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8 Things to do in Boracay (aside from just going swimming or partying)

Here are – at least – eight things you can do when in Boracay (aside from just going swimming to savor the “paradise-ness” of the place, or partying when the sun sets).

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Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan has long been considered a tropical paradise. And rightly so, with its (start the clichés associated with being a tropical paradise) blue waters mirroring the sky, sugar-fine white sand, et cetera… After all, when in this place identified by so many international bodies as a must-visit (particularly in Southeast Asia, if not the whole world), you are certain to be at a loss for word to describe how beauteous a place can be.

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Add to this the “conversion” mostly of White Beach as a party scene, with so many flocking particularly at specific dates when the island becomes a party haven (e.g. LaBoracay during Labor Day), and you have a place that is certain to guarantee fun in and out of the waters…

Due to the emphasis on these, though – i.e. Boracay being a tropical paradise, and being a party place – so many of the other activities that can be had there can be missed. And I tell you, there are more than can be counted.

Here are – at least – eight things you can do when in Boracay (aside from just going swimming to savor the “paradise-ness” of the place, or partying when the sun sets):

  1. Paraw sailing

For those familiar with how the beach area of White Beach has evolved in the last, say, 20 years, I’m sure you can still recall when the bangka (dinghies) were allowed to “park” right in front of White Beach (for loading and unloading of passengers/tourists). But when the wharf was moved elsewhere, this was barred.

But nowadays, particularly just before sunset, water vehicles abound by the beach (again), this time for tourists who want to be on the waters to watch, say, the sunset. As it affords unobstructed views of the same, this one’s worth experiencing.

Note that rates vary; so learn to haggle.

  1. Drive AVT

Boracay is a beach, right? Yes… and no. Inland, there’s a world worth discovering; and one of the best ways to do this is by driving all terrain vehicles (ATV). Pay a fee of P600 to drive the ATV for approximately two hours (the fee includes entrances to the Aviary and Ocean Tower). Can’t drive? Don’t worry; you’ll be briefed on how to do this (and no license is required).

  1. Segway

Head to Fairways & Bluewater, a 150-hectare property occupying 10% of the whole island of Boracay, to experience what was once considered as the “alternative mode of transportation of the future” (that scooter-like equipment from “Mall Cop”). A total of six (6) Segway machines are inside Fairways & Bluewater. The Segway Track measures 20 meters by 15 meters, so you have plenty of space to discover – and to see for yourself that, yes, there’s more to Boracay than just its waters.

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FAIRWAYS & BLUEWATER IS A 150-HECTARE PROPERTY, OCCUPYING 10% OF THE WHOLE ISLAND OF BORACAY. IT HAS SOME OF THE OFF-THE-TRACK OFFERINGS ON THE ISLAND, INCLUDING SEGWAY RIDING, HORSEBACK RIDING AND ZIP LINING.

  1. Horseback riding

At Fairways & Bluewater, the horseback riding trail goes all the way from the Family Clubhouse to the Back 9 of the golf course – in total lasting for an hour or so. We’ve all seen horses running by the beach (e.g. Remember the “Huntsman”? Or even “Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa”? Or even the White Castle Whiskey ads?), and know how beautiful – if not poetic – this can be. Here’s a chance to experience that.

There are seven horses available for horseback riding activities. With this number, there are enough horses to take families or couples in pre-determined horseback riding paths around the resort.

  1. Try the zip line

Still inside Fairways & Bluewater is a zip line that measures 620 meters long. So for those who want a bird’s eye view of parts of the island, this is a chance to do this.

Outsiders can book any of the activities inside the resort through Fairways & Bluewater’s Guest Services Department.

  1. Helmet diving

Turning into a mermaid (by renting those “tails”) is already a known activity in Boracay. But here’s another chance to be one of the seas creatures (not just be one with them): helmet diving. For P500, you can dress to mimic someone from “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”, walk underwater, feed the fish, et cetera.

  1. Jet ski

This is one of the costlier activities, with fees starting at P1,000 for (only) 15 minutes. But if you’ve ever seen a James Bond movie, and have ever wanted to know how it feels like to “drive” on water, this is your chance to do so.

  1. Parasailing

Yet another costly activity in Boracay (around P1,800 to P2,500 for 15 minutes), this is – nonetheless – an activity that is worth considering, particularly by couples (or even close friends). After all, just how many times can one get off the land (the Wright brothers would be so proud!); and be able to take selfies doing so?

See, Boracay may be well known now for its waters that never fail to lure; or even for its wild, wild parties that people flock to particularly on specific seasons. But truly, when there, you don’t even have to look hard to see the numerous other activities that can be enjoyed and by themselves could be the very reasons to visit the island.

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Believing that knowing on its own is not good enough, "you have to share what you know, too", Mikee dela Cruz gladly shares through his writing. A (BA) Communication Studies graduate, he had stints with UNAIDS, UNICEF and Ford Foundation, among others, writing "just about everything". Read on as he does some sharing through Zest Magazine.

Destinations

Going Chinese in Pulilan, Bulacan

Craving for #chinesefood in #Bulacan? We tried the offerings of Lee Foo Panciteria #Pulilan, and we’re on the fence here (yes if no choice, no if you can go elsewhere).

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We happened to be in Pulilan in Bulacan, and I had pancit craving. As if on cue, we passed by Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan, which – after we Google-checked – is supposedly one of the more frequently-visited Chinese restos in these parts of the province, so… of course we checked.

