HALLOWEEN REVELRY – BORACAY STYLEE!

To the uninitiated, Boracay has never ceased to amaze itself with the volume of costumed revelers during Halloween. This year is no different, elbow to elbow along the walkway throughout Station 2 from SUMMER PLACE all the way to EXIT BAR (the most popular bar in Boracay today). Majority of these people are perhaps those who’ve been there before – residents and frequent visitors to the island, both foreign and local.

Believe me, I’ve been to several Boracay Halloween parties successively in the past, these people take their costumes seriously and plan way ahead of time. If you’ve never been to the island or have not visited during this time of year, it is indeed a holiday to explore – post Halloween comments on Facebook would be the best testimonial. “Best party ever”, “ultimate Halloween party place” and may I quote a friend and local resident PAUL HENARES “Halloween is officially the best of all the island parties”. Enough said.

It was in 2009 when I first had a glance at this so-called “party island”. October 31 happens to be the anniversary of DOS MESTIZOS that is the hub of the local community and patrons - owned by the magnanimous BINGGOY REMEDIOS, and currently managed by the hard-working ANDREW MALARKY, it remains the first stop in the series of parties. It was there during my transition from City boy to Island resident that I met some of the busiest locals – middle management to business owners enjoying the exclusivity, not to mention the free buffet of sumptuous Spanish cuisine.

This year, I made it to the main stage as “special guest performer” for the 9th year anniversary. Serenading the usual suspects, right after having their fills and first drinks before proceeding to the other party destinations, all in one night. Backed up by the house band the SOLIMAN BROTHERS, we played some familiar tunes that the crowd sang along to. But just like most of the familiar faces, I was eager to move on and find out what awaits.

I then proceeded, with travel buddy TRUDY ALLEN to join the party at the newly-opened CHARLIE’S STEAKHOUSE & DINER; a great venue for live performances located 3 minutes away from Budget Mart along the road. I was looking forward to jamming with their guest performers for the weekend, COFFEEBREAK ISLAND who arrived that day. The place was packed and the atmosphere was jolly. Had to make a quick change, I stayed upstairs, at the safety confines of YCL HOTEL BORACAY, a cozy addition to the hordes of hip boutique hotels sprouting in Boracay.

I then had a glass of my favorite bevy, JACK & COKE and exchanged pleasantries with the friendly guests, staff and was welcomed with open arms by my soul brotha, official band mate and hotel manager MICHAEL DENIEGA. I can’t remember the numerous times we’ve shared this stage and we haven’t stopped since. Missing in action though is the charming owner CHARLIE SOLER, who was busy with family chores in his hometown of Dongguan. This is my fourth visit to Boracay since we met and I’ve stayed, gigged and felt very much at home here. After a brief conversation, CBI went up on stage to rock skankin’ beats and the crowd was soon gyrating to their rhythms. I joined them for the last couple of numbers before joining the house band for another round of rock and roll.

After the set Charlie’s Steakhouse closed for the evening and it was past 1am but I still wanted to check out the front lines. I then armed myself with a camera and headed to the front beach to catch the action. First stop was EXIT BAR, on the deck was the charming DJ MANSTER, one DJ I always got along with. It was slowly settling down by this time so I followed the footsteps of divas FREIDA DARIO & ANGELO VILLANUEVA towards EPIC. Perhaps the busiest party place at D’Mall. There I saw the king, MARK SANTIAGO that got me access to the main stage to witness the beauty and talents of DJ NINA who certainly got the crowd pumpin’.

From there I thought I’d make my way to AREA 51, on the other side of the island; the secret facility for the house & techno underground and home to the much talked about Jungle Bar Full Moon parties. I caught the set of friends ERWIN EDRALIN & JACK BATES, again gaining stage access. The view is certainly different from that perspective as you can witness the crowd grooming themselves to seizing the sunrise as they usually do during the parties here.

After a bottle of the ice cold one I looked at my watch and it was 4am, I guess the adrenalin was no longer pumping so I thought to call it the night. Perhaps to preserve myself for another evening of rockin’ and rollin’ at Charlie’s with COFFEEBREAK ISLAND or age catching up I don’t know.

Nevertheless, I look forward to performing at CHARLIE'S STEAKHOUSE & DINER again this weekend - November 28 & 29, when I return for the Philippines original alternative rock band, THE JERKS, my all time favorite!

So, if you’ve never been, check it out - Halloween Revelry – Boracay Stylee!!!


> View More Photos at the Gallery