Things You Need To Know About Boracay Labor Day Weekend

Every first week of May, Boracay becomes one of the busiest places in the Philippines. People who want to take a break from work fly to Boracay to celebrate the Labor Day Weekend.

The Labor Day Weekend or more popularly known as Laboracay, transforms the island into a 24/7 party central for vacationers, specifically for the working class. Everyday of that weekend will seem like you are obliged to buff up for an event and consume alcohol - well, for most people. I'm sure everyone has plenty of interesting stories about their experience because this can easily be one of those occasions where you encounter your firsts, bests, and worsts. So since most of us probably wonder how it's like to be part of this celebration, here are tips and observations that might help you with your future Laboracay plans.

1. A LOT of people will be there – locals and foreigners alike

It will seem like that the entire Manila population flew there. Human traffic will worsen when happy hour hits (time when alcoholic beverages are sold half their price. It usually runs from 2-10PM) and parties start. My friends and I preferred staying on the shore part since areas near the bar were too crowded it wouldn't be surprising if you kissed someone accidentally. Kidding. But you get the picture, right?

Popular food establishments and commercial areas will also be jampacked, especially during lunch and dinner. My friends and I went to Obama Grill for lunch, it took us 20 minutes before we got a table to accommodate our party. The same went for Jonah’s Fruitshake. We tried to have brunch there but they said it will take 30 minutes before our food and shakes get served, so we just left. The famous Calamansi Muffins from Real Coffee and Tea Cafe should be pre-ordered 3 days before you claim it. In D’Mall, the main commercial area in Boracay, restaurants will be full house since it’s the nearest food destination for tourists staying at Station 1 and 2. There's really nothing you can do about these unless you cook your own food in your hotel/inn (if you have that facility); but if you really want to eat out and try these popular establishments, drop by in the morning instead. There will be less people on the streets and restaurants since most are still asleep for staying late the night before.

Bottom line is, if you plan your trip in May during Laboracay, expecting a less crowded and quiet vacation, I suggest you move your trip to another date, or stay at a hotel on quiet beaches such as Diniwid and Bulabog.

2. Station 1 is the best place to lounge and socialize

(White House Party – Labor Day Weekend 2014

If you are the party type, and don’t mind bumping into a lot of people, head to Station 1. White House, Two Seasons, and Sur throw the best parties for the weekend. People will start coming in around 3 in the afternoon to sunbathe, and stay for the party until the wee hours of the morning. Beers are priced at 50-100 PHP – not bad for a tourist-flocked venue (and you get two for this price during happy hour). So, expect drunk, perky men and women around you. They actually are easier to make friends with, so talking to them randomly wouldn't be a big deal. After all, Boracay is a place to meet new people.

Also, don’t mind putting on a thick cover-up, you’d be overdressed or pass out from the heat. Everywhere you look people are either in bikinis or board shorts. With that much people and alcohol around you, you’d start to sweat profusely, even in the evening. If you can do without a shirt, just leave it, chances are it will get lost. And actually, no one will care about how you look, but it will always be a plus if you have a nice physique.

3. Numerous events will simultaneously happen everywhere. Research and choose the best events to attend

When you land in Boracay, you’ll tend to get overwhelmed with a lot of things to do. Doing research before going there helps in determining your activities. Before we went to Boracay, my friends and I already have a list of major events. We already agreed on where we shall go and what to do. Event venues are quite far from each other so it’s smart to know where the location of the events are in the island. Walking will wear you out, and hailing a tricycle will take time, planning ahead will definitely save time, money, and effort.

Note: Getting a ride from point A to B will get harder with the number of people trying to get to their destination. The most strategic place to ride tricycles is near Station 3 where most are still empty. When you get to D’Mall and places near Station 1, almost all are occupied already, except at night. 

4. International music artists will grace the weekend parties

…And there will be a swarm of people fighting to get in. This has been a growing trend for Labor Day Weekend events. Last year, they brought Zedd to spin in Club Paraw. This year, they brought international DJs Cedric Gervais and Steve Aoki in Epic Bar. Many weren’t able to watch Cedric Gervais and Steve Aoki since all the tickets were sold out already. If you want sure access to these parties, you have to reserve your tickets days prior to the event. But if you have no tickets and really desperate to hear their music, you can always stay at the shore near the stage. The music’s too loud not to hear 10-50 meters away from the venue. 

5. Labor Day Weekend is best spent with friends

With all the events, affordable drinks, and party-ready people in one island, the best company to share this experience with is your friends. Not that you won’t enjoy with family members around you but it would be awkward to get drunk and unruly with them there. It will be convenient to celebrate with people with the same wavelength and, most probably, have been with you in usual parties.

Although, it is comfortable to get rowdy with the people you are with, make sure they won’t leave you sleeping on the shore when alcohol gets to your system. Anything can happen during the weekend. At the end of the day, it will be your friends who will save you from crazy situations. 

6. There’s a big possibility that your flight to and from Boracay will be delayed

This can be very irritating but with the number of people visiting Boracay at that time, flight delays are bound to happen. These aren’t just 30-minute delays we are talking about, it can take up to 3-5 hours. We are booked for a 12AM flight to Manila but were advised that it was moved to 3AM. The plane actually came late. We boarded the plane around 4:30AM and arrived in Manila around 6AM. But to be fair with Air Asia, they gave the passengers complimentary food as peace offering. It might have worked to some but not to everybody. 

When it comes to delayed flights, try to talk to some airline officials and ask them to get you to a less crowded flight. If they can accommodate you, they will, but that would be very rare.

So, with that... will I see you next year?