In the 2011 Travelers’ Choice Beaches Awards byTripAdvisor, Boracay was named as the 2nd Best Beach in the world, after Providenciales in Turks and Caicos. The list was based on reviews and ratings of TripAdvisor users, which are mostly based in North America.

Note that most of the beaches that made the list have high accessibility to high-end accommodations, restaurants and bars, which reflect the preference of the TripAdvisor users.

It’s not surprising that Boracay made it but we’re still glad to know that the Philippines has made this list as the 2nd best. With this recognition there’s still the perennial issue of sustainable development of beaches in the Philippines, in which the government has to get its act together.

If you do not want to brave the beach this summer with crowds, Magalawa Island offers an alternative to the smaller Potipot Island in Zambales. It is located in the town of Palauig and is known for its off-white sand.

There are cottages in the island for those wishing to lounge and stay for a few nights in the island. Prices are depending on the number of persons and duration of stay. See the contact information below.

To get to Magalawa Island, one has to board a Victory Liner bus in Manila bound for Santa Cruz Zambales. Ask the driver to drop you off at Masinloc Public Market. Behind the market there are boatmen who will gladly take you to Magalawa Island for P100 per head. The boat ride takes 40 minutes.

You can also contact the following email magalawaisland@yahoo.com and mobile number 09398707413 to inquire about the rates in the island and assistance for boat transportation.

via PhilippinesPlace.blogspot.com

Over at Northern Bicol in the province of Albay, is a resort called Misibis Bay. It is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, together with Eskaya in Bohol and Discovery Shores in Boracay. Services in the hotel is top-notch, your usual clean rooms, a heartwarming welcome party, a complimentary foot bath, excellent buffet food and an activity planning service that allows you to hike, ride an ATV, snorkel, watch the first sunrise of the day in the Philippines, zipline and among others.

via www.misibisbay.com

One doesn’t need to check-in to posh beach hotels to be in foodie heaven. From Boracay to Puerto Galera, beaches in the Philippines offer a wide array of food choices such as Halo-halo, Chori burger, Scramble, Shakes, empanadas, grilled and fried food.

Halo-halo. The classic summer dessert is a staple in Philippine beaches. The preserved sweets and shaved ice topped with milk is perfect when lounging in a beach chair overlooking the turquoise seas.

Chori burger. The chori burger is a popular beach food in Boracay. Manang vendors grill chorizo sausages and place them in buns. The chori burger has become so popular that Manila establishments such as World Tops and Bun-on-the-run have come up with their versions of the burger for urbanites craving for chori burger without having to fly to Boracay.

Ice Scramble. Shaved ice, powdered milk, sugar and chocolate syrup is what makes up this popular street food that can also be found in beaches such as Puerto Galera.

Fruit Shakes. Fruit Shakes is another item in a foodie’s list when going to the beach. Boracay is famous for its Fruit Shakes especially the ones served by Jonas.

Grilled Food. Pork, beef, fish, chicken, fish, squid, isaw, liver, chicken feet -the choices of grilled food that can be found on the beaches of the Philippines are endless. Recently establishments in Puerto Galera have started to offer Kababs, a twist on the regular grilled food fare. Farther south, in Boracay, grilled seafood are offered starting sundown.

Empanadas. Up north, Ilocos is known for its orange empanadas which is also sold in Saud beach. With an egg, vigan longanisa and an orange batter deep-fried in oil, these empanadas may be a cardiologist’s nightmare but is popular with vacationers.

Fried Food. Fishballs, squid balls, kwek-kwek (fried quail eggs), hotdogs, calamares, chicken nuggets, isaw, and other fried foods that can be usually found on city streets are also sold in beaches.

[Photo from MyLot.com]

The first half of the school year is nearly over and sem break’s almost here! If you are going to the beach you might as well learn how to skimboard. Skimboarding (or skimming) is a water sport that involves riding a skimboard made out of plywood or fiberglass. Basically it is like skateboarding on the shore but without wheels.

To get started on this sport all you need is a skimboard“>skimboard, and your sense of fun!

Now with your board ready, here are some resources I’ve compiled so you’ll be well on your way impressing everyone on the beach with your skimboard talents.

Safety tips when skimboarding

Jumping on your board

Switching up your footing when skimboarding

Skimboarding without the beach

As with any other sport, remember to to be practice extreme caution. Happy skimboarding!

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Not everyone has a 1,000-plus square foot apartment that can house a pool table, air hockey and foosball that comes very handy during parties. With these mini pool table, air hockey and foosball, you can now! These tabletop games are available at Urban Outfitters from $40 to $50 each.