Goodbye & Salamat White Beach, Boracay Island, Philippines

The Philippines were named by Magellan in honor of Prince Phillip of Spain. It is comprised of 7,000+ islands of which only half have been named & only 1,000 are inhabited. Of these, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan no doubt has the best beach - appropriately named White Beach. I have tremendously enjoyed my 2-week visit here - primarily because of my adopted, very shy (no pics allowed) hostess - Mary Grace who showed me all that the island had to offer - culture, cuisine, & wonderful people. The above pics are of 2 of the many beautiful Boracay Island sunsets that we shared. Salamat ("thank you" in Tagalog) Mary Grace & the many people I've met on this leg of my journey.
I will spend most of today (Monday, June 21) traveling from Caticlan to Manila and then from Manila to Saigon.

Another Island & ?

The top pic is of the very small Mother Mary Island located just off the shoreline on the north end of White Beach. There is a small shrine dedicated to Mother Mary on the right side (in the top pic) of the island. White Beach is known for this shrine & you see people wading to the island everyday paying homage. Btw - > 85% of Filipinos are Catholic.
The 2nd pic above is additional proof that I am here!

More White Beach

I have now walked, several times, the entire 7km (4+ miles) length of White Beach.. The above pics are of my 2 favorite areas - both located on the south end of beach. Both ends of the beach abruptly end with rock walls. The narrow island has a mountain ridge in the middle of it that runs its length ending at the sea. Btw - on world maps this sea is identified as the South China Sea. On more detailed Philippine maps, Boracay is located where 3 seas intersect - the South China, Sulu, & Philippine Seas.
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White Beach, Boracay Island, Philippines

The above pics were taken on the beach in front of my hotel. The sand is very fine & almost as white as Caribbean beaches. Water is very warm & visibility (clarity) is very good. Beach is almost empty - but hotels are full!? I believe this is because most of the visitors here are apparently Chinese and a surprising number of Russians!? Neither like exposing their fair skin to the hot sun. I wish there were more Europeans, Aussies, Kiwis or even US folks around!
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White Beach, Boracay Island, Philippines

There are restaurants, bars, hotels along the entire length of White Beach. There is a "foot path" between the beach & the bars/restaurants/hotels. It is always shaded by coconut trees during the day. The above pics give you some idea what I'm talking about. The bars are packed every night - most are open until 1 or 4AM, have loud live bands & some very attractive ladies.
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White Beach, Boracay Island, Philippines

The above pic is of Boracay Island, Philippines - 7km (4+ mi) long & 4km (2.5 mi) at its widest. Can you find White Beach?
I have been traveling most of the day arriving here late this afternoon: 3-hour flight from Saigon to Manila where I got visa/luggage & went through customs, then boarded a 1-hour flight from Manila to Caticlan, then a 30-minute boat taxi to Boracay Island. Connection in Manila was a hassle - very little time to get checked baggage, clear customs, get visa & go to another terminal!
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