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Published: July 12th 2010
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It was the most pristine of places and it was the most polluted of places. Borocay and Manilla certainly present two different faces of the Philippines itself, and I’ve no doubt there are even more sides that exist in this country. However, staying in Borocay, a stunning beach of white sand and clear water in the morning and then walking through Manilla that same night, one can’t help to notice that a change has occurred. These places represent a larger idea of the Philippines, that it is a diverse nation and like any other, some parts may be more preferable than the other. With this statement, beauty is often in the eye of the beholder. Manilla was a city that offered a lot of history, culture and kind people. As for myself, I found the pristine and peaceful shore of Borocay more to my liking.
So what was my last part of the vacation in the Philippines like? Well, as soon as I was dropped off by my fellow teachers and students, I spent one week straight at a resort, balancing my time between eating, swimming and getting caught up on my Master’s. After a week of hard work and
a feeling of satisfaction, I was then able to fly from Cebu to Borocay. Waking up and swimming on the beach here is perhaps one of my favorite tropical memories thus far. Life simply seemed right as I swam through crystal clear waters on a day that offered perfect weather and smiling faces everywhere. For anyone interested in traveling here, you should be aware there is a vast array of hotel types. A very cheap, yet cozy single room can be rented, as I chose, or very high end family style lodging is available. With that, food options seem endless with choices as well as amounts. Borocay is simply a place to go and take in a true vacation. Whenever I recall the area, I do feel heavily tempted to return.
After a few days of swimming and relaxing, I then spent my last night in Manilla. As I had to catch a flight the next morning, I decided to try to get one day in Manilla. Once I arrived, a night time walk around my hotel was all that I had the time to do. Driving through Manilla and talking with the people, I got the sense that
the laid back atmosphere of Borocay was not the norm here. To be fair, I only really gave Manilla a handful of hours, and the people that I did meet were quite kind. For the most part, I had the impression this is a city in an intense state of growth, with some growing pains still in evidence. Like all cities, there is poverty and issues of crime. However, I think I was warned more about Manilla then I have been when traveling through parts of the Middle East. Nothing bad happened to me, and it was a pleasant night. If the city continues to progress as the people I met, in the near future Manilla will only become a better place to see.
As I flew back to Taiwan after such an intense vacation, and as I finish up this blog entry currently, I’ve realized something about my traveling preferences. I had a great time working with the students and helping the local village community. Vacations that are limited to only being a passive observer of the land now seem quite dull in contrast. In reality, I’ve come to the conclusion that I want to take more ‘active’
Sunset time on the beach
Perhaps this begins my modeling career? vacations. While I’m still developing how this will work out, a few ideas may soon become my new style. First, perhaps every place I travel to I find an opportunity to spend some time working in the community. Second, I may start a new blog (while maintaining this one), in which I would attempt some journalism with seeking to show and explain important local stories that have yet to be exposed. Third, at the time of this writing, I have completed my Master’s (Yes, finally!) and there may be more opportunities of now working with non government organizations in meeting needs of the local people. Perhaps all three of these will occur to some degree, I suppose that’s the worthwhile side of adventure, you never really know what will happen. In the end, this is one thing I have come to realize: Being involved and working in the Philippines has caused a change within me, a change that seeks to be more connected with the area I go to, for the betterment of the community, and for myself. Thanks to the Philippines for helping me to discover something new.
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anonymous
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Boracay is indeed beautiful! You might want to consider visiting Bohol the next time you go to my country Mr. Bryant. Bohol is a little island paradise in the southern Philippines and a trip there will be incomplete if you won't at least catch a glimpse of the Chocolate Hills. maria (singapore)