Tourists flock to Boracay for Holy Week vacation

Several tourists continue to flock to Boracay not only to enjoy their vacation but also to take time for reflection this Holy Week. 

According to the report of GMA Regional TV's Kim Salinas on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, one family from Canada traveled all the way to Boracay to spend the Holy Week. 

“‘Yung atmosphere, 'yung vibe ng isla. Mga activities, island hopping. I think gusto rin nila mag-ATV,” Dante Acuesta said.

Meanwhile, Rodel Lida shared that despite rising fuel prices, his six-hour trip from Mandurriao, Iloilo, was all worth it for the vacation he had been planning since January.

For the Tanaka family, who hail from Tokyo, the trip is not just about enjoying the beach and sunset—they also plan to attend Mass while in Boracay.

“One week lang po kasi kami dito. Ang talagang ano po namin ay maipasyal po sila. So kung makapunta man kami ng simbahan, siguro saglit lang,” Yuki Tanaka shared.

The local government unit of Malay, Aklan, has reminded the public to follow the protocols for a peaceful stay, including a prohibition on loud music. 

“Kaunting respeto lang para maging solemn naman ang bakasyon kasama ang Diyos,” said Mayor Frolibar Bautista.

Strict inspections and security measures are also being enforced at Cagban Jetty Port and Caticlan Jetty Port.

“‘Yung mga ipinagbabawal natin diyan, unang-una ang matatalas na bagay, mga pointed, mga baril. Tapos bawal din po diyan ‘yung mga flammable,” said Caticlan and Cagban Jetty Port Chief of Security Richard Alair.

So far, authorities have confiscated over 200 lighters, knives, and other sharp objects.

Per Salinas' report, parties and loud music in Boracay will be prohibited starting at 6 a.m. on Good Friday until 6 a.m. on Holy Saturday.

Meanwhile, per the Malay Tourism Office, more than 19,000 tourists visited the island from March 26 to March 29. This number is expected to rise further during Holy Week.

Last month, the majority of visitors were from Korea, followed by tourists from the United States.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News