@outragemag Craving for #chinesefood in #Bulacan? We tried the offerings of Lee Foo Panciteria #Pulilan ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, this place is really, REALLY easy to find. Located along the Pulilan Regional Road in Barangay Cut-cot in Pulilan, this is right in the middle of the municipality.

Ikalawa, the resto is actually divided into three parts: one side is for those with reservations, another part is for walk-in diners, and another part is for events. If/when the resto isn’t full, only the main part (middle one) is kept open.

No, this isn’t some fancy resto. More like an airconditioned karinderya, complete with wooden tables and plastic chairs. Look-wise, it wasn’t dirty naman when we were there, so that’s a plus.

Ikatlo, the workers were friendly naman… and they moved fast – e.g. while waiting for our orders, we were given must-check peanuts, and since we finished what we got fast, our waitress was more than happy to accommodate us.

Ika-apat, now… how was the food?

The house specialty, the Lee Foo Chicken (₱265 for half, ₱495 for whole), looked like fried chicken with ketchup. Okay… the breading was okay since it didn’t overpower the meat. The chicken, too, was properly cooked, and it wasn’t dry. But it was tasteless overall; so the ketchup taste is what stays with you.

The Pancit Canton Bihon (₱255) had thin pancit noodles, almost as thin as the bihon. It didn’t have lots of sahog; instead, you’d notice the extenders (like kikiam, and so on). I like good pancit, I swear… but this isn’t one of them, sorry.

The weirdly-wrapped Hakaw (₱155) was small, so it was bitin.

And then there’s the Siomai Steam (₱155), which was, in a word, weird. The size was good, similar to those ₱10 siomais. But the way this was prepared was weird for us – e.g. like the meat was overwatered, and having a hard time staying solid, so that it was smudgy, and disintegrated in the mouth even without chewing. I suppose that, at least, it wasn’t disgusting taste-wise.

Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan is, we believe, popular. Like President in Chinatown, or a branch of David’s in some mall. To each his or her own nga naman. But for us, we’re off to look for other Chinese restos na muna as we head out in search of more lafangan venues.

Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan is located at 159 Barangay Cut-cot, Pulilan, 3005 Bulacan Province. For more information, contact 0925 800 0168, or email leefoopanciteria@yahoo.com.

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Travel

Treacherous beauty: Hiking at South Stack Lighthouse in Wales

#Lighthouse fever in #Holyhead, #anglesey via the #SouthStackLighthouse, as checked during this #LGBT trip to #Wales.

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Yes, tech has made many lighthouses redundant. Not that they’re no longer relevant. But navigation-wise, we know we have more advanced solutions. Which, perhaps not surprisingly, led to the reconfiguration of many of them.

In Holyhead, Anglesey in Wales, introducing the South Stack Lighthouse.

@outragemag #Lighthouse fever in #Holyhead, #anglesey via the #SouthStackLighthouse, as checked during this #LGBT trip to #Wales ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, you’d need a ride to be there. Some use private cars, as we did; others join tours; and others cycle to the place.

Ikalawa, what’s there?

The lighthouse itself is located on a small, rocky island off Holyhead. From afar, it looks like someone’s grand home; mansion-like. Accessible siya after you descend down 400 steep steps. 

What will you see while there?

  • the former lighthouse engine room
  • the top of the lighthouse
  • South Stack is also home to breeding seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and puffins

Here’s an FYI: seasonal lang siya bukas.

This is a must-check for lighthouse lovers, of course. Historic, it was built in 1809 by Trinity House from the design of Daniel Alexander. 91-foot tall, it used to allow safe passage for ships on the Dublin–Holyhead–Liverpool sea route. 

Another FYI: It is  allegedly haunted, and has been visited by a team from “Most Haunted”.

The area housing the lighthouse is, itself, worth checking. There are trails for hikers or joggers or cyclists; though the same could be enjoyed by those who are there only to look for good shots.

Check when you’re in the area… even if you just pass by. Nice siya, promise.

But off we go for more LGBTQIA+ rampa

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Travel

Enjoying nature via trail hiking in Wales

Enjoying nature via #trail #hiking at #Snowdonia #SnowdoniaSlateTrail during one #LGBT visit in #Gwynedd, #Wales.

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When in Bangor, you’d be told often that among the best things to do is to hike. And among the must-check is the Snowdonia Slate Trail, which links the old slate-quarrying communities of Eryri/Snowdonia.

So… ayan na nga, even without the right outfit for hiking, but ayaw ma-miss ang chance to check the area, off we went.

@outragemag Enjoying nature via #trail #hiking at #Snowdonia #SnowdoniaSlateTrail during one #LGBT visit in #Gwynedd, #Wales ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, the circular route starts near Bangor/Porth Penrhyn. And you need a car or whatever to get to the starting point.

Ikalawa, the trail isn’t just for hiking. It’s also for biking or walking dogs. So you’d be sharing the 133-kilometer long trail with others.

Ikatlo, what’s there?

Mountains built by remnants from quarry sites, to start.

So… Gwynedd used to be known for slate quarrying, and among the biggest players is Penrhyn Quarry which is near Gwynedd, part of The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Now… with slate quarrying, around 75% of extracted material are inferior in quality, called overburden, and so becoming mineral waste. Here, they’re now mountains.

But the trail also shows views typically associated with Wales – e.g. rolling hills that go on forever, rock fences, sheep farms, canals with flowing water… and more.

Usually, sa matatag, people hike the Snowdonia Slate Trail for up to seven days, passing through Bethesda, Llanberis, and so on. But for others… it’s but an opportunity to commune with nature, in a way, while taking those must-have shots.

But we’re off for more LGBTQIA+ discoveries…

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