When
Presidente Duterte ordered the 6-month closure of Boracay for the island’s
rehabilitation, I know for certain that neighboring municipality of Buruanga
will somehow benefit and attract more tourists than they usually cater.
Buruanga boasts of beautiful secret coves and white-sand beaches that could rival the world-class beauty of Boracay. This was proven true when Gilbert Bo Pangilinan, one of the owners of Paradiso Bel-is, confirmed that on the succeeding days following Boracay’s closure, people indeed flocked to Bel-is.
There are only a few resorts in Bel-is, a mixture of high-end and backpacker type; the newest to open is the quaint and charming Paradiso Bel-is.
I have been to Bel-is on a solo trip two years ago. This time I was with my highschool friends. This short and unplanned vacation in fact happened because Jai, our host, got resurrected after 10 long years.
In a short span of time, developments were indeed evident in the area – the LGU already imposed an environmental fee for tourists, passenger boats are now organized, and resorts have sprouted. San Miguel and a big international hotel chain have already acquired beachfront properties in the area, so I expect more development for the years to come.
From the port in Buruanga on the way to the resort, we passed by stunning limestones and rock formations of Ariel’s Point and the virgin beach of Hinugtan.
When we arrived, paradise is coyly waiting. Sweet salty air, coconut trees swaying, and inviting white-sand beaches - what welcomed us was indeed breath-taking. And the bonus – not so many tourists in sight.
Paradiso Bel-is is a cluster of Jamaican-Asian inspired tropical beach house and villas. The place, elegantly designed by Gilbert utilizing wood and recycled materials, is artsy, vibrant and colourful. It is also equipped with modern amenities to ensure comfortable stay of guests.
One villa with three rooms is available for rent for those staying overnight. It has shared living room, and each room has its own bathroom. The villa could be rented as a whole or by room, and could accommodate maximum of ten persons.
There are also three 2-storey private villas used by the family and members-only but sometimes they are rented out to big groups. I’m so amazed with the design which I find quaint and eclectic – the paddle staircase, the serpentine tree branches used to spruce up the ceiling, the bamboo walls and flooring, and the native duyan overlooking the sea.
Other amenities for guests’ use include a garden with lounge seats and swing (more and more of it around the place), and a small basketball court.
Paradiso has an in-house café, heavily influenced by Reggae and Bob Marley. It has a very chill and tropical ambiance, and welcomes all nationalities with the different flags proudly displayed. Recycled and used bottles, as well as masks, are also used as ornaments. A corner is adorned with floating teacups, which reminds me of Alice in Wonderland.
The café serves delectable all-day breakfast and drinks.
Friendly cats and dogs freely roam around the property.
The beachfront is pristine with mixed fine white sand and rocky shoreline, and crystal clear turquoise waters. During low tide, corals are exposed. There used to be a wooden swing by the beach but sadly Gilbert took it down. But nearby resorts of Langka and Jamboo also erected their own wooden swings, making these spots truly IG-worthy.
During sunset and dusk the waters become perfectly still and placid. Locals start to collect sea shells and sea urchins. Children play and run along the shore. Sometimes I envy the simple island life.
Over
lambanog and beer, we talked about life and work, reminisced the past. It was a
decade ago the last time we saw and heard of Jai. There were times that I
wondered why he just left without saying anything, deactivated his FB, and left
no trace of him in the world. But who cares?
Happiness
is meeting an old friend after a long, long time, and feeling that nothing has
changed.
From Kalibo, take a Buruanga-bound bus and get off at Alegria Port in
Buruanga. Alternative route - from Caticlan, take a jeepney or rent a habal-habal
going to Alegria Port. At the port, there are several boats for hire going to
Bel-is.
Paradiso Bel-is
Naasog Beach, Sitio Naasog
Bel-is, Buruanga, Aklan
Tel. No.: 0998-9752669
