Super Fast 4G Internet Coming to Boracay

The over-the-top battle between the country’s top mobile carriers is heating up again, with both telcos simultaneously announcing over the weekend the roll-out of their respective 4G (fourth-generation) mobile technology: Smart Communications with its LTE network and Globe Telecom with its HSPA+ platform.

Smart’s LTE (Long Term Evolution) is described as a 4G technology that can purportedly deliver download and upload speeds of up to 50 Mbps.

Smart Communications, in statement issued, claimed it is firing up the country’s first LTE mobile technology this Holy Week in Boracay in Aklan.

After Boracay, LTE service will soon be rolled out to other areas, the company said.

“Recognized as the most advanced fourth-generation (4G) mobile broadband technology, LTE will enable individual users to download a movie in minutes rather than hours, download songs in seconds and easily watch high-definition video on Youtube with no buffering,” it said.

From April 21 to April 24, 2011, Smart will be giving its subscribers a chance to experience SmartEvolution in Boracay. There will be a booth near Pats and Bombom (Station 2) in Boracay where those interested can use laptops equipped with LTE dongles. They can also use their WiFi-enabled smartphones, tablets, netbooks or laptops at Smart booth’s WiFi hotzone powered by LTE

Smart said LTE data services can be accessed using USB dongles attached to laptops or networks, or, via LTE-powered wireless routers providing WiFi coverage.

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DJs unite in Boracay

The summer months are especially busy in Boracay. No other place in the country gets as much traffic as the premier beach party destination because of all the events that take place when the sun is shining and everyone’s beautifully bronzed.

This Labor Day weekend, DJs from Manila are all flying to the island because they’ve booked gigs left and right. On Friday (April 29), Alex Wong, B_Cal and Ace Ramos will take booth at the AXN Big Challenge after-party. Elsewhere in Boracay, Nix Dam P, Mark Nicosia, DJ Marlon and Funk Avy will also be in charge of the turntables.

But on Saturday (April 30), all seven sought after spinmasters will be at the Boracay DJ Fest, a long-play party presented by emerging party organizer RP Events. Their promise is to sustain the energy levels “from sunrise ‘til sunset.” If you’re a fan of any of these DJs, then get your tight bikini bod over at Club Paraw at Station 1 from 5 p.m. onwards because the party starts with sunset sessions and doesn’t stop until everyone’s all partied out the next day at sunrise. Also, MC Phat Jorj will be around to hype up the crowd.

According to RP Events’ Pam Mananasala, the goal is to give everyone what they want. Each person has a different taste when it comes to party music and rounding up seven of the country’s top DJs is a foolproof way to cater to every musical craving. What makes this party different is the fact that each DJ’s set will seamlessly transition to the next, without the use of any canned music. And they will keep playing well into the wee hours of the morning.

We all know it’s a buzzkill when we begin hearing some random song played from iTunes. So no buzzkill and it’s good vibes all through the night!

Having an all-Filipino DJ lineup is a great way to showcase local talent. There are many foreigners in Boracay and without an international headlining act to rely on, it’s solely up to these Manila DJs to make sure that partygoers will be kept on their feet. We have faith in them as they’ve been known to provide high-octane, high-energy, high-fidelity sets. And they’re no strangers to the island where the parties are almost always wilder and more demanding.

I hope to see more events like this in the future. The local club scene is still quite an infant and if the Boracay DJ Fest draws a crowd, then it’ll give promoters more faith in homegrown talents. And maybe, more young aspiring DJs will book gigs and make a name for themselves, just like this formidable crew right here.

Be there as it happens. Dance the night away with your favorite Pinoy DJ and be ready with those energy drinks because you’ll need them to last until the sun comes up!

For more information about Boracay, including accommodations, tours, activities and loads of insider tips, contact your local whl.travel connection: Helen and the Go Discover team at  www.boracay.travel

Boracay party the Bigfish way

There’s no time like summer to throw caution to the wind and get positively wild. With its combination of sun, sea, and sand, Boracay is the top spot in the country to make that one-of-a-kind summer experience happen. Throw superb sounds in the mix and you’ve got the perfect equation for a legendary summer party.

Freedom Music, Axe, San Miguel and Lee teams up with Bigfish to make Boracay’s summer spirit sizzle even more! With Bigfish Summer NRG will get Boracay’s lounging sun worshippers out of the comfort of their hotel rooms to experience the big-room party vibe right at the beachfront of Paraiso Bar on white beach on April 21, 2011 for a Housexy Sunset Session and a main event on April 24, 2011.

