From the pristine beaches of Boracay

I had my self-declared long weekend with Ced's family and flew to Kalibo, Aklan, traveled two hours on the road to Caticlan, and crossed the narrow waters to the beautiful island of Boracay.

*obligatory just went down the plane and now on our way to Bora selfie*

It has been four years since I was last in Bora. And while the news has come out that this majestic island was ranked 12th (as opposed to Palawan which is 1st) in the world's top islands, I can never trade the powdery sand and pristine waters of Boracay for any beach in the Philippines. Mostly because as much as I appreciate the beauty of nature, I still look for signs of civilization every now and then -- and everyone knows Boracay is the perfect marriage between the two.

It's actually my third time in Bora, but this is the only time I really tested the waters. The last two times I was here, there was some sort of moss covering the shore line from station 1 to 3 and you can't take a dip without having slime sticking to your skin, so I was elated upon seeing the really clear waters this time around!! You can see fish swimming in shallow waters. 

On our first full day, we went to the controversial Puka Beach which turned out to be nothing special if not for its shells. The sand wasn't as fine as the White Beach's and the waves were too strong for a casual dip. It was still a real beauty though.

On the same day, Ced's sister and I drove ATVs while Ced and his dad drove buggies to buggy-pool the non-drivers up Mt. Luho - the highest vantage point in Boracay. It was my first time to drive an ATV and even though I drive a car and used to drive a scooter-type motorcycle, it made me feel somehow... badass. Haha! Lame, but I swear it gives you the feels.

View of the island from Mt. Luho. Almost captured the entire stretch!

When we went down, we visited the Trick Art Museum in Dream Land.

These are only two of their many art displays. Some were amazing but the place got creepy as it was getting dark outside and there weren't much people in this island situated theme park as it's off-peak season. 

On day two we went shopping and swam some more. I'm a couple of shades darker now but it was totally worth it!

And I'm thankful to yoga for improving my balance because standing on this thing against hitched waves was no walk in the park. 

But most of all, thank you to Ced's family for this trip. I still find it hard to believe that I have a second family that treats me like I'm their own. It's quite embarrassing that they keep on insisting that I join their trips yet they barely let me pull a bill out of my wallet, but I have this joyous feeling on the side as well that I'm treated like I'm part of the family. 

Now, back to reality. This weekend was supposed to destress me not demotivate me. But somehow getting an island break made going back to the confines of our office a one way trip to space. Gradually suffocating.

See you again, Bora. Next year, perhaps?