Boracay Island, fondly known as Bora to most Filipinos is one of the frequented island visited in the Philippines.

It used to be a remote island devoid of electricity and commercial buildings. When I was a child around in the early 1980's my family used to travel to visit the island using a small banca to transport us from Caticlan.

A man made sulu at night is the main lighting source in the humble nipa hut as being the most modest accommodation you can get from the Island. Only few were able to explore Boracay because it used to be a remote island with very few population but its white sands and clean crystal clear waters are very enticing which make us endure the 4 hour trip from our place in Roxas City plus a 5 minute banca ride just to bask in the sun and swim for a few hours.

We always prefer to return back to Caticlan because of the uncomfortable overnight stay there we had without the electricity and mosquito laden beach at night. Because of the powdery sand and crystal clear waters in the island that persuade many local travelers like us to get out of their way just to swim there its local government finally acknowledge the potential of the island to become a tourist destination.

Years after Boracay became laden with small beach resorts and hotels to accommodate visiting local tourists. Boracay then became famous for its heavenly and paradise beach that towering establishments of huge hotels and resort soon appeared. Not long enough Boracay became a commercial island that no longer attracts local tourists but foreigners as well.

I am awed on how Boracay looks like then and now. Its local government transformed it from a desolate island devoid of electricity into a world class travel destination that offers a perfect tropical island vacation.

It is amazing to see many foreigners opening businesses in the commercial district of Boracay island. They open restaurants and bars that offer international cuisines and food specialties to cater to the visiting tourists from various countries.

International diving experts also come to the island to introduce diving courses and a breathtaking diving experience to the different diving sites across the neighboring island of Boracay. The used to be lonesome crocodile island near Boracay, so called because of the island's crocodile-like shape when viewed from afar has become a favorite place for snorkeling.

The Boracay island itself teemed with bustling activities from different beach water sports, indoor games offered by various hotels and outdoor swimming pools to give you a variety swimming experience. The island is also blessed with a breathtaking international golf course that offers an extravagant view of the entire island of Boracay.

The island has a shopping center the D'Mall where you can shop, dine and enjoy a fun Ferris wheel ride. The Ferris wheel there is both for kids and adults to ride. This is where I had my first Ferris wheel ride in my entire life upon heeding to my children's whims to ride with them.

Despite the butterflies on my stomach I reluctantly ride but later on I enjoyed the sky line view of the beach and the towering hotels nearby atop the Ferris wheel.

The nightlife at Boracay Island consists of disco and bar hopping activities. Cocomangas is one of my favorites where you get different mix drinks and enjoy the night with good music to dance with.

The transportation going to Boracay also improved. From the Caticlan port you can ride from an air conditioned fast boat at Php 30.00 only with a movie playing during the 5 minute ride. Or you can ride to a smaller banca at Php 25.00 geared with life vests and better ride accommodation as compared to what we had when I was a child.

From a desolate and lonely island I saw how Boracay Island became an internationally renowned tourist destination that welcomes thousands of tourists every month.