The #1 Island in the World: Boracay Island

What a great start of the year! I finally had the chance to visit the #1 island of the world and it's right here in the Philippines. Of course I'm talking about Boracay Island, located in Aklan Province.

I've heard a good amount about Boracay's commercialization, crowded beaches and crazy nightlife, but no one can accurately describe the vast white sandy beaches. If the nightlight isn't your scene, I recommend spending some extra cash and stay in one of the luxurious resorts in Station One. Apparently, the most expensive hotels are located in Station One and gets more inexpensive further down the beach to Station Three, where you'd expect the larger crowds and noise.

On January 5, I witnessed the union of my family friend, kuya Anthony, and his long time girlfriend, ate Cristina, of six years. It was not only my first time in Boracay, but my first beach wedding...and it was delightfully gorgeous. Imagine the soft white sand between your toes, the sunset in the background illuminating the newly married couple and the blues and grays changing to a soft orange and yellow. Just breathtaking and inspiring. The ceremony was lovely and the message given by the pastor was a great reminder of what a covenant marriage is suppose to be, as Christ in the center. I must admit, my heart longed for my day to come. 

Here are a few photos of the wedding.

It was such a lovely ceremony and I'm so glad to have been part of it. Here's to a lasting and love-filled marriage! To More photos!

The next day, we spent our day island hopping and enjoying whatever Boracay has to offer. Fifteen of us decided to split a banka which came up to P132/person for about four hours. Not a bad deal, right? Ate Cristina organized it so that we met the banka captain on the beachfront of Astoria Hotel, where we checked in and paid up front.

Oh, that awkward moment when you're the only one jumping in the so-called jump shot. 

Lacking Some Travel and Adventure Here!

Hmmm...not much traveling going on lately.  ::sad face::

Maybe that's because for the past few months my life has been all about staying-in. I've been here and there, but no where as exciting as my previous posts. Well I can always write about one aspect of Dumaguete through the eyes of a local; might not be as appealing compared to an excursion to Palawan or Tacloban (tentative trips this coming October). What do you think? Do you care if I post about weddings in the Philippines, events at my college campus, restaurants and/or hole-in-the-wall joints I happen to stumble upon, etc.? Maybe you just really don't care. I'd probably guess the latter.

OK, here we go. No holds barred. I'm not limiting this blog anymore! See you guys very soon!


Till next time,
Tina

US Virgin Islands

Wow, this post is long overdue! To make a looong-expired story short, I met up with Paul down in the Virgin Islands, specifically in St. John to gain some experience in the field with him and his team. I too had the opportunity to be part of multiple projects lead by Paul's graduate students, John and Rachel. It was an awesome and fun experience getting in the water, comparing the Caribbean marine life to the Pacific. I thank God that all of my accommodations, food, and amenities were taken cared of by Paul and his godsend funding. Everyone was so kind and friendly. Paul and John were so helpful with brainstorming ideas for my thesis and getting the methodologies and field techniques down. It was a unique experience and I spent a good three weeks getting to know these awesome people.

So, here are some photos of my time in the water and the neat places I visited. Enjoy :)

The research lab part of the Virgin Islands Environmental Research Station (VIERS) was located on Great Lameshur bay.

Our Accommodations at VIERS

The Crew

Paul Sikkel, John Artim, Rachel Welicky, Elizabeth Brill, Lance Renoux, Joe Sellers, Starlene Loerch

Taking a Swim

Not as diverse as the Pacific, but still very beautiful.

   

In The Field

These are some fish cages for our gnathiid experiments. Cages were placed next 

to live and dead coral for parasite infestation comparisons. 

   

The Buggers

Adult gnathiid parasite: female (left) and male (right)

Customized fish cages for juvenile fish.

The Island

These are taken from a trail between Small and Big Lameshur bay overlooking the ocean. 

Haulover Bay, Leinster Bay, Trunk Bay and Maho Bay

Downtown: Cruz Bay

 Original ice cream of St. John!

They have really great burgers and plenty of souvenirs there too. 

Conch Fritters!

St. John looked lovely, right? I'd love to bring my family down there in the future. I didn't take nearly enough photos. I failed to include Sloop Jones, Aqua Bistro, and the shops of Cruz Bay.