Back in the year 1988, when I was once a spirited and timid youthful girl of five, my father who was then a reputable Marine Engineer took me to my foremost beach jaunt along with my other siblings. Boy, did I have such a blast! Despite my obvious lack of skill in swimming, I embraced the cold salty waters of the beach while forcefully flexing my arms and legs trying my best to swim as far away as I could from the safety of the shores.

This photo of Sunset in Boracay by Katrina Tuliao

Stubborn as I once was, I failed to realize what might happen had I pursued such infantile behavior. My father was by my side in an instant, angered and annoyed by my stupefaction. I could not bear in mind the exact words he spoke at that moment but his actions where too hard to miss. Unperturbed by my father’s irritation, I marveled at the beautiful gleaming waters ahead and wished that someday I will have the strength and energy to swim its unpredictable current just like my father. At that same moment I knew my heart was captivated and had fallen in love with the exceptional wonders of beaches.

Years passed and my father, who only came home from overseas twice a year, knew that we all shared the same passion and enthusiasm for beaches. He was what you will fondly call a typical ‘beach boy.” Despite his occasional visits he made sure that he still had the time and vigor to take us out to the beach whenever he was home. My father was no surfer but he was an excellent swimmer and an avid fan of scuba diving and snorkeling.

This photo of Boracay’s White Sand Beach by Bren Buenaluz

I treasured those wonderful memories I’ve had with my father and the rest of my siblings. It was during those moments, despite its simplicity and spontaneity, that my father revealed unmistakable bliss whenever we went to the beach. Sometimes I craft unrealistic wishes that someday, I may possibly bring back those moments, yet as difficult as it may seem, I finally succumb to the obvious that my hope will remain as it is, a memory.

Traveling to Boracay has always been my dream. I created this video clip as a Tribute to depict the exquisite and unparalleled beauty of Boracay. The photos are enough to make you want to jump there this instant…

When I was in high school, before reaching my sixteenth birthday, my father died of kidney complications, and so did my dreams of traveling to far and wide stunning beaches of the Philippines. I was utterly depressed, lost, and oblivious to the world within my common sensitivity and focused only in doing things most people expected from me, without really embracing what I wanted to do with my life.

This photo of Sailing in Boracay by Harri J

It was only after I gave birth to my first born son that I come to realize the importance of seeking out your true passion in life and finding absolute happiness. Indeed, I felt exceptional happiness when I got married and became a mother. However, these are just a portion of the pool of opportunities you can take hold of, but you still have to carry on your journey until you finally reach your potential and live up your dreams.

Now, I can say that I am taking my fair share in living up to my passion and staying clear from that mundane existence that I so foolishly locked myself in. As much as I can, I wish to travel to beaches across the country that I have never dared thought that I will be given the opportunity to experience.

This photo of Sunset in Boracay by Harri J

If you ask what was the first thing that came into my mind when I first heard of a chance to be part of the Boracay Blogger’s tour? I will have to say my father and how he would have wanted to see me travel to one of the world’s most renowned beaches, proudly located in the Philippine Islands. I have never really been to Boracay my entire life and despite my ardent desire to visit its glorious beauty, I am left with other expenses in which my attention is greatly needed.

This photo of Children in Boracay by Ken Wilson Lee

So, I thought my trip to Boracay would just have to wait but with this marvelous opportunity hosted by SEAIR and Microtel Inns & Suites, I said to myself, what have I got to lose? Just like everyone who joined this contest, I too crave for Boracay’s majestic clear blue waters and white sand beaches beyond comparison, including trying out a fraction of its featured water sports such as parasailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, and kitesurfing to name a few.

This photo of Coconut Trees in Boracay by Roberto Verzo

I’ve always thought of Boracay as the perfect destination not only for tourists but much as well for Filipinos. Other than traveling to beaches across the country, I have a penchant for taking pictures of the places I visit. I always have this innate desire to capture the natural beauty of a place or object and share this with others. I’m not a professional photographer but I greatly admire creativity and beauty. That is why I am quite excited to visit Boracay in order to take pictures of the place and share them to the world.

This photo was taken during my early childhood days with my family. The bare-chested and well-built man is my Father. I’m dedicating this post to my father who died last May 21, 1998. We miss and love you so much!

Without a doubt, discovering Boracay will be a remarkable and extraordinary trip that will always be etched in my heart and mind, if I were one of the chosen few!

Note:

I would like to thank SEAIR (South East Asian Airlines) and Microtel Inns & Suites for giving bloggers this once in a lifetime opportunity for a chance to win a trip to Boracay and join the Boracay Blogger’s Tour this year!

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