travel Information

2008-01-20T18:23:00.000-08:00

Boracay Restaurant

There are more than 200 restaurants and eateries in Boracay with a wide variety of food. Restaurants generally open from 7 t0 8 AM and close around 10 to 11:30 PM. In Talipapa and other places, there are turo-turo eateries where pre-cooked food and lots of fish are displayed in glass cases and chosen by pointing (turo). When visiting Puka Shell Beach in Yapak, take the chance to eat at one of the restaurant there – try the pig or chicken, and specially the fish. Below is the author’s personal selection of 40 restaurants with quality and/or ambiance for any budget.

Andok’s Filipino

This fast food chain has style and is quite popular in the Philippines. The 24-hour restaurant serves litson manok and litson liempo (grilled chicken and grilled pork belly). Take away possible. Specialty: Dokito frito (part of a chicken).

Aria Italian

“Cucina Italiana” it says on the signboard of this restaurant with a touch of italianita and a more urban than island design. There are many antipasti, salads, pasta, meats and other dishes, and four special set meals each month. Specially: Various types of pizza from a traditional wood fire oven.

Bamboo Lounge Hong Kong Style

Off the well-beaten tourist path, this lounge-type restaurant and bar made out mainly of bamboo lies hidden in the middle of the island inside freckles Boracay Resort. It’s an exotic blend of taste and quality. The is extraordinary and so is the excellent food. There are Dim sum, Lechon Macao and many other sumptuous dishes. Specialty: Oriental salad, Peking duck, Vegetarian treat.

Baracuda Snack bar Int’l

This restaurant is located directly off the beach path. Sit in the native-style chairs and watch the passing people while eating one of several breakfast, sandwiches, sausages salads or snacks. Specialty: Musli.

Blue Berry Filipino

This small, exotic restaurant at the end of D’Mall is surrounded by sari-sari stores, so you can enjoy people-watching while having a good meal. There are different soups on the menu and also sea food, chicken, pork dishes and sandwiches. Specialty: Food from the grill. Blue Berry is open for lunch and dinner.

Blue Mango International

This is a likeable restaurant with a friendly atmosphere. The menu is characterized by fusion cuisine of different cultures, from Filipino, to Italian, Chinese, American and even German. Specialty: Try the tasteful seafood pasta.

Café Del Mar Mediterranean

The design imparts a touch of exotic ambiance, but the food is mostly Mediterranean, with many Italian-inspired appetizers such as Crostini Platter and Bruschetta. Or try Satay and Cheese Sticks. Specialty: Chicken wings Café del Mar.

Chez De Paris French/Asia

Open since 1984 and one of the oldest restaurants on the island, French, Thai, Filipino and other Asian cuisine are served here. Also on the menu are lobster, sashimi, pasta and pizza. Specialties: Couscous and Sauerkraut (Chou route).

CNN-Café European/Filipino

The restaurant has its name from the US channel, so the place features a screen to watch CNN. The menu provides many dishes, and they are professionally prepared. Specialty: Carrot soup, Beef stroganoff and Crepe Suzette.

Coastal Rica international

It’s more of a bar than a restaurant because guests sit on chairs without backrest, but it is a nice place just to have a little something for the stomach. On the menu are over ten kinds of soups and it is sometimes open 24 hours. Specialty: Lapaz Batchoy (egg noodles, pork and pork liver).

Cyma Greek

A modern, very stylish and very small resto with only about 20 seats, this restaurant invites for good food. Cyma got its name from an island in Greece. It’s worth to try the many dishes to discover Greek kitchen! Specialty: Many vegetarian dishes, Spinach and artichoke Fondue (appetizer), lamb souvlakia (main dish), Ryzolago (rice pudding dessert).

Fridays International

Fridays is a distinguished restaurant on White Beach that invites for a romantic tete-a-tete dinner. The menu includes a variety of delicious appetizers, main dishes from France, Italy and Asia, and exclusive wines, Specialty: Grill buffets (Friday, dinner and Sunday, lunch and dinner).

