MANILA, Philippines - Where we comb Boracay’s White Beach for a few faces of the Dragon Boat Race —and their thoughts on everyone’s favorite island. Whatever happens, don’t call it Bora.
Jess, Lamma Ladies (HK) paddler
“We always have fun, no buts about it. We out-pink, out-paddle, out-party! Best places are Summer Place and Nigi-Nigi-Noo-Noo’s! We take over Nigi’s and Victory Divers so it kind of turns into a little pink village when we’re there.”
Joe, race volunteer for security and island resident
“People throw a lot of trash on the ground and as a divemaster, I’m out there all the time and I see all the trash in the ocean. It’s really frustrating; people perceive Boracay as just a place to party but really, it’s a very delicate ecosystem here.”
Rachel, fire woman and Boracay Bumshells paddler
“Starting May 3, makakatikim na ako siguro ng alcohol kasi for the past two months, I’ve been waking up at 6 a.m., training at 7, going home at lunchtime. Then training again, coming home, babagsak by 8 in the evening. Nagpakatino ako this year eh.”
Patrick, UP paddler
“During the ’07 race, it was like the UN. There was a German beside you, an American in front of you, Brazilian models behind you. Craziest thing I did was run from the beach to the shore naked.”