"Nothing is richer than the inexhaustible wealth of nature."

Situated in the Western Visayas region is a resource-rich haven of pleasure. It is an astonishing place internationally known for the clear blue waters and pristine white sand beaches of the Boracay Island and home of all Philippine festivals, the Ati-Atihan festival.

It was during the 45-minute air travel from Manila to Kalibo when I first glanced at the islands and other landforms of the province of Aklan. Seated behind the window of the plane, I can'y fully describe the kind of sensation I felt as I laid my eyes on the greeny islands surrounded by glittering sea below, and on the white fluffy clouds passing by my window.

Though I have to admit, it was not my first airplane ride, the excitement and thrill haven't vanished since my visit to Surigao City last February 21 to 25, 2005 as a delegate in the National Schools Press Conference.

There I was in Aklan, for the same reason and purpose of winning. I was again a delegate in the yearly conference of student writers held last February 20-24, 2006.

During my eight-day stay there (we arrived two days earlier and left one day after the event) I was able to see for myself the wonderful breath-taking tourist spots I always see in postcards and newspapers. Each part of it showcases its own unique identity.

Banga, Aklan - This town is just next to Kalibo. Banga "The Beautiful", as its residents call it, served as my home away from home since this place is where the entire Region 1 delegates were housed on quarters located at the foot of a hill.

In the dimming light of sunset, the mountains were languorous silhouettes of silver, gray, and midnight blue, floating on still waters in various angles of asymmetrical overlay.

Sampaguita Gardens, Aklan - When I first heard of this place from our travel buddy, I thought of beautiful, little white sweet-smelling flowers. But to everyone's astonishment, this place has much more to offer than what we expected.

Inside the resort was Jojo's Christmas Cottage where I bought a very pretty, original Precious Moments angel doll now I have on my bed. This toy-like cottage celebrates the Christmas season everyday.

Then I visited the mansion of the resort owner, Samuel J. Butcher. I was stunned with the way each room was decorated - a melange of siamese 'Thai' and Irish furniture with a touch of British-French paintings, a replica of the sculpture of Venus de Milo perfectly accentuating the crystal chandeliers matched with rare colossal vases. The house is fully-ornamented with foreign species of flora. I sure hope we are related.

Just near the mansion is the butterfly garden housing a hundred kinds of butterflies. With my great liking for butterflies, I idiotically asked if I can bring home with me the pair of palm-sized glittery midnight rose butterflies. The caretaker told me that it would not be allowed in the plane, then smiled as he offered to take the picture of me surrounded by these pretty creations of God.

After my contest day, I still have to wait for two more days until the announcement and awarding of winners. I decided to treat myself to paradise - Boracay!

Boracay is truly a soothing relaxing place. A tropical island paradise of white sand beach, deep blue sea waters and shades from the lofty coconut trees, Boracay offers the perfect hideaway to enjoy the sun, the sand, and the sea. No wonder tourists are scattered here wearing two-piece swimsuits, which makes me feel awkward about how I dressed that day - a spaghetti-strapped top with bohemian knee-level skirt and flip flops.

Spending the whole day on this island, I still felt a sad sensation deep inside me, despite the fact that I was there. If only I was there with my love ones, then perhaps the perfect scenery would give justice itself.

After watching the captivating sunset and glancing at the sight of lovers being sweet at one another, I stepped inside the motorboat, which would take me back at the port at Caticlan.

When the awarding ceremonies finally came, I felt a chilly tinge on my sweaty body. The butterflies I saw on the Sampaguita Gardens seem to be trapped inside my stomach making me feel uneasy, until to my great amazement and confusion, the frolic master called on the name 'Fatima Maria' as the 3rd place winner in Copyreading and Headline writing. I was left stationary on my seat, waiting for someone named 'Fatima Maria' to get up and proceed to the stage.

Upon realizing that it was actually me who was called, I stood up and shakingly accepted the award. I felt great relief.

As a treat, my teacher adviser, Ms. Marliza Landicho, and I visited the Mangrove Park the next day and spent the afternoon shopping for souvenirs and 'pasalubongs'.

February 25 came, I was seated again beside the windows of the plane staring blankly below the landforms of the province of Aklan.

One thought remained in my mind, I am going back here and tour my love ones to many captivating places I've visited, in the amazing Aklan. #



~Viray, Fatima Marla C. June-November 2006. The Clarion, official school paper of the Mangaldan National High School. Feature, p. 10.