Way back in high school my classmates usually asked me to join them in cutting classes and invited me to go to Coral Reef, it's a beach nearby our school but I was not that type of student whose truant because I wanted to be a good influence in my fellow classmates. As the time goes by I became curious of the said place because I have heard their positive feedback about how amazing of the beach so I finally joined them at summer.
(This photo was taken 4 years ago. My first time to went there.)
Only few people knew that Coral Reef exist at that time. As I've heard the beach resort used to be the famous Coral Reef Hotel and Beach Resort in Ylaya, Marigondon, Mactan Island. My co residence said that it was pretty popular especially among foreign tourists like Japanese back in early 90s. Unfortunately , ownership has passed on to a bank, PNB, probably loans not paid but rumor said the building was burned and owner get bankrupt. After 2 years it became a private property and general public was not allowed to go inside but recently it was opened for authorized person only.
Last month I run for a candidacy for counselor and my happiness and excitement level went crazy when our team decided to have a beach outing at Coral Reef.
At the day of our outing..
Shades ✅
Go pro ✅
OOTD ✅
6 pack bellies ✅ 😂
We were able to go there for free since most of our teammates used to work there before and was already known to the guards 😊. When we started a walk going to the beach we've seen wild grasses overtaken the area, if you don’t know where you are going you will begin to think that perhaps you are lost. We were following a dirt road, along the way, we saw torn down buildings which I am sure have seen better times. The walls that were still standing were littered with graffiti and vandalism.
Since it was abandoned for years, no Cr available and no shower facilities, and no stores nearby but there were 2 cottage huts, several tables and that’s it. I went near to the swimming pool, which was once a pride of the place has been reduced to a pool of dirty, greenish yellow stagnant water. I looked around at the nearby buildings and I felt sorry for what the place has become.
But when my gaze fell upon the beach area, I was struck in awe. Like an oasis in the desert, the beach area made me exclaim 'Paradise! I'm finally back!' 😍😍
People usually called this place as "Boracay" because of it's magnificent white sand . The whole area looks like a cove, on either side are rocky cliffs protecting the white sand shoreline. Palm trees abound like in a countryside resort. The water was sparkling turquoise and clear, the sand was fine white which feels like balm to your sole as you walk on it.
We were all enjoyed, really feels like we're in Boracay hahaha we've tried soaking ourselves in white sand, we've tried jumping off the cliff and diving and seeing those amazing corals underwater. Some foreigner go there to have a water activity like banana boat, island hopping and all but those things are for rich people hahaha but It was really a great and fun experience.
(My co-SK councilors , SK chairperson and I.)
Time flies so fast and the sun began to go down and were about to go home. In going out, when we were about to passed through a narrow cemented bridge, I saw the abandoned building but it still looked beautiful even on it's hideous figure. Hoping and praying that it will be officially open for public soon. 🙏
What a beautiful place 😍.
Yes it is, my dear friend @neilrichmond. 😊