The quarantine classification of Boracay reverts to MGCQ (Modified General Community Quarantine) today, April 15, 2021. On April 2, 2021. the Malay LGU placed Balabag and two zones in Manocmanoc under ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine). The LGU saw the need to curb COVID-19. Hence, we stayed home for two weeks. I went out only for essential errands.

COVID-19 Cases Drop

We stayed home, dreading the possibility of an extension of the lockdown until April 30. Fortunately, the COVID-19 cases dropped significantly as of April 12, 2021.

Boracay Reverts to MGCQ with Restrictions Still Imposed

The LGU still prohibits the operation of bars, restaurants/food parks with live shows and music. They do not allow cockfighting, and non-essential gatherings such as parties/celebrations. They also reduced the church seating capacity to 30%. Everyone needs to wear face masks and face shields at all times and adhere to minimum public health standards. Curfew is imposed from 11 PM to 4 AM.

COVID-19 Cases Rise Anew

Yesterday, the Malay LGU announced that there are 10 new active cases on the island. Further, they placed Zone 1 of Yapak under surgical lockdown.

So far, Boracay is open to all tourists coming from MGCQ areas. I hope that the situation on the island improves sooner than later. Sadly, some establishment owners already decided to close shop because of this recent lock down. Who can blame them when it is more costly to remain operational than shutdown? Some of my friends also decided to leave the island for good and seek employment elsewhere. It is a bitter pill to swallow but it is what it is.

The pandemic has really turned the world upside down. Its end is nowhere near the distant future. We can not be complacent. I read that the vaccines can protect you from contracting the virus. But, it will not prevent you from being a carrier. Getting a negative RT-PCR Test result does not also guarantee that you are COVID-free. The virus has an incubation period. Let us all do our best to stay safe and healthy. Let us protect ourselves so we can protect the ones we love.

Watch my previous vlog featuring Boracay:

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It has been a year since the beginning of the pandemic. And, it has been two years since I moved to Boracay and since I last visited a decent salon. I believe it is high time to get a hair makeover on Boracay.

Getting Grey Early

Just like most male members of our family, I started getting strands of grey hair early. If my memory serves me right, I first noticed them in my late twenties. As a quick solution, I would buy a hair dye off the shelf. Then, I would ask my brother to color my hair for me to save me the trouble.

However, in the latter part of last year, I noticed more grey hair than usual. I do not know if it is the pandemic but I have never had this many grey hair in my entire life ever. Since I could not go visit my brother in Pangasinan because of travel restrictions, I went to get my hair dyed in a salon nearby. It was just a regular hair service. Nothing special really. That is why, after two weeks, I noticed my grey hair becoming visible again. I decided to just stop dying my hair and getting a haircut altogether.

Fascination For Platinum Grey

I have always been fascinated by the elves of The Lord Of The Rings and the Mother of Dragons of Game Of Thrones. I thought it must be cool and ethereal even to sport platinum grey hair. So, last month, I bought a silver hair wax and tried it on. It did not really do the job well. It looked good on photo but in reality it looked and felt like I just poured chalk dust on my head.

First Time To Get A Hair Makeover On Boracay

Last Sunday, I grabbed the opportunity to get a hair makeover at probably the best and most trusted salon on the island, LMJ Salon Boracay. I arrived at about four in the afternoon. When asked about what color to use, I told them, “Let us be crazy.” I told them about my fascination for platinum grey hair. They checked my hair. Lo and behold, my hair strands are not that strong to endure two rounds of bleaching apparently. So, they offered to do Metallic Ash Blonde as an alternative.

I am very happy with the results. Thanks to Elven Duardo- the hairstylist. The whole procedure took about 2.5 hours. I was home by 7 PM.

Get A Hair Makeover on Boracay

Get a hair makeover! Book an appointment here and avail of 15% off on hair rebond, perm and hair color services. This promo is available for a limited time only. You may also call 0946-051-9287 or email lmjsalonphil@gmail.com. They are open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. Stay updated and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube. LMJ Salon Boracay is located in Ambulong, Manocmanoc, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan. The salon strictly adheres to the minimum health protocols. Stay safe and healthy!

