Searching for Love in Boracay

It was late in the evening and I had seen all that I had to see in the pristine and utopian Philippines island of Boracay. I had done hours of jet skiing and taken water scooter rides in the sea. The whole day I had the company of Lucilla, my local guide on the island.

She took me island hopping in the morning. We took a boat from one island to the other. She video-filmed me while I took a 30 metre dive into the light blue sea. Lucilla was a darling, short in stature and dark in complexion. She made up for her ordinary looks by her enthusiasm for work and zest for making her guests happy at the island.

”I have to fend for my mother and family that is way I work from morning to noon. I have a boat in which I take my guests island hopping and then I make sure they have enjoyed themselves thoroughly,” said my guide, dressed in a short skirt and brief top.

We ate a spicy meal of chicken and chilly squid at one of the island and then I jumped from the boat into the sea to do some snorkeling. For the first time I was exposed to the world under the sea. It was like being in Wonderland, with the colourful fish, corals, vegetation, rocks. All colour and so much of it.

In the evening I told Lucilla ”I had a great time, saw the great pearls and jewels of the sea, ate the best food on the island, drank the best rum and shopped for a snakebone necklace. But I still feel empty inside. I need the touch and warmth of a woman. I need love on the island. I need a woman.”

Lucilla was taken aback. Then, reconciled, she said ”It is not my job. But I will get you a woman as Boracay is full of ladies of the night.” I sat on her scooter and we went off, looking for love.

We visited one bar, then another, haggling with the ladies of the night. Some quoted 4000 peso for the night some 5000 peso for four hours. The rates varied according to the looks and availability. I kept rejecting the women, all of whom were disappointing.

Lucilla was a bit frustrated as we moved from high class bars to the dingy alleys of Boracay. “I know how you feel Anzu. “ That was how she pronounced my name. ” But these are all whores and if you are looking for love then that is not possible as this is not the right time or place.” I said OK let’s return to the hotel. I realized that one cannot find love. It had to find you. Lucilla was right.

The moment I stop looking for it, it will happen to me. “Thank you Lucilla. You are a good friend. I will go to sleep alone today but, trust me, one day I will find true love.” And we parted ways.