BE A VOLUNTEER! JOIN THE PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD AUXILIARY TODAY!!!

Last May 21 - 23 2015 was the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) 31st National Convention held at Legazpi City, Albay. It was attended by more than 500 delegates all over Philippines. The theme for 2015 is " A Strong PCGA In Today's Changing Environment" aims to further strengthen the PCGA in its continuous effort to promote safety of life and property at sea, protect maritime environment and its resources, conduct maritime search and rescue and engage in activities to enhance maritime community relations. 

At the start of the convention, 6 Officers from Western Visayas received the Dolphin Service Award from the Commandant of Philippine Coast Guard; ADM Rodolfo D Isorena. Dolphin Service Award is the highest Award an Officer can receive after giving more than 20years of volunteer services to the organization. All 6 Officers were from Western VIsayas but 4 of them, were from Boracay Island under Squadron 609th. COMMO Leonard Tirol (Soon To Be Rear Admiral), COMMO Miguel Labatiao, CAPT Rufo Sacapano and CAPT Dionisio Salme. 

These Officers are successful businessmen in the island but instead of just enjoying their lives in the island, they are giving their time to volunteerism. They are one of the pillars that build Boracay Island! They set examples for many businessmen, always encouraging people to give it back to what they have received in the island. Men of Grace! Always ready to render their service and giving their love to Boracay Island.

Be a volunteer! Join the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary Squadron 609 Boracay. Make a difference in your life today and join one of the biggest non-profit organization in the Philippines. In recognition of the important role and contribution of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary and its members, the Legislators deemed it necessary to incorporate in Republic Act No. 9993, other wish known as the "Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009", a provision which clearly defines the establishment of the PCGA as a civilian volunteer organization formed to assist the Philippine Coast Guard in the promotion of safety of life and property at sea, the preservation of the marine environment and its resources, the conduct of maritime search and rescue, the maintenance of aids to navigation, recreational safety and such other activities that enhance maritime community relations which include civic action, participation under the National Service Training Program, youth development and other related activities.

Anybody and everybody can join! We just need a heart full of grace and a soul generated with love. For more information of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, please log on to www.pcga609boracay.org or email us info@pcga609boracay.org. 

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LOSS OF MY DOG

Last May 12, I woke up with one of the worse news in my life! My dog of 13 years; “Beauty” pass away in the Veterinary Clinic and I was told he pass away at 2300hrs on May 11. I was sadden by the news but still need to be a professional and went ahead with my scuba instructions, I just text them to wrap her body with a towel and inform that I will collect her body later.

While underwater, I thought of many good memories we were together. After deciding to stay in the Philippines, I decide to get myself a pet and bought Beauty when she was just 2months old, remembering how she was sleeping and how cute she was. We went to many places in the Philippines even making trips to Boracay. She was always around when I need a shoulder to cry on. When I was single, I never felt lonely. We were together in so many phases in my life from being single to marry and single again, she has always been there. In good or bad times, she has always been there!

At times I wish time can move slowly but as the years goes by, I know one day she will eventually leave before me. Every year on her birthday, I always tell her to live another year for me. I was so caught up with my work last May 1 and forgot about her birthday. Perhaps I didn’t wish her to live another year for me. Last May 11, looking at how long her hair, I sent her to Shoreline Veterinary Clinic to avail their grooming services. I told them to cut short her hair, nails and clean her ears but I received a text in the afternoon that they also did a cleansing on her mouth. I didn’t expect anything harmful since we normally trust a doctor to be professional even though she gave me a list of things she done and how much it cost without my approval.

When I got her in the afternoon, I realized something different about her. She was in a daze and couldn’t recognize my voice. I realized she was given anesthesia without my approval but was assured by the physician that she will be okay after 2hours. I went to get Beauty and to my surprise she was still in a daze but was assured she will be okay. When she was home, she was shaking even the room temperature was normal. I called the clinic and advised to send her back to the clinic. She was given medication without giving me any explanation and advised to be back the next day.

I was just given the news in the morning that Beauty pass away at 2300hrs on May 11 but why they didn’t inform me about it so that I can see her for the last time?!? When I told them to wrap her body with my towel, I found out she was place in a plastic bag like a trash. When I collect her body, there was no remorse in their eyes, they don’t seem to be bothered and just get busy dealing with another pet in the shop. Do they really care as a Veterinarian or are they taking advantage on pet lovers?!?

