Wednesday, October 17, 2007

US envoy cites Boracay as world’s top destination

BORACAY ISLAND, Malay, Aklan – United States Ambassador to the Philippines Francis Ricciardone described Boracay Island in Panay as a place visitors must not miss.

The natural beauty of this internationally famous resort island, its crystal-like waters, natural white sand, trees and the community’s innate hospitality are major factors that have obviously attracted Ambassador Ricciardone who, along with wife Dr. Marie Ricciardone and daughters Francesca and Shaira with friends Dan and Paula Smith took a few days of vacation here, recently.

The Ricciarones were first-time guests at the world-class Club Panoly Resort – home of Miss Asia Pacific and Mutya ng Pilipinas contestants. They, along with the Smiths were welcomed by Club Panoly officials led by James C. T. Lau, Club Panoly Resorts and Panoly Group of Companies president and chief executive officer; resort director Al Borromeo; administration manager Ramonito Pacificar and rooms division manager Benjie Banzon.

Boracay Island has been adjudged twice by European travel writers and tourism editors as “the most beautiful resort island in the world”.

Boracay is more than a thousand hectares in land area, with three barangays: Yapak, Balabag and Manok-Manok. It has about 200 resorts and hotels, 80 of which are in the bigger circle. Scuba diving, windsurfing, and sightseeing by bancas and motorized boats are top activities for tourists. Fish, vegetables and fruits are abundant in the island. Aside from fishing, the islanders also make a living from rice and coconut industries.

Peace and order is well-maintained as no less than Malay Mayor Ceciron Cawaling and Malay chief of police and cops, undertake regular coordination with Gov. Florencio Miraflores, Rep. Gabrielle “Billie” Calizo, the provincial board members and PNP provincial director Supt. Ed Mendoza.

The island is now practically complete with facilities for visitors. Along the main beach are markets and stores, both sell food, vegetables, canned goods, souvenirs, ornaments, among others. It also has a lot of bars, videoke houses, billiard camps, disco houses, and sports facilities for tennis and basketball.

Before departing for Manila, the Ricciardones and the Smiths extended warm appreciation to James Lau and his staff for a delightful and memorable stay at Club Panoly, adding that they would be happy to go back to Boracay in the near future.

No comments: