On June 10-12, I had the opportunity to attend the Endless Summer Event at La Carmela De Boracay, a Philippine Independence Day Weekend Celebration in Boracay. The event took place from June 10 to June 11, from sunset to midnight. It was an incredible night filled with fun, drinks, and music, courtesy of DJs Chamyk and Jimth.
To kick off my journey, on June 10, I boarded a bus from the Ceres Terminal bound for Caticlan. Accompanying me were fellow blogger Raymart Escopel of Randomly Candid and the two DJs. The bus trip lasted approximately six hours. Upon reaching Caticlan, a van awaited us to take us to the port, where we embarked on a speed boat provided by La Carmela. I was genuinely impressed by the seamless arrangements made for our transportation. Everything went smoothly without any hassles or delays. Moreover, the fact that they reimbursed our bus fare and environmental fee meant a lot to me.
Upon arriving in Boracay, they even arranged a van to take us directly to the hotel. Every aspect of our journey was well-organized. Once we reached the hotel, their staff warmly accommodated us. We checked in our bags and proceeded to the hotel restaurant for a hearty brunch. The food was delicious, striking the perfect balance with a variety of meats, vegetables, and carbohydrates. After finishing our meal, we headed straight to our spacious rooms. The rooms were fully air-conditioned and equipped with cable TV, a mini refrigerator, a private bath with hot and cold shower, and a remarkably comfortable bed. Not to mention the delightful veranda that overlooked the hotel's poolside.
What I appreciated most about the hotel was its convenient location at Station 2, which was close to the Tourist Center and just a stone's throw away from the beachfront. The rooms were also reasonably priced, offering great value for the money.
After settling into our rooms, we took a short rest and woke up around 5 pm to prepare for the party. The festivities began at 6 pm and featured live acoustic performances, fire dancers, an array of food and drinks, and fantastic music by DJs Chamyk and Jimth. Laughter filled the air as we celebrated Independence Day, dressing up in the colors of the Philippine flag. Colorful beanbags were scattered near the poolside, accompanied by vibrant lights and powerful speakers for everyone's enjoyment. The party concluded around midnight, and it provided an excellent opportunity to make new friends, such as Orson, Dado, Nacy, Michael, and MJ. We had an absolute blast, and the best part was that the weather remained clear throughout the event.
On June 11, which marked the second day of our Boracay escapade, I decided to explore the three stations in Boracay. I indulged in some window shopping at boutiques and stores and captured beautiful shots of the beach. A visit to the famous Starbucks store in Boracay, which overlooked the beach, was on my itinerary. The store was bustling with activity, and what struck me was the unique allowance to wear swimwear inside. Coincidentally, I ran into some common friends there. Additionally, I treated myself to Halomango's delicious mango ice cream, which turned out to be one of the best I have ever tasted. Around 3 pm, we returned to the hotel to rest and recharge for the Day 2 of the Endless Summer Event.
The second day of the Endless Summer Event boasted an even livelier crowd, adding to the electrifying atmosphere. The beanbags were moved inside the restaurant, creating a more intimate setting. The DJs kept the retro music flowing, while an abundance of food and drinks kept everyone satisfied.
The event concluded at midnight, leaving plenty of time for us to engage in further activities. As I had yet to experience Boracay's nightlife, I decided to go out. We headed to Summer Place, and it turned out to be an incredible party. I reconnected with old friends and made new Korean and British acquaintances. Since it was our last night, we reveled in the festivities until the early morning hours.
On June 12, our last day, we were given a tour of the hotel. We visited some premium rooms that La Carmela had to offer, including Korean-themed, Japanese-themed, and even royalty-themed rooms. We also caught a glimpse of the room where famous talk show host Boy Abunda stays whenever he visits the hotel. The rooms were incredibly spacious, accommodating 10-12 people comfortably. Additionally, we explored the hotel's convenience store, located on the ground floor near the lobby, and enjoyed a small café where we could purchase quick bites and coffee. After the tour, we had lunch and packed our bags in preparation for our journey back home.
A van promptly arrived to pick us up and took us to the port, just as they had arranged for our departure. Similar to our initial trip, a boat was waiting to transport us from Boracay to Caticlan. As I embarked on my journey home, a profound sense of joy filled my heart, reflecting upon the wonderful time I had spent on the island. La Carmela truly made our stay comfortable and memorable, and I am immensely grateful to them for their exceptional hospitality. My sincere appreciation also goes to Sir John Castigador for extending the invitation to the event and diligently managing all the logistics, room arrangements, and meals.
Furthermore, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Boy So, the owner of La Carmela de Boracay, for graciously granting us the incredible opportunity to stay in his remarkable hotel. Mr. So's exceptional generosity and unwavering commitment to hospitality elevated our experience in Boracay to unprecedented heights. I would also like to acknowledge Mr. So's thoughtfulness towards his staff, as he recently rewarded them with free travel to Japan and Taiwan, recognizing their outstanding performance. He even surprises them with gifts such as diamond rings and earrings, demonstrating his dedication to their well-being.
Additionally, I must wholeheartedly commend the entire staff and management of La Carmela de Boracay for consistently delivering a service that surpassed all expectations. Their unwavering dedication and attentiveness made us feel genuinely special throughout our entire stay. Each interaction with the staff was characterized by warmth, professionalism, and a genuine desire to ensure our comfort and satisfaction. The level of care and personalized attention they provided truly enhanced our overall experience.
With these cherished memories deeply etched in my mind, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to visit La Carmela de Boracay again in the future. The hotel's commitment to excellence, coupled with the exceptional service provided by their remarkable staff, creates an irresistible allure that beckons me to return.