5 lessons we learned from Laboracay 2015

Krista Garcia

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5 lessons we learned from Laboracay 2015
Work, play, and party came together during the refreshing weekend

MANILA, Philippines – Two big things happened during this year’s Labor Day weekend: one was the Pacquiao-Mayweather bout. The other one was “Laboracay.” 

Last May 1, Boracay’s White Beach was filled to breaking point with throngs of tourists keen to enjoy its turquoise waters, white sand, and legendary sunsets. Forget about sleeping in early as the paradise transformed into a party island. Even the most hardcore partyphiles agreed that Laboracay’s weekends are one of the most unforgettable ones.

Were you at Laboracay? What was it like for you? Aside from the usual survival tips, we learned some life “philosophies” during this iconic annual party pilgrimage. We’re already looking forward to Laboracay 2016. Here’s a sampling of those lessons we’ll keep in mind for next year.

Relive #MyNesteaBeach 2015!

Did you miss the best summer event of 2015? Worry not cause you can now see what went down at #MyNesteaBeach!

Posted by NESTEA on Friday, May 15, 2015

 

Partying is like riding a bike

When you’re in Laboracay, there’s only one rule: you have to party – hard. Staying in was not an option: every night, inside our hotels, we still heard the bass-ridden thump-thump of the simultaneous beach parties happening on the shore. And if the EDM beats happened to come from international DJs such as Sander Van Doorn or Knife Party, it was impossible to defy the urge to dance on the balcony anyway. So we perked up with a refreshing drink, hit the beach with our friends, and slept in during the early morning instead. Dancing was optional, but the novelty of simply being THERE during an epic beach party was worth it.

GET AWAY. The beach was peaceful during the early morning. Photo by Krista Garcia/Rappler

Staying chill is a state of mind

During daytime, the best thing to do in Boracay was to relax by lying down on the sand and just forget about work- and school-related stress. The challenge was that everyone else was doing it, too. But we discovered that relaxation is a state of mind, and not dependent on whether the drink arrives ASAP or if the view is unobstructed by other beachgoers. Amidst the chaos, we just sipped our cold drinks, admired the blue sky, and focused on the fact that we had no deadlines for the time being. We were in Boracay to recharge, refresh, and enjoy the moment. If you can master that in Laboracay, you can be chillax just about anywhere.

BE SOCIAL. Making friends was inevitable during Laboracay. Photo from NESTEA® Philippines' Facebook Page   

You should never stop making new friends

Throughout the weekend, it was impossible to ignore “that other group” who was doing the exact same things, in the same order, as our group – ordering shakes at Jonah’s, trying out the Paraw boats, or getting excusive access bands to the hottest parties. So we thought, why not go ahead and make friends with them? The more, the merrier. On the plus side, we didn’t even have to use selfie sticks for our barkada shots anymore.

SPIKE! The dazzling champions of the first-ever #MyNesteaBeach Fantasy Volleyball Match. Photo from NESTEA® Philippines' Facebook Page

SPF and staying refreshed are very important

Things heated up by way of exciting activities across all three stations. From the default attractions to the knuckle-breaking volleyball matches that took place at high noon, we learned the painful way that sunburn or sunstroke can ruin the best itinerary. To keep the fun pouring in, we slathered on the sunscreen, put on a cute hat, and stayed hydrated by way of refreshing drinks all day.

PARTY, THEN DO YOU PART. Let’s all keep Boracay beautiful. Photo from NESTEA® Philippines' Facebook page

What happens in Boracay should NOT stay in Boracay

Not memories – rather, the epic trail of trash and debris that partygoers left behind. How could we keep boasting of Boracay to the world when we didn’t know how to take care of it ourselves? So on our last day, we learned how to give back. After partying, we signed up to join a clean-up drive to keep the beach as clean as when we found it. It was also important to spread the good vibes on social media, so that next year, more people will participate in this ‘good’ kind of after-party.

SKY ON FIRE. Glorious sunsets – only in Boracay. Photo by Krista Garcia/Rappler

What lessons did YOU learn in Boracay (we’re sure you have a lot)? Tell us! – Rappler.com

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