Pyro Studios of Canada has won multiple awards all over the world such as the Montreal International Fireworks Competition, the Globalfest Fireworks Competition and the Monaco Fireworks Competition. Pyro Studios will bring to the WPO 2009 an exciting show featuring the music of Journey and Arnel Pineda.

The Greatest Pyrotechnic Show on Earth

Marutayama of Japan started manufacturing its ornamental fireworks at the end of the Edo era in 1864. The company’s fireworks have been praised for “painting a dream in the sky” at the 1984 Los Angels Olympics and the Centennial Celebration of the Statue of Liberty. Marutamaya provides fireworks displays at Tokyo Disneyland.

NICO-Lünig Event GmbH of Germany is one of the leading sellers and producers of display fireworks in Germany. It has taken part in international fireworks competitions in China, Japan, Thailand, Spain, Sweden, France, Switzerland and the Philippines.

Parente Fireworks of Italy’s history dates back at least 100 years, with tradition and secrets handed down to several generations later. One of Parente’s most unforgettable performances is “Beach on Fire”, a 14-kilometer fireworks show in Venice.

Remote Effects Systems (RES) Specialty Pyrotechnics of U.S.A began operations in 1983 and provides fireworks for sporting, corporate, theatrical and touring musical productions. RES now provides over 250 displays annually both indoors and outdoors and distributes its line of pyrotechnic products worldwide.
Glorious Entertainment Production Limited of China was founded in 1920. Some of its stellar credits include fireworks at Bjork’s concert in 2008; Thai King 80th Birthday ceremony firework show in Thailand, and the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the Asian Games.

Explosive Productions Pty Ltd of Australia has more than 20 years of experience in the fireworks and pyrotechnic industry. Explosive Productions produced the designs used to win the 2005 & 2006 WPO. They also participated at the “Fiori di Fuco” Fireworks Competition in Italy, and the “Symphony of Fire” in Cape Town, South Africa.

Hanwha Corporation of Korea was founded in 1952. It has performed fireworks in big events including the 3rd Busan Multimedia Fireworks Show in 2007, a 50-minute firework and laser show at APEC 2006, and the opening and closing ceremonies of the Seoul Asian Games.

La Mancha Group International of the Philippines is the only company from South East Asia that has bagged honors from prestigious contests in Europe including the Hannover Fireworks Competition in Germany last year, and the Zagreb International Fireworks Festival held in Croatia earlier this year.

Checkout here for World Pyro Olympics 2009 Photos

If you are interested to join World Pyro Olympics 2009 Photo Contest, heres the mechanics.

The WPO Photo Festival is a photo contest for all photographers – amateur and professionals.

Pyro Olympics 2009 Photo Contest

Winners are determined in two stages:

1. Judges’ choice (select judges which may consist of any but not limited to the following)
a. Visual artist / Writer
b. Sponsoring company representative
c. Reputable Photographer
2. People’s choice (online voting thru WPO Photo site)

The photo competition will cover the five (5) Saturdays of the event starting November 21 to December 19, 2009.

How to join
1. The contest is open to all (point and shoot / DSLR) legal age person.
2. Interested parties may register by any of the following:
>Download a registration form from WPO 2009 website.
>Register at WPO 2009 Photo Festival secretariat at the venue.
2. Pay the Registration Fee to be able to join.
>P400 per person inclusive of entrance ticket to the general viewing area for one (1) night.
>P600.00 per person inclusive of entrance ticket to the special viewing area for one (1) night.
This allows the contestant to submit a maximum of three (3) entries for the event.
3. Secure ACCESS ID at the WPO Photo Festival Exhibit area.

Entry Specifications:

1. A registrant may submit as much as three (3) entries.
2. All entries must be printed in 8”x12” full color – bleed format; prints with borders or framings are automatically disqualified.
3. Each entry must be labeled with the contestant’s name, registration number and entry title at the back. This information must be printed on a 3”x6” white paper and not written directly at the back of the print.
4. Manually retouched and/or painted over print outputs are not acceptable.
5. 300dpi per entry is the acceptable format.
6. For uploading purposes, the maximum is 4 Mb file size saved as JPEG per entry and only allow untouched/unedited entries, limiting photo/traditional editing to resizing are acceptable.
7. Prints and files not in this format will be disqualified from the competition.
8. Submit all printed entries in one (1) brown envelope together with the file saved in CD. Label the envelope with the Registrant’s Name and Registration Number.
9. Entries must be submitted Monday to Saturday December 21, 2009. Deadline for submission is January 9, 2010.

