It felt forever since our last trip.

So, with eased restrictions back in February, 14th and xxth birthday of Nic and Manny a month apart, I thought it deserved a trip.

With Boracay as the agreed destination, I checked the requirements: a roundtrip ticket, proof of booking in an accredited hotel and negative swab test from a list of accredited laboratories. These need to be submitted along with copies of the passengers’ ID.

For detailed instructions on the requirements, pls check here >> https://aklan.gov.ph/guide-for-tourists/

Note that the swab test should be not earlier than 72 hours before your flight. Found it confusing so I checked, double and triple checked to make sure our swab results will be valid when submitted.

Managed to grab a video of Nic’s swab test. As this was our first time, found the procedure a bit discomforting – long cotton buds inside both of your nostrils plus throat. But all finished in less than 39 seconds 😊

I highly recommend Safeguard Diagnostics Lab if you plan on getting swabbed. Their price starts at P2600 for results to be emailed within 48 hours. This is I think cheaper than the others I’ve checked plus they have a lot of satellite offices. They emailed the results before the 48th hour. Really efficient 👍

The swab results should be submitted via email to Aklan tourism office. As soon as the complete documents are validated, a confirmation email will be sent along with Health Declaration QR code. This QR code served as the passport to entry in Boracay. This code was asked from us several times: check in at Manila airport, at Caticlan airport, the Boracay tourism office and at the hotel.

On the day of our flight, I was pleased to note that the airport was not as deserted as I thought it would be. The guard shared that passengers had been coming in non stop – a good sign that economic activity is slowly picking up.

So we checked in with our IDs + Health Declaration QR code, proceeded to our gate and waited.

Given fewer flights operating, our flight was on time! We had to ride the bus for a short trip to the plane, where the number of passengers per bus were limited.

On the plane, the flight attendants in their PPEs spritzed alcohol on every passenger’s hands as they get in. Guests were also advised to stow their own luggage. Other changes I noticed: they do not have snacks for sale (only pre ordered), they spritzed alcohol on your hands before and after you use the lavatory, one cannot wait along the galley for the lavatory and they don’t collect litter anymore and ask passengers to bring them instead to dispose properly upon deplaning. And what I liked the most, they announced the rows before you can get your luggage in the overhead bin and exit the plane – it was very organized! I hope even after this pandemic, it still stays that way.

In Caticlan, you likewise had to queue for temperature check and show your Health Declaration QR Code along with valid ID to the airport personnel.

We met our kuya for the car service and he took us to the tourism office, where once again they asked for the QR Code and ID. After that, we’re finally set for our short boat ride to the resort.

It was a poignant moment getting into that boat, feeling the sea breeze and ocean spray 🙂

After about 15 minutes, we were finally at the resort! We checked in and were led to our room. I had emailed the resort that we were celebrating 2 birthdays, so I was happy to see they put balloons in the room plus a cake to boot 🙂

After settling in, we headed to the beach. It felt really, really good to feel the sand, sun and salty, fresh air.

Manny and I also took the opportunity to do open water swim and run during our short stay. But to me really, it was an excuse to pig out. Check out the vid and some photos 😊

I wished we could’ve stay there for long but as with all good things, they seem to end abruptly. The sun, sand and the sea were a much needed shot of vitality for us. We were lucky we were able to travel because few weeks after the trip, travel for tourism was disallowed again.

Until it’s safe to travel again, we’ll just keep dreaming of better days with clear skies and calm waters. Till then though, never stop believing better days are coming – which is the true meaning of today’s celebration – Hope.

Blessed Easter everyone!