All pet lovers in Boracay Island! Beware of Dr. Ginaclin S. Dalisay and her staffs of "SHORELINE VETERINARY CLINIC" if you don't want your pet to die for no reasons. If they consulted me about the treatment, I will say no since my dog is too old to go through all these procedures. Honestly, I don’t expect her to live long but I do not wish her to die in such situation! I hope another pet lovers will not experience the pain I went through. I really regret sending her to the clinic, she may be able to live another few more years with me if they could have act more professionally. She died an innocent death on the hands of “SHORELINE VETERINARY CLINIC”

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IS BORACAY SAFE TO SWIM?!?

Last February 21, a news release posted on the Department of Environment & Natural Resources website cited EMB6-figures showing bacterial levels in Boracay waters significantly exceeded DENR guidelines for recreational water. It said the EMB reported coliform bacteria levels in a drainage outlet that empties into the sea in Sitio Bulabog in Boracay exceed safe standards, reaching 47,460 most probable number (mpn) per 100 milimeter (ml) The safe level is 1,000 mpn/100ml for waters for swimming and other human contact activities.

You may be wondering if the water in Boracay still safe for swimming? Last March 3, the Environmental Management Bureau clear Boracay as safe and clean for swimming. Atty. Jonathan Bulos; Regional Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau in Western Visayas assured that the coastal water along White Beach is not hazardous.

The EMB-6 indicating high content presence of coliform bacteria in seawater surrounding the island was actually taken from the mouth of the drainage system in Bulabog, the eastern side of Boracay Island. Bulabog Beach is not where tourists take a swim. Based on the lastest EMB-6 data, total coliform bacteria at the front beach only reached 58mpn/ml. It is very unlikely for the high coliform bacteria recorded in waters at the mouth of Bulabog Beach’s drainage system will reach beach waters on the front beach. Thus; it is safe to swim in Boracay!

Furthermore; with the strong leadership and political will of Mayor John Yap of Municipal of Malay, he launched the Boracay Beach Management Program with the rallying cry; “Para Sa Boracay Ako! For Boracay I will!” The program covers the seven priority areas:

1.  Local Governance: Visitors and residents are reminded to observe municipal ordinances against littering, smoking, extracting sand and pebbles, etc.

2.  Coastal Resources. Volunteer groups continue to perform regular beach and underwater cleanup drives. Artificial reef domes are being deployed and monitored in strategic areas to revitalize marine and aquatic life along Boracay’s waters. New coral growth from the coastal nurseries are being transplanted to degraded reef areas, while mangrove swamps continue to be protected.

3.  Watershed. Under the National Greening Program, Boracay’s CENRO (Community Environment & Natural Resources Office) is committed to planting an additional 120-hectares in the watershed areas to prevent soil erosion and improve water yield for safe and potable water on the island. This is in addition to the 428-hectares of forest plantations that have been established since 2008.

4.  Water and Waste Water.  Boracay’s water is certified to be safe for drinking straight from the tap, with meticulous testing to ensure that it is 100% compliant with the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW). It has also recently upgraded its sewage treatment facilities, where wastewater is treated to be safe for marine life and suitable for recreation activities upon discharge, complying with the Class SB Standard of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

5.  Solid Waste. Boracay now has three new dump trucks for more effective garbage collection, while the materials recovery facility continues to improve the processing of residual waste. A sanitary landfill is being built as a more long-term solution to solid waste management.

6.  Hazard Protection.  Young and dynamic volunteers man from the Boracay Action Group, Philippines Coast Guard and Philippines Coast Guard Auxiliary. Trained personnel, new sea patrol craft, and upgraded communications equipment all ensure that the island has sufficient capabilities to respond to emergencies and assist in disaster relief.

7.  Information, Education & Communication.  Workshops, seminars and training programs have been designed for the local government units to improve quality services among all tourism front-liners and ensure that tourists have a memorable “Boracay Experience.”  Social media is also being used to reach out to a wider audience through the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BBMPTWG.

We are making effort to make Boracay Island a memorable place to visit and all these negative news against us will not weaken our spirit to make Boracay a better place, a better beach. In the days to come, we will continue to be the top 10 beaches to visit in the whole world.

Let’s do our part to keep the beach clean! If you see anyone littering in Boracay, give them a gentle reminder of our goals and mission. Don’t wait for someone or any clean up event to pick up trash along the beach, if you see trash as you walk, pick it up and throw it at the right place. Mabuhay Boracay!

