2014 Philippine Holidays

As per Proclamation No. 655, s. 2013 signed by the President of the Philippines, Benigno S. Aquino III, declaring Regular Holidays, Special Non Working Days and Special Holiday for all School, for the year 2014.

January 1 (Wednesday) - New Year's Day (Regular Holiday)
January 31 (Friday) - Chinese New Year (Special Non Working Day)

February 25 (Tuesday) - EDSA Revolution Anniversary  (Holiday for all Schools)

April 9 (Wednesday) - Day of Valor (Regular Holiday)
April 17 (Thursday) - Maundy Thursday (Regular Holiday)
April 18 (Friday) - Good Friday (Regular Holiday)
April 19 (Saturday) - Black Saturday (Special Non Working Day)

May 1 (Thursday) - Labor Day (Regular Holiday)

June 12 (Thursday) - Independence Day (Regular Holiday)

August 21 (Thursday) - Ninoy Aquino Day (Special Non Working Day)
August 25 (Monday) - National Heroes Day (Regular Holiday)

November 1 (Saturday) - All Saints Day (Special Non Working Day)
November 30 (Sunday) - Bonifacio Day (Regular Holiday)

December 24 (Wednesday) - Additional Non Working Special Day 
December 25 (Thursday) - Christmas Day (Regular Holiday)
December 26 (Friday) - Additional Non Working Special Day 
December 30 (Tuesday) - Rizal Day (Regular Holiday)
December 31 (Wednesday) - Last Day of the Year (Special Non Working Day)


Source : Official Gazette

Real Buy to Boracay

Boracay is one of the liveliest tourist paradise in the the Philippines.
May it be summer or rainy season, people would always flock the island for its beautiful beach and its fine white sand.

A tour to this island can cost a fortune if you fell on traps. The island is too marketable that everything seems to be at a premium. Disregard those people asking your information for a free buffet dinner. Ignore agents asking you to try the adventure packages nicely, and if in case you avail one, haggle to 50% right away, especially if you're on a big group. They won't give it half the price though, but they will lower their prices to  more moderate rates.

Airfare can be costly too, so plan your trip months before. Grab the promos offered by most budget airlines. Kalibo bound routes are often on sale.

First timers to Boracay need not be afraid of what to do next once landed in Kalibo. From the airport, there are are numerous shuttle vans going to Caticlan Port. Do not avail of the "transfers" offered by the hotels for this will cost you double. Instead, take the shuttle van from Kalibo airport to Caticlan Jetty Port. Then secure a boat ticket at the ticket booth once in 

Caticlan Pier going to Cagban harbor.

Once you've reached the Cagban Port, take the tricycles to bring you to your hotel or where you wanted to be dropped. Maximum of 3 people per tricycle or pay the "special" ride so it can leave.

Hotels aren't that expensive if you have the chance to scan their rates.
Since you're in Boracay and your agenda is to walk the shore barefooted and to stay outdoor most of the time, pick the popularly priced accommodations.

Foods aren't that pricey at all. There are fastfood chains around with the usual meal value.

Your trip to Boracay isn't complete without spending a night to whatever kind of partying or celebrating that suits your mood- may it be jazz, soft, live or loud dance music, name it, it's all there! 

"What happens in Boracay, stays in Boracay", so party your heart out! :-)

Boracay is not Bora

 When talking of white sand beach, the first place on my mind is Boracay, voted many times over as the finest beach not just in the Philippines but the entire world. 

Unfortunately, the island is too commercialized and the ingrate businessmen are flocking the island, building establishments without concerning the natural environment. It is only fair that those establishments listed as "destroyer" of the beautiful island of Boracay must be put down.

For a traveler like me, I am not after those 5-Star accommodations that proudly showing the magnificence of the establishment's architecture. Even if I have the money, I won't stay to such a place that damages the environment and its natural assets. I won't even take a picture of how beautiful the engineering behind the pricey property. 

If for some the place is tiring and misquoted, the island of Boracay isn't just a paradise, it's my sunny place. Been there many a time, but always excited to land my foot and walk the exceptionally fine white sand of the famous beach of Malay, Aklan. 

Click on thumbnails to show larger picture.