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“Isang tulog na lang” and we’ll see each other in Boracay. Just a few reminders for the delegates:
1. We’ve posted members of the Secretariat in each entry point to Boracay: Kalibo airport, Caticlan airport, Caticlan jetty port and Cagban jetty port. Don’t hesitate to approach any one of them. They will assist you get to La Carmela de Boracay. You won’t miss them; they”re either in white or yellow t-shirt.
2. To facilitate your entry to Caticlan jetty port, have your belongings ready for inspection at the entrance; pay the required environmental fee (Php 50.00), terminal fee (Php 50.00), and boat ticket (Php 25.00 for motorized banca and Php 30.00 for fastcraft).
3. From Caticlan jetty port, the boat docks at Cagban jetty port. From there, take either a tricycle, multi cab or van for your trip to La Carmela. Our assistance team will help you get your ride.
4. it’s too hot in Boracay. So don’t forget to bring your cap or hat, shades and sunblock.
That’s it! Happy trip. See you there!
This could be a big letdown for PHILLBO delegates but due to unavoidable circumstances, not one of the DBM senior officials will be around during the March 10th opening ceremonies. The reasons: the new DBM building ( the one in between Buildings 1 and 3) will be inaugurated on the said day. Moreover, outgoing Secretary Rolando G. Andaya, Jr. will celebrate his birthday with DBM officials and employees in the new building. The turn-over ceremony to incoming Secretary Jake Lagonera will ensue.
In place of the DBM Secretary, Senator Mar Roxas who hails from the host Region has accepted the PHILLBO invitation to be the keynote speaker. Some DBM Regional Directors have also confirmed their attendance to attend the Opening ceremonies.
The convention next week offers each delegate the rare opportunity to mix business with pleasure. The technical sessions will surely occupy most of their time but at every opportunity, during free times, delegates should explore and enjoy all the amenities that Boracay has to offer.
Foremost of course, is the white sand beach. Walking along the beach barefoot from end-to-end is certainly therapeutic. At night, you can lie by the beach and count the stars, or simply sit with beer on hand and watch the magical fire dancers perform their routine.
Island hopping. Early morning, the delegates can organize in groups, rent a boat and go island hopping. The trip takes three to four hours depending on the length of stay on each stop. First stop is snorkeling on crocodile island where beautiful coral reefs abound, or feed friendly school of fishes while sipping fresh buko juice to quench your thirst. Next stop is the little known “Crystal Cove”.
You can go up the hills to get a top view of Boracay, or pose for some pictures on the resorts different structures resembling the ones in Greek mythology. 
The best part is descending the makeshift staircase down the caves and with your snorkel, take a dive at the underground water and play with the fishes.
As you pass by the back portion of the island, massive structures of hotels and resorts cascading in the mountains are a sight to behold. If you.re not done with 
swimming yet, drop by at the unmolested puka beach and immerse at the cool and very clean waters. To be continued . . .
Technical sessions for the duration of the convention will be held in the newly constructed convention hall. La Carmela de Boracay’s owner, Iloilo-based businessman, Boy So put up the new convention center primarily to accommodate the forthcoming PHILLBO National Convention. While construction was underway, the members of the organizing committee had to regularly visit Boracay to make sure that the facility is completed in time for the convention.
Registration. Delegates whether pre-registered or not shall proceed to the covention lobby to get their kits, t-shirt and meal tickets.
Where to eat. Meals will be served buffet style. Considering the number of delegates (we expect it to reach 1,500 by day one), meals wil be served in three (3) dining areas. The Luzon group will be served in the buffet dining area at the main building
. The Mindanao group will take their meals in the covered dining area outside of the convention hall, while the Visayas group will proceed to the function hall at the third floor. 
Meal tickets will color-coded in accordance with the assigned dining areas.
Need to cool off? La Carmela is a few steps away from the famous white sand beach. So if you’re feeling drowsy due to the summer heat, you can rush to the beach to cool off. 
If you deslike the possibility of getting sun-tanned, the oval-shaped pool right in front of the main entrance is a better alternative.
Locating your room. The main resort-hotel and the executive suites are 
connected with a hallway as well as a beautifully landscaped footwalk garden. So you won’t have a hard time finding your assigned room. To get to the upper floor, you could either run up the stairs or take the elevator.
Room accommodation is on a quadruple sharing. Some may find the rooms a little bit skimpy for four (4) occupants. Anyway, you won’t get the most out of Boracay if you stay at your room most of the time. Next post: How to make the most out of your stay in Boracay.
Eight (8) more days to go and we’ll see each other in Boracay. Our convention venue, the Boy Abunda- endorsed La Carmela de Boracay is a AAA resort-hotel with a guaranteed 144 rooms for occupancy. It is situated in Station 2 right at the Beachfront of Boracay Island. Recently renovated, the Resort will be locked up and made exclusively available for PHILLBO delegatesand guests for the duration of the convention. La Carmela consists of three buildings, the 3-story recently renovated main hotel right at the beach front; the adjacent 4-story executive suites at the back; and the 2-story restaurant-conference room at the rigth wing.
Tomorrow’s post: Other amenities in La Carmela. 