Bigfish will start strong with the biggest dance music festival featuring Djs Zoo Brazil, Ferry Corsten and Patrick Hagenar to rock the Boracay bash.

The smooth Housexy Sunset Session on April 21 will cool things down as DJ Patrick will sweep up vacationers in a homage to the picturesque Boracay dusk.

Bigfish will once again turn up the energy level with Hed Kandi’s Main Event on April 23.  Hed Kandi’s elder statesman Zoo Brazil and Ferry Corsten will headline the event, spinning their sultry sweet mixes for the elated Boracay elite to enjoy.

Mark the date on your calendars, folks. Book your hotels at www.boracay.travel now. This is one party you’d be crazy to miss.

Big Fish Summer NRG is co-sponsored by The Palms of Boracay as its official resident partner.

For more information about Boracay, including accommodations, tours, activities and loads of insider tips, contact your local whl.travel connection: Helen and the Go Discover team at  www.boracay.travel

Skyathon 2011 at Boracay

The first beach and surf run on the paradise island of Boracay in Aklan is set to take place on April 30, 2011 with 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer race categories.

Participants can race barefoot or in aqua socks when they run from Station 1 to Station 3.

The start and finish points will be at the Guilly’s Island beachfront at Station 1.
Moreover, net proceeds from the race will help fund the cleanup programs of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary and Kiwanis Club of Boracay.

The SkyCable event is organized by by Keep Me Posted Inc. (KMP) and officiated by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP).

Entry fees are P500 for 10K and P300 for 5K (March 1 to April 4), P700 for 10K and P500 for 5K (April 5 to 20) and P900 for 10K and P700 for 5K (April 21 to 23).

The 10K male age groups are 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50 and above, while the 10K female age groups are 18-29, 30-39, and 40 and above.

Interested runners can visit SKYCABLE’s Site or register at the TRAP head office at the PhilSports Complex (formerly ULTRA) in Pasig City, KMP office at Greenbelt Mansion in Makati City, Bike King at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City, Second Wind Running Store in Teachers Village and Ortigas Home Depot, and any Gold’s Gym branch except for Walter Mart.

The male and female 10K champions will receive P3,000 each plus a medal and winner’s shirt. They will also get a one-year membership at Gold’s Gym.

SKYATHON 2011 FAQ’s

1. What is SKYATHON?

SKYATHON is a 10K and 5K fun run right along the shoreline of Boracay, from Station 1 to 3. It will be held on April 30, 2011.

2. Who can join SKYATHON?

Anyone is entitled to join. All they have to do is register.

3. How much is the registration fee?

It’s Php700 for 5K and Php800 for 10K.

4. What does the race kit include?

Race bib, the timing chip (which has to be returned to race organizers after the beach run), and singlet, although only the first 300 registrants will get a singlet. All participants who register on or before March 31, 2011 can take their pick of a singlet size; all registrants after March 31 will get free size. The registration fee also includes breakfast at Guilly’s Boracay, where the start and finish area will be. And all finishers will get finisher’s medals.

5. Where do I register?

In Boracay, you may register at Boracay Foundation Inc office: Ground Floor, PA- AMA Building, Balabag, Boracay. In Manila, you may go to Gold’s Gym Glorietta 3 and Chris Sports branches at SM City North EDSA Annex, Megamall and MOA. Interested runners in Cebu can register at Chris Sports Ayala Cebu and SM Cebu.

6. Will I get the race kit upon registration?

No, all race kits will be distributed in Boracay, particularly in Guilly’s at Station 1 on April 29, 2011, the day before the event, from 1pm to 7pm.

7. What time is the actual race?

Assembly will be at 5am at Guilly’s beachfront, that’s on Station 1 in Boracay. There will be scheduled warm-up and race briefing. Gunstart will be at 6am.

For more information about Boracay, including accommodations, tours, activities and loads of insider tips, contact your local whl.travel connection: Helen and the Go Discover team at  www.boracay.travel

Urban Nature Opens in Boracay

BORACAY, PHILIPPINES, April 02, 2011 Press Release –

The recent opening of the Boracay Urban Nature boutique at White Beach, Boracay leads the way to a greener path in the promotion of a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way of carrying shopping finds with its iconic “BIG Boracay Bag”. The biodegradable native bags are an ethical, carbon neutral alternative to plastic carrier bags and are both ruggedly engineered, and stylishly designed. Known for its combination of fusing ethnic chic styles with superior quality weaves, all lovingly crafted by the burgeoning folks of the cottage industry of Malay, Aklan. The bags are adorned with the iconic Boracay logo and promote sustainable tourism while encouraging shoppers to think responsibly about where they shop and support local businesses and producers wherever possible.

