Summer, temperature in the high 30’s. Where do sun worshippers want to be? Where the sea breeze is blowing and the water is blue and cool. Boracay, in a heartbeat. 

Deprived of travel to paradise for over two years, the best island welcome should be nothing less than a red carpet. Better yet, one in a deeper shade of red, like a “Crimson” carpet. It will be a well-deserved indulgence. 

It’s a VIP treatment that starts upon arrival at the Caticlan airport. Guests are escorted to the Crimson Boracay’s Welcome Pavilion a short drive away for refreshments and a first dose of fresh ocean breeze in the privacy of a seaside lounge. No mob, no queues, nothing of the Caticlan Jetty Port bustle. The private satellite facility is the first of its kind by any Boracay Island resort. It’s a unique service that sets the bar high in providing guests with an exclusive and seamless arrival experience. It also presents a preview of what lies ahead in the island resort— warm hospitality, modern comforts, refreshing retreat, the serenity of seclusion and most importantly, superb service. 

Departing from the marina of the Welcome Center, the scenic speed boat ride offers a glimpse of the island action as it zips through the 5-kilometer stretch of Boracay’s White Beach. Station 3, Station 2, Station 1, are seen from a different perspective. The ride slows down as it approaches a cove with a secluded beach, stopping at a private floating jetty. It’s the destination: Crimson Resort & Spa at Station Zero. 

The stylish arrival by sea, a secluded beach, an enticing pool and multi-level white structure in modern tropical architecture collectively incites excitement, whispering amorously, “Everything you need and want is here.” And the message etches deeper into the subconscious as one takes a walk thru the impressive resort facilities and manicured courtyards, thru the tropical chic lobby onto a stately suite where large, floor-to-ceiling picture windows frame the picturesque Boracay skyline. Fair warning, sunset viewing from the private sanctuary can draw intimacy. 

It may be a challenge to let go of the suite’s lavish embrace and suppress the call of the Boracay sun, sand and surf. The suites are spacious, showered with comfort and modern appointments that can pamper any worldly traveler. The private plunge pool or the bathtub will seduce anyone to stay in. It’s an option. 

But don’t give in too soon. There’s still a world to explore in Crimson Boracay, the cuisine is one. Whether you want to extend the romantic interlude over fine wine and mouthwatering grilled fare at Mosaic Latin American Grill, or kiss ocean-view mornings with a hearty breakfast at Saffron Cafe, or prefer the sight and sound of lapping waves and sea breeze at the seaside Azure Beach Club, the restaurants’ international food listing can take you on a gastronomic journey across the globe. Italian? Indian? Japanese? Whatever your palate desires, the chefs can whip up delectable savories and saccharine wonders. 

Undeniably, the allure of Boracay is its turquoise blue waters and fine white sand. Crimson Boracay has its fair share. The location in a fine corner of a cove blesses the resort with a stretch of shoreline it can call its own. Its seclusion paints a picture of Boracay’s distant past when only a handful of people were lucky enough to walk the powdery carpet and swim in its cool waters. To frolic in the exclusive stretch in solitude is to relive the island’s yesteryears. 

While the cooling sea is an escape from the heat, so are the infinity pools molded on the different levels of the resort’s sloping terrain, each presenting a view that connects the still water to the ocean seamlessly. The difference? The absence of waves in the pools make the summer drink or the sunset cocktail on hand safe. 

Calling it a day? Not just yet. You may be longing to be back in the arms of the suite’s sweet embrace after a day of basking in the warmth of the tropical sun and watch it set in the horizon, frolicking at the beach and feasting on flavorsome bites, but an indulgent therapy at the spa is how to appropriately end the day. Any one of Aum Spa’s unique therapies is healing. It can quiet the mind, relax the tired body, and rejuvenate the sun-drenched skin. A good massage is a benchmark for a remarkable vacation. To deprive oneself of much-deserved pampering is a disservice to one’s soul. 

Now, sleep soundly on the firm bed wrapped in crisp white linen. Wake up to a brand new day with the hues of blue of the sky and sea glowing through the window. And, repeat the Crimson Boracay indulgence. 

Art runs in the veins of Crimson Boracay and artist-art lover-general manager Patrick Manthe is the beating heart. The man infused art into the resort’s ecosystem, even going beyond the walls of the resort and getting the community involved. 

Art is uplifting, a morale booster for both the creator and the spectator. The pandemic makes the thought more relevant than ever. Thus, a plan was conceived: to advocate art in all its forms and make the resort the art hub of Boracay. 

