Boracay allows you to do almost any adventure sport from rock climbing to wind surfing or the newer Kite surfing. I have to confess I was more into the sport of just laying on the beach…Thank you My Warmth.
My Angel, My Warmth, I adore you.
Written and photographed
By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista
The accommodations are not the cheapest in DISCOVERY SHORES, but every penny is well worth it because of the free services that make your stay so much easier and enjoyable.
Here’s a summary of the list:
- The free van rides- can be essential if traveling with senior citizens and infants,
- Free Merienda- snacks and refreshments that can make your day,3. Free Foot Spa,4. Free Fast Wi-Fi.For a more detailed description of these free services click on this link to part 1.
- Innumerable Cable TV Channels. I stopped counting after 200. You may argue that it comes with the room you’ve paid for. But in my experience with hotel and resort rooms I have never seen this many channels anywhere else and it is something to behold. The main reason I’m mentioning it here is foreign visitors may appreciate a channel in their spoken language, giving them a slice of home while keeping in touch with current events.
The Paraw sailboat is a symbol of Boracay along with the golden sunset. Photo by Jude Bautista
For example there are 5 Chinese language channels: Lotus Macau, CCM HD, Phoenix Info, STAR Chinese Movie, Formosa Xing Kong, SUN TV, CCTV. 2 French Channels: TV MONDE Channel, FRANCE-24. European channels: BBC, TVEspaña, RUSSIA TODAY, RAI Italia, RTR Planeta, 3 Korean Channels: YTN WORLD, ARIRANG, KPOP Plus, Japanese channel: NHK TV, Indian Channels: SAHARA NAT, SAHARA MUM, Middle Eastern: GMAN TV, SAUDI R, 1TVRUS, YEMEN TV.
The list above is by no means complete but gives a general idea of how many international channels are available in your room at DISCOVERY SHORES.
DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Experience the Heart of the Filipino
NBA Premium TV
For a self confessed TV addict like me, I was overwhelmed with choices of HBO, FOX, Discovery (network), History, Crime + Investigation AND their variants: HBO HITS, Fox Life etc. BUT I was personally elated to find out they had both NBA Premium TV HD and BTV. So I was able to watch 4 NBA games in one day, if not portions of each. Apart from the games are the News/Magazine shows like THE STARTERS.
Lovers embrace while watching the Boracay sunset. Photo by Jude Bautista
I caught an interview/dialogue between two of my childhood heroes Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas. They talked about growing up in Michigan all the way to Lakers vs Pistons Finals in 1989 & 90. They had a tearful hug in the end because the two were very close childhood friends and had grown apart in recent years. They were never able to talk about it or flesh it out until that interview/docu.
By no means is it a necessity, but for any fan wanting to catch up with the NBA, it’s priceless. With the number of channels available it’s likely you’ll find one…or a dozen that’s right for you.
INDIGO and SANDS Restaurant have delectable delights along with a fantastic view of Boracay Beach. DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Food Choices
Another big difference from my previous trip is the growing number of Chinese and Korean restaurants that have sprung up around town. Some famous establishments have translations of their menu items to Japanese, Korean and Chinese script and also Russian. This is an indication of the growing tourism market or visitors from those countries.
Favorite ANDOK’S dishes (left) Liempo – charbroiled pork loin and (right) Roast Whole Chicken. Photo by Jude Bautista
ANDOK’S
My brother George however has a very Filipino craving. ANDOK’S is a popular charbroiled chicken brand in Manila. They have countless stalls for take out. The main difference here in Boracay is that they actually have fast food style outlets like Jollibee or McDonald’s. Jollibee also recently opened a large branch here greeting customers with an inflatable mascot 50 feet high. But the novelty for us is ANDOK’S Restaurant complete with air-conditioning. They have 3 separate branches. We were advised by Discovery staff to go to the branch away from the beach, as it is less full.
Enjoying ANDOK’S Resto from left: Hazel Bautista, Gina Ronquillo, George Bautista, Eric Ronquillo and Tita Linda.
Sisig
Needless to say we enjoyed ANDOK’S charbroiled chicken, their Liempo (charbroiled pork loin). Their prices were the same as in Manila. I was also very proud to see a Chinese family enjoying sisig for the first time. Sisig has come into prominence in New York recently with the late Anthony Bourdain and BIZARRE FOODS’ Andrew Zimmern as praising the uniquely Filipino dish. With the nose to tail trend in the U.S. sisig has become a hit there. Pork ears, face and brains are finely chopped and served on a sizzling plate (sunny side egg on top is optional). It tastes better than it sounds and goes great with beer.
Crystal clear waters and white sand beaches have returned to Boracay. Photo by Jude Bautista
Signature Dishes
There are however, other must try signature dishes in ‘Bora’. FRIDAY’S is a restaurant bar just a few meters away (almost right beside) DISCOVERY SHORES. We enjoyed their cheese pizza and Lobster Thermidore, which they were famous for. Both are reasonably priced. The pizza is thin and extra crispy. The lobster was fresh, sweet, the biggest we’ve seen and perfectly cooked.
FRIDAY’S Lobster Thermidor
It wasn’t planned but we ordered more Filipino fare in this trip. In another establishment we tried their Sisig, Sizzling Bulalo (Beef Bone Marrow- also a Bourdain favorite) and Pansit Palabok (glass noodles with chicharon-pork rind and eggs).
