What happened to Boracay?

We just came from Boracay, and now that we're back, I ironically feel relieved.  I was looking forward to a relaxing trip;  I was expecting nature at its best.  But halfway during our stay, I realized that Boracay is simply not for me anymore.  Here are some of the reasons why.

First, I don't smoke.  Seems to me that smoking is now the norm in the island, and that the famous white, powdery sand of Boracay is becoming a huge ashtray with all the cigarette butts scattered everywhere.  It's also hard to get a pure breath of fresh air even during the early morning as some people must have a smoke for breakfast.  Before, I could just stay on the beach and read a book.  Now, it's more "fresh" to stay indoors.    

Second, I love (and need to) sleep at night. As I remembered it, all the goings-on were usually in Station 2, which was why we always stayed in Station 1.  Now, the party fever is infecting Station 1.  The parties begin late at night and usually end around 4 am (two hours before sunrise!), so there goes any attempt of having a good night's sleep.  They played really loud music, to the point that you can feel the vibration while in bed.  I wonder how the marine life is coping with this kind of noise pollution.  The behaviour of the party-goers is another thing.  Loud music + alcohol + no sleep = very bad behavior.  Nothing good can really come out of this equation.

Third, I don't throw my garbage anywhere.  I was shocked to see empty alcohol bottles, cans and sharp bottle caps scattered on the beach the morning after the terrible parties.  Now that's what I call really irresponsible.  The locals just took it upon themselves to clean up the mess.  They already accepted the fact that Boracay will be abused day after day and all they can do is clean up the following day.       

I find Boracay now to be a scary place to send my children when they are old enough to go out with friends.  Well, if Boracay still exists by then!  With the rate of abuse being done to this island, who knows what will happen to it years from now!  (Pasig River used to be beautiful, you know.)  I also find the island to be full of bad influences now; what happened to the purity and serenity of Boracay?  I do hope something will be done to preserve Boracay.  I start by writing this article to share my views, and hopefully, my message will not fall on deaf ears.