Heading off to a romantic getaway at Boracay this summer of 2010? Here’s a checklist that every dating couple should bring and tick off.

1. The ride - Cebu Pacific, PAL and SeAir offers flights ultimately leading to Boracay, but Cebu Pacific and PAL would land you in Kalibo where you’ll have to take a 2-hour bus and 20-minute boat ride to get to Boracay island. If you don’t have the luxury of time, get on a SeaAIR plane to take you directly to Caticlan.

If you want to have the luxury of choice, however, be sure to always check out any promo fares. Check out the Cebu Pacific website, Philippine Airlines and SeAIR website to compare prices. PAL also offers PALAKBAYAN tours, with packages with hotels and transfers.

2. The hotel - Station 1, 2, 3… it doens’t matter anymore. The competition has pushed Boracay hotels to max it in terms of service, quality and price. There will always be the topnotchers like Discovery shores or Boracay Regency, but many average hotels will give you the quality and privacy you deserve. I personally like Boracay Tropics – the place is newly-renovated and the food is divine. The food here is even more delicious than those you’d find in restaurants outside. I advice you get their buffet packages to maximize your stay.

Boracay Tropics brings quality with a reasonable price

3. The grub – You’ll find a lot of choices along the beach but don’t be tempted with the restaurants you’ll find in Manila anyway. This means you should stay away from the Boracay branches of Pancake house, Shakey’s, Starbucks, Bite Club… I’d lay down your bets on grub from Aria, Jonah’s shakes, Cyma, and other Boracay specialties.

Never leave Boracay with Jonah

4. The gear – Have you been dieting or working out for 2 months to prepare for this trip? Then show it off! swimsuits and board shorts are in season all year round in Boracay, just bring enough accessories for variety for the next days. Don’t forget loads of sunblock if you don’t want to look like a lobster to your date.

The best sunblock - Beach Hut spray-on

5. Advil - for the morning after you go partying along the sands of the bars in the area. Different drinks, mixes and shots will tickle your tastebuds but will eventually mess with your head. Don’t go all out if its just you and your date – you don’t want to be spewing your dinner on the sand in front of her/him.

• Bring enough money. Although there are different ATM stations along the beach, some go offline, and the lines can be ten minutes long.
• Almost every estalishment has free wifi, so be sure to ask the servers when you choose your spot.
• Also, compare prices for snorkeling, helmet diving, or banana boat riding. Bring a lot of people with you so you can negotiate for further discounts.
• Last tip, be sure to be open and friendly to everyone. You’ll find people of all nationalities on the beach, and it’s best to gain some friends from different parts of the world, even just for the fun of it. You’ll impress your date with your ambassador skills, and you gain network friends as well.

Wow, this is hard. If you’re on a backpackers budget, esentially you can survive for less than P1,000 a day with room and food – there are many boarding rooms in the area.

If yu’re on a date, however, ideally you’d want to splurge a little so you can enjoy and be lovey-dovey – P5,000 for flights, P2,500 a night for a hotel, and P1,000 a day for food and drinks should be enough for each of you. If you want to save, bring friends or a double date. It’s useful for conversation as well.

Boracay island
Panay group of Islands, Philippines

How to make your own choco banana peanut shake! This is an excellent shake that is more like a snack itself.