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Enjoy Boracay’s best dinner buffet only at Henann Regency Resort and Spa’s Sea Breeze Restaurant. For only P 749 per person (as of March 2021), you can avail of an eat-all-you-can dinner buffet from 6 PM to 10 PM daily. They serve a wide variety of dishes from salads and siomai to sushi and steak, and everything in between. I am salivating as I write this. To be honest, I am craving for that perfectly cooked steak right now! True to the restaurant’s name, they also serve seafood.

They change their menu daily. So, you are always in for a delightful surprise! Oh, might I add, their desserts are to die for! I love all of them except for the Kiwi cake. I do not understand why someone would enjoy eating a sour cake such as a Kiwi cake. But, this is just me.

The staff of Sea Breeze Restaurant is also attentive. They go out of their way to ensure you have a quality dining experience. Managers and supervisors go around and randomly approach guests to ask if they are enjoying their meals. The establishment also follows the Minimum Health Standards. You will feel safe having a managed buffet.

Party Hack

If you have plans of going out after dinner, here is tip. Avail of their unlimited wine (red and/or white), local beers and fruit juice drinks, just add P 210. Load up and you would not have to pay so much for alcoholic beverages afterwards at the bars where prices can be hefty.

So if you are visiting Boracay anytime soon, include Henann Regency Resort’s Dinner Buffet in your itinerary. By the way, Henann Crystal Sands also serve dinner buffet. Personally though, I prefer dining at Henann Regency.

Enjoy Boracay’s Best Dinner Buffet for only P 749 per person from 6 PM to 10 PM daily.

Update

Because of the rising cases of COVID-19 on the island, dining outside the home is highly discouraged. The whole Brgy. Balabag (where Henann Regency is), and Brgy. Manocmanoc’s Zones 1 and 7 are on lock down. Restrictions will be lifted on April 14, 2021. It could be earlier if cases drop significantly in the coming days.

Stay updated! Let us connect on Facebook. Stay safe and healthy!

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Two days ago, McDonald’s Philippines launched the newest addition to their menu: K-Burgers. For a limited time, McDo royal patrons can enjoy these Korean inspired burgers: K-Chicken Burger and K-Beef Burger. Both burgers are spiced up with McDo’s version of gochujang sauce, sandwiched in black sesame seed buns.

Watch my short food review on my Youtube channel.

I live on Boracay island and the barangay I live in is currently on lock down because of the growing number of COVID-19 cases. I only go out if I need to do errands. Yesterday, I went out after sunset to buy food for the coming days. I got on my bike and went to the grocery. Since I have been seeing a lot of reviews about McDonald’s K-Burgers online, especially on TikTok, I got curious with all the fuss. On my way home, I dropped by McDonald’s Boracay to order McDonald’s K-Burgers for takeaway.

My Honest Review About McDonald’s K-Burgers

I do not really understand all the fuss to be honest. First, it is expensive. A combo meal costs P 245, consists of a burger, medium-sized fries and a regular Coke. Since I wanted to taste both variants, I ordered one combo meal and an a la carte. Total cost is P 430. I could have just gotten a decent meal at Aria Restaurant or a yummy dinner buffet at Henann Regency Hotel with a couple of hundreds more. But, for the sake of this food review, I went ahead and ordered.

Between the two variants, I prefer the chicken. It is more spicy and kind of gives me a taste of Korea. The beef variant is bland and there is really nothing so special about it. Given the chance, I would still prefer McDonald’s Big Mac over these K-Burgers. So, if you are going to ask me if I am buying these Korean-inspired burgers the next time I visit McDonald’s, my answer would be No. Have you tasted these latest craze yet? Let me know. Let us connect on Facebook!

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Here is where to Eat-all-you-can Mongolian Grill in Boracay for only 299 pesos.

Eat-All-You-Can Mongolian Grill in Boracay for only 299 pesos

Last Saturday, my friends invited me to The Tides Hotel for an eat-all-you-can Mongolian Barbecue for only 299 pesos per person.

It was also our friend’s birthday celebration. Happy birthday Sheilla! By the way, your birthday speech at the last part of the vlog was impeccable!

The Tides Hotel is located in D’Mall Boracay Station 2. They open their Mongolian Grill on the roof deck from 6 PM to 10 PM. It is open air dining and lets you enjoy Boracay’s sea breeze.

The establishment follows the Minimum Health Standards. So, you can be sure that you are safe while enjoying your dinner and listening to the live music.

The tables and chairs are set up to allow social distancing. You also need to show your QR code or Online Health Declaration upon arrival.