Gasthof German/Filipino

Filipinos seem to like this restaurant with its German beer garden atmosphere, the many specialties from the grill, and the German sausages (Schublig, Wienerli, etc.). Specialty: Baby back Ribs.

Hawaiian-Bar-B-Que International

Visitors can enjoy the tiny interior with the colorful wall-painting and the various things coming from the grill. Tourists can take just en passant Hawaii’s famous Street Corner Sandwich and the little sweetish Baby Back Ribs which are delicious! Specialty: Island style Shrimp in coconut, Kalua’s Roasted Belly.

D’Hobbit House International

The legendary Hobbit House in Manila has a brother on Boracay. It says on the business card: “The only restaurant in the world, owned managed and staffed by Hobbits.” The menu provides a wide range of dishes. Specialty: 15 different kinds of pizza, home made Meat pies in variations.

Island Chicken Inasal Filipino

Featuring simple wooden benches and tables, this restaurant is ideal for groups. As the name suggest, there are many dishes prepared with chickens, as everybody knows in Bacolod City where the restaurant originated. Specialty: Pak Pak (chicken wing), Pa-a (1/4 cut chicken thigh). Try Niñas Leche Flan for dessert.

Inang Resto Filipino

This spacious restaurant in D’Talipapa has a high ceiling impressive painting on the walls from Filipino artists, and enormous wooden tables and chairs. It seems that everything is arranged and done with much care, so one feels comfortable and a little bit at home. The kitchen is simple and good. Specialty: Traditional Filipino dishes that are very well prepared.

Jammer’s International

One of the first fast food restaurants on the island. Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Chicken Chips, Fish n’ Chips, soft drinks and beer. This is a good place to watch people passing by. Specialty: Monster Burger.

Jay jay’s international

The full name is jay jay’s Movie Bar & Restaurant. A small room, with a bar, a TV, table-football and all kinds of memorabilia on the walls. All the dishes are named after movie tittles. In the high season, it is open 24 hours. Specialty: Jay Jay Special – that is salad, beef tenderloin steak and prawns plus two side orders.

Jony’s Place Mexican

This is the right place for those who love Mexican food. There is a good variety of Mexican dishes to choose from, including tacos, burritos, enchiladas, flautas, quesadillas and tostadas. Specialty: The ambiances as you dine at night right on White Beach.

Kaeseke Japanese

Here you will find one of the most interesting interiors on the islands. Crafted in native wood, it is also very comfortable. The menu offers typical Japanese dishes such as sashimi, sushi, maki and tempura as well as other Asian specialties. The service is attentive. Specialty: Lobster sashimi, lobster in miso soup.

La Reserve French

The pale octagonal dining room with its marble floor provides an elegant setting for a memorable dining experience. One can also sit outside in the little front garden. The face is remarkable: Parma ham, caviar, confit de canard, smoked salmon, chateaubriant, lobster prepared in several ways and crepes Suzette. Specialties: Excellent wine selection, including first class Bordeaux and French Burgundy, and 15 brands of genuine handmade Cuban cigars, haagen-Dazs ice cream and Lavazza Italian Espresso.

Lemon I Café Mediterranean

No doubt, this is one of the best places on Boracay to eat. It’s not just the design and furniture which makes it extraordinary. It’s also the kind of dishes that promise high culture in food knowledge and preparation. It’s a pleasure t look at the served delicacies and, of course, to eat them – and to come back again. Specialty: extraordinary Ciabatta and Baguette sandwiches, delicious big salads, lemon & thyme roast chicken with potatoes; dessert: classic lemon tart and Tiramisu.

Mañana Mexican

One more of those tiny friendly restaurants along the White Beach path, where one not only goes to eat but also to watch people. It astonishes how small the place is and how wide the menu’s range is. They have good home made rolled flour tortillas. Soup lovers ask for “Chat’s daily special soup.” Specialty: Tortillas de Papa (potato cake), Frijoles refritos (beans), Mañana Combination.