Prizes and Awarding

1. P10,000.00 – 2nd Runner Up
2. P20,000.00 – 1st Runner Up
3. P50,000.00 – Grand Prize Winner
4. Travel Workshop w/ George Tapan – Online Winner (all expense paid)

Winners will be awarded on January 15, 2009 in a photo exhibit in one of the Ayala Malls.

For inquiries, please call ALL ABOUT BRANDS INC at 401-3733 / 5023288 or PRESS INC. at .

World Pyro Olympics 2009 Photos

WPO will be showcased at the Bonifacio Global City on November 21, 28, December 5, 12, and 19 with eight countries showcasing breathtaking pyrotechnics displays.

This year’s stellar list of participating countries include South Korea, China, Germany, Australia, Japan, Italy, Canada and the U.S.

Two countries fire each Saturday with a dazzling finale on December 19 featuring a Fellowship of Fire where all participants will each have a show; plus an exhibition from the host country, Philippines.

Now on its fourth year WPO 2009 will be an entirely different visual spectacle with the introduction of the pyro-musical – combining state-of-the-art fireworks displays and computer technology, with fireworks gracefully choreographed to music.

Always a crowd drawer, this year’s event will be a one-stop fun event for the whole family – drum and bugle competitions, bazaars, play areas for kids, food booths and other live entertainment. There will also be photo and video contests and exhibits.

Spearheading this event is La Mancha of Manila, an award-winning Filipino-based pyrotechnics group that bagged second place at the 9th International Fireworks Festival in Zagreb, Croatia this summer.

WPO organizers will also be holding a photo contest called WPO 2009 Photo Festival. World Pyro Olympics 2009 Photo Contest winners can get as much as P50,000 cash and a photo workshop with George Tapan.

WPO 2009 is made possible by the efforts of the Department of Tourism, Pepsi, World Wide Womb, Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation and the City of Taguig; and media sponsors Jack TV, 2nd Avenue, ETC, Myx, Hero TV, ABC-5, Business Mirror, Manila Bulletin, Tempo, Philippine Star, and radio stations 99.5 RT, Barangay LS-FM, Easy Rock, Home Radio, Mellow 94. 7, NU 107, Yes-FM, 105.1 Crossover, Love Radio, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, DWTM, Max FM, U-Radio, U92, RX 93.1, Dream 106.7, DWIZ and DZBB.

That’s why style-conscious individuals should remain on the lookout as cult brand Havaianas introduces its newest contribution to Philippine fashion.

Havaianas invites Pinoy fashionistas to be among the first to discover its latest fashion statement, anchored on the multifaceted, chic and trendy lifestyles of Filipinos.

Log on to www.havaianasphilippines.com/musthavs on November 12, 2009 at 6:30 pm, and be part of the historic unveiling of a fresh fashion must-have by Havaianas through a live online streaming – the first of its kind for the category.

So save the date, stay on top of the hottest fashion statement and experience Havaianas in a whole new way.

Buy original Havaianas only at authorized retail outlets. Havaianas is available in All Flip-Flops, Aloha Boardsports, Celio, J&S Surf Shop, Manila Polo Club, Moana, Nail Spa, ROX, Rustan’s, Sepatu, Souk, Stoked, The Zone, Orange Juice, and Kidsports. For provincial outlets, visit www.havaianas.com.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Office 6 is in search for the best travel writers in the region who will be included in the list of awardees for the Tourism Excellence Awards during the 2009 Western Visayas Tourism Assembly (WVTA) from December 4 to 6, 2009.

If you are interested, you can submit one of your sample published article between June 2009 to June 2009 and provide a published copy of your article.

Each entry must include a profile about the article and personal information about the writer.

Deadline for submission of entries will be on November 16.

The three-day assembly will also include travel fair and mart, tourism conference, parade of festivals, cultural showcase, tourism awards, travel invitational, food festival and search for Miss Western Visayas Tourism.

The expedition that started out as an attempt to add another record to his list, Singaporean adventurer and Guinness World Record holder Khoo Swee Chiow’s daring Philippine adventure has taken a forward ferry to become an exploration of friendship.

Bohol and Cebu paddlers at Sulpa Island

“This expedition has been aptly called Friendship Kayak in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Filipino-Singaporean diplomatic relations.

It’s the friendship of the people of this land that has made it possible for us to come this far,” writes Swee Chiow in his expedition blog that details the progress of the team.

