BORACAY and PERSONAL FINANCE

"God is now here or God is no where?" - Priest from Boracay

Last Holy Week, my family (wife and kids) spent our time in the beautiful island of Boracay...I know it's a not-so-holy place, but somehow the priest hit the right homily during Easter mass...is God now here or is God no where in Boracay?
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Anyway, let's stick to personal finance matters...
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First of all, I would like to thank my sister in-law who made the trip possible...she shouldered the plane fare, hotel accommodation and even gave us some pocket money!!!...I guess the first tip I can give you on saving for that family trip is to find a generous sponsor for your vacation....=)
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On plane fares....book early...the earlier the cheaper...however, be warned that a "Piso" fare (by Cebu Pac) or an "Itlog" fare (recent promo by Air Phil express) is not really P1 peso or FREE....of course, you still have to pay for taxes, surcharges, etc....
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On hotel accomodations....we all have different expectations when it comes to hotels...on a financial/savings stand point, as long as its safe, clean, with basic amenities, close proximity to restaurants/tourist spots, "pwede na yan"....do you really have to stay in Boracay Regency with a swimming pool but its beach front is full of "lumot"?...
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On food trips and restaurants....while in Boracay, I came to appreciate Mang Inasal and Andok's since they seem to be the only well-known resto chains there that offer reasonable prices....the rest are a little bit expensive with "pang-foreigner" prices....ok, enjoy the fine dining or beach front dining once in a while....basta within "budget" ha....
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On attires and dress codes...no need to buy those expensive board shorts, tank tops, bikinis...ang dami nga walang suot....na pang-itaas...=)....alright, I have to accept that some people really go to the beach to "make porma"....actually, parang fashion show nga minsan...pagandahan ng shades/hats/dresses then kunwari may abs....=)
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On gadgets....do we really need to bring ALL our gadgets?...our DSLR camera with tripod plus touch screen cellphone plus iPad/Galaxy Tab plus music player with matching big headsets plus laptop....come on...just chillax....some foreigners only brought a "book" while sun bathing...
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On banana boats and island hoppings....ok, I guess we need to experience and explore once in a while...all I have to say is as long as its within budget....=)
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All in all, its always good to have a break and unwind especially with your family....as long as you don't have to break your piggy bank or worst, charge everything to your "maxed out" credit card....
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~ Time's fun when you're having flies! - Kermit the Frog

Hope this helps,

Ge