Melo Villareal
When I want to get away for the weekend, the first place that comes to mind is Boracay. Why? Simply because I love it. I’ve already gone four times this year and if you are a friend or follower on Facebook or Twitter, you know that I have been all over the Philippines and Boracay will always be my island of choice.
A typical morning in Boracay
But isn’t Boracay overrun with tourists and over developed to the point of someone like you or me not being able to enjoy it? Perish the thought. Boracay is still a place where you can let your hair down (or get it braided) and kick off your shoes for some sun-downers and the chance to just get away from it all.
A reminder from Centrum
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not a complete Bum who can take time off whenever he wants. I work a regular 9-5 job but the key is to time management. When people ask me how I do it, I just tell them the truth. I eat healthy meals, take vitamins, focus on my work when I’m working, and make sure I’m organized about my scheduling.
Boracay Sunset
But, back to Boracay. You know what I did last weekend? Yup. I took a Cebu Pacific flight to Boracay. Flew right to Caticlan Jetty Port and took a tiny boat trip to reach Patio Pacific Resort. Three nights and two days of bliss. A deluxe room with all the amenities – but come on – I don’t go to Boracay to hang out in the hotel room. I go to Boracay to get my feet wet and enjoy the experience.
My Room in Patio Pacific Resort
Now, I should tell you, this was a trip sponsored by Centrum and as much as I might have wanted to get my snorkel gear and dive into the perfect waters, I had some work to do.
Helmet Diving in Boracay
Well, okay – work might be an overstatement. I ate, lounged by the pool, and then had to go to dinner at Gasthof which is located near D’Mall. This is my favorite restaurant in Boracay and the food was still great but I was a little disappointed to see the prices had gone up… but nevermind the price.. Grilled Babyback ribs will tell you why:)
ATV Ride
The next morning I was surprised when a hotel staff delivered a promo pack of Centrum vitamins and reminded me that breakfast is ready in the resort. I want to lose a bit of weight and probably should have passed on the two peanut butter sandwiches and coffee, but that’s the way it goes.
Inside a Zorb in Boracay (I’m a poser LOL)
Finally, it was time to get in the water. We were doing a helmet dive. This is a bit like the old school diving you see with the helmet providing you air. No breather, no regulator. It was cool. Walking around on the sea floor like it’s the rain forest.
Complete Boracay Vacation
After the helmet dive we went out for breakfast ( I know – that’s breakfast #2 for me, I’ll never lose weight that way) at Real Coffee in Station 1. I thought about passing on it but those calamansi muffins and pancake with fresh fruits ruined my diet plans.
Gambas at Ole Restaurant
Anyway, we had a big day ahead with a Zorb Ride and an ATV Ride. I was excited to do the Zorb again so imagine my disappointment at finding out that my 80+ kg put me over the limit. YES! I was too fat to participate!
The Beach is Perfect, Isnt it?
The ATV to Mt. Luho sort of made up for it, but I determined to get my appetite in control. That was before the al fresco buffet dinner at Bugs Grill in D’Mall. Oh Man.
This is why my vacation is Complete
I was upset with myself but because of the amazing spa treatment I’d booked at Neo Island Spa, I ended up going to bed that night without too much remorse but a determination to make the next day more healthy. That’s part of how I got hooked up with Centrum and focused on improving my health. I just need to organize my eating like I’ve organized my time off.
Travel Writers on top of Mount Luho
This was an amazing “Centrum Complete Getaway”. You can have one too. Centrum is running a promo where winners will get a complete all-expense paid trip for two to a local or international summer destination. The travel package includes airfare, accommodation, meals, hotel transfers, activities and even pocket money for your pasalubong shopping.
What’s the point? Centrum wants to encourage people to live a balanced life. Part of that is taking the time to enjoy life and another is making sure you get the vitamins and nutrients you need to stay healthy.
Centrum is picking winners for a Singapore, Hong Kong, Palawan, Boracay and Cebu travel package. Cebu Pacific Gift Certificates and round-trip airfare tickets will be given as consolation prizes. With more than 100 prizes up for grabs in the Centrum Complete Getaways promo, this is a contest that you could win. The promo started March 15 and will end on June 15, 2011. You still have time to get your perfect holiday getaway – for free!