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DIVING IN BORACAY

Scuba Diving is fun but is it fun in Boracay? Boracay is known for its white sand beach but scuba diving is not as popular than other destination in the Philippines. However, we do have good diving sites in Boracay, in fact we have more than 10 dive sites in Boracay and your diving experience depend on who you are diving with. 

Boracay diving cater for both novice and experience divers, there are numerous dive sites to choose. It is a great destination to take up diving courses and continue education in diving. Having a nice environment, it provides lots of comfort in learning. Easy diving for those who are inexperience. The following are few dive sites you do not want to miss if you are already a certified diver.

Yapak, the most famous dive site in Boracay, located at the North of Boracay with a depth range between 30m to 70m. The dive start with a spectacular blue water descent swimming towards the tip of the wall with close encounter with White Tip & Grey Reef Shark. As you swim along the wall, you may also see school of Dogtooth Tuna, Groupers, Napoleon Wrasses and Giant Trevallies. A dive site you do not want to miss if you are an Advanced diver and above.

Want to experience diving in a rapid current, try diving when the tide is going down at Channel Drift. Depth range between 20m to 35m, enjoy a ride through Canyons & Crevices and try to spot White Tip Shark and school of Trevallies. If you are lucky, you may have a close encounter with a Marble Ray. The dive usually starts off at Crocodile Island and end after Cagban Jetty Port.

Crocodile Island is a small-uninhabited island look like the head of a crocodile; the best diving is during high slack tide when visibility is at its best. The depth range is between 12m to 27m; there is a gently sloping wall with several canyons and caves containing a wide diversity of fish.

Do we have wrecks in Boracay?!? Yes, we do! In fact we have two wrecks, a shipwreck and a plane wreck. The shipwreck is known as “Camia II”, it was sank in January 2001 to make an artificial wreck in Boracay. Is a 30m long cargo boat with well developed artificial reef that include huge Red Bass, School of Batfish, Bluefin Trevallies and as you swim around the wreck, do beware of Scorpion Fish. The other wreck is a plane wreck and is known as “Tribird” which was sank in March 2014. It was used as an artificial wreck and an add on dive site in Boracay. The depth range for the site is between 24m to 28m, you need to be at least an Advanced Diver to experience these sites.

If you enjoy deep diving but don’t have the experience to go to Yapak then practice deep diving in Virgin Wall. Don’t know how it get its name but as you descend you will see the beautiful coral along the wall, try spotting different Nunibranch as you swim along the wall. Is a popular dive site for Technical Divers, depth range between 30m to 70m.

As mentioned, Boracay diving is cater for both novice and experience divers. If you are still a novice diver, fret not! We do have dive sites cater for novice divers. Do try diving in Punta Bunga or Santo’s Place, depth range between 18m to 24m and usually you can spot stingrays on the sandy bottom. As you swim along the wall, look out for Moray Eels, Lionfish and Groupers.

Next to it, is Balinghai. There are two walls running parallel to each other. The deep wall features Sharks and Tuna while the shallow wall is pockmarked by small holes that house Triggerfish, Banner fish, Puffers and Gobies. You will also get to see many artificial dome at a depth of 20m – 24m and see many reef grow on it.

Friday’s Rock is one of the open water training dive site with depth range from 14m to 18m. This famous fish feeding station is a large boulder which provides photographers a chance to capture close up shots of Emperors, Triggerfish, Red Bass, Scorpion fish and lots of Surgeon fish.

What if the weather is bad at the West of Boracay? Fret not! There are also some good diving sites at the East of Boracay. There is Laurel Island with two dive sites with depth range between 14m to 18m, the big Laurel and the small Laurel. The big laurel has a tunnel that you can swim through and as you swim, you can see many soft corals and Nunibranch, both Laurels are sloping wall with healthy corals and prolific fish life.

 On the east side of Boracay, there is also Tulubhan Reef  with depth range between 5m to 20m. You may start shallow but a slow steady current usually allow drift diving to cover a wide area. Sea snakes are common and many sea cucumbers. You will see wide vast of marine life as you swim along with the current.

There are about 38 dive centers in the Island under the Boracay Association of Sports Scuba Diving. The prices for Fun Diving are set at Php1,800.00 per dive with equipment rental and Php1,400.00 per dive without equipment rental. Dive Center are suppose to follow the prices set by the association or else they will be violating the regulation and may be fined.