Urban Nature

Angel Aquino, celebrity host and co-owner of Urban Nature said “we are a very environmentally conscious organization and are delighted to be offering shoppers a real value for money alternative to plastic carrier bags. In supporting the local cottage industry of Malay, Aklan, we are able to source the bags locally and sell the bags at a low price which is a win-win for both shoppers and the environment”.

Angel Aquino

Unlike most of the other bag designers, Urban Nature has not only created a gorgeous design, but they also believe that the customer, should have the opportunity to create their own style! Urban Nature is one of the few ethnic handbag designers that offers the bespoke service, one that allows the buyer to pick their green slogan and customize their bag with the message tag of their choice, creating  the iconic Boracay summer handbag of their dreams.

The “BIG Boracay Bag” is indicative of Urban Natures whole product line.  The shop specializes in Organic, livelihood project produce and aims where possible to showcase local produce.  The shop has the Zen beauty range of products which are all 100% organic and are produced by a livelihood project in Manila and handicrafts from tribal and livelihood projects all over the Philippines.

Helen Atanacio, Secretary of Boracay Foundation Inc. said “Not only are the bags very environmentally friendly but they make a unique present as hamper-bags, especially when filled with lots of the wonderful “pasalubongs” from Boracay.

The bags and many wonderful products are available to purchase at The Urban Nature Boutique, located beside Nigi Nigi, White Beach, Boracay Island.

For more information about other Urban Nature on the web:

www.urbannature.multiply.com or Email at urbannatureboracay@yahoo.com

 

Top 10 Places to Go in Boracay

Located approximately 315 km south of Manila, Boracay is a beautiful island in Philippines. With its pristine shores and amazing views, this is a place frequently visited by tourists and there are many Boracay hotels where tourists can enjoy a perfect holiday. Activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, kite-boarding, cliff diving, and beach relaxation are what attracts tourists here from different parts pf the globe. The shores here are dotted with several stalls wherein vendors can sell anything from jewelleries, t-shirts to sporting equipment. There are many Boracay spots that can captivate and entice tourists.

1. White beach is the most popular beach in Boracay. With its beautiful stretch of powdery white sand against azure water, this area is also the commercial centre of the island with many restaurants, cafes, bars, internet cafes, shops, bakeries, etc. Many prime resorts and hotels in Boracay are located in this stretch.

2. Puka beach is a popular beach here and is the perfect example of a tropical island with white sand, blue waters, and palm groves. It was named after puka shells found along its shoreline. These materials are used as fashion accessories.

3. Bat Cave: Located in the western part of the island, the Bat Caves is a unique tourist spot in Boracay. Tourists need to go one hike through the forest to reach the mouth of the cave which is home to small cave bats and giant fruit bats that roam around the area after sunset. This place is quite a popular site for naturalists, photographers and adventure seekers.

4. Baling Hai Beach is another beautiful and popular beach in Bocaray where tourists can enjoy swimming, snorkelling and dining in a relaxed, peaceful environment. It boasts of a restaurant on top of the cliff that overlooks the whole area and provides visitors an amazing view of the island.

5. Mount Luho is the highest point in Boracay and one of the tourist attractions that rises up to an altitude of 100 meters above sea level. It is a small mountain with a viewing deck and one can get an amazing view of the east coast from of the island.

6. Crocodile Island is a real life adventure. Crocodile Island enjoys an unspoiled and abundant marine life. The area is just bursting with underwater activity. A snorkelling expedition in the area gives tourists the chance to see a breath-taking collection of corals together with a wide selection of fish.

7. Crystal Cove is a privately developed island that boasts of good underground snorkelling, and the place is ideal for those interested in water sports and having a sense of adventure.

8. Boracay Butterfly Gardens on Bulabog Beach is a must-see place where tourists can tour and see some butterflies of every shapes and colours.

9. Dead Forest: With dead tree trunks sticking out of stagnant water, the Dead Forest presents a highly romantic scene surrounded by old folk tales about ghosts and goblins. Local folk believe supernatural occurrences take place here, particularly on full moon nights.

10. Spas: Boracay has some well known spas where tourists can relax and enjoy soothing massage and other treatments.

Apart from those mentioned there are also many other amazing beaches and sites Boracay which ensures that visitors have an amazing holiday.

