When the topic is amazing beaches with a thriving night life, Boracay almost always enters the conversation. It has everything you may be looking for – relaxation, beautiful ocean views, and a wild night out

image source: ilporticoboracay.net

Boracay is part of the territory of Malay in the province of Aklanand is just a few hours away from the capital town, Kalibo. The island is 2 kms. away from the north-western point of Panay. It consists of three barangays or barrios, namely, Balabag, Yapac, and Manoc-Manoc. The island is still home to its original Ati inhabitants.

There are many stories about where the name came from. Some say it is a derivative of the word borac, which means “cotton” in the vernacular, reflective of the snow-white, fine, and powdery sand found on the island. Others claim that the name came from the words bocay, which means white, and bora which means bubbles. Iberian invaders, however, came to know the place as Buracay, which, during the pre-colonial period, had only 100 inhabitants who planted rice and raised goats.

The island was, and still is, home to the Atis, a cultural minority of the Philippines. Local elite started buying up and acquiring land in the 1900’s, planting coconuts and other greens in the island, allowing for further progress and development.

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Boracay first caught people’s attention in the 70’s when the movie entitled Too Late the Hero was shot on location in the island and other parts of Caticlan, Aklan. The popularity of the island grew steadily, and it soon became a famous destination for backpackers. Its popularity continued to soar in the 80’s, and by the 90’s, Boracay was known as a world class summer destination. It finally won the award for “Best Island in the World” from Travel + Leisure in 2012.

Now, Boracay is internationally known, hosting big events such as the Boracay International Funboard Cup, which is a week-long competition, and the annual Philippine Dragon Boat Federation-sanctioned Dragon Boat races. The Asian Games Festival was supposed to be held in Boracay as well, but the fury of Typhoon Haiyan made this impossible.

Boracay is having so much new infrastructure nowadays, with beach resorts springing up everywhere and millions are spent on the island’s development to ensure better facilities and more accommodation for visitors of the island. With the countless activities Boracay offers – ATV rides, parasailing, horse-back riding, cliff diving, scuba diving, helmet diving, kite boarding, skim boarding, snorkeling, and so much more – it’s no wonder why a trip to Boracay is on many people’s bucket lists.

You can choose popular island activities in many parts of the island or you can go on a remote trail. The activities can be endless, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie out to get your heart racing, a couple on a romantic getaway, or out for a wholesome vacation with the whole family, everyone will find their favorite activity on the island. All these, combined with beautiful stretches of pristine beaches, good food, and a thriving night life, have certainly made Boracay deserving of all the accolades.

Have you ever wanted to titillate your senses with a breathtaking beach getaway in the Philippines? And have you always wanted to try the best drinks that the tropics have to offer?

If your answers are yes, then jump in and let this guide help you make your dream come true! These popular whimsical Filipino drinks are guaranteed to quench your thirst and satisfy your cravings for liquor. With these drinks in hand, you can turn your tropical island holiday into an experience of a lifetime!

Boracay Mix while clubbing in Boracay

The wonders of Boracay are already world-renowned, with the famed White Beach and the bustling night life as the top notch attractions. In this pulsating island, the Boracay Mix was born. It is a sweet alcoholic concoction that’s sure to make you lose track of your troubles, and your phone if you don’t slow down. Boracay Mix has rum, condensed milk, coffee, and chocolate. It’s like Boracay–delicious and packed with wonderful surprises.

Hit Puerto Galera with a Mindoro Sling

Puerto Galera is famous for its beautiful beaches and awesome diving spots, with some of the most diverse reefs in the world. But aside from the diving experience, you should also try the drink the place is known for: The Mindoro Sling. It’s got the staple rum of Filipinos—Tanduay—as base and lots of fruity goodness – mango, pomegranate, and calamansi added on in the mix, along with bits of apples and oranges and lots of ice. It really has the “punch” to beat the tropical heat.

Have some lambanog, or coconut wine in the beaches of Quezon Province

The Philippines’ Quezon province boasts of a wide array of beautiful islands and beaches where you can chill out in remote vistas, such as Borawan Island, Salibungot Island, and Minasawa Island, to name a few. It is often the best stop for nature lovers who want to go bird watching and just enjoy some solitude in the wild, untapped wonders of Quezon. While there, you can enjoy some locally distilled coconut wine, or lambanog, which is widely produced in Quezon. Lambanog is not for the faint of heart – at 45% for single distillation to 83% alcohol in the second. You can try some “home-made” wine from the locals, or you can buy some from stores, then bring it over to your chosen island, and chill with nature.

Greet Subic Bay with a glass of Manila Sunshine

Subic Bay a short drive away from Manila. Blue waters, white sand, and lots of restaurants and bars await you there, and what better way to enjoy it than with Manila’s new signature cocktail– the Manila Sunshine. It’s got lambanog as its base, along with a jolt of Tanduay Rum and triple sec, mango and pineapple flavors, and garnished with lemon grass and a pineapple slice. Indeed, it’s a drink that encompasses the spirit of Manila’s scorching heat.

Enjoy basi in Cabugao Beach

Ilocos Sur has much to offer, including two UNESCO Heritage sites and beautiful beaches, Cabugao being most well-known. Now, you should get to know the local beverage called basi, which is a type of wine extracted from sugarcane. There’s a whole ritual in making basi, with the wine being boiled and cooled in earthenware pots and jars. Fruits or barks are then added for flavor, covered with banana leaves, then allowed to ferment for several years.

So what are you waiting for? Make it a part of your bucket list to soak up the sun, swim in the clear blue waters, and savor these fun drinks as you sink your toes in the pristine sands of the Philippines’ finest beaches!

Image sources:

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