In fact, there has been one too many instances wherein it was the Filipinos’ innate hospitality that has gotten the team out of a bind. “It was getting dark. We couldn’t wait for the support boat. The villagers helped us find a resort to spend the night in,” recounts Swee Chiow of their experience at Gumasa in Sarangani. Another instance was when the Swee Chiow got separated from the rest of the team at Luban in Davao Oriental and had to rely on the villagers for directions on how to get to Cabuaya which is 9 km away.

Buzzy and Arnel

But a crucial part of this ambitious expedition is the full support they have been getting from the local government units (LGUs) in all the stops they’ve made. He notes that Governor Miguel Dominguez of Sarangani Province and Governer Corazon Malanyaon (Davao Oriental) along with Mayor Enrique Yap (Glan), Vice Mayor Mario Guillermo (Nuing), Mayor Alex Bangoyan Wangkay (Caboran), Mayor Domingo Lim (Samal), and Mayor Alicia Mori (Caraga) have helped immensely in making the journey possible by providing them supplies, food, accommodations, land transportation, security and endless assistance.

“At this point in our expedition is where we really need the LGUs help to stretch our shoe string budget,” says Swee Chiow, referring to their already depleting funds that they fear might cause an end to their expedition “We hope that more people will give us support, because ultimately we want more people to be able to join us in this groundbreaking adventure, no pun intended.” He also adds that having additional funds allows them to stock more on food and provide safety gear to all kayakers that will take part in the journey.

This positive response by the local officials to the kayak expedition will prove to be advantageous to the Department of Tourism’s bid to make the country ‘The Kayaking Capital of Southeast Asia’. Recently the Department of Tourism (DOT) has launched the Philippine Kayaking Series 2009 to celebrate the sport as one of the fastest growing worldwide and is one of the country’s nature-based products.

Being the second largest archipelago in the world, the Philippines is a natural playing field for water sports, environment and adventure tourism activities such as kayaking. “We have natural assets for this ecosport because we are surrounded with different bodies of water like oceans, seas, rivers, marshes, mangroves and wonderful 30,000 coastlines,” says DOT Secretary Ace Durano.

And already local and international brands such as Primer Group of Companies, ROX, Habagat, 100 Plus, Kayakasia Paddle Sports, Water Cross, Columbia, Tahe Marine, Perspectiv Technologies, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Traders Hotel, Changi Sports Medicine Centre, Energizer, Temasek Polytechnic, Oakley, Blood Red, The Magic Touch, Banana Boat, Adventure 21 Outdoor & Travel Outfitters, Shuqun Primary and Bukit Panjang Government High School are seeing the potential of kayaking for the country as they take part as sponsors in this pioneering expedition.

“We’re hoping that this becomes the first official kayaking trail in the country,” says Toby Martin, Expedition Manager. “And we couldn’t stress enough that the success of this expedition would not at all be possible without the overwhelming help of every one involved, from LGUs to our sponsors and to villagers that we’ve met along the way.”

The Friendship Kayak Expedition started on August 31 and estimated to reach its destination on November.

Recreational Outdoor eXchange! ROX is the biggest outdoor sports and recreation hub in Asia with three levels of all outdoor sports recreation gears and equipment. ROX also provides Adventure Tour packages within the Philippines from Hiking, Camping, River Rafting, Kayaking and Eco-Tourism tours like Bird Watching Visit us at Bonifacio High Street, B1 ROX Building, Taguig City, Philippines. Tel: +632 8564639, check out or website http://roxphilippines.multiply.com/ or email us at rox.cs@primergrp.com

A Cebu resort, the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City has also maintained its ranking in the prestigious list.

Conde Nast Traveler magazine has recently released the results of the annual Readers’ Choice Awards 2009, a listing of the best cities, islands, hotels, transportation and resorts worldwide.

Cebu Magellan’s Cross

At 72.6 points, this is Cebu’s ranking for the third straight year and the fourth time in the last five years. Cebu got 70.9 in 2008; 72.3 in 2007 and 72.8 in 2004.

It has been ranked 8th best island destination twice in 2006 with 71.0 points and in 2005, with 69.5.

Rounding up this year’s top 10 island destinations in the Asia/Indian Ocean group are: Maldives-87.5, Bali-84, Phuket-79.9, Sychelles-76.7, Koh Samui-75.3, Mauritius-74.1, Cebu-72.6, Langkawi-69.8, Borneo-65.4, and Lamu-63.6.

Cebu’s Most Popular Tourist Spot

This year, Cebu, along with Maldives, Bali, Phuket, Langkawi and Borneo, maintained their rankings, while Mauritius slid down. Seychelles and Koh Samui each earned one notch higher. Lamu, a new entrant, edged out Lombok at tenth place last year.

