• • Boracay’s Building Frenzy
  • Posted by admin on 11 Dec 2009 3:20 pm. Filed under Boracay News.

  • 

    Trucks parked right on the beautiful sands of Boracay’s Manoc Manoc Beach , waiting to haul construction material around the island.

    

    Boracay’s toughest job ,hauling three 50 kilogram cement bags off the boats and onto Boracay Island.

    

    Hauling wood and other construction materials into the waiting trucks at Manoc Manoc Beach, Boracay.

    

    Trucks,trucks,and more trucks , hauling tons and tons of materials everyday around Boracay.

    The busiest port on Boracay Island , in the beautiful Philippines,   is the cargo port situated at Manoc Manoc Beach . Manoc Manoc Beach is the closest beach to the mainland where Caticlan Port is located , and it’s a bee hive of activity with trucks,haulers,porters , all unloading tons of building materials . For every cement hotel being built on Boracay ,  all the construction material’s  pass through Boracay’s cargo port at Manoc. I was amazed to see so much action on the beach with deliveries of cement,gravel,sand,wood,steel bars ,and everything else you need to build a hotel or restaurant, into waiting dump trucks  .Lot’s of waiting dump trucks .

    Well before sunrise , until well after sunset, the cargo boats ply the waters between Caticlan and Manoc Manoc bringing more and more building materials. Boracay is changing quickly with bigger and better hotels being built to satisfy the room demand that over half a million visiting tourists  need. If you left the island yesterday, than already  some changes have  occurred , and if you left the island 20 years ago than Boracay is unrecognisable .Be prepared when you return to paradise for more of everything , from more hotels,  cars, trucks, tourists, bars, stores, BBQ stands , banks, malls, etc…  Every minute of everyday  that passes us by ,Boracay changes  in some way . Maybe a new hotel opens , or a roof goes up on a building , or perhaps another ten trucks arrive on the island to haul all that construction stuff around the island .Boracay is fast becoming a metropolis .

    Lucky for us , Boracay’s White Beach remains untouched and beautiful .The rest of the island can change as long as we don’t ruin the White Beach  which made this island so famous.

    Yours truly,

    John Munro

     

• • Cocomangas Sponsors Boracay’s Under 21 Basketball Team
  • Posted by admin on 5 Dec 2009 7:10 am. Filed under Cocomangas.

  • 

    The team photo of  Cocomangas- Javas under 21 basketball team .

    This action photo taken during Cocomangas round robin game at Barangay Namoa, Aklan , in the Philippines. Cocomangas players heading to team bench during a time out as the team was under pressure during the game.

    More basketball action shots of team Cocomangas during Barangay Namao’s Fiesta 09.

    Cocomangas  loves to support the game of basketball at all levels from the young kids to the order blokes. Cocomangas supported Boracay’s under 21 basketball team at the annual fiesta at Barangay Namoa last September  09 by sponsoring the teams uniforms and paying all costs with transportation and food for the players . It was worth the sponsorship as the team played well and the young guns learned more about the game of basketball .The team was made up of Boracay’s best players which made it into the semi finals .

    Unfortunately ,during the semi finals , the crowd got a little out of hand as several fans started to  fight . The Boracay Cocomangas team was forced to leave the Barangay for safety of the players and therefore lost the game to default .   It was an unfortunate situation .Hopefully next year the Barangay officials at Namoa will increase  the  security around the court-side.

    Even though this tournament ended with default , Cocomangas will continue to support Boracay’s youth in basketball . Thanks to all the players for showing a lot commitment and determination during the games.Let’s do it again …

    Yours Truly,

    John Munro

     

• • Boracay’s Spectacular Sunsets
  • Posted by admin on 24 Nov 2009 2:04 pm. Filed under Boracay News.

  • 

    Boracay’s is worth a visit just for the famed sunset’s. 

    

     A happy family enjoying a sunset swim in Boracay’s warm water .Life doesn’t get any better than this….

    

    Taking a sailboat out during sunset is hugely popular , very peaceful ,and very romantic.

    

    Long after the sun has gone down , the beautiful colors of Boracay’s sunset remain ,and so do the happy holiday makers frolicking in the water.

    

    At about the time the sun and beautiful colors are gone from the sunset  ,the bars and beach-side restaurants come alive with lights and sounds as it’s party time .Enjoy  Boracay’s famous nightlife any night of the year.

    Ah the shear beauty of Boracay’s sunset .Every traveller to Boracay has taken home a picture of Boracay’s famed sunset . Some come to the island to be married on White Beach with the backdrop of the setting sun. Others just feel the romance ,  beauty, and  tranquility of the setting sun .

