This Week in Boracay (June 12 to 18, 2016)

Though less tourists visit the island in the month of June, Boracay can still get a little crowded because of the school opening and some events being held here.

A couple of rainshowers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the week. The rainy season signals the start of the off-peak period in Boracay which means lesser crowd in the island than usual. The skies are often cloudy, the water current and winds are strong, and rain showers come more often during the months of June to October. Extra caution is necessary when in the waters. Some water activities are not advisable when there is downpour or when water current is too rough.

Due to opening of classes, major streets in the island, particularly from Stations 1 to 3, get crowded during rush hour. From 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, traffic will be heavy along Station 2 where Balabag Elementary School is located.

The 1st “Global Research and Education Conference” (GRAEC 2016) will be held in Boracay starting June 17 until June 19. The event organized by the Asian Intellect for Academic Organization and Development Inc. will gather top researchers in the country and from abroad. Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center in Station 2 will host the participants of the event.

The strong water current due to the start of habagat or the southwest monsoon season sometimes washes up jellyfish on shore at the White Beach. People are advised against picking up jellyfish as some of them could have deadly stings. Those who got stung by a jellyfish should put vinegar on the affected area. Lifeguards of the Philippine Red Cross stationed in Stations 1 to 3 have available first aid kits for immediate medication.

Seafood and fruits are cheaper when bought from the local public market or from ambulant vendors selling along the streets at the main road in Station 2 during afternoons. Prawns are sold at PhP350 per kilo from ambulant vendors, but they could cost up to PhpP600 per kilo at D’Talipapa stalls.

Fruits like golden watermelon are available at PhP40 per kilo, same with pineapples. Each piece usually weighs at least two kilos. Mangoes are also in season and sold at PhP100 per kilo for the ripe ones while Indian Mangoes are sold at 3 for PhP50. Durian is likewise sold at D’Mall market at PhP60 per kilo.