The last time I ate here was last year. Then, we would line up at the buffet table and grill. Now, to curb COVID-19, you have to accomplish a menu checklist and endorse it to the waiter. The chef will then prepare the dish for you and have it delivered to your table when ready.

Bar Chow

Aside from the Eat-all-you-can Mongolian Grill in Boracay for only 299 pesos, The Tides Hotel also has other items on their food menu:

Happy Hour

Avail of The Tides Hotel’s buy one take one promo on local beers and cocktails during Happy Hour from 5 PM to 9 PM.

You may also drink wine-all-you-can for only 499 pesos.

Vlog: Eat-All-You-Can Mongolian Grill in Boracay for only 299 pesos

Ongoing Room Rates

I did not get enough information about the rooms. Also, I have not stayed at The Tides Hotel yet. I was told that they have an ongoing promo. You may get a room for two adults for only 2600 pesos per night, inclusive of breakfast.

Click here for the places to stay in Boracay for 2000 pesos and below per night.

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It is time for a daycation and enjoy Boracay for one day at Henann Crystal Sands Resort, Boracay Station 2.

Daycation Package

Avail of a Daycation Package for only 1000 pesos net per person. With a Resort Day Pass,  you get access to the luxurious facilities of Henann Crystal Sands Resort.

This Resort Day Pass includes:

• Food and Beverage credits worth 500 pesos
• Access to the Sky Pool from 11 AM to 7 PM and sun lounges
• Free wi-fi
• Pool towel usage and outdoor showers for casual clean up
• Bathrooms for changing

With this Daycation Package, you can enjoy Boracay for one day at Henann Crystal Sands

Stay Overnight Promo Rate

Stay for the night on Boracay island and avail of a special room rate at Henann Crystal Sands for only 3,535 pesos net per room. Avail of this rate from November 20, 2020 to December 11, 2020. Room rate is good for a deluxe room for two inclusive of breakfast. Rooms are subject to availability.

For inquiries and booking, email reservations.hcs@henann.com or call (63) (36) 288 9222 to 26.

You may also book online here.

Boracay Reopening

Boracay reopened its borders to tourists coming from areas under general community quarantine on October 1, 2020. Hotels/resorts on the island and local airlines have also slashed their room rates by as much as 50 to 75% to attract tourists. Despite this, tourism on the island has been in a slump because of  the COVID-19 scare. Moreover, the exorbitant cost of the RC-PCR test is a major deterent for tourists to visit the island. The cost sometines go as much as 10,000 pesos. Click here for the testing sites that offer RT-PCR test for 4,000  pesos and less.

Click here for the list of requirements to enter Boracay.

Increased Fees To Enter Boracay

Fees to enter Boracay have increased. Click here for more information.

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The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Malay has increased fees to enter Boracay. At Caticlan Jetty Port, you have to pay environmental fee, terminal fee and pump boat fare.

Previous Fees

As a tourist, I used to pay a total of 200 pesos at Caticlan Jetty Port to enter the island: 25 pesos for the pump boat fare, 100 pesos for the terminal fee and 75 pesos for the environmental fee.

New Fees

After almost two years of living on the island, fees have increased to enter Boracay.

Environmental Fee

Under the Municipal Ordinance No. 431, the environmental fees are increased. Foreign tourists now need to pay 300 pesos. Non-Aklanon tourists are charged 150 pesos.

Aklanons, returning Aklanons (balikbayans) and children 12 years old and below do not need to pay the environmental fee. Students, Filipino senior citizens and persons with disabilities may avail of a 20 percent discount. Anyone caught misrepresenting as an Aklanon will be fined 2,500 pesos and may face legal charges.

Source: Iloilo News

Terminal Fee

The 100 pesos terminal fee imposed in Caticlan and Cagban ports remain the same. The terminal fee at Tabon port is increased from 50 pesos to 100 pesos.

Tabon operates as an alternative port to Caticlan Jetty Port every time there are inclement conditions. Boats ferry people from Tabon to Tambisaan port on Boracay island.

Pump Boat Fare

The pump boat fare was 25 pesos for day trips and 30 pesos at night. Now, it is 40 pesos for day trips and 50 pesos for night trips. Schedule of boat trips is from 6 AM to 9 PM only.

Click here for the list of requirements to enter Boracay.