Borneo maintained is 9th ranking since it joined the list last year.

On the same survey, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, an 11.4 hectare resort in Mactan has maintained its position at 16th place with 88.5, lower by 5 points in last year’s score.

The resort surpassed some resorts in Bali, Cambodia and Phuket; trailing behind resorts in Langkawi and Maldives in the resorts category. It is the only Philippine resort included in the 25 top Resorts in Asia.

Taoist Temple in Cebu

Every year since 1988, a select sample of Conde Nast Traveler readers have taken the Readers’ Choice Survey.

This year, the questionnaire was available to all readers through a secure web site. The final tabulations of 25,008 responses this year were done by Madiamark Research Inc. of New York City.

Last August, Cebu was also named 4th best island in Asia by another New York-based magazine Travel + Leisure, when it released its World’s Best Awards 2009, a listing of the best hotels, airlines, cruises islands and cities all over the world.

Cebu got a rating of 79.68 points and trailed behind Bali (87.41), Maldives (84.43) and Phuket (80.93).

Today, efforts to preserve the “Walled City “and revive its illustrious past are stronger than ever. The present generations of Filipinos has come to realize its historical value.

Fort Santiago or “Walled City” is one of the oldest fortifications in Manila. Built in 1571, the first fort was palisaded with structure of logs and earth.

Intramuros Walking Tours

It became the headquarters of the British occupation from 1792 to 1764.

In 1942, it was occupied by the Japanese military; destroyed by the Battle of Manila in 1945; used as depot by the U.S. Transportation Corps before the turnover to the Philippine government in 1942.

In 1950, it was declared as Shrine of Freedom. Restoration and maintenance of the fort began in 1951 under the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC). Management was turned over to the Intramuros Administration (IA) in 1992.

Palacio del Gobernador -– In 1959, it became the Governor-General’s residence and office of the Supreme Court.

It was used as an air-raid shelter during WWII where 80 male civilians were massacred in 1945.

When the Governor-General moved to Malacanang, it was abandoned. The present building was constructed in 1976 to house government offices.

Postigo del Palacio -– built in 1662, it led to the palace of Archbishop of Manila. Renovated in 1782, our national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal, passed through this gate from Fort Santiago to his execution site at Bagumbayan in 1896.

It was damaged during the Battle of Manila in 1945. Bridge excavated/restored from 1983.

Puerta de Sta. Lucia –- built in 1603, it was one of the original entrances to the Walled City. It was destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945, side chambers restored in 1968 and gate in 1982.

Baluartillo de San Jose -– A tunnel-like passage built in with a drainage canal emptying out into the moat. Its primary use was to transport ammunition to Reducto de San Pedro.

The site was known as “No. 1 Victoria St. when it served as Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s headquarters in 1941.

Reducto de San Pedro -– an independent pentagonal structure built outside the walls.

It had its own stockpile of cannon balls deposited in recessed ledges at the entrance. A ramp on one side of the structure leading to the parapet made their transport easier. Gun emplacements looked out of the parapets.

Bagumbayan Light and Sound Museum –- considered as a major tourist attraction being the first of its kind in Asia. The museum showcases Philippine history in a nutshell, focusing on Rizal’s heroism and martyrdom.

This lot was the former site of the convent of the nuns of the Beaterio de la Compaña de Jesus now the Religious of the Virgin Mary.

Baluarte de San Diego-– Designed and built by Jesuit priest Antonio Sedeño from 1586 to 1587, It is one of the oldest stone fortifications in Intramuros.

It was destroyed totally, during the Battle of Manila in 1945 and restored from 1979 to 1992.

Puerta Real -–built in 1663, it was used exclusively by the Governor-General for state occasions. Original gate at right side of the Baluarte de San Andres faced Bagumbayan.

It was destroyed during the British invasion in 1762. Old gate walled in and chambers were converted into powder magazines. Present Puerta Real and ravelin were constructed in 1780.

Ravellin de Real de Bagumbayan -– Ravelin was converted into Manila Aquarium during the American period. It was used as prison cells and barracks during Japanese occupation.

Damaged in the Battle of Manila in 1945; restored in 1969 and additional works were made in 1982. The Manila Aquarium was revived after the war and maintained until it is closed in 1983.

Baluarte de San Andres-– Built in 1603, it was designed to protect the old Puerta Real and reinforced southeastern part of Intramuros.

