PTA seal with Barbers' name dots Boracay's main road
http://www.thenewstoday.info/2008/02/04/pta.seal.jpg
By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
The controversial seal of the Philippine Tourism Authority with the name of PTA general manager Robert Dean Barbers.
The controversial seal of the Philippine Tourism
Authority with the name of PTA general manager
Robert Dean Barbers.
BORACAY ISLAND—"Sino po si Barbers? Pulitiko ba siya? (Who is Barbers? Is he a politician?)"
This was the reaction of a fruit vendor on Boracay Island to the engraved name of Robert Dean Barbers, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), that have dotted the path walk along the main road of the island-resort.
Barbers has drawn flak from Boracay residents and resort owners for putting his name prominently along with the PTA seal on the P140-million PTA drainage system project on the island.
"He has no right (to put his name) because that (project comes from) our money. Why, is he running for office?" said a resort owner and a long-time resident of the island who asked not to be identified because of Barbers' position and authority.
Another resort owner and also a community leader said the practice shows "lack of professional ethics."
"People's money, not his personal money, was spent on that project. It's giving the wrong impression on how government officials spends our money," the resort owner said.
"It's bad taste... In our country, we don't have people like him," said a European expatriate.
Barbers downplayed the putting of the seal along with his name on the pavement.
"It was the project's architect who designed that. I was surprised when I saw it. But I don't see anything wrong with it," Barbers said in a telephone interview on Sunday.
Like the practice of many politicians who put their names prominently near bridges, waiting sheds, roads and bridges, Barber's name is prominently displayed along with the engrave PTA.
The seal is around two feet in diameter and spans almost the whole width of the concrete surface covering the drainage pipes. It is composed of three circular layers with the PTA logo at the center in red, yellow, white and blue.
Engraved in the second layer is the words "Philippine Tourism Authority 1973." The last and outermost later is the slogan "Pilipino sa Turismo ay Aktibo" and "Robert Dean S. Barbers" in blue.
The engraved seal can be found on the pavement almost every 50 meters on one side of the road along a four-kilometer stretch of the main road spanning Barangay Balabag at the center of the 1,000-hectare island to Barangay Manoc-Manoc at the southern end of the island.
The road is the main access way of the island's more than 13,000 residents and both foreign and local tourists. It is parallel to the stretch of the island's world famous white beach.
Hayden Bandiola, a bar owner and civil engineering graduate, said putting Barber's name or the PTA logo may every kilometer or mile" could be acceptable but not as close as it is now.
"It's his obligation to construct infrastructure projects," said Bandiola.
The PTA, tasked to develop, supervise and operate tourism projects and areas, has several projects on the island including the operation of the Boracay Water and Sewage System (BWSS).
The drainage system is among the measures being undertaken to help solve the flooding problem on the island.
Barbers said the installation of pipes is around 90 percent complete. But it has been stalled by right of way problems. The PTA has filed expropriation cases before the Kalibo Regional Trial Court for three areas for pumping stations to flush out rain water to the sea.
When asked by if he had plans to run for public office, Barbers said he has no such plans, citing the experience of his father, the late former Sen. Robert Barbers.
The former senator who ran for re-election in the May 10, 2004 elections but lost amid protest to get the last slot in the 12 senatorial seats to fellow administration candidate Sen. Rodolfo Biazon.
The PTA chief is among the four children of the late senator. His brother, Robert Ace, was former congressman of the 2nd District of Surigao del Norte and now governor of the province. Another brother, Robert Lyndon, also served as governor of Surigao del Norte.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Boracay by Bike
BORACAY BY BIKE
VIC ALBORNOZ LACTAOEN GOES OFF THE BEATEN TRACK TO SEE A NOT-QUITE-FORGOTTEN SIDE OF OUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY ISLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE CABIG
For some reason, being on two, pedal-powered wheels, encourages trust in everyone you meet. There’s an assumption that you’re a good guy; maybe it’s a sense of vulnerability. These days, experiencing this kind of kinship is one of the greatest goals of travel. Boracay is already one of the world’s friendliest places, so whether you’re easing from one resort to another, across the island, or through Puka Shell Beach in the north all the way to Manoc-Manoc in the south, there is no better way to travel.