Takeaway

The increased fees to enter Boracay could serve as a deterrent for tourists to visit the island. Aside from paying for the required RT-PCR Tests, tourists now need to pay extra to enter Boracay.

Click here where to get RT-PCR test for 4000 pesos and below.

I believe the increase is necessary. According to Councilor Maylynn Aguirre Graf, the additional revenue generated will provide funding for tourism infrastructure and help address environmental and tourism concerns.

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One Hagdan Villas is your private getaway in Boracay, away from the hustle and bustle of the island. It is located in Sitio Hagdan, Barangay Yapak.

One Hagdan Villas is a safe haven for you and your significant other. Situated on a hill, One Hagdan Villas provides a scenic view of Boracay’s thick foliage and azure sea view. Enjoy sunrise and sunset at One Hagdan Villas.

Accommodation

One Hagdan Villas is accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT), with Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO). There are five modern minimalist villas, namely,

• Balustre
• Hakbang
• Pihala
• Yapak
• Baytang

Each villa has:

• Four rooms (two guests per room)
• Living area
• Dining area
• Kitchen
• Billiard room
• Four-feet infinity pool with shower area

Every bedroom has a flat-screen TV, spacious closet and toilet and bath. All villas have generators on standby. Power outage is a usual occurrence on the island.

One Hagdan Villas provides strong wi-fi to keep you connected.

Personal Concierge

Most importantly, One Hagdan Villas will provide you a concierge. Your concierge will make sure your needs are reasonably met.

Balinghai Beach

Balinghai Beach is the nearest beach to One Hagdan Villas. It is the perfect place to enjoy the Boracay sunset after basking in the sun and sand of Boracay.

Rates

For a limited time, the rate per villa is P 15,000 per night, exclusively for my blog readers. Just mention my blog to avail. For reservations, call +63-917-5089988. Look for Ms. Hazel Marasigan.

One Hagdan Villas is your private getaway in Boracay

Personally, One Hagdan Villas is perfect for intimate events- weddings, birthdays, family reunions, barkada (friends) bonding and personal retreats. There is less crowd and distraction in One Hagdan Villas. For more information, visit their website here.

To enter Boracay, click here for the list of requirements; Here for the list of accredited RT-PCR Testing Centers.

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Are you looking to get RT-PCR Test for 4000 pesos and below? RT-PCR or Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction Test is considered as the gold standard in detecting corona virus infection. Hence, it remains to be one of the requirements to enter premiere tourist destinations in the country like Boracay and Siargao.

Click here for the list of requirements to enter Boracay.

Click here for the list of requirements to enter Siargao.

To curb COVID-19, the local government units have set minimum health and safety standards in compliance with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) directives. One of the requirements is a negative RT-PCR test result taken 48 to 72 hours from extraction.

There are 114 laboratories licensed to conduct RT-PCR tests in the country. These are composed of government-run and private facilities. Click here for the list of other testing sites in the country.

The cost of RT-PCR test varies. I have heard stories from friends that it can go as high as P 10,000. The exorbitant cost certainly is a big turn-off for people to travel to COVID-free destinations such as Boracay. 

I have rounded up below some of the diagnostic laboratories certified by the Department of Health (DOH) that offer RT-PCR test for P 4000 and below.

Where to get RT-PCR test for 4000 pesos and below

1. Safeguard DNA Diagnostic Lab

Safeguard Diagnostic Lab has a Holiday Promo. They offer drive-thru, onsite and home services.

Drive- thru and On-site Rates (No Minimum)

Home Service, Hotel Service & Office Service (Minimum of 3 patients)

Book your appointment. For inquiries, please call or text:

09298284063 Monday to Saturday – 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

09993180728 Monday to Friday – 10:00A.M. to 05:00P.M.

2. Philippine Airport Diagnostic Laboratory

The Philippine Airport Diagnostic Laboratory is located at the CBL Area, Domestic Road, Pasay City. They also offer drive-thru, onsite and home services.

Drive- thru and On-site Rates (No Minimum)

Home Service (Minimum of 3 patients)

To set your appointment, click here or call their customer service hotline nos.: (02) 8251-5868, 0996-791-7788 or 0966-438-5045. They are open for walk-in and drive-thru swabbing, Mondays to Sundays from 8 AM to 6 PM. Their laboratories are operational 24/7.

3. Philippine Red Cross

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) likewise offers RT-PCR tests for 4000 pesos with guaranteed release of results in 24 to 48 hours.