Initiating the art program, he invited Angono artist Eric Egualada to be the resort’s resident artist. Creative activities were formulated and executed. 

Inclusivity is exercised in art workshops. Not only are art classes offered to in-house guests, it also welcomes local residents and staff members, too. Why limit the glow of positivity art can exude? 

The adult classes take an interesting turn with the art and wine pairing sessions at the shoreline studio using the Azure beach Club at an appointed date and time. Perhaps fine wine can aid in the creation of fine art? 

Out of the studio to the dining hall, Art on a Plate merges art and cuisine. It offers a multi-sensorial experience that feasts the eyes with visually attractive plating, tickles the palate with the play of flavors while artists stage an audio-visual indulgence. 

The ARTS in Youth program aims to develop a new breed of talents. The Crimson Boracay will sponsor a select group of students through their artistic education. From color theory to style, the different media to discussion on art movements, the talents will be able to broaden their knowledge of art and perhaps discover their personal style. The artworks of the program’s first batch of students are on exhibit at the resort. 

The pursuit of creativity is unending. Expect more art activities at Crimson Boracay in the coming days. 

In a recent jeepneyjinggoy.com social media poll, Japan topped the list on the “Top 6 post-pandemic destinations of Davao travelers.” Food, culture and sights are the main reasons for visiting. The time of year to visit? The sweater weather seasons of Spring and Autumn are the preferred occasions. The former, having more votes, because the Cherry Blossoms are too gorgeous to miss, and the latter because who doesn’t want to dive into a sea of orange and gold? 

Unfortunately, Spring and Cherry Blossom lovers will miss the season and the blooms again (for the third time since the pandemic struck). To date, Japan has not laid down its welcome mat for the tourists. We will have to wait for the 2023 blooms. I can imagine how exciting that will be. 

What’s the favorite Japanese city to be in at Spring time? Tokyo and Osaka are on top of the list because of the accessibility airlines offer from Davao. But whatever the choice is, the season is special. It’s when the Cherry trees take centerstage and wow its audience with its blooms. 

Tokyo is currently a personal favorite (no matter the season, for that matter). Though I have visited other prefectures, I have yet to explore it as extensively as the capital city. Tokyo is a vibrant modern city with a pocketful of Old World surprises. Skyscrapers may rise and blazing neon signs multiply but ancient edifices remain. It’s having to enjoy the old and new in a single stop. 

Just as Japan keeps its man-made structures well-preserved, nature is afforded as much respect. Tokyo has its share of nature’s gifts. It may not be old by Japanese standards, but the gardens of the city are as charming as any other in the country. During the Sakura season, the locals find every chance to spend time outdoors to appreciate the transient beauty of the flowers. It’s called “Hanami” (flower viewing) and it is regarded as the most important event of the year. 

Sakura lovers, worry not. You can chase the flowering trees as they bloom across Japan. On the Sakura blooms calendar, the country’s southern prefecture of Kyushu Island is the earliest while the northernmost island of Hokkaido is last. Fukuoka in the south expects its first bloom on March 19 and full bloom on March 29. Sapporo in the North will have its first bloom on April 30 and full bloom on May 4. 

Wherever you choose to do your Hanami, it will be memorable. You can either do a walking Hanami through tunnels of flowering trees or spread a mat under a canopy of blooms. 

If you choose Tokyo, one of the most popular Hanami spots is Ueno Park. It lures in the crowd (the party crowd!). It can be a challenge to find a spot under hundreds of flowering Sakura trees. Believe it or not, people mark their spots with blue tarps (picnic mats) early in the day. As the evening comes and the 1000 lamps are lit the landscape is breathtaking. 

A Hanami experience along the Meguro River is also recommended. The river banks of the 8-kilometer river through several chic quarters makes for a pleasant stroll. At the Nakameguro district, paper lanterns illuminate the river and the blooms is a sight to see. Grab a beer from a pop-up stall and enjoy the view. 

For a fee and a limited time in the area, the Shinjuku Gyoen is one spot to visit. It’s one of Tokyo’s largest and most popular parks. Home to numerous cherry trees of diverse varieties, the park is a must-see place in the center of the energetic Tokyo district. 