Boracay Hotels & Resorts

2008-01-20T18:13:00.000-08:00

Boracay Hotels & Resorts

Boracay Islands Counts over 200 resorts, hotels, cottages, bungalows and vacation houses. Whether you’re a budget-conscious backpacker or for it a full range of accommodation is available. Choose from island-style nipa huts (bungalows made of wood, bamboo and nipa-palm leaves), modern cottages with two rooms, kitchens and huge verandas, and modern resorts and hotels with high-tech amenities, business centers and gyms. Most establishments have hot showers. On Boracay itself, there is no central reservation or service center for islands hotels, although some information is available at the Department of tourism (DOT) office. One local travel agent that specializes in Boracay packages is Travel Online, www.boracaylive.com, Tel. (02) 896-9270, 729-4313. Numerous guides, called “coordinators,” will be waiting when you arrive at either Caticlan Airport or Kalibo Airport. They will try to persuade you to accompany them to a particular resort. You may agree to join them if you don’t have a reservation. If it not to look for yourself by walking along White Beach once you arrive in Boracay. Accommodations located near White Beach usually fetch higher rates. Most hotels and resort have three different price levels, depending on the season. The highest rates are charged during the peak season (Christmas/New Year, Chinese New Year and Holy Week), and it is recommended to make reservations. High season usually start in November. But some establishment start charging high season prices in October, while others start only in December. High season lasts until the end of May, sometimes the middle of June. In the low season (also called the learn or regular season), rates are from 10 to 50 percent lower. During low season, it never hurts to ask for a discount. Prices normally include breakfast for one or two persons. Some 150 hotels and resorts for different budgets are described below. Most paces are along the White Beach unless it is otherwise specified. The following directory segregates hotels and resorts into five categories depending on the room rate charged, then in alphabetical order. The rates quoted next to the Hotel/Resort mane are the published (rack) rates for a double room, per room per night, including breakfast in the high season (November to June). This rate is used to place establishment in any of the five categories, and should be construed as an indication enabling the reader to have quick overview. A more detailed listing of available room types and rates for all seasons can be found under the headline “Rooms & Rates.” A currency exchange rate of US$1 = 50 Pesos is used.

Definition of Room Types

The following definitions may help you at arriving at a decision which room to book: Single: Room has 1 single bed, strictly for 1 adult only. No extra bed will fit.

Twin: Room has 2 single beds to accommodate 2 adults. A third adult will require an extra bed.

Double: Room has 1 large (Queen or King sized) bed to accommodate 2 adults. Third adult will require an extra bed.

Triple: Room has either 3 single beds, or 1 large (Queen or King sized) bed and 1 sin large bed, or equivalent beds to accommodate 3 adults.

Family: Room has either 4 single beds, or 1 large (Queen or King sized) bed and 2 single beds, or equivalent beds to accommodate 4 adults. Typically, no extra bed will fit.

Suite: Consist of a bedroom and a small living room to accommodate 2 adults, unless otherwise is specified. A third adult will require an extra bed.

Bungalow: A thatched or tiled one-story cottage surrounded by a veranda.

Cottage: A small, single-storied lodging place made of native materials such as bamboo and supported by poles, usually without veranda.

1-Bedroom Apartment/Villa: 1 Bedroom with a small living room, kitchenette and 1 toilet to accommodate 2 adults, unless otherwise is specified. A third adult will require an extra bed.

2-Bedroom Apartment/Villa: 2 Bedrooms with a living room, kitchenette and 1 toilet for 4 adults, unless otherwise is specified. A fifth adult will require an extra bed.

3-Bedroom Apartment/Villa: 3 Bedrooms with a living room, kitchenette and 1 toilet to accommodate 6 adults, unless otherwise specified. A seventh adult, will require an extra bed.

3-5-7 Boracay Resort

Located in the southern part of the island 3-5-7 Boracay Resort is a charming beachfront resort-hotel of privacy and comfort. The 10 modern, well appointed guestrooms feature furniture’s of Filipino design and materials, such as large bamboo beds, abaca hammocks and seashell ashtrays. All rooms have verandas. The 3-5-7 Boracay Resort was awarded as the Most Outstanding Beach Resort in Who’s Who in the Philippines.