On November 17, Senator Richard Gordon, chair of the PRC, announced during the Senate plenary hearing that PRC will be reducing the testing price to P 3300 and eventually to P 3200 to make it more affordable.

To book an appointment, call their hotline 1158 or download the RC143 app and connect via Viber chat.

So, if you need to get RT-PCR Test for 4000 pesos and below, try any of the three testing sites mentioned above. These sites can guarantee release of RT-PCR Test results within 48 to 72 hours.

Below are the RT-PCR testing Sites with prices ranging from 1750-2000. However, I am not sure if they can guarantee the release of results within 48 to 72 hours:

• Philippine Children Medical Center
• Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital
• Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital
• Perpetual Medical Center-Las Piñas
• National Kidney and Transplant Institute
• Lung Center of the Philippines
• Western Visayas Medical Center-Iloilo
• Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center-Cebu City
• University of Cebu Medical Center-Center
• Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center-Tacloban, Leyte
• Baguio General Hospital
• Zamboanga City Medical Center
• St. Paul’s Hospital-Tacloban, Leyte
• Teresita Jalandoni Provincial General Hospital-Negros Occidental
• Cebu Molecular Laboratory

Source: Inquirer

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Are you looking for a place to stay in Boracay for 2000 pesos and below per night? Well, you are just in luck! To attract visitors and help reboot tourism, most hotels and resorts on the island have slashed their rates by as much as 50 to 75% in time for the Boracay reopening.

Moreover, I happen to have friends on the island who have extended special room rates exclusively for my blog readers. Truly, living on the island for two years has its perks. Below are my top picks where to stay in Boracay for P 2000 and below per night.

Where to stay in Boracay for 2000 pesos and below per night

1. La Banca House At Boracay

Situated in Angol Beach, a more quiet part of the island, La Banca House At Boracay boasts of leisure, serenity and privacy within reach. Mention my blog to avail of an exclusive room rate of P 2000 per night for two persons. This rate is for a limited time only. It comes with breakfast for two. What a deal!

For reservations, call 0956-490-3114, 0921-810-4433, +63 (36) 288-9477 to 78 or email reservations.labancahouse@gmail.com. Ask for my good friend Mr. Eugene Flores.

2. Kaiyana Boracay Beach Resort

Another secluded beachfront resort is Kaiyana Boracay Beach Resort located in Angol Beach, Station 3.

This resort is family-run. Hence, you can expect the warm hospitality only a family-owned hotel can offer. Enjoy a quality and comfortable stay in Kaiyana Boracay Beach Resort.

For a limited time, Julie, owner and friend, is offering P 2000 per night good for two, exclusively for my blog readers. For reservations, call +63362724256.

3. Rob and Fred’s Room

Located just 5 minutes from the beach front of Boracay Station 3 is Rob and Fred’s Room. Rob and Fred’s Room is one of the favorite resorts of budget travelers in Station 3. As one of my blog readers, you may avail of special rates. Just mention my blog.

My friend, Jen, is offering rooms at Rob and Fred’s Room good for two, with one bed, for only P 800 per night.

They also have rooms good for two to three persons for only P 1500 per night. Remember to mention my blog when you make a reservation.

To book, please call +639498924863 or email robfred2020@gmail.com. Ask for Ms. Jenifer Lee. Rates are subject to availability and may change without prior notice.

4. Bamboo Beach Boracay Resort

Bamboo Beach Boracay Resort is situated at the beachfront of Station 3. I made their promotional video last year. Watch Bamboo Beach Boracay Resort’s promotional video below.

For the reopening, Bamboo Beach Boracay Resort has special room rates. For as low as P 1600 per night, you can book a room for two. Rate is inclusive of plated breakfast for two. For only P 2700 per night, you can get a room good for four inclusive of plated breakfast for four. Travel period is up to May 31, 2021. Rates are subject to room availability

They can also arrange an island hopping activity and door-to-door airport transfers for you.

For reservations, email: bamboo_resort@yahoo.com or info@bamboobeachresort.com.ph.

You may also call:

• Landline: 036-288 5047 / 036-288 3109
• Mobile Nos.: 0995 106 0874 / 0929 388 7701

5. Niu Ohana East Bay

Niu Ohana East Bay is located in Bolabog Beach, the eastern part of the island. You will certainly enjoy having your breakfast at Ohana while watching the Boracay sunrise.