    The reason I came to Boracay in the first place was to see  the beauty of Boracay’s sunset .  When I was backpacking  the world in 1986,  I met this backpacker in Bali , Indonesia , who said to me ,”if you like the sunset’s here in Bali than you’re going to love  the sunset’s in Boracay, the Philippines, as they are incredible, full of different colors, from ,blue,orange , pink , red ,peach,white, and yellow .”

    That conversation  stuck in the back of my mind for a few months ,  so when my year long trip was almost over , I decided I would check out Boracay’s sunset  ,the paradise island in the Philippines,  which I’d heard so much about . I really wanted to see the best sunset in Asia , and of course the fine white sand was worth a visit as well. I was not disappointed and decided to stay and make Boracay my home .

    Personally my favorite time of day on Boracay is the sunset hour . That hour between  5pm and 6pm is cooler than the mid day heat so the White Beach fills up with locals,tourists,skim baorders , football players , joggers, etc….Everyone enjoys the daily sunsets on Boracay  in the beautiful Philippines.Come check it out for yourself….

    Yours Truly,

    John Munro

     

• • Cocomangas Supports Boracay’s Youth Basketball League
  • Posted by admin on 7 Nov 2009 9:22 am. Filed under Cocomangas.

  • 

    Huge crowds enjoyed the Cocomangas Youth  league played under the flood lights at Boracay Island in the beautiful Philippines.

    

    Cocomangas organized and sponsored the youth basketball league of Boracay , which was played at the main plaza at Barangay Balabag.

    

    Photo of  the team from Javas Jersey during a time out at Boracay’s exciting  Cocomangas Youth league .

    

    Cocomangas organized and sponsored the youth league .The streamer in picture is the Cocomangas Pizza hot-line 288-4455.

    

    The happy winners of the Cocomangas Youth League ,Brent School of Boracay.

    

    The winners of the youngest division ,  ages 6 and 7 ,is the tough talented team from the  Boradise Resort, Boracay.

    I love basketball and I love my community here at Barangay Balabag situated on the paradise island of Boracay in the beautiful friendly Philippines. To give back to the community Cocomangas Shooter Bar organized ,sponsored and found other sponsors , so that the youth of Boracay could display their basketball skills during the week long tournament for the students and youth .

    The youngest division , 6 and 7 yr old , was my personal favourite and was the crowd’s most popular division  of the event. The game of basketball  at such a young age was full of chaos,turnovers , and hilarious moments . The other age groups involved in the week long event were ages 8,9,and 10, ages  11,12, and 13  ,  ages 14 and 15  , and 16 and above rounding out the 5 different divisions .

    At every age level you could see the different talent and basketball skills from certain individuals .I’m hoping that with this early exposure to basketball that those kids with some skills will continue to play and practice the game so that later on in life they can kick some butt in the local leagues over here in the Philippines.

    I must thank all the sponsors for making it happen;Manana Mexican Resturant,Javas Clothing Company, Metrobank,Crafts Department Store,Summer Place,Hey Jude,Aria ,Casa Asia,Scott Mackinnon,Dave Straw Inn,and Cocomangas Pizza Hot-line.Without sponsors the youth league could not happen so thanks to all that care about basketball and the youth of Boracay .

    Yours Truly,

    John Munro

    The

     

• • Cocomangas Open For Franchising
  • Posted by admin on 5 Oct 2009 7:33 pm. Filed under Cocomangas.

  • 

    The Cocomangas Shooter Bar booth at the Cebu Franchise Expo September 11-13, 2009.

    

    The Cebu Franchise Expo last Sept 11-13 , 09 was a huge success with many inquiries for a Cocomangas Franchise.

    

    At the Cebu Franchise Expo we advertised our famous Pizza, Jam Jars, Illusion Shakers, and the infamous ” Still Standing After 15…”.

    

    Spreading the word and talking with perspective Cocomangas franchisees at the Cebu Expo. Franchise with Cocomangas today.

    Breaking news from Cebu City. Cocomangas Shooter Bar , the most famous watering hole on the beautiful island of Boracay in the Philippines , is now open for franchising .With 22 years experience in the bar/nightclub business  , Cocomangas is Boracay’s most famous  brand name for nightlife and good times . With drinking gimmicks like the infamous “Still Standing After 15…” ,the massive Illusion Shakers, the unique Cocktail Jars, the yummy pizza,the pumping dance floor , the full moon parties , and the good value prices,  Cocomangas is a strong brand name and will be successful for any future franchisee.  To spread the word about a  Cocomangas Shooter Bar  franchise we entered the Cebu Franchise Expo last September 11 to 13 held at the SM Mall , where we met with thousands of potential investors.