Boracay’s shoreline cycle path draws hordes of two-wheeled-tourists every year, during the summer and in-between the dry spells of the rainy season. There is something positively therapeutic about pedaling alongside this great shoreline: the section from Punta Bunga to Tambisaan Beach is a strong contender for the most beautiful stretch of Boracay, and it’s so enticingly popular that the shoreline is peppered with all sorts of establishments: sandcastles sit side-by-side with installation art. For most of its length, the ride follows the sea and the road is kept in good condition. In-between points of interest, distances are short so allow plenty of time to explore whatever catches your eye along the shores.
The north east side of the island off Puka Shell Beach from Punta Bunga towards Ilig-Iligan Beach has coves and caves where bats take full flight at dusk. The road here is less travelled and has turns that can be steep and narrow, although enjoyable and still not too rigorous.
Small paths criss-cross most of the island and take intrepid cyclists to unspoilt parts of Boracay. From the main road that runs from north to south of the island down the west coast, it’s possible to see the whole island and veer off to some of the side paths along the way.
HIGHLIGHTS
Mountain views
Mount Luho is a great place to kick-off an adventure. It’s 100 meters above the sea and the ascent is easy, winding with some rough, but manageable, roads. The best route is the steep road, going north from Bulabog. This is on the eastern side of the island so you get away from White Beach and suddenly notice a quieter world, with only the sounds of birds and the sight of occasional distant bancas (boats).
At the summit, leave your bike, pay the entrance fee of PHP50 (USD1.15) and begin the final part of your climb on foot. The bird’s eye views are stunning from its improvised wooden view deck, over Boracay and the neighboring island of Romblon.
Bat caves and wildlife
Yapak is more popularly known as Puka Shell beach. Be sure to take in the huge variety of scenery along the steep road on the way. There are exotic animals, trees and flowers, small harvested cornfields and the last area of virgin forest. Old-timers in the area say that this is where you can see Boracay as it was many years ago – lonely huts, fields of wild grass, rare flowers and dense groves. Forests remain an important part of the island. This is home to the island’s flying foxes or fruit bats. Their numbers are dwindling as their environment is gradually eroded thanks to human encroachment, but ongoing conservation is being organized by the locals together with some charitable foundations to save and protect this indigenous species. There’s a very keen awareness of preserving the habitat and peace of the bats, so be careful not to disturb the sleep of these nocturnal animals. Even further inland, continue on the secondary roads that connect to the main road into jungle areas, only accessible by bike, where if you’re lucky you can still see wild monkeys and even waran (large monitor lizards).
Secluded beach and shopping
Further along from the bat caves, stay on the road to Puka Shell beach and this denser part of Boracay leads to a tree-lined path along nipa huts and a public school all the way to the secluded beach, where you can succumb to some great souvenir finds. A makeshift row of huts sells shells, pearls, beads, hats, batik, shirts and island bags for reasonable prices, if you don’t want the hassle of the shopping scene at D’Mall or D’ Talipapa.
WHERE TO RENT A BIKE
Boracay Fun & Sports Shop, D’Mall, White Beach, tel 036 288 5941. Renting by the hour PHP75 (USD1.72) or for a whole six-hour day (PHP450 (USD10.32).
If you really get bitten by the biking bug, you can join the Cyclone MTB (Mountain Bikers Boracay) Club for their Sunday bike tours of Panay Island, or for one of the races they occasionally organize.
WHERE TO EAT
Ole Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurant (D’Mall, White Beach tel: 036 288 5940) is a different treat on the island. Try their Cuban dish, Fricase De Pollo, chicken cooked with onion bell pepper, tomato sauce and potatoes, or their version of Costillitas – baby back pork ribs with garlic, cooked with oregano and olive oil.
