Beach parties banned in Boracay on Good Friday

Tourists had a quieter experience on Boracay Island on Good Friday as the municipality of Malay in Aklan province implemented a memorandum banning beach parties until the morning of Black Saturday.

According to the ''24 Oras'' report of GMA Regional TV’s John Sala, establishments were prohibited from opening their bars, holding parties, and playing loud music from 6 a.m. on Friday until 6 a.m. on Black Saturday.

Bar owner Nixon Sualog admitted that his business was affected by the policy, but he said that he understands the need for it in observance of Holy Week.

“Okay lang po kasi every year nangyayari naman yung pagbabawal ng mga parties,” he said.

(It’s okay with me because they always ban parties every year.)

The Malay police office conducted inspection and monitoring on the compliance of the establishments.

“We will conduct inspection, roving, and we will deploy PNP officers to supervise,” said Municipal Police Station chief Lt. Col. Mar Joseph Ravelo.

Aside from enjoying the white sand and blue waters on the island, tourists and devotees participated in religious activities, including the Via Crucis.

“We have to respect each other’s beliefs and religions. So iba-iba tayo ng way of observing the Holy Week (we have different ways of observing the Holy Week). What’s important is that we observe and we respect each other,” said tourist Lei Talastas.

Meanwhile, some visitors took advantage of Holy Week to spend time with their families.

“It’s essential din po to take a breather and makapag-muni muni lalo ngayong Holy Week break po, hindi lang makapag-rest on our own but also to spend time with our family,” said tourist Nicole Trinidad.

(It’s also essential to take a breather and reflect this Holy Week break. It’s not just to rest on our own but also to spend time with our family.) — Vince Angelo Ferreras/VBL, GMA Integrated News