When you mention Kalibo, Aklan, Boracay always comes to mind.

But I didn’t go there, though I would have loved to. Circumstances didn’t permit me to go to Caticlan and head out for the beach. I was in Kalibo for work.

To make matters worse, I broke the first rule for travelers and photo enthusiasts. Do you know what that is?

Despite these, I enjoyed my overnight stay there.

I came in Saturday morning at worked in the afternoon until about 4:27pm. There was still time to catch the last boat but it would have been really pushing it. I said to myself that if I am to have my first Boracay experience, I might as well do it without stress. No rushing. No last minute rides. Stress-free. So I decided to stay in Kalibo for the night. Boracay can wait.

What can someone do in Kalibo on a Saturday night you might ask? Honestly, I don’t really know. All I know is that I had a good time while I was there.

After I’ve finished packing my work things, my driver-tour-guide Mauro took me around the town. (Oh, we ate lunch at a “manokan”, I forgot which one - an open–air grilla where I ordered bulalo, kinilaw na talaba and Mauro ordered one barbecue. Quite cheap yet yummy too.) We passed by the malls, the town hall, some schools the market and the Plaza. I asked him specifically to show me where the church is. First he pointed out the main cathedral. On our way to Basa Hotel where I stayed, we stopped by the St. Jude Thaddeus Parish Church which is fairly new. (Help build the church by dropping in any amount at the donation box at the passengers lounge at Kalibo airport.)

Early evening, I decided to rest in my room. Basa Hotel is fairly new. It is clean and spacious and has free Wi-Fi at the lobby. I had a signal on the second floor where I stayed, enough for decent blogging and surfing.

Around 7:12pm, I went down to the adjacent Abre Gana bar and Restaurant. There were a couple of customers already and a young guy was singing and playing Jim Croce, Don Mclean, Paolo Santos and acoustic easy listening music - my kind of tunes. He had a soothing voice and had his own rhythm - a natural gift I think.

I ordered spicy squid and rice and kinilaw na tanigue. And iced tea. As I ate alone to the strumming and humming under a star-lit night - I realized that I felt relaxed, the tension and stress I’ve been feeling the past few weeks were vanishing. Wishing to extend the experience a bit further, I ordered a bottle of beer (I only drink beer on special occasions) and nursed it with the kinilaw until it was time to go back to my room and write this post. I stayed at Abre Gana until around 9:01 pm. By that time, another performer on acoustic guitar again was playing. He was joined on stage a couple songs later by the first performer who got on top of the kahon to give more beat to the music.

While writing the first paragraphs, I could still hear the muffled sound from the speakers. I thought of going back but I was tired and had to get up early the next day.

Sunday came and I heard mass at St. Jude Thaddeus Parish Church which was said in the local dialect. I understood enough (the gospel and homily were about Martha and Mary). This must be how it is if I attend mass in extraordinary form.

After that, I headed to the market to buy pasalubong. There, I passed by a barber and decided to have my haircut - for 30 pesos. I assumed I was his first customer so I tipped him a bit to give him a good start. I bought ampao and other sweets. I would’ve wanted to bring home seafood and native crafts but settled for the sweets. Maybe when I bring Gina here, she’ll be the one to do that. And I hope that would be soon.

Going back to Basa Hotel, I ordered breakfast. My host Nathaniel Basa’s wife Gi kindly inquired if i was a hotel guest. I said I did and she reminded me that the breakfast was included in the my stay. She could’ve just let everything go since I was clueless on what was included in the package. But she was kind and accommodating. Nathaniel came in and chatted with me while I ate. I learned that the hotel was just a year old. I could say that the hotel is well-kept and clean, the service very friendly and fast. Next time I go back to Kalibo, I’ll be sure to stay at Basa Hotel again.

Boracay was definitely on my mind during my trip, but Kalibo is now in my heart.

Basa Hotel | Abre Gana Bar and Restaurant
Judge N. Martelino St., Andagao

Kalibo, Aklan

For inquiries, call Nathaniel or Fritz Basa

(6336) 268-8042, (6336) 262-1483, (63928) 5000 069

or email fritzpaltech@gmail.com

And what was the first rule for travelers and photo enthusiasts that I broke?

Always bring your camera.

I forgot, so no pictures to show.