The Boracay Primer

update as of November 15

list of participants:
Tess & Peter;
Lhor & Maricel;
Mae
John
Jordan
Sandy
Potpot
Joey & wife, from Canada (c/o John) 

paul, uly, rosini, manilyn, & lourdes 

what to bring: 
* a long lens.   (preferably a telephoto zoom, in the range of 70mm towards 200mm)

* a wide-angle lens.   (the kit lens should be fine, although something wider will be better)

* optical filters.   Suggested filters are: 1) starburst 2) circular polarizers 3) graduated sunset or tobacco filter   When buying filters, keep in mind that screw-in filters come in different diameters, and they    

  should correspond to the diameter of the lens you will use it on. (58mm, 62mm, 68mm, 72mm,

  77mm) Filters also come in a range of prices and brands. If you intend to use those filters for a

  long time, then you might want to buy something more expensive. But if you just want to try

  them out, then go for the cheap ones. Cheap china-made filters can be found everywhere; but if

  you find yourself in Hidalgo street, drop by 'D24K Foto store and check out their LIDA brand

  filters. Prices range from P400-1,000 depending on size and type.

*  external flash unit.
   If you have one, now will be a good time to learn how to use it in fill mode.  this is going to be part of the headshots shoot, where you get to control frontal light and background light.  If you do not have one, then the one that's built-in on your camera will work just fine, no need to buy one anymore.

* tripod.   As we are travelling by air, just bring a light tripod so it isn't too much of a hassle to lug around.

* zip-loc bags.   When crossing bodies of water, I recommend that you place your cameras & lenses in individual zip-loc bags just in case the inevitable happens. And they do happen. 

Shoot skeds: (three group shoots)
* first sked is November 27, 30mins before sunset, at the pool area of The Tides Hotel.   
Shoot options: first headshots with Rosini, or Boracay sunset if the weather cooperates.

* second sked is November 28, 8:30-10am, beach area in front of La Carmela Hotel.   
Second headshots, with hats and accessories.

* third and final sked is on November 28, 4:30-7:30pm, beach area in front of Willy's Rock.   
Landmarks, Scenics, Sunsets, Afterglow, candle-lighted Sand Castles. 

Trip tips:
* travel lite.   
  If you can avoid bringing all your 7 lenses and 4 camera bodies, you should be just fine. Dont    worry about
  missed shooting opportunities because you didn't bring your 1200mm tele.  Remember that you will have to
  lug around everything yourself. So, just shoot with what you have, and enjoy the moment with your new-
  found shooting buddies. 

* remember to bring your battery charger.   
  You may also want to invest in a second battery now. China made batteries go for P500-800.  And if you
   aren't too confident about china manufactured batteries but find original batteries too expensive, just keep in
   mind that a second fully charged battery that's made in china will always out-trump a single original drained
   battery in boracay.   

* meds.   
  If you take medicines regularly, make sure you bring the essentials along. Boracay isn't known

  for its drugstores. 

* swimwear/eyewear   
  Boracay is the land of the skimpy, so bring your sexiest outfits. Oh, in boracay, no one cares whether your
  body matches the swimwear. You just know because nobody photographs you...   As for eyewear, a good
  pair of sunglasses will help take care of your eyes.

* cocktails   
  As this is the lean season, expect to get most of your drinks at 50% off. Help the Boracay economy by
 ordering double what you intend to consume. Hahaha   Expect Rum Cokes to be cheaper than a can of
 Coke. Look for BomBom Bar if you feel like listening to Reggae music.   The poolside bar at the Tides is
 also very well known for their spa, bar and happy hour. Do check them out.   If you want the expat crowd,
 head over to Nigi Nigi Noo Noos somewhere in station 2.  La Reserve and Cafe Del Mar (also around the area) are also favorite hang outs of caucasian expats. La Reserve is the only place that serves Haagen Dazs ice cream on the island, and also has a nice list of Cuban cigars on the menu.   If you are a massive fan of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, then look for Hobbit House at D Mall,     which was inspired by the trilogy. 

* massages   
  virtually all hotels offer spa treatments, but if you want some ultimate pampering, Boracay is home to several
  world famous spas. Go search the net for suggestions. It will surely be an experience. 

* seafood   
  As Boracay is an island (I dunno if that detail escaped you..) so seafood should be plentiful, cheap, and very
  fresh. Explore before choosing a place to eat. The marketplace offers a range of economical options, while
  hotels and restaurants around the area will probably offer buffet dinners.     Lobster is available at Manila
  prices, so unless you have an addiction to it, you may want to hold back. Shellfish is plentiful. Check first to
  confirm if the red tide alert only covers luzon... 

* meat   
  steaks, chops, stews and sausages are also very plentiful in the area. If you still do not have a    favorite
  place, then just let your nose guide you.   Andok's is already in Boracay, so if you also miss the taste of
  manila, then head over to the backside.

* telephone / internet facilities.   
  Your hotel probably has a wifi connection already. Your smartphone is also wifi ready.  But if you still want
   to discreetly check your email, Boracay also has several internet cafes spread all over the 3 stations. 

* coffee shops   
   Lonely Planet (which incidentally has a small shop in boracay) lists several exquisite coffee

  joints scattered throughout the island. The best one sits close to station 1, in a smallish nipa hut, and closes
  around 6pm. I don't quite remember the name, but I think they also serve french toast.   

* watersports   
   If you still don't know Boracay's middle name (it is watersports) then you probably haven't been there. 
  Options include Jetskis, speedboats, diving trips, wind sailing, aqua gliding, and the ubiquitous banana
  boat. Check out your hotel concierge for more information. 

* optional trips   
  I've never figured out why people fly to an island, and then book an optional island hopping tour as soon as
  they get there. Hahaha. Well, the Tides actually also has an outrigger for rent. Usually the island hopping tour
  comes with packed lunch. As the island hopping is costed per boat/trip, it will  be more economical for you
  to book this by group. Oh, do bring your zip locs...

and finally... for those who booked and got internet e-tickets... remember to print those. Hahaha 

I will be available for private consultation related to the boracay trip. I will be at the waltermart studio in makati on saturday, november 20, from 1-4pm. You know how to reach me. 


Jesus Paul C. Yan 
for The Paul Yan Chronicles 
oh, please put down some comments on this page, so ill know you've dropped by and checked it out..