    I’m very excited for this next phase of Cocomangas and I’m going to work hard with the franchisees to design ,manage , and market a successful bar/nightclub.

    The Expo in Cebu was a huge success and gave us an opportunity to talk with thousands of perspective clients and future franchisees.The alcohol business is a good way to earn a living . Most people like to  drink alcohol when times are good ,  and when the times are bad they will continue to drink alcohol ,  so it’s a win win situation.

    If you’re interested to invest in  a Cocomangas franchise . Send us a letter of intent to Cocomangas Shooter Bar , 0609 Main Road,Balabag,Malay,Aklan , Philippines or fax it to 63-36-288-6384.Include in the letter  your name,address, and contact details, proposed site (with site address and  location map).After receiving your letter we will make an assessment of your proposed building site,  evaluate your bio data, and do a preliminary interview .If all is approved than we will start the process of signing the franchise agreement.

    The franchise fee :Cocomangas Shooter Bar 1,300,000 peso inclusive of 12% government vat .Initial term is 6 years(renewable) and royalty fee is 5% of gross sales .Minimum area required is 300 sq meters .

    The Cocomangas concept will work anywhere in the Philippines, either in the city or on the beach  .

    Yours Truly,

    John Munro

     

• • Boracay’s New Fast Craft Ferry Service
  • Posted by admin on 21 Sep 2009 8:45 am. Filed under Boracay News.

  • 

    The sign for the fast craft ferry service advertising the reasonable 30 peso fare .

    

    The fast craft is a modern safe vessel leaving the jetty port every 30 minutes on the half hour.

    

    The inside view of the fast craft ferry service with comfortable seating ,air-conditioning ,and television sets for entertainment.

    

    The government has allocated a special docking area at the jetty port for the fast craft for easy loading and unloading of passengers.

    Boracay Island in the beautiful Philippines has a new ferry service which is clean , safe , fast ,and very reasonable at P30.00 a trip . The new ferry crosses from Caticlan Jetty Port to Boracay Jetty Port and visa versa every 30 minutes (ferry leaves on the half hour) and the trip only takes 5 minutes once the boat is moving .The new ferry service is air-conditioned and shows DVD movies while you travel in luxury .Once when  I made the crossing I was so  engrossed with the movie that I didn’t want to get off the boat until I saw the ending  .

    This new ferry , owned and operated by Montenegro Lines,  is a wonderful addition to the Island and it is  helping in promoting  safe travel to and from Boracay . The only bad thing I see with the service is that it runs  only every 30 minutes , so if you’re in a hurry you’ll have to  opt for the traditional wood bangka ferries which fill up much faster. I hope Montenegro Lines  will change their  ferry schedule and  leave every ten minutes instead .

    Make sure you arrive in style to start your holiday in Boracay  by riding on the fast craft …

    Yours Truly,

    John Munro

     

• • ATV Offroading On Boracay Is Super Popular
  • Posted by admin on 4 Sep 2009 11:39 am. Filed under Boracay News.

  • 

    All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) rental shops have sprung up in Boracay the last few years.This one called the G1 ATV situated near the Eco village in Hagdan and charging 500 per hour rental fee.

    

    Having a few practice laps at the I.V. Off-road rentals  before hitting the streets of Boracay . The rental per hour was only 300 peso  .

    

    Cruising the main road of Boracay . Using an ATV is a great way to see the island.

    

    Atvs and buggies parked at the side of the road at Mount Luho view point . Most Atv rental places take you up the back roads to Mount Luho .

    

    The biggest ATV and buggie rental shop on Boracay , the Best One Rentals , located at the turnoff to Diniwid Beach.

    There are so many things to do on Boracay Island in the Philippines . From horse back riding ,  scuba diving,golfing , to going off road on an  all terrain vehicle(ATV), Boracay offers a ton of fun activities  to keep your holiday fun and interesting. ATV is fast becoming one of  Boracay’s most popular sports . Right now there are 8 ATV rental outlets all situated in the north end past station one ,  charging between 300  and  600 peso an hour depending on the size of the ATV.

    It’s a fun safe way to see the island . Almost all the ATV companies take you on a tour of Boracay’s unused back roads which lead up to the highest peak on the island , Mount Luho.I saw at least 25  all terrain vehicles parked at Mount Luho when I toured the island yesterday .  I rented a small ATV , 80 cc, which was  automatic, and super  easy to drive ,and cost only 300 an hour.Cheap thrills.

