The impending closure of Boracay has sparked excitement for those at other destinations, imagining inheriting the tourists originally intending to visit the soon-to-be shuttered island – great thinking but wait.
My first visit to Boracay was in the early eighties. It was still primitive back then, no electricity and very few places to stay. That was history. 35 years later, it has made a big jump; Boracay is a “MUST destination.”
Politicians and investors have since entered the scene; along with violators, who managed to acquire the blessing of local government officials and “who cares” government agencies, and took advantage of the opportunity without a care for health in the coming decades.
It is by God’s graces that President Rodrigo Duterte raised his fist to declare the closure of the world’s largest swimming pool.
Many resort owners outside the island seem happy with the temporary closure because they feel their resorts will be “the alternative.” “Oh Yes, Oh No;” that is what we can tell them – if your resort can match the fun, excitement, and experience Boracay has to offer day and night.
Boracay attracts over 80 percent of leisure travelers, those not only looking for the beach and sand, but seeking the entertainment side of the island – nightlife. There is no match for island nightlife.
During the day, the island is a sleepy beachfront. Hundreds can be seen swimming and sunbathing. By sunset, they are ready to party. Where else is there such a destination?
For Sipalay City resorts, they lack an active nightlife – the same goes for Panglao and destinations in Palawan. If these destinations can offer fun like Boracay, then they can call themselves an “alternate destination.”
Resorts are now very careful not to create a “Boracay Part 2,” where another environmental problem is discovered by the president.
We applaud Duterte’s actions because he knows his fellow countrymen misbehaved with environmental concerns and it serves as a big lesson to all.
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This column greets Art Colmedora, Lito Aves, Stephen Alquiza, Renato Novero, Butch Gerasmo, Danny Dangcalan, Rodel Parcon, Sammy Montoyo, Vladi Gonzales, Charo Lagamon, Paolo Araneta, Reuben Tampos, Raymund Quinto, and Neel Abordaje./WDJ