Reconstructed in 1733 with the addition of a bombproof arsenal for gunpowder, a watchtower (garita) and soldiers’ barracks.

Also called Baluarte de San Nicolas or Carranza, it was destroyed during British siege of Manila in 1762. Rebuilt and modified after the British occupation Damaged again during the Battle of Manila in 1945 and restored in 1987.

Ravellin de Recoletos -– built in 1771 and named after the Recoletos Church, it is also known as Ravellin de Dilao. It was built to strengthen the defense of the curtain wall between Baluarte de Dilao and Baluarte de San Andres.

Original entrance closed when ravellin was converted into Aurora Gardens in 1940, in honor of the wife of Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon.

It was damaged during the Battle of Manila in 1945. It was restored in 1969 and again in 1986.

Puerta del Parian -– Named after Parian de Arroceros where Chinese and merchants lived. Built in 1593, it was one of the earliest entrances to Intramuros.

It became official house of the Governor-General in 1764, after destruction of Puerta Real during British invasion.

Baluarte de San Gabriel -– Built in 1593, this was the Walled City’s most important defense in the north that protected the riverside. Rampart cannons overlooked the Parian in Binondo. The site of the first Parian in Manila and the hospital de San Gabriel.

The hospital was founded in 1587 by the Dominican fathers and destroyed by fire in 1597. Rebuilding stopped by city government for security reasons. Moved to Binondo and was closed in 1774,

Puerta de Isabel II -– The last gate to be built in Intramuros, it was opened in 1861 and was part of the route of tranvin (streetcar) in the 19th century.

Damaged during Battle of Manila in 1945; restored in 1996. Statue of Queen Isabel II originally unveiled at Plaza Arroceros and placed in front of Malate Church from 1896 until 1970. It was moved to present site in 1975.

Chambers are built in 1837 extending from Baluarte de Santo Domingo to Baluarte de San Gabriel and were used as military medical quarters and storehouse.

Some of the sections were demolished by American engineers in 1903. Damaged during Battle of Manila in 1945, only 15 chambers remain intact.

Aduana (Customs House)-– Designed by Tomas Cortes and built from 1823 to 1829. It was damaged by earthquake in 1863 and demolished in 1872. New building was erected from 1874 to 1876.

Housed were the Customs offices, the Intendencia General de Hacienda (Central Administration), the treasury, as well as the new Casa de Moneda (Mint).

The building was left to the Intendencia and the Treasury after Customs moved to Port Area. It was damaged by Japanese bombs in 1941 and American artillery in 1945.

The building became offices of the Central Bank of the Philippines, the National Treasury and the Commission on Elections successively.

It was destroyed by fire in 1979 while the façade was restored by National Archives in 1998.

Ayuntamiento (Casas Consistoriales) -– seat of City Council of Manila. First structure built from 1599 to 1607. It was severely damaged in the earthquakes of 1645 and1658. It was demolished to make way for new building.

Second building was constructed in 1735. It was destroyed in 1863 by earthquake. Reconstructed by military engineer Eduardo Lopez Navarro in 1879 and completed in 1884.

It became the headquarters of the 18th U.S. Army Corps in 1901. The building was the site of sessions of the First Philippine Assembly in 1907 and the Philippine Legislation in 1935.

It housed the offices of the Bureau of Justice and Supreme Court during the American and Commonwealth period and destroyed in the Battle of Manila in 1945.

Plaza de Roma -– Formerly called Plaza Mayor. It was converted into a park in 1797. Renamed Plaza McKinley after U.S. President William McKinley in 1901; it was renamed Plaza de Roma in 1961 to honor Sacred College of Cardinals in Rome following elevation of first Filipino cardinal, Rufino J. Santos.

Bronze monument to Carlos IV of Spain was erected in 1824 as a tribute for the introduction of smallpox vaccine in the Philippines.

The fountain was built in 1886. The statue was replaced by GomBurZa monument in the 1960’s. The statue was returned in 1981.

Manila Cathedral -– the sixth structure to rise on this site. First church made of nipa and bamboo was built in 1581 and was burned in 1583.

Second church lasted until 1588 when it was blown down by a typhoon. Third cathedral of “three naves and seven chapels” started in 1584 and was completed in 1614. It was destroyed in the 1645 earthquake.

Fifth church was built from 1872 to 1879. The church was severely damaged in the 1880 earthquake when its belltower collapsed. It was then destroyed in 1945 during the Battle of Manila.

