THE ULTIMATE BARKADA GETAWAY GUIDE

No more classes. No more books. No more teachers’ dirty looks! Yup, it’s summer time and what better way to enjoy than to gather around the gang for some serious barkada bonding, and head off to an interesting destination that will surely nurture your friendships and make you guys experience the essence of true camaraderie.

First things first! Where do you people go? Are you guys beach bunnies? Or do you want to rough it out with some serious mountain climbing? Or perhaps just chill in the cool climate of the country’s summer capital? Well, with Young Star’s getaway guide, we won’t just tell you where to go, we’ll even tell you how to get there.

So get your butt moving, start calling your pals, pack your stuff, buckle up, and enjoy the ride! You’re about to have a blast.

BORACAY, AKLAN

If you’re in the mood for some serious sun worshipping, sand action, and beach partying, think no more! Boracay is still "the" ultimate beach destination in the country. The lure of the White Beach, the lively nightlife, and the amazing aqua blue waters is just too strong to resist. Some fast facts…

HOW TO GET THERE: Come on board and fly the friendly skies. You can either land on Kalibo wherein you have to take about an hour and a half drive to Caticlan; or you can choose an airline, which lands in Caticlan right away. You then take a 30-minute boat ride, and expect to be moved by the most beautiful beach in the Philippines.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

THE BEACH. The first thing you notice when you near Boracay island is the spectacular site of the nine-kilometer powdery white beach. And this strip is where all the action is. Resorts, restos, and shops are all scattered on the White beach and, of course, there’s no better way to get around than walk! So remember to bring a sturdy pair of slip-ons! Now if you want to escape all the frenzy and the throngs of tourists, then you might wanna head on over to other side of the island. Bulabog Beach is a lot tamer and windier, too (a true windsurfer’s paradise!). Rent a motorbike for P150/hour and drive around to discover the Bat Cave and Puka Beach. If you go farther, you’ll actually catch a shipwreck north of the main beach. Go farther up, and you’ll reach Mount Luho, the highest point of the Island. The view is simply breathtaking! Explore other equally gorgeous sites on the island by renting a pump boat (P600/half day or depending on how you haggle with the boat man) and snorkeling gear! Or if you feel extra adventurous, we suggest a ride in a Paraw, an indigenous boat with dual sails. Take a side trip to Diniwid Island or to the quiet cove of Baling Hai.

BARKADA ACTIVITIES. One of the most fun things you can do in Boracay as a group is to go banana boating! Speed up and laugh it out with the gang. It’s a thrilling experience for P200/head. Apart from this, there are a lot of activities they offer from diving to boating. You’ll never be bored!

THE GRUB. On this island, get ready for gastronomic delights. The food picks we have here taste even better when the beach, the ambience, and the island music are all thrown in to complete the food-tripping picture. You have to try…

Mango Banana Shakes at Jonah’s. They’re the best!

Moondogs Pizzas in Moondog’s Shooter’s Bar. Yummy!

Paella in El Torro. Loaded with seafood!

Indian cuisine and vegetarian delights in True Food.

Bakalaw in Banza. A Portuguese special, indeed!

Crepes galore at Café Bretonnes. Hmm…you just have to!

Pizza and pasta at Hey Jude! Definitely the most happening resto in Bora today!

Blue Marlin Salpicao at Waling-Waling! Heavenly.

Gelato at Ice Rock! Nothing beats the taste of home-made ice cream.

Burritos at Mañana. Dig in if you’re up for some Mexican.

And of course, for the ultimate food trip on a budget, talipapa food is tops. For as low as P299, you can have three main dishes, rice, and flowing drinks! Indulge!

SHOP ’TIL YOU DROP. Boracay is a lot more commercial now, what with a sprawling beachfront mall (conveniently call D’Mall) and an erected tourist center on the beach strip. But shopping is still best done at the Talipapa. Take a tricycle and for P10/head, you’re there.

Trust us, items at the talipapa are so much cheaper! Looking for some summer shorts, dresses, beads galore, handicrafts, and sarongs? Name it, it’s there! Pasalubong overload, indeed! Make sure you have enough pocket money.

FOR SERIOUS R&R. Mandala Spa is the place to be in Boracay today. The rates are a bit steep but patrons swear by the heavenly experience. It’s worth checking out. But if you’re in a tighter budget, try those who walk around the beachfront. For P250, it’s not a bad deal at all.

IT’S PARTY TIME. Arrive on a full moon weekend and for sure beach parties are everywhere! But full moon or not, the nightlife is still something to be fascinated about. And what makes the entire experience more fun is that you’re with your pals dancing the night away! See the island come alive with a different flavor as island music fills the air and sun-tanned (and some sun burned) people spend the night bar-hopping. Cocomangas is still a hot hang out with good music, cool crowd, billiard tables, the most popular 15 And Still Standing. Beachcomber can also get pretty packed. Bom Bom’s Bar and the live music can sure draw a crowd. There’s also a new air-conditioned disco called The Wave.

SIARGAO. So you’ve heard that the surf’s up. Damn straight it is! This was actually an intelligent ploy on Siargao’s part to get you curious. In reality, there’s just so much more to this part of our country than meets the eye. Although the whole Mindanao aspect of it still tends to turn vacationers off…it’s definitely worth a visit at one point in your life.

HOW TO GET THERE:

You can choose to start your journey by landing in Cebu, taking a ferry to Surigao as you get there. Your other option is to fly from Manila to Butuan (daily on PAL). Upon arrival at the Butuan airport, you can hire an air-conditioned car or min-ivan to take you to whichever resort you’re booked in.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

PIPELINE PLEASURES So it’s not the only thing Siargao has to offer, but surfing does play a mighty big part in attracting tourists! The ever-alluring Cloud 9, the best surf spot in the Philippines, has waves that climb all the way to 12 feet! The local kids can actually rival the veterans…being able to get on that board and have a crack at it anytime they want. It’s a pleasant atmosphere to chill out, enjoy the sun, and mingle with anybody and everybody who’s after the same thing…to catch that awesome wave!

ROUGH IT UP Again, to all of you out for a walk in the park (comfort-wise, that is), Siargao may not be the place for you. It’s an all-out wayward adventure! Not necessarily for a full-on action hero ready to engage in war, but definitely for the strong-willed and determined fools willing to try anything once! No extension cords for your hair dryers in those caves…so be prepared.

(To be continued)