WHERE TO STAY
Escondido Beach Resort Hotel
(Boat Station 1, tel 036 288 4777) is tucked away near a side street of the island’s only church. “Escondido” is the Spanish word for hideaway, and this hotel has 15 tastefully furnished rooms facing either a landscaped garden or Boracay’s hillside. It is not your typical beachfront accommodation, but its modern yet Filipino design and friendly staff make your stay here unique, using furniture made of Vigan narra hardwood, such as wooden chests.
HOW TO GET THERE
Caticlan
Cebu Pacific Air now flies direct to Caticlan (via Cebu and Manila) with our new ATR72 aircraft. These are mini planes that land in Caticlan, only a 15 minute boat ride from Boracay.
Kalibo
We also fly to Kalibo from Manila and Cebu every day with connecting flights from Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Tagbilaran and Tacloban.
NEW HAPPENINGS ON BORACAY
The Tides
There’s a new hotel on the island that takes a different approach to the usual. The Tides (tel 036 725 3411, www.. tidesboracay.com), is a stylish, minimalist boutique hotel, conveniently located at D’Mall. It has two types of well appointed rooms with Zen-like names, Essential and Exceptional, each one individual.
Noted young Filipino chef Fernando Aracama, will manage the kitchen’s two dining outlets: the Sun Deck Bar & Café and the Courtyard Café. On the rooftop, an infinity pool overlooks the blue sea, ideal for hot lazy mornings, breezy afternoons or watching the sunset.
Discovery Shores
The opening of Discovery Shores (Station 1, Balabag, tel 036 288 4500) turned the sleepy island of Boracay into a bona fide luxury destination. It features 88 luxurious guest rooms, and top of the range facilities that wouldn’t look out of place in Thailand’s Koh Samui. The well known Mandala Spa will soon open to give treatments in a separate part of the complex.
VIC ALBORNOZ LACTAOEN GOES OFF THE BEATEN TRACK TO SEE A NOT-QUITE-FORGOTTEN SIDE OF OUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY ISLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE CABIG
For some reason, being on two, pedal-powered wheels, encourages trust in everyone you meet. There’s an assumption that you’re a good guy; maybe it’s a sense of vulnerability. These days, experiencing this kind of kinship is one of the greatest goals of travel. Boracay is already one of the world’s friendliest places, so whether you’re easing from one resort to another, across the island, or through Puka Shell Beach in the north all the way to Manoc-Manoc in the south, there is no better way to travel.
Boracay’s shoreline cycle path draws hordes of two-wheeled-tourists every year, during the summer and in-between the dry spells of the rainy season. There is something positively therapeutic about pedaling alongside this great shoreline: the section from Punta Bunga to Tambisaan Beach is a strong contender for the most beautiful stretch of Boracay, and it’s so enticingly popular that the shoreline is peppered with all sorts of establishments: sandcastles sit side-by-side with installation art. For most of its length, the ride follows the sea and the road is kept in good condition. In-between points of interest, distances are short so allow plenty of time to explore whatever catches your eye along the shores.
The north east side of the island off Puka Shell Beach from Punta Bunga towards Ilig-Iligan Beach has coves and caves where bats take full flight at dusk. The road here is less travelled and has turns that can be steep and narrow, although enjoyable and still not too rigorous.
Small paths criss-cross most of the island and take intrepid cyclists to unspoilt parts of Boracay. From the main road that runs from north to south of the island down the west coast, it’s possible to see the whole island and veer off to some of the side paths along the way.
HIGHLIGHTS
Mountain views
Mount Luho is a great place to kick-off an adventure. It’s 100 meters above the sea and the ascent is easy, winding with some rough, but manageable, roads. The best route is the steep road, going north from Bulabog. This is on the eastern side of the island so you get away from White Beach and suddenly notice a quieter world, with only the sounds of birds and the sight of occasional distant bancas (boats).
At the summit, leave your bike, pay the entrance fee of PHP50 (USD1.15) and begin the final part of your climb on foot. The bird’s eye views are stunning from its improvised wooden view deck, over Boracay and the neighboring island of Romblon.