Their rate for a Standard Room good for two is P 1280 per night. For reservations call +639308295318 and mention that you are one of my blog readers. They also have other room categories:

6. Frendz Resort and Hostel Boracay

Frendz Resort and Hostel Boracay is a multi-awarded hostel on Boracay island. It is located in Station 2. The ambiance is rustic and exudes an island vibe. Before moving to Boracay, this was one of my favorite places to stay with friends while on vacation.

They have three room categories. The room rates are good for two persons.

Frendz also has dormitory-type rooms for only P 600 per person per night. If you do not mind sharing a room with a stranger, you can stay in one of their dorms. All their dorm rooms follow 50% occupancy policy in compliance with the Minimum Health Standards to curb COVID-19.

For an 8-bed dormitory, only four persons are allowed; for a 6-bed room, only three persons are allowed; and for a 4-bed dorm only two guests are allowed.

If you want to meet friends, stay at Frendz Resort and Hostel Boracay. For reservations, go to their website here. Rest assured that you will be taken good care of at Frendz. All of the staff of Frendz are my friends and have become my family on the island, too.

Quiet Boracay

If you want to enjoy a more tranquil Boracay, this is the best time to visit. The island remains COVID-free since lockdown and we want to keep it that way. Establishments follow the minimum health standards and are regularly inspected by the local government unit of Malay. Rest assured that you will be safe while staying on the island in the new normal.

Click here for the requirements to enter Boracay.

Click here for the updated list of hotels and resorts in Boracay with the Department of Tourism accreditation and Certificate of Authority to Operate.

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As of September 14, 2020, the Municipality of Malay has already granted 362 Boracay establishments with Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO). The said establishments have complied to the Minimum Public Health Standards in the prevention of spread of COVID-19.

The Local Government Unit of Malay (LGU) regularly releases the list of Boracay establishments issued with Certificate of Authority to Operate. They approve and issue certificates in batches. I compiled these releases below for your reference.

Aside from hotels and resorts establishments like bars, restaurants, shops, salons and the like need to secure CAO. Rest assured, our safety is top priority when we visit these establishments.

Click here for the updated list of hotels and resorts with CAO as of November 5, 2020.

Boracay Establishments with Certificate of Authority to Operate

The LGU regularly conducts inspections, free of charge, prior to issuance of certificates. This is in compliance with the approved Omnibus Guidelines for the implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines of the Inter Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF).

Click here for the complete list of requirements to enter Boracay.

Thankfully, the island of Boracay has been COVID-free for more than seven months already. And, we would like to keep it that way. We hope that incoming tourists will do the same. Let us do our share to curb COVID-19. Let us wear our face masks and face shields. Observe physical distancing and regularly wash your hands.

I will update this blog entry for upcoming batches of approved establishments.

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Here is a list of requirements to enter Boracay. The requirements vary depending on the reason for entering the island. Tourists staying overnight on the island have a different set of requirements from same-day tourists. To avoid confusion, I made a chart below:

List of requirements to enter Boracay

Reminders

1. Updated list of hotels and resorts on Boracay island. Click here for the updated list of hotels and resorts on Boracay island with Department of Tourism (DOT) accreditation and Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO). The DOT approved 239 hotels and resorts. as of November 5, 2020. These accredited establishments have safety protocols in place.
2. Online Health Declaration. Click here for the Online Health Declaration.
3. Negatve RT-PCR Test Result. Remember to submit a Negative RT-PCR Test result (72 hours from extraction). Read my previous post here where to get a swab test.
4. Boracay Workers are required to present the following:

• PESO (Public Employment Service Office) Certification
• Work Approval Certificate from the Office of the Mayor.

The requirements may change

This is the latest list of requirements to enter Boracay. Some of my friends find the requirements a bit tedious. I believe these are in place to curb COVID-19. These requirements could change, too. There are plans of removing the Negative RT-PCR Test as a requirement to enter Boracay.

See you in Boracay. Remember to bring your face mask and shield. Let us keep Boracay COVID-free. Share this to your friends.

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Here is the updated list of hotels and resorts in Boracay as of November 5, 2020.

Remember upon arrival in Caticlan Jetty Port, you need to show you have a confirmed booking at a hotel or resort with accreditation from the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO).

The list of hotels and resorts with DOT accreditation and CAO is regularly updated as the island gears up for the full reopening to boost tourism. I will update you. Stay tuned.