    After Mount Luho we continued up to Yapak Beach . The whole tour took an hour and was really enjoyable .Boracay is  beautiful and needs to be explored on an ATV. If you’re looking for something to do on your next visit to paradise , rent an ATV and tour the Island of Boracay . You’ ll like it .

    Yours truly,

    John Munro

     

• • Snorkeling Boracay’s Tropical Fish Tank
  • Posted by admin on 28 Aug 2009 12:07 pm. Filed under Boracay News.

  • 

    Tambisaan Beach located on the east side of Boracay is an excellent place for snorkeling.Enjoy.

    

    We hired this bangka boat at Tambisaan Beach for 600 peso an hour . Good value.

    

    Enjoy snorkeling the crystal clear waters of Boracay . This boulder about 3 meters below surface . Amazingly beautiful..

    
    The true entrepreneur , the coconut man, selling his coconuts for 30 peso each .

    

    The snorkeling was absolutely fantastic and must be done on your next visit.

    

    Other boats enjoying the snorkeling area which the Mayor’s office has cornered off for safety to all snorkelers .

    

    There’s nothing better than fresh coconut juice while enjoying the sun, sea, and sand of Boracay , Philippines.

    
    The Sea Ranger collecting a snorkeling charge of 20 peso fee per head for the Mayor’s Office.

    I have really enjoyed the great outdoors of Boracay this August .I’ve been busy swimming , sailing , hiking , snorkeling, golfing, cliff jumping , and generally enjoying the beach life that this fantastic island offers . It helps that the weather has been hot and sunny all month , which is rare for this time of year as it’s usually raining,windy , and wet. So much for the off season.

    During my last outing I went snorkeling on the east coast of Boracay which I highly recommend. It was beautiful and must be done on your next trip to the island . I hired a boat for an hour at Tambisaan Beach at a cost 600 peso . Good value as my family and I just loved the different variety of colored tropical fish that live in the crystal clear waters of Boracay . The fish are so beautiful and colorful , it’s like jumping into your aquarium back home.We saw the following fish and many more ;the Bicolor Dwarf,Emperor Angel,Koran Angel,Spotted Box Fish,Moorish Idol Butterfly-fish,Common Clown-fish(the official name of Nemo), Spectacled Parrot-fish,White-spotted Puffer, Clown Trigger-fish, and hundreds more but i don’t want to bore you with a ton of different names.All I know is that I have the best back yard in the world.

    The sea ranger who works for the Mayor’s office came along side our boat for a 20 peso fee.Again worth the payment.The Mayor has cornered off an area for snorkeling so you don’t need to worry about passing boats taking your head off which makes the 20 peso fee worth it .Also the coconut man came by on a surfboard full of coconuts which was cool .I like to see a true entrepreneur at work . The coconuts cost 30 peso’s each , and he even had change for a 500 peso note , so I complemented him on being such a good businessman.It’s common in the Philippines that store owners don’t have enough change for a 500 note.

    So if you’re planning a future trip to paradise , make sure you have a wonderful time snorkeling in the beautiful ocean surrounding Boracay in the friendliest country in the world , the Philippines.The best place to snorkel is at Tambisaan Beach.

    Yours truly,

    John Munro

     

• • Have A Blast Sailing On A Boracay Paraw
  • Posted by admin on 23 Aug 2009 11:04 am. Filed under Boracay News.

  • 

    Walking to station 1 along Boracay’s White Beach where we hired a paraw for an hour of fun.

    

    Boracay’s typical sail boat,called a paraw, with bamboo outriggers, which costs 500 peso an hour to rent.

    

    Our captain doing a great job pulling on the right ropes which are connected to the rudder and main sail.

    

    The race is on as we try to overtake another paraw on the crystal clear waters at Boracay , Philippines.

    

    The building site of Boracay’s West Cove Resort  , belonging to  Mr.Crisostomo Aquino but rumored to be owned by the best pound for pound boxer in the world , Manny Paquiao.

    

    The Boracay paraws gather at boat station number 1 everyday and are very busy during sunset hour . Enjoy sailing around Boracay on your next visit to paradise.

    So many customers ask me what  they should  do while holidaying on Boracay  in the wonderful Philippines. I’m like try horse back riding , golfing , wind surfing ,kite boarding ,  scuba diving,trekking, cave hiking , people watching, cock fighting, or go sailing on a paraw.