Bat caves and wildlife
Yapak is more popularly known as Puka Shell beach. Be sure to take in the huge variety of scenery along the steep road on the way. There are exotic animals, trees and flowers, small harvested cornfields and the last area of virgin forest. Old-timers in the area say that this is where you can see Boracay as it was many years ago – lonely huts, fields of wild grass, rare flowers and dense groves. Forests remain an important part of the island. This is home to the island’s flying foxes or fruit bats. Their numbers are dwindling as their environment is gradually eroded thanks to human encroachment, but ongoing conservation is being organized by the locals together with some charitable foundations to save and protect this indigenous species. There’s a very keen awareness of preserving the habitat and peace of the bats, so be careful not to disturb the sleep of these nocturnal animals. Even further inland, continue on the secondary roads that connect to the main road into jungle areas, only accessible by bike, where if you’re lucky you can still see wild monkeys and even waran (large monitor lizards).
Secluded beach and shopping
Further along from the bat caves, stay on the road to Puka Shell beach and this denser part of Boracay leads to a tree-lined path along nipa huts and a public school all the way to the secluded beach, where you can succumb to some great souvenir finds. A makeshift row of huts sells shells, pearls, beads, hats, batik, shirts and island bags for reasonable prices, if you don’t want the hassle of the shopping scene at D’Mall or D’ Talipapa.
WHERE TO RENT A BIKE
Boracay Fun & Sports Shop, D’Mall, White Beach, tel 036 288 5941. Renting by the hour PHP75 (USD1.72) or for a whole six-hour day (PHP450 (USD10.32).
If you really get bitten by the biking bug, you can join the Cyclone MTB (Mountain Bikers Boracay) Club for their Sunday bike tours of Panay Island, or for one of the races they occasionally organize.
WHERE TO EAT
Ole Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurant (D’Mall, White Beach tel: 036 288 5940) is a different treat on the island. Try their Cuban dish, Fricase De Pollo, chicken cooked with onion bell pepper, tomato sauce and potatoes, or their version of Costillitas – baby back pork ribs with garlic, cooked with oregano and olive oil.
WHERE TO STAY
Escondido Beach Resort Hotel
(Boat Station 1, tel 036 288 4777) is tucked away near a side street of the island’s only church. “Escondido” is the Spanish word for hideaway, and this hotel has 15 tastefully furnished rooms facing either a landscaped garden or Boracay’s hillside. It is not your typical beachfront accommodation, but its modern yet Filipino design and friendly staff make your stay here unique, using furniture made of Vigan narra hardwood, such as wooden chests.
HOW TO GET THERE
Caticlan
Cebu Pacific Air now flies direct to Caticlan (via Cebu and Manila) with our new ATR72 aircraft. These are mini planes that land in Caticlan, only a 15 minute boat ride from Boracay.
Kalibo
We also fly to Kalibo from Manila and Cebu every day with connecting flights from Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Tagbilaran and Tacloban.
NEW HAPPENINGS ON BORACAY
The Tides
There’s a new hotel on the island that takes a different approach to the usual. The Tides (tel 036 725 3411, www.. tidesboracay.com), is a stylish, minimalist boutique hotel, conveniently located at D’Mall. It has two types of well appointed rooms with Zen-like names, Essential and Exceptional, each one individual.
Noted young Filipino chef Fernando Aracama, will manage the kitchen’s two dining outlets: the Sun Deck Bar & Café and the Courtyard Café. On the rooftop, an infinity pool overlooks the blue sea, ideal for hot lazy mornings, breezy afternoons or watching the sunset.
Discovery Shores
The opening of Discovery Shores (Station 1, Balabag, tel 036 288 4500) turned the sleepy island of Boracay into a bona fide luxury destination. It features 88 luxurious guest rooms, and top of the range facilities that wouldn’t look out of place in Thailand’s Koh Samui. The well known Mandala Spa will soon open to give treatments in a separate part of the complex.
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