Left: Pansit Palabok – glass noodles with chicharon-pork rind and eggs, Right: Four Cheese Pizza is surprisingly good. (10)
If I were a foreign visitor, I’d take advantage of trying Filipino cuisine, obviously because that’s what we know and are best at. In any case there are many other cuisines you can choose from around the island including Italian restaurant FORNO OSTERIA in DISCOVERY SHORES.
Left: World famous Sisig, Right: Sizzling Bulalo- Beef Bone Marrow. Both dishes are highly recommended by Bourdain and Zimmern.
Crystal clear waters and white sand beaches have returned to Boracay. Photo by Jude Bautista
Lessons
As exercise I hiked to the less occupied portions of the beach beyond the rocky outcrop. This is where a restaurant / bar was demolished by the government during the 6 month closure. No doubt a lot of jobs, businesses were closed from it. Although, shooting the waters and beach after the fact it is hard to argue with the results.
Crystal clear waters and white sand beaches have returned to Boracay. Photo by Jude Bautista
What this tells me is that taking care of Boracay isn’t just the responsibility of the government or of business owners here but of every single person who visits as well. IF we want to keep Boracay pristine, we all have to make better choices. We can avoid using plastic, make sure to not litter on the beach and better yet pick up trash that we see. We should all be conscious of not polluting the air, water, beaches, be conscious even of noise pollution. Otherwise we’ll lose a beautiful place like this.
Controlling visitor numbers have had a positive effect on the environment in Boracay. Photo by Jude Bautista
Exemplary Service
The level of service we experienced in DISCOVERY SHORES was not just the best in the island, but the best anywhere in my opinion. Everyone was always willing to go the extra mile.
DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
For example my dad Joe (86) has a habit of waking up at 3am. One morning he decided to walk out by himself, while we were sound asleep. When he got back my mom opened the door and she thought my dad in her words ’picked up a girl’. Before she could raise hell she found out it was a Discovery staffer assisting him safely to his room, as it was still dark outside.
DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Over breakfast we were laughing about it. I was getting a juice for my mom. Dad went to the buffet by himself. His hands aren’t as strong as they used to be with the plates and getting food at the same time. Next thing we know a staffer was right behind him getting food and assisting him back to the table. We weren’t even asking for it but they were always ready to anticipate your needs.
It makes you feel special. I’m proud as a Filipino,they are able to represent that hospitality our country is known for. It’s not just the spectacular beach but the people and culture that attract the whole world to Boracay.
Joe and Linda Bautista; DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
The Paraw sailboat is a symbol of Boracay along with the golden sunset. Photo by Jude Bautista (18)
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from left: George Bautista and college bud Eric Ronquillo. DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
We stumbled on a romantic dinner set up in INDIGO. Initially we thought it was an engagement party but found out it was just for one lucky couple. DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (20)
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Joe Bautista and great grandson Theo; DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Crystal clear waters and white sand beaches have returned to Boracay. Photo by Jude Bautista
Our group in INDIGO Restaurant. DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (23)
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PAL Premium Economy
Exceptional comfort and convenience are just some of the perks available on board PAL’s New Premium Economy cabin. Whether passengers are traveling for leisure or business, this choice offers premium comfort and convenience without the sky-high prices. They can skip queues with priority check in, boarding and check in, boarding and baggage retrieval, in addition to greater baggage allowance.
For international flights passengers will have extra spacious seats with 38-inch leg room and 8 inch recline. They can also indulge on delicious meals and enjoy their overnight amenity kits*. The New Premium Economy is available on international routes to New York, Toronto, London, Honolulu, Auckland, Melbourne, Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Bangkok, Xiamen and all domestic routes.
*Overnight amenity kits are available on select routes.
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SANDS restaurant & bar has the sea breeze day or night. DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
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FRIDAY’S Four-Cheese Pizza
from left: Joe and Linda Bautista, (author) Jude Bautista and George Bautista at FRIDAY’S.
The waterfall changes the mood at night. This was the view near our room. DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (28)
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Lola Joy with Baby Theo
Crystal clear waters and white sand beaches have returned to Boracay. Photo by Jude Bautista
INDIGO Restaurant’s Tanigue Steak – King Mackerel; DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (31)
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We stumbled on a romantic dinner set up in INDIGO. Initially we thought it was an engagement party but found out it was just for one lucky couple. DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Crystal clear waters and white sand beaches have returned to Boracay. Photo by Jude Bautista (33)
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The Paraw sailboat is a symbol of Boracay along with the golden sunset. Photo by Jude Bautista
“There was a magic about the sea. People were drawn to it. People wanted to love by it, swim in it, play in it, look at it. It was a living thing that was as unpredictable as a great stage actor: it could be calm and welcoming, opening its arms to embrace it’s audience one moment, but then could explode with its stormy tempers, flinging people around, wanting them out, attacking coastlines, breaking down islands. It had a playful side too, as it enjoyed the crowd, tossed the children about, knocked lilos over, tipped over windsurfers, occasionally gave sailors helping hands; all done with a secret little chuckle”
― Cecelia Ahern, The Gift
Boracay allows you to do almost any adventure sport from rock climbing to wind surfing or the newer Kite surfing. I have to confess I was more into the sport of just laying on the beach…Thank you My Warmth.
WordPress:
http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ , http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ , /
Text and Photos by Jude Bautista