BORJA, RIZALYN C.

XII – RENNERT

Maayong adlaw sa imong tanan! Welcome to Kalibo, Aklan. It’s great to meet you here,
and it’s my pleasure to be your tour guide for today. Ang akong ngalan ay Rizalyn Borja,
I’m from Boracay Adventures Travel and Tours at guinakalipay ko ro pakipagkita nimo.
If you have any questions, just ask me and I will happily answer that. Since we have a lot
of places to go to, I will give you enough time to organize your things, rest, and relax for
a while on your accommodation at Marzon Hotel. Our driver, Mr. June will lead the way
and will accompany you to the hotel. Just a few reminders, we’ll be leaving the hotel at
9:15 so be sure to board the bus by 9:00 sharp. Don’t worry it’s just 7:30 now, so you
have a lot of time to enjoy your stay at the hotel. Also, don’t forget to bring your
important belongings with you because the hotel is not liable for any loss of your
valuables. Mr. June and I will be meeting you at the lobby. See you there!

Okay, everyone! Hello again, how was your stay at the hotel? It was great, right? I’m
glad to hear that. So, is everyone here yet? Did you not forget to bring your valuables?
How about your phones? Wallets? Kids? I hope you did not leave your child behind.
Kidding aside, before we take off, let us feel the presence of the Lord and pray. *Prayer
begins*
*Prayer finish* So are you all ready? Let’s start the tour!

Kalibo is the first-class municipality in the Western Visayas Region and located at the
center of Aklan, that was once called “Akean” based on the name of the nearby river of
the area, as extracted from the sound it creates. The river’s water warbles as if it is
boiling, which in the native’s language is called akae or akae-akae, so the river and the
small village itself was called Akean. The municipality is most known across the country
and elsewhere for the Ati-atihan festival, a celebration tributary to the infant Jesus. This
festival was usually celebrated and held at New, Buswang on the third Sunday of
January. So, we can’t experience it for now. But if you want to, wait for next year and
book with us again on January.

In just 10 minutes of speaking, we are here at our first stop! The Bakhawan Eco Park. In
the local dialect, the word “Bakhawan” means “Mangrove”. And this forest was actually
one of the most successful mangrove reforestation projects in all of Southeast Asia. This
is also my favorite place to go when I want to clear my mind by the way. This is a nice
place to walk to the bamboo bridge covered with mangrove trees that leads you into the
sea at the end of the walk-path where you can enjoy the view of the river, and breathe in
some fresh air to relax, and clear your minds. You can have a picnic, experience some
Kayaking water adventure and even try eating tamilok (shipworms). It is famous here in
Bakhawan since tamilok are gathered from trees. Don’t worry according to locals, it is
safe to eat and tastes like oyster. I promise, it was worth trying for. Tickets can be
purchased at the park’s entrance. I will give you a generous amount of time for this,
since you will have a long 1000 meters walk and to let you enjoy different activities in
this place. Time check, it is now 9:30 so please meet me at the entrance at exactly 10:30.
Enjoy the sea breeze!

Now that it is already 10:30, Shall we go to our next destination? This place is what we
called Sampaguita Gardens. The beautiful scenery that this place provides makes people
come back again. The gardens also have swimming pool where our lovely visitors can
have fun. Also, here’s some fun fact to you: This garden can also be booked for
weddings. So, if you are dreaming of a garden wedding this place is for you. But if you
prefer to be married at the altar, our next destination might be the best match for you.
The Kalibo, Aklan Cathedral. This church is one of the oldest structures in the province.
Sad to say, it underwent renovations because of previous disasters like fire and
earthquake. Luckily, there are still some parts that remain original.

With all of those places we have visited, I am sure you are craving for some delicacies of
Kalibo right? So, our bus will be stopping by at the Ramboys. You can eat here the
Visayan Liempo (P250) that is bigger, meatier, crispier and crunchy as a chicharron.
There are also Lechon Manok (P190) and other delicacies that will satisfy you and your
family’s craving. Also, there are restrooms available beside the restaurant so you can
have restroom break there. After you have eaten your great meals, please be inform that
we have to board the bus in 12:00 so we can go to our very last destination. Enjoy your
meal!

Are we all here? To be sure that we did not left anyone behind, let’s have a head count
first. Can we start with you Mrs. Castillo? 1…2…3………35! Okay, since everyone is here,
let me ask some questions while we’re on our way. So, Ms. Jessica? Do you have any
favorite places so far? *Ms. Jessica answers* Oh, wow! Yes, I couldn’t agree more. Yes?
You’re raising your hands Mr. Bobby? Do you have any questions? “I want to buy some
souvenirs for my friends when I come back, is there any souvenir shop at our next
destination?” Aww, That’s so sweet of you Mr. Bobby. Yes, Of course there are souvenir
shops at our next destination, and I’m sure you will definitely love it!

Okay, everyone! May you please look outside your windows? What you are seeing now is
the clear blue waters and the white sand of the famous Boracay Island! In just 10-15
minutes we will arrive at the Station 2 of the island so please keep your valuables and
important belongings with you. I know you are all excited to swim, take great pictures,
buy tons of souvenirs and feel relaxed in this beautiful paradise, but please be reminded
of your surroundings. You will be staying at La Carmella de Boracay as part of your
accommodation. So, enjoy the views, sceneries, activities such as kiteboarding,
snorkeling, windsurfing, jet skiing, as well as the night party at the beach. For the next
remaining hours, please enjoy and cherish your stay here. I will meet you tomorrow
morning at the hotel’s lobby at 7:30 sharp.

Good morning everyone! Did you have a blast yesterday? It’s so nice to see you so happy
at your stay here at Kalibo, Aklan. We have visited so many places such as the Bakhawan
Eco Park, Sampaguita Garden, The Cathedral, of course who will forget the delicious
foods of Ramboys, and obviously the beautiful Boracay Island. I know, you are all very
sad to leave but we are departing in a few minutes. I wish you have treasured those
memories, on your phones and on your minds. Mr. June, our driver and I will once
again accompany you to your accommodation to Marzon Hotel and will wait 30-45
minutes for you to pack and prepare everything. Once you’re done with that, we will
escort you to the Kalibo International Airport.

We’re now here at the Kalibo International Airport. Please make sure to bring your
belongings with you, and make sure you don’t forget anything inside the bus. Once
again, thank you so much for booking and trusting your trip with Boracay Adventures
Travel and Tours. I am Rizalyn Borja your tour-guide, also; our driver Mr. June will now
say our goodbyes with everyone. We are happy to be of help and service during your stay
here at Kalibo, Aklan. This was such a blast to us and hopefully, we will meet again next
time. Have a safe flight back home!