Map: 15 E8 . Rooms & Rates: 10 Executive rooms $130, 1 Suite $ 150, 1 Family room $163; Low Season: less 10%; Peak Season: plus $25. All major credit cards accepted. Rooms have telephone, cable TV, and veranda. Facilities & Services: Restaurant, bar, room service up to 9 PM, safe deposit box, baby sitting, darts & pool table, standby generators, videoke room.

Acanthus Boracay

There is no more resort farther south directly at the beach. The huge building is leaning against the slope of the hill. It’s inspired from the Balinese architecture and shows decorations from all over Asia. The rooms are spacious and over look the sea. The place itself is one of the most quite of the island, but first you have to get there.

Map: 16 D7 Rooms & Rate: 6 Apartment Suites $170; Low Season: less 20% Peak Season: $190. Cash only. King size beds, bathroom with elevated Jacuzzi, cable TV, microwave oven, balcony, ocean view.

Asya Boracay

Opened in 2006, Asya Boracay is set in a long courtyard, with the stone facades and the rooms on both sides, where you feel in your own oasis, far from hectic life. The rooms have their own pocket or courtyard garden, partly a kitchenette. One of the most beautiful resorts here, exquisite is the right word for this stylish and high-quality resort! It’s a perfect place to relax by simply watching the palm tree-varieties, and beautiful bamboo plants and flowers in the courtyard with a nicely designed pool at the end of the court. Map: 14 C6 Rooms & Rates: 8 Deluxe rooms $130, 15 courtyard Suites $160, 8 Villa Suites $180 (all-year round rates). Rooms have telephone, cable TV, coffee/tea maker, in-room safe. Suites have balcony, kitchen, and refrigerator.

Boracay Beach House

The two two-story structures are named Boat House and Beach House. Built in a Filipino, tropical style with two 50-squaremeter apartment in each house, they are only a few steps away from the sea. The ground floor apartments have a fully equipped kitchenette and bathroom. The veranda of the upper apartments provides a nice view of the sea. Guests are spoiled with all the amenities of a luxury apartment, including a maid and service boy. Map: 16 B8 Rooms & Rate: 2 Villas $200; Low Season: less 25% Peak Season: plus 10% all major credit cards accepted. Rooms have telephone, cable TV, DVD/VCD player, in-room safe, and veranda. Facilities & Services: Baby sitting, kitchen, maid service, power generator.

Adventurous Dining

2007-11-27T21:14:00.000-08:00

A man travels to Spain and goes to Pamplona during the great "running of the Bulls" festival.

After his first day there, he goes out late for dinner at a restuarant in the center of the town. He orders the house special and he is brought a plate ,with potatoes, corn, and two large meaty objects.

"What's this?" he asks.

"Cojones, senor," the waiter replies.
"What are cojones?" the man asks.
"Cojones," the waiter explains, "are the testicles of the bull who lost at the arena this afternoon."

At first the man is disgusted, but being the adventurous type, he decides to try this local delicacy. To his amazement, it is quite delicious. In fact, it is so good that he decides to come back again the next night and order it again. This time, the waiter brings out the plate, but the meaty objects are much smaller.

"What's this?" he asks the waiter.
"Cojones, senor," the waiter replies.

"No, no," the man objects. "I had cojones yesterday and they were much bigger than these."

"Senor," the waiter explains, "the bull does not lose every time."

A Day in Hell

2007-11-27T21:11:00.000-08:00

One day a guy dies and finds himself in hell. As he is wallowing in despair he has his first meeting with a demon...

Demon: Why so glum chum?
Guy: What do you think? I'm in hell.
Demon: Hell's not so bad. We actually have a lot of fun down here...you a drinkin' man?
Guy: Sure, I love to drink. Love the drinks.
Demon: Well you're gonna love Mondays then. On Mondays that's all we do is drink. Whiskey, tequila, Guinness, wine coolers, diet tab, and fresca...we drink till we throw up and then we drink some more!
Guy: Gee that sounds great.

Demon: You a smoker?
Guy: You better believe it! Love the smoking.
Demon: Alright! You're gonna love Tuesdays. We get the finest cigars from all over the world and smoke our lungs out. If you get cancer - no biggie - you're already dead remember?
Guy: Wow...that's...awesome!

