes pride of telling stories about their countries. Their cultures and tradition. I am always amazed by their stories, but more than that, I am lucky for some of them really became my friends.

As the summer season is fast approaching, local or Filipino tourist is expected to heed over the paradise white beach and pristine waters.Of course, being known in the world, foreign tourist will always be in every part of the Boracay Island. Holidays is over but peak season can be felt as early as now. Simple tips for those who are planning to visit here, booked as early as possible.

Experience Boracay now........

till then.........