You have choices to dive with any center in the island but choose wisely. One of the best center in the island is Calypso Dive Center, the only center with a swimming pool making training more conducive and their services are one of the best even though they may charge a little higher. If you are a micro photographer, ask for “Roy” one of the best Divemaster spotting micro marine life underwater.

Explore, experience, enjoy the beauty of the underwater world in an exotic environment in Boracay Island.

Peter Tay

PADI Master Instructor

EFR Instructor Trainer

TDI Advanced Trimix Instructor

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IS MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES???

Is more fun in the Philippines? A very nice slogan created by Department of Tourism and I have to say much publicity was done to promote the Philippines as a destination. As a Singaporean living in the Philippines for more than 10years, I always encourage people to visit the Philippines and there are more than 7107 Islands to explore, to experience, to enjoy but is it really more fun in the Philippines? 

How did you welcome the New Year? Did you enjoy the fire works? Did you enjoy the party? If you did, I envy you! I was supposed to be back in Boracay Island to celebration the welcome of 2015 but I celebrated the New Year’s Eve at Ninoy Aquino International Airport with more than 1000 passengers! Our flights via Philippines Airline from Manila to Kalibo were delay for more than 12hours!

What caused the delay? We don’t know the real reasons; the Kalibo Airport blamed the Manila Airport and the Manila Airport blamed Kalibo Airport. There was a blaming game going on and we were told to be patient and our patient lasted more than 12hours! How did Philippines Airline handle the delay? The Gates were handled by junior staffs of Philippines Airlines and when we asked them about the estimated time of departure, they would say “soon” and their “soon” will lasted more than 12hours. Where is the Duty Manager? Enjoying party I guess! People were hungry and there was no place for dinner since most of the shops were already close and to welcome the New Year. After past 10pm, we were then offered a small sandwich and a small bottle of water.

My heart goes to those senior citizens, infants & children who were waiting to board the flight. There were many tourists expecting to have a glimpse of New Year’s Eve Celebration in Boracay Island but were greatly disappointed with the delay. Is this going to be a good experience for tourists especially Europeans travellers who travelled more than 20hours to experience Philippines? What an experience for the tourists! Do you think they will still think that is more fun in the Philippines? Do you think they will go back and tell people about their good experiences in the Philippines especially the airports in the Philippines?

There are many wonderful destinations in the country, I have travelled to many cities in the Philippines and I do enjoy being part of Philippines. However; do we have a good airport to support all these destination? Airport is the first & last experience of every destination they are visiting, if they have a bad impression of the airport then when they leave, they will carry the same impression back to their country.

As a tourist, is not just about how nice or how well the decoration of the airport since very little time are spent, we are looking forward to board the plane and head to the next destination but we are very concern about the whole experience when we are in the airport. I don’t know about other parts of the world but this is the only country in Asia that require us to surrender our bags for inspection when we enter the airport then there will be long lines waiting for us to get the boarding pass. After getting the boarding pass, we will go through another inspection before going to our Gates to board the plane. There are very little shopping in the airport so nothing much to do, we are just getting ready to board the plane. I am glad these days we have WIFI in the airport that keep us busy with our smartphone even though it is extremely slow!

Perhaps this is the reason why Philippines are one of the worst airports in the world. If there is a special VIP heading to Kalibo, example; The Pope or The President, do you think they will experience flight delay? We will do so much for these special VIP to make sure flight goes on time but what about these tourists who will generate income to the country? If they are not having a good experience in Philippines, they will not come back again and they will also tell their families and friends about their bad experiences in the country. We spent so much money on promotion and marketing of Philippines as a destination of fun but the best method of marketing is word of mouth.

I hope airports will improve their services, if there are flights delays due to unforeseen circumstances then have a back up plan for the passengers. Do provide passengers with proper information and give them an estimate time of departure. If it is going to be more than 2hours then meals should be provided especially sufficient water. If it is going to be more than 6hours then accommodation should be provided. This will surely provide a good experience even when flights are delay.

I hope the aviation department will do something about the airports and airlines. If they can make sure all things run well when a special VIP is in the country then please consider tourists as one of the VIP and make all things run well too. Let’s bring reality to the slogan: Is More Fun In The Philippines!

Peter Tay

General Manager of Boracay Adventures Inc.

CDR. Philippines Coast Guard Auxiliary Sq. 609

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