Demon: I bet you like to gamble.
Guy: Why yes as a matter of fact I do. Love the gambling.
Demon: Cause Wednesday you can gamble all you want. Craps, Blackjack, Roulette, Poker, Slots, whatever... If you go Bankrupt...well you're dead anyhow.

Demon: You into drugs?
Guy: Are you kidding? Love drugs! You don't mean...
Demon: That's right! Thursday is drug day. Help yourself to a great big bowl of crack. or smack. Smoke a doobie the size of a submarine. You can do all the drugs you want and if ya overdose - that's right - you're dead - who cares! O.D.!!
Guy: Yowza! I never realized Hell was such a swinging' place!!

Demon: You gay?
Guy: Uh no.

Demon: Ooooh (grimaces) you're really gonna hate Fridays.

Acceptable Excuse

2007-11-27T21:09:00.000-08:00

The college professor had just finished explaining an important research project to his class. He emphasized that this paper was an absolute requirement for passing his class, and that there would be only two acceptable excuses for being late. Those were a medically certifiable illness or a death in the student's immediate family. A smart ass student in the back of the classroom waved his hand and spoke up. "But what about extreme sexual exhaustion, professor?" As you would expect, the class exploded in laughter. When the students had finally settled down, the professor froze the young man with a glaring look. "Well," he responded, "I guess you'll just have to learn to write with your other hand."

A Case for More Beer

2007-11-20T17:27:00.000-08:00

A Case for More Beer

A herd of buffalo can move only as fast as the slowest buffalo, and when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular culling of the weakest members.

In much the same way the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, we all know, kills off brain cells, but naturally it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first.

In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, constantly making the brain a faster and more efficient machine.

A Bug

2007-11-20T17:22:00.000-08:00

A Bug

very night, Frank would go down to the liquor store, get a six pack, bring it home, and drink it while he watched TV. One night, as he finished his last beer, the doorbell rang. He stumbled to the door and found a six-foot cockroach standing there. The bug grabbed him by the collar and threw him across the room, then left.

The next night, after he finished his 4th beer, the doorbell rang. He walked slowly to the door and found the same six-foot cockroach standing there. The big bug punched him in the stomach, then left.

The next night, after he finished his 1st beer, the doorbell rang again. The same six-foot cockroach was standing there. This time he was kneed in the groin and hit behind the ear as he doubled over in pain. Then the big bug left.

The fourth night Frank didn't drink at all. The doorbell rang. The cockroach was standing there. The bug beat the snot out of Frank and left him in a heap on the living room floor.

The following day, Frank went to see his doctor. He explained events of the preceding four nights. "What can I do?" he pleaded. "Not much" the doctor replied. "There's just a nasty bug going around."

2007-11-20T17:12:00.000-08:00

4 Sons

hese 4 gents go out to play golf one sunny morning. One is detained in the clubhouse, and the other three are discussing their children while walking to the first tee.

"My son Kent," says one, "has made quite a name for himself in the home-building industry. He began as a carpenter, but now owns his own design and construction firm. He's so successful in fact, in the last year he was able to give a good friend a brand new home as a gift."

The second man, no to be out done, tells how his son began his career as a car salesman, but now owns a multi-line dealership. "Norm's so successful, in fact, in the last six months he gave his friend two brand new cars as a gift."

The third man's son, Greg, has worked his way up through a stock brokerage, and in the last few weeks has given a good friend a large stock portfolio as a gift.

As the fourth man arrives at the tee, another tells him that they have been discussing their progeny and asks what line his son is in.

"To tell the truth, I'm not very pleased with how my son turned out," he replies. "For 15 years, Chico's been a hairdresser, and I've just recently discovered he's gay. However, on the bright side, he must be good at what he does because his last three boyfriends have given him a brand new house, two cars, and a big pile of stock certificates."

queso

2007-10-22T18:29:00.000-07:00

The event peaked at the National Final on 5th October at SM Mall of Asia, to a crowd of over 5000 people.... QUESO took out the honours to represent their country in the World Final in Hong Kong on November 25th, and are the first confirmed world finalist. Presented and organized by Pulp Magazine, the Philippines took WBOB to new heights with 60 000 CD’s of entrants songs which were distributed through Pulp. The public text voted or voted on-line for their favorite band. The top 3 (FASPITCH, QUESO,SIN) then toured the country, with more voting taking place The Philippines embraced WBOB this year with heavyweight sponsors and media partners including Jagermeister, Pulp Magazine, Smart Mobile, Cebu Pacific, MTV, and NU107.

