Shangri-La Boracay is the BOMB!

Ben & I went to Boracay 1st week of June. It's been 3years since our last trip there and I remember that Shangrila was still under construction during that time. We spent 3nights in Boracay Mandarin and another 2nights in Shangri-La Boracay.
We arrived in Shangri-la around 12pm and whoa it was simply amazing! From the staff who fetched us from Boracay Mandarin and to the concierge who assists us with our bookings, all of them were outstanding even their gardener, housekeeping attendant and waiters. After we check in our luggage to their deluxe room, we went to Cielo Bar(one of their resto with the scenic view of the infinity pool/ lagoon pool) to take our lunch. Ben ordered oven-baked pizza while I requested a customized seafood pasta(since it's not available in their menu list). For me, food isn't the best i ever tasted but having the view of the pool and the shores makes it worth!
We have our dinner and breakfast buffet in Vintana and I never expected that their food is equally awesome compare with Circles & Heat. I never had a chance to visit their Italian restaurant(RIMA) but in my next stay, I will make sure I will pay a dinner visit here. Before checking out, we dined in the Lobby Lounge, the waiter was so cool that he even make himself available as our photographer! :)

I super love this resort and this is truly a world-class of its kind! I enjoyed the comfort of the bed, the breath taking sunset view in Solana Bar and lagoon-infinity pool. It's really hard to move out 'coz I know it wil take more than a year to go back in this island.. But I know I will be back here, whenever it is, I hope it will be soon...

My First and Definitely the LAST (transaction with EMS Philippines)

I bought an item from China worth US$15 and the sender told me that it is free shipping to Philippines via EMS. I paid it last July 6 and they sent it 2 days after my payment. Since it has an online tracking, according to the site, the parcel was handed to Philippine customs on July 13, 2010.

July 15 - I've called EMS office to check where my parcel is and the lady told me to pick it up in their Pasay office near Park N Fly (http://parknfly.com.ph/). She even told me to bring at least two valid ID's and the tracking number.

July 16 - Around 1pm, I arrived in Customs, patiently waited for my parcel to be out. After an hour of waiting, an old cross-eyed lady called my name and without asking my permission they open my box. She asked me how come it only costs that much and where am I going to use it. I really bought it at US$15 from a direct supplier in China and I ordered it since there is no available items here in Phils, I'm going to use it in a party. She asked me to go with her inside the cashier office and she busied herself computing for the tax and duties I need to pay. I really don't understand how it goes as much as Php1200 or around US$25, I tried to question her about how she computed it and I even negotiate the price but she refused to answer and negotiate. I'm really disappointed about this matter.

Altho, I learned new experience, definitely I won't buy any items from a country where there is no Johnny Air or PO Box. I don't want to experience again the hassle in dealing with the Philippine Customs and the hassle of driving all the way from New manila to Pasay.

Lastly, Philippine Customs SUCKS as well as our government.