The six cathedral was built from 1953 to 1958. It was elevated to the rank of Basilica Minore by Pope John Paul II in 1981 and officially named Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

Plazuela de Santa Isabel – It was made part of Santa Isabel College which lacked an open space characteristic of Spanish buildings.

An empty lot called Sampalucan along Calle Anda joined to enlarge Plazuela in the 18th century. It was restored in 1983. Monument dedicated to the non-combatant victim of last war was erected in 1995 by Memorare Manila 1945.

San Agustin Church and Convent-– San Agustin Church is the oldest church in the Philippines. Known as church of Saint Paul, the first church of the Augustinian Order was built in 1571.

It was destroyed by Chinese pirates in 1574.

Rebuilt a year later, it became the venue of the First Diocesan Synod in 1581 but was burned in 1583.

Third church was destroyed by fire in 1586. Fourth church made by stone was designed by Juan Macias and built from 1587 to 1604. It was looted during the British invasion in 1762.

Terms of surrender of Manila to the Americans were discussed in the vestry in 1898. It was damaged in the Battle of Manila in 1945 and repaired after the war.

It became the site of the first Philippine Plenary Council in 1953. In 1994, it was declared a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) World Heritage Site.

Plaza San Luis Complex-– named after one of the barrios of old Intramuros, this is a cultural-cum-commercial complex currently composed of nine houses representing Hispanic architecture.

Aside from gift and specialty shop, the complex houses Casa Manila, a museum containing 19th and early 20th century objects found in a typical ilustrado home. The complex also has an elegant restaurant and hotel.

Steered to be the Philippines’ premier city by 2020, Taguig was selected by the international committee after evaluation of other various cities.

Slated Nov. 14, 21, 28, Dec. 5 and 12, at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, WPO 2009 is the first international pyro-musical competition in the country that will feature the best pyrotechnics designers from People’s Republic of China, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Canada, Germany, the United States, and defending champion Italy.

“Winning the bid is a testimony that the City of Taguig has arrived. Taguig is now not only the best city to do business in as the World Bank proclaimed last year, we are now also an entertainment capital that offers world-class shows,” proudly announced Taguig City Mayor Freddie Tinga.

The multi-million production is predicted to be doubly exciting this year as a new format, the Pyro-Musical, will be adopted where pyrotechnics will be meticulously synchronized to music using state-of-the-art computer technology.

On Dec. 12, WPO will culminate in a “Fellowship of Fire’’ where excerpts from the best of the eight competing countries will be presented consecutively, preceding the Philippine pyrotechnics exhibition, which will be exhibited by the event organizer La Mancha Group.

Budget Friendly – “Staycation” was coined a couple of years back to let everyone know that you can enjoy your most awaited vacation in the comfort of your own home or by joining local festivities without spending a dime.

Boracay during Habagat

I know it can be a “cool” idea but for a “gourmet nomad” wannabe like me, going places to sample local culinary offerings and the 101 ways of serving it is totally a different experience. Why would you contain yourself inside the four courners of your house if you can visit places with a shoestring budget?

KiteBoarding

In Boracay, Habagat season is the perfect time to relax, pig-out and enjoy without spending a fortune. Since everyone thinks that the “Sun” complete everyones Boracay Madness, tourist visiting this time of the year is fewer and everything is a lot more cheaper.

Discounted airfare tickets to Boracay are up for grabs, so check out www.flyseair.com and purchase your tickets online.

Playing with the Waves

Activities – It may not be the perfect season for skin tanning, diving, snorkeling or island hopping but if you love extreme sports, its the best time for you to tryout kitesurfing in Bulabog beachor in the white beach area since the wind is stronger and ideal for these types of water sports.

Enjoy Food

Relax + Unwind – If you want to relax and have an hour of soothing massage, roving masseurs are available in the whole stretch of white beach for less than 10 USD but if you think having a massage in public is not for you, multi-awarded Tirta Spa is also offering big discounts during the off-peak season.

Have some Coffee

Yoga is getting more and more popular in the island. Contrary to what everyone thinks, Yoga is not just for celebrities, rich and famous and social climbers. You can enjoy, relax and meditate in the Island Paradise by just paying an affordable per session rate. Please contact Jing of Taj Guesthouse for inquiries.

Go Shopping:)

Things to Bring – Forget about the sunblock and your favorite tanning lotion. If you are visiting the island during rainy season, don’t forget to bring Umbrella and Rain Coat unless you will be staying in a five star resort where everything is pretty much provided.

Windy Boracay

Law of supply and demand really applies on everything and with the help of proper vacation planning – you can definetely enjoy the island while saving for your next trip.