Boracay Resort Hotel provides beautiful backdrop for films, series
Not only the local and foreign tourists are welcome to visit and stay at La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel but also film production outfits and TV networks that keep coming back as the resort hotel provides a beautiful backdrop for film or TV narratives.
In fact, my dear friend Boy So, who owns La Carmela de Boracay, has already lost count of the number of tapings and shootings that have taken place in and around the 530-room resort hotel in the tropical paradise of Boracay in Aklan.
Situated at Station 2, La Carmela de Boracay is only a few minutes’ walk to the Tourist Center and the small wet market. Apart from offering beachfront convenience, it is known for providing local and foreign guests with first-class service and amenities as well as spacious rooms at affordable rates.
Its interiors are homey and the staff members are hospitable, friendly and respectful. They treat every guest with equal attention and always with a warm smile.
“Pre-pandemic, so many shows — from GMA 7, TV5 and ABS-CBN — were held here. They would also hold tapings for TV series here,” related Boy who was in La Carmela when we talked over the phone a few days ago. “But before the Holy Week, there was a shooting here. I’m not sure if it was for a movie or television but the actress was Kisses Delavin.”
Boy teased that it’s because of me that he came to know a lot of showbiz personalities. He is now friends to such actors as John Lloyd Cruz, Edgar “Bobot” Mortiz, Vice Ganda, Bayani Agbayani, Ricky Davao, among others. Boy met them when they had shoots at La Carmela taping in Boracay.
“A lot of artists got to stay in La Carmela. Bumabalik sila not for work but for some rest and relaxation. If I’m not mistaken, Bayani and his family were here (La Carmela) last April.”
I have been friends with Boy for decades now. I first met him in 2003 when our common friend introduced us to each other. That time, La Carmela was nearing its completion and Boy invited me to dinner. Since then, I would hie off to his resort paradise every time I get the chance to take a short breather.
“Next month is August already and that’s usually the time of year when you come here,” he reminded me with a laugh.
Boy has never changed. Despite his busy schedule, he remembers even the least of your concern.
His gratitude is so heartwarming. “Mentioning La Carmela at the end of your show is really a big help. Malaking bagay talaga,” he would often tell me.
Boy confessed that he only found out about my mentioning La Carmela through his friends who tuned in to my show. “I don’t get to watch television that much but I’m so thankful to you for doing that. ‘Yan ang kaibigan,” he laughed.
As a businessman, Boy is focused on matters concerning the economy. He watches international news in his downtime. His favorites are CNA (Channel News Asia) and Al Jazeera.
“Mahilig ako sa news kasi kumukuha ako ng reports about Asia especially in business on CNA to monitor the economic situation and what’s happening in Asia and in other countries, the new trends o kung anong klase ang negosyo nila. I have to know these things because I import cement and steel for my (construction and hardware) business in Iloilo (his hometown).
“By watching foreign news, I get to know when is the best time to import (construction materials),” said Boy who shuttles between Iloilo and Boracay to personally attend to his businesses. He stays in Boracay from Monday to Wednesday and the rest of the week, he’s in Iloilo with his family.
Boy said not even in his wildest dream did he see himself getting into the hotel industry. “I grew up in Iloilo but my parents were into hardware and construction (supplies). But I had no interest in running a business then of course because I was busy with my young life.
“When I turned 21, that’s when I realized that I must do something worthy. So, when my mother gave me a capital of P50,000, I looked for a place to start my own hardware store. Thankfully, it turned out good.
“Pero dito ako sa La Carmela, sobrang tuwang-tuwa kasi hindi ko naisip na pwede pala ako sa ganitong negosyo. Hindi ako mahilig sa beach at hindi ako napupunta dati dito sa Boracay,” Boy disclosed.
It was in 2001 when he and his Singaporean business partner went to Boracay. Boy liked what he saw — the long stretch of powdery white sand lapped by crystal clear turquoise waters and stunning view. They spent the Holy Week on the island but they were never comfortable in the room they stayed in.
“So, I thought of putting up a small place where guests can stay. Fortunately, I was able to purchase a 200 plus-square meter lot and we began construction initially for 14 rooms. And after it proved profitable, we added more rooms until it numbered to 40,” recalled Boy of his first business venture in Aklan called Boracay Travelodge, a stone’s throw away from La Carmela.
But it didn’t stop there. His business partner-friends from Taiwan encouraged Boy to look for a bigger lot where he can put up a bigger place to accommodate more guests.
“Nakabili naman ako ng mas malaki at nag-umpisa muna ako sa 20 rooms noon then I added another 20 rooms again when La Carmela began picking up. That’s my style, I usually start small because I don’t want to apply for a bank loan or use whatever funds I have from my business in Iloilo.
“By April 27, 2005 we already had 60 rooms. At present, La Carmela has 530 rooms. We still have so many plans for the hotel but we have become more careful now after experiencing the pandemic.”
Boy said Boracay is alive again with the influx of local and foreign tourists. He delights at the fact that all La Carmela staff members are back to their regular work schedules.
“We’re glad that we survived the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are always fully-booked. I say every day that God is so good,” Boy enthused.
For details and reservations, e-mail [email protected] or call (036)288-5423.
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