For more information about Boracay, including accommodations, tours, activities and loads of insider tips, contact your local whl.travel connection: Helen and the Go Discover team at www.boracay.travel

Travel on a budget this summer

A frequent traveler recounts her best “economical” vacation: she went with a group to Boracay on a budget, stayed in one of the lower-end resorts, and gargled using salt water because their faucet didn’t offer fresh water. But she was a sport – “After all, this was Boracay!” her favorite summer destination, hands down.

Now more than ever, many Filipinos are traveling by air to soak up the sights in our beautiful provinces. Thanks to a budget airline industry that continues to excite and reward passengers as a result of unprecedented competition fueled by the entry of low-cost carrier AirPhil Express. In the past, travel discounts came only during off-peak seasons but now, excursionists can stretch their travel budget during high-tourist summer fiesta months with promos that take people to world-class destinations across the country.

If you plan ahead and research enough, you will find plenty of great deals for bakasyonistas. Start by mapping out your itinerary and setting a budget. The general wisdom is that it is cheaper to travel by group (with family or friends) so you can share common expenses equally. If you’re traveling with your kids, use it as an opportunity to teach them to enjoy within their means. Be responsible but be reasonable – after all, the goal is not to go on a cheap vacation but to experience a super-fun getaway at the best possible cost.

Practically every destination now offers a spectrum of lodging facilities that fits any budget, starting from 1-star hotels that provide decent accommodation without the frills, and going up the 4- or 5-star hotel bracket for deluxe stay. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for special rates or promos or if they have partner establishments that offer lower room rates. Food is also relatively inexpensive in the different provinces but if you can rent a place with a kitchen and cook your own meals, you will find that curbing restaurant spending saves a significant amount of travel cash.

Expert vacationers point to the local market as the go-to place for pasalubong and souvenirs. Haggle, if possible in the local language, to try to get friendlier rates, but don’t be inconsiderate because you also want to help boost the tourism industry. Photographs are a great way to commemorate the trip, plus they are an easy way to document and share your first snorkeling or white water rafting experience via social networking sites.

Plan for but try to avoid miscellaneous expenses. If you’re on a tight budget, familiarize yourself with the place and bring a map. Pack well and bring extra batteries for your devices so you won’t have to comb the island to find a way to recharge your gadgets. Also, you don’t want to spend your vacation in the local hospital so be safe while retaining a healthy sense of adventure.

Another thing to keep in mind is that tourism is a two-way street – it’s not only about scoring the best bang for your tourist buck.

For more information about Boracay, including accommodations, tours, activities and loads of insider tips, contact your local whl.travel connection: Helen and the Go Discover team at www.boracay.travel

 

Boracay, A Destination For Beach Lovers

Boracay is a famous Philippines travel destination best known for its long stretches of white, sandy beach. It is located in Panay Island and boasts of different accommodation types for every budget. Cheap and decent resorts as well as five star luxury hotels can be found in the island. Boracay has attracted tourists around the world because it has all the elements of a tropical island paradise. Aside from its fine, white sand, it also has clear blue sparkling waters and a very diverse marine life.

While on this Philippines travel destination, you can enjoy all sorts of things you can do under the sun. Some of the activities you can indulge in are boating, jet skiing, sailboating, wind surfing, kayaking, swimming, beach volleyball, and of course, diving. Although tourists flock to the island to frolic in the sand, not everyone is aware that Boracay is surrounded by excellent dive spots. If you are up for the adventure, you can just ask a dive shop to arrange a dive for you.

Aside from the things you can do at the beach, you can also enjoy nature tripping in this Philippines travel destination. Boracay offers you a chance to go trekking, biking, hiking, mountain climbing, and horseback riding. And since it is already largely developed, you can find yourself enjoying some tee time at several golf courses in the area. Sports lovers can go bowling or play tennis in the many recreational spots in the island. For those who are on a gastronomic adventure, Boracay will be a delight to visit. Excellent local and international cuisines are available to satisfy your palate.

This island paradise is accessible by air and by sea. Direct flights from Manila and other major cities to Caticlan are available. Chartering your own plane is also another alternative. Likewise, there are boat trips that depart from the Manila North Harbor to Panay.

If you are interested in visiting Boracay, it is best to book early. The island is such a hit with local and foreign tourists that it can be hard to find accommodations during the high months of November to May.

For more information about Boracay, including accommodations, tours, activities and loads of insider tips, contact your local whl.travel connection: Helen and the Go Discover team at www.boracay.travel