BORACAY ISLAND – Halloween was seen being celebrated in a more simple manner on Oct. 31 as the national government imposed its total ban on beach parties here.
Both tourists and residents were simply seen frolicking and swimming at the beach, eating, and shopping.
However, a handful of foreign tourists and residents also dressed up in their scary costumes to keep the Halloween tradition alive. Some costume parties were also held, but they were limited to bars further away from the beachfront.
Boracay Island, one of most popular beach destinations in the world, was closed to tourists on April 26, 2018 to undergo a massive rehabilitation. The endeavor was mounted after President Rodrigo Duterte labeled Boracay a “cesspool.”
It was finally reopened to tourists Oct. 26 – after a six month break.
Ramel Buncalan, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Kalibo said that they are thankful that President Duterte fulfilled his promise to reopen Boracay after six months.
Businesses in both Boracay Island and Kalibo were affected by the temporary closure – most establishments closing down, leading to employees being displaced due to the closure of the island destination./PN