Sporting a new name and a more inventive approach to songwriting, the band formerly known as Cheese, oddly, recently came out with their third self-titled album. The group, widely-considered as the most innovative act to come out of local music’s nu metal phase, was originally formed by former drummer Pao Rosal, guitarist Enzo Ruidera and lead vocalist Ian Tayao in 1995 as a Foo Fighters and Stone Temple Pilots cover band. The group, which has throngs upon throngs of fans aptly nicknamed “mga daga,” has undergone a few line-up changes and is now composed of vocalist Tayao, Ruidera, drummer Robert dela Cruz, guitarist 8 Toleran, percussionist CJ Olaguera and bassist 2ts Calinawan.

Why did your band join the WBOB?

Tuts Calinawan: I'm curious to know din e... Wala land siguro, fun?

Why do you think you can win?

Tuts Calinawan: Can't speack for the rest of the band, pero ayoko isipin masyado na competition ' to e. Karamihan din sa kasali tropa namin e, sa akin, libreng promotion e, new album's out e, so... 'yun.

Why did you choose “Insekta” to represent your band on the CD?

Tuts Calinawan: No special reason, "Insekta" was next up para maging single, sakto lang din para sa WBOB.

You've got to be kidding us if you say you haven't heard the new excellent album from these guys. But just in case, Queso's third self-titled full-length is available in most record bars nationwide, and through their official website www.quesopilipinas.com. You can also check out the band's page at http://www.myspace.com/quesopilipinas. Turn it up loud... and band your head.

Cristine reyes

2007-10-18T23:05:00.000-07:00

It wasn’t scary at all, was it?
Well, now that it’s done, not anymore. But I was really scared a week before.

So scared you cried over it, say some news sources. Why?
It wasn’t so much that I would be doing the shoot, it was because I felt I needed to work out some more in preparation for the shoot. Natakot ako kasi di ba if I’m going to be on the cover dapat yung sexy talaga ako? Believe it or not, last week may bilbil ako. Kaya nag-crash diet ako. As in pag may nakahaing rice, isang kutsara lang ang kinakain ko para matikman ko lang siya!

We only set the whole thing rolling a week ago, yet we’ve been waiting three years for you.
Thank you, and I feel very flattered. It makes it even more special because I was still 15 back then. But here I am finally. What can I say? Thank you dahil sobrang naging patient kayo sa akin.

This will officially be the day Cristine Reyes becomes a big sexy star. More than a hundred thousand copies out and there’s no taking them back.
Ako?! (Hesitates) Eh…yata…ewan! Hindi ko alam, ayokong magsabi na sexy ako! I mean, yung ginagawa ko kanina I can really say for myself na sexy yun. I myself was surprised when I saw the pictures—ako ba yan?! But there, that’s another reason I was so scared of being on the cover of FHM—mas takot ako kung anong sasabihin ng mga taong bibili ng FHM pag lumabas na siya.

See more red-hot pics of Cristine Reyes in FHM's August 2007 issue! Available now!

Wes Borland Rejoins Limp Bizkit

2007-10-16T19:18:00.000-07:00

Limp Bizkit have announced that former guitarist Wes Borland has rejoined the group. In a posting on his blog, frontman Fred Durst described the guitarist's return as "pretty dope," and visitors to the band's official site are greeted by photos of the group jamming.

The return of Borland means the end of Limp Bizkit's involvement with his replacement, Mike Smith. When Smith joined the group in April 2003, Durst declared the new chemistry "dope" and promptly killed the album the group had completed before his arrival.

Limp Bizkit have cancelled plans for a previously announced fall tour and have delayed the release of their greatest-hits album until 2005 while they complete an album of new material.