    I like the sailing on a paraw . It’s so relaxing once you sail on one of  Boracay’s native sail boats called paraw’s.I know for myself my stress from work leaves me immediately once  I’m out at sea on a paraw. There’s something about being powered by the wind  , gliding silently across the ocean, which makes you relax and love mother nature .It brings a calmness to an otherwise hectic stressful life.The ocean being so warm and crystal clear , it makes for a beautiful trip gliding over massive rocks which are just meters below the paraw’s rudder.Sailing earlier today  was a blast as  the wind was strong  forcing us to hang out on the bamboo outriggers doing a  balancing  act to prevent  the sail boat from capsizing.To much fun in the sun .

    If you looking for something to do on your next trip to Boracay , try sunset  paraw sailing along White Beach . You’ll love it.The cost will be 500 peso an hour but worth it as you’ll find your body and mind fully relaxing.

    Yours truly,

    John Munro

     

• • Cliff Jumping At Ariel’s Point
  • Posted by admin on 21 Aug 2009 5:39 pm. Filed under Boracay News.

  • 

    Ariel’s Point located about 40 minutes by boat from Boracay’s White Beach.

    

    On the way Areil’s boat passed right beside many beautiful limestone cliffs and rock formations.

    

    We were excited to see the white stairs at Ariel’s Point viewed from the boat .

    

    Hanging off the cliff on the 7 meter board psyching myself up for the big jump.To much fun.

    

    Mark on the 5 meter board getting ready for splash down .

    

    Good form hitting the water off the 5 meter board  and loving every minute of it.

    

    Flying off the grand daddy at over 10 meters and yelling all the way down .Can’t wait to go back again.

    

    Ariel’s Point has a great set up and climbing back to the top is easy with this bamboo ladder .Life is good.

    

    It was exciting to see the wild hip hop monkeys high in the trees at Ariel’s Point.

    My family and I were coming back to Cocomangas from a bike ride around Boracay ,when i saw my friendly  neighbour,Ariel , on the sidewalk . I yelled out  to him ,hey,  I saw your new Ariel’s Point on a television show .He said ,” were heading over to the Point at 3pm if you’d like to join “.I was like yeah ,I like an adventure trip with some cliff jumping.Why not , sure beats working for the afternoon .

    At 3pm we met at Ariel’s  Beach House,which is 10 meters away from Cocomangas and is located right smack on White Beach , where we  jumped on board his bangka boat for the short 40 minute, 5 mile journey to the point located at Baruanga Town , Panay Island. On the boat were Ariel,Ariel’s son Alvin , Mark ,Anthony,Martin , Bobby, my son and I , and after introductions we were all  excited and ready for a nice afternoon .The sun was shinning and the ocean was flat and calm . Perfect travelling conditions .

    Along the way we enjoyed the stunning beauty which is  the Philippines Islands.We passed by limestone cliffs,remote white beaches ,high mountains with tropical  jungles, small towns,beach houses ,  and lots of fishermen . Ahead we could see  Ariels Point .With Ariel’s  staff serving ice cold beers,and hip hop music playing, the boat trip took  no time at all  as we were all enjoying mother nature , and each other’s company .What a cool trip so far .

    Once the boat docked, the fun began. Directly off the boat you walk through this incredible staircase built right through these huge boulders ,  like you’re in a large cave . Once you reach the top of the white stairs you  notice these wood blanks(diving boards) which  are hanging off the cliffs . Within 5 minutes we were cliff jumping and having an absolute blast . Ariel has a sweet set up and has done a wonderful job catering to all levels of cliff jumpers, and if you don’t want to jump than just walking around to the different view points and picnic area’s is fun .

    There’s the 3 meter jump which my 9 year old son was eye balling , or the 5 meter jump which is good for swan diving , or the 7 meter jump which was the most popular jump amongst us , and the grand daddy jump at over 10 meters .To conquer the jumps don’t look down , just run , yell, and enjoy the free fall.it’s super deep so no worries about hitting bottom .After 30 minutes of jumping and climbing back to the top was exhausting and quickly made us hungry . Areil  and his staff put on a BBQ of fresh fish and  pork chops. Delicious.

    After lunch we noticed the tree branches moving up on the hillside. We had some visitors. Wild monkeys . About 30 of them  in total . The boat man told me they like to chill out in the trees above the boat as they like to listen to the hip hop which was playing from the boats stereo . I laughed at the thought of hip hop monkeys.Ariel mentioned a wall of bats not far from the point , so we went  for a short hike in search of the creatures  but unfortunately missed them as they relocated to higher ground for the evening .Next time we’ll catch them hanging off the walls .

    Overall it was a fantastic day of fun. I know I’ll be going back again soon.If you want more information,  check out Ariel’s hotel website at www.boracaybeachclub.com.

    Yours truly,

    John Munro

     

« Previous Page — Next Page »