Here’s a trivia on Hanami. 1.It’s a centuries-old practice in Japan that started in the Nara Period (710-794) with the appreciation of the Plum (ume) blossoms; 2. The attraction of Sakura came in the Heian Period (794-1185) then Hanami became synonymous to Sakura; 3. The Hanami chronicle: originally limited to the elite of the Imperial Court, spreading to the Samurais next, then to the commoners in the Edo period. The Shogun encouraged the Hanami (and feasting with food and sake) by planting Sakura trees; 4. The Japanese believed that kami dwells in the sakura; 5. Originally, the Sakura was used to forecast the year’s harvest and announce the rice-planting season. 

A love affair with the season’s spectacle is imminent. It can be love at first sight and something one won’t get enough of. Perhaps because it occurs once a year and swiftly at that. 

Also published in the SunStar Davao newspaper.

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Vaccines available, travel restrictions easing and the virus to be treated as endemic soon, it’s the green light we will all be waiting for. It’s time to move forward. After being cooped up for a long period, what will your big leap be? 

Businesses are eager to open their doors wide open— restaurants want to serve full capacity, entertainment centers want to reopen, the hospitality industry wants to operate in full force, tourism spots want to welcome back its visitors, schools want to fill its classrooms with students once more. 

Just as the airlines are hungry to fill up its fleet of wide-body aircrafts with passengers, the travelers are itching to hop on one to a destination they missed most. Perhaps more than shopping, which was accessible online in the course of the pandemic, it’s traveling that most people miss most. The itch needs a good scratching. As soon as traveling becomes hassle-free, globetrotters will leap and soar to where their heart desires. 

Where will I head first? Japan is on top of my list. The ramen and the desserts, the politeness of the people, the Cherry Blossom, the cool weather, the well-preserved old world architecture against the modern backdrop, nature highlighted on a pedestal, small streets waiting to be explored, the bullet train ride to another prefecture. Of course, the Sakura gives away the time of year I want to visit. Are they welcoming back tourists at the end of March? Most importantly, will they be granting tourists visas soon? 

I asked world wanderers on social media what the first post-pandemic destination will be. The place would register quickly for sure. From the 50 respondents, guess which countries scored highest? 

Japan ranked first with 15 points. The Japanese Consular Office in Davao will be happy to know this and pitch it to ANA to make the Davao-Tokyo direct flights happen. 

Unanimously, the top three reasons for the visit (and revisit) are 1. Food; 2. Culture; and 3. Nature & the sights. While there are those who dream to tick Japan off the bucket list, those who did have fallen in love with the Land of the Rising Sun. Yes, Japan can be pretty addictive. I can attest to it. 

“I had always been enamored with Japan and its fascinating food scene and culture,” shared Ken Ong. 

The USA came in second with 11 points. While the US is an ideal destination for the brood for its theme parks and shopping, family is the main reason for travel to the US this time. After years apart, many long for reuniting with loved ones. 

“I want to give my son a big hug,” shared Chari Gavino, who hasn’t been with his son for three years. 

South Korea is on the third spot with seven points, and you may have an idea why. The long lockdown period has viewers glued to Netflix and its myriad of K-dramas. It was an escape from the dreadful situation outdoors. 

And not to forget the BTS, who melted hearts like butter with their baby faces, fashion, smooth dance moves and melodic tunes. Travelers get the permission to dance their way to Seoul, live out K-drama scenarios in palaces, feast on authentic Korean cuisine and if lucky enough, have a selfie with a favorite boy band member. 

“I’ve indulged in so many K-dramas and BTS concerts during the pandemic so I want to cap it off with authentic kimchi, Samgyup and some Soju. Borahae!”, Bunny Sy exclaimed. 

Clearly, women dominated this destination for the reasons given above. For the men on the list, the food and weather were the primary reasons. “I want to relax in a cold place like Korea and see beautiful views. This covid is too much of a bad experience,” said Anthony Ang. 

The fourth placer is not just one country. With 4 points, these travelers want their pandemic-aborted European tour to happen soon. Deprived of travel for a long period, they might as well see as many countries as they can in one go, they said. It makes sense. 

Number five is Spain with three points. The reasons are varied- to see family, anniversary destination and fascination for the place and wanting to see it for the first time. 

Thailand and Hong Kong tied for the sixth spot. The former being culturally rich and gastronomically exciting, and the latter for its proximity and familiarity, and the thrilling big city vibe compacted in the small area. 

Votes came in for Vietnam, Taipei, UK, the Holy Land, Switzerland, even Iceland. 

Dream it, claim it. The Universe is very generous. All you have to do is ask. 

Now ready for boarding…. 

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