“On a clear day, you can see forever” – a music composer once penned —  much more when all around you are blue skies, clear waters and powdery, white sand – the attractions that have made Boracay still the top choice of summer fun seekers in the country.

Last weekend, the island resort throbbed with people – record-high numbers, they said, activities and events, like the dragon boat races, evening concerts, family and group gatherings, boating and the usual frolic on the waters, beach combing and yes, the great sunset watching.

One event that vibrated was the May 3 Smart Hot Summer Samahan, an extravaganza of games, sound and colors held at Boracay’s Station 1. The event included the adventure Amazing3G Race, which required teams of four to engage in 16 tasks people usually do in the island – from paraw and banana boat riding to cooking and things made possible through the use of their mobile phones.

The exhibit booths featured a variety of attractions, including free body tattoo printing, hair braiding – in various styles — as well as games that offered corporate gifts to winