J. ALBERT GAMBOA l April 17, 2024 l Manila Bulletin
MALAY, AKLAN – This coastal town on the northwestern tip of Panay Island in the Western Visayas region is the richest municipality of Aklan province in terms of revenue. In fact, Aklan’s provincial board has passed a resolution endorsing the conversion of this first-class municipality into Malay City – even ahead of the provincial capital, Kalibo.
With a population of 60,077 based on the 2020 national census, Malay is the second most populous town of Aklan next to Kalibo. It is divided administratively into 17 barangays, of which four are considered as urbanized, namely: Caticlan, Yapak, Balabag, and Manoc-Manoc. The latter three are located in Boracay Island, while mainland Caticlan is the site of Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, otherwise known as the Caticlan Boracay International Airport.
The local government unit of Malay and its tourism office are hosting an international business forum this week coinciding with the diplomatic visit of nine ambassadors from Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Pakistan, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The three-day event will be held in Malay’s crown jewel, Boracay.
Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores, Department of Tourism Undersecretary Verna Esmeralda Buensuceso, AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricardo Isla, and Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista will be the guest speakers at the Boracay Business Forum on April 18-20, 2024. Participating in this annual conference are business and tourism stakeholders who will highlight the Philippines as a major tourist destination and an ideal foreign investment hub.
Over the past two decades, global and regional brands in the hotel industry have opened resorts in Malay. Among the companies that recently invested here is the Araw Hospitality Group, founded by entrepreneur Jean Henri Lhuillier in 2019. This homegrown brand already has three resorts, a bar, and two restaurants in various venues on both the island and mainland barangays of Malay.
One Hagdan Villas (OHV) is an enclave nestled on the northern side of Boracay between Station 1 and the newly named Station Zero. Comprising five private villas, OHV features an infinity pool set against verdant greens, a recreation room, spacious living and dining areas, a fully equipped kitchen, barbeque nooks, and four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms in each villa.
Bespoke in-room dining services are available from Gana, OHV’s exclusive restaurant that has its own private chef who can whip up gastronomic delights. Nearby could be found the tranquil Balinghai Beach where guests will discover the epitome of seclusion in paradise. Indeed, OHV is a tropical retreat designed for moments of rejuvenation in the last frontier of undisturbed Boracay.
Kommons by Kamino at Station 3’s main road in the vibrant portion of Boracay is open to travelers seeking a unique sanctuary at a competitive price. The one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites of Kommons as well as its dorm rooms offer spacious comfort and affordability for digital nomads, millennial tourists, young families, and adventure seekers.
Only a five-minute stroll from Boracay’s famous White Beach, Kommons is ideal for so-called “workations” with a sense of community for guests who indulge in engaging exchanges with fellow travelers. On the ground floor is a casual diner named AllDayBacon that highlights the flavorful pork on a creative menu in the context of popular local and international dishes.
UNWND Boutique Hotel Caticlan is just a short ride away from Caticlan’s airport and jetty port terminals. Overlooking the southern coast of Boracay and two neighboring islets, this serene haven offers an escape from the island bustle while providing easy access to its fabled wonders.
Accommodations consist of luxurious rooms with king-sized beds, cabañas, and dormitories offering comfort and style. Relaxation facilities that provide spaces to chill amid a laid-back atmosphere include a spa, a swimming pool, and a tiki-themed bar called WYP, which stands for “What’s Your Poison?” – where one gets to experience Boracay’s happy hour vibe without actually going to the island.
Araw Hospitality Group has four other UNWND Boutique Hotels in Poblacion, Makati City; Calatagan, Batangas; Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental; and Mambajao, Camiguin. It also operates resorts in El Nido, Palawan; Silang and Alfonso, Cavite; and soon in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.
According to Lhuillier, the founding of Araw Hospitality Group was inspired by a desire to redefine the travel experience and the business of hospitality management. With properties in key tourist destinations around the country, it aims to showcase Philippine culture, arts, and flavors through a range of brands that address a broader market through innovative guest experiences.
*** J. Albert Gamboa is a Life Member of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) and Vice-Chair of the FINEX Ethics Committee. The opinion expressed herein does not necessarily reflect the views of these institutions and the Manila Bulletin. #FinexPhils www.finex.org.ph . Photo from https://www.expedia.com.ph/