Aside from a booking confirmation, you need to fill-out an online health declaration. Click here.

Finally, you need to submit a Negative RT-PCR Test result (72 hours from extraction). Read my previous post here where to get a swab test.

There are plans to remove the RT-PCR Test as a requirement for tourists to enter Boracay. A resolution will be submitted to the IATF for approval. I will keep you posted for any developments. Read my previous blog entry here.

Requirements to enter Boracay

Stay safe and healthy. See you in Boracay!

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Voted for the fourth time by both travel professionals and consumers, the Philippines bagged the Asia’s Leading Beach Destination Award in the 27th World Travel Awards. The country bested four other nominated Asian countries, namely, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Our country won the same prestigious award in 2013, 2016 and 2018.

The World Travel Awards website made the announcement online on November 3, 2020.

Watch: The Philippines voted Asia’s Leading Beach Destination in the World Travel Awards

Aside from winning Asia’s Leading Beach Destination Award, the country defeated Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand as Asia’s Leading Diving Destination three years in a row.

Moreover, the World Travel Awards declared the Department of Tourism (DOT) as Asia’s Leading Tourist Board.

World Travel Awards Grand Finals 2020

The World Travel Awards Grand Finals is happening on November 27, 2020 in Moscow, Russia. The country is nominated in the following Worlds Leading Awards:

• Beach Destination
• Dive Destination
• Island Destination- Siargao
• Tourist Board- Department Of Tourism
• Tourist Attraction- Intramuros

Other nominees from the Philippines include:

• Business Hotel- Discovery Primea
• Casino Resort- City of Dreams Manila
• Dive Resort- Amanpulo
• Exclusive Private Island- Ariara Island, Banwa Private Island
• Fully Integrated Resort- City of Dreams Manila
• Luxury Island Resort- Banwa Private Island
• Luxury Private Island Resort- Banwa Private Island
• Luxury Themed Resort- El Nido Pangulasian Island
• Luxury Villa Beach Resort- Amanpulo
• Private Island Resort- Amanpulo
• Serviced Apartments- Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila
• Themed Resort- El Nido Pangulasian Island

Congratulations to us and good luck to all the nominees!

The World Travel Awards is timely as the government slowly opens up various tourist destinations in the country to reboot the economy. On November 1, Boracay reopened its borders to tourists from the rest of the country. Safety protocols are in place to curb COVID-19.

The post WATCH: THE PHILIPPINES VOTED ASIA’S LEADING BEACH DESTINATION appeared first on JOEL JAWS ANDRADA.

Aklan Governor Joeben Miraflores held a consultation meeting today, October 31, 2020, with Congressman Ted Haresco, Malay Municipal Mayor Frolibar Bautista, Barangay officials and Boracay stakeholders at Henann Regency Resort.

Removal of RT-PCR Test for Boracay tourists sought

The attendees unanimously voted for the removal of the submission of a Negative RT-PCR (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) Test (taken 72 hours before departure) as a requirement for tourists to enter Boracay. A resolution will be submitted to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) for approval.

According to a Facebook post shared by Mr. Gil S. Delos Santos, once approved, tourists who want to enter Boracay only need to submit a health declaration and a confirmed hotel/resort accommodation with the Department of Tourism (DOT) Accreditation and Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO).

• For the online health declaration, click here.
• Here is the list of Department of Tourism (DOT) with Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO) in Western Visayas as of October 21, 2020.

Further, the DOT will provide 10 Million pesos to fund the cost of RT-PCR testing of Boracay workers in preparation for the full reopening.

Also, establishments on the island will be required to have a QR system for contact tracing.

Lackluster Boracay Reopening

Boracay reopened last October 1, 2020. In time for the reopening, airlines and hotels brought down their prices by as much as 70%. This is to help boost tourism.

However, aside from the fear of contracting COVID-19, the cost of the RT-PCR Test remains to be a major factor in preventing tourists from visiting the country’s number one island tourist destination. The cost ranges from 1500 to as much as 10,000 pesos.

We cannot wait to welcome more tourists on the island. We are ready. Tourism is the island’s main source of livelihood. Since lockdown, tourism has been in a slump.

The post REMOVAL OF RT-PCR TEST REQUIREMENT FOR TOURISTS TO ENTER BORACAY SOUGHT appeared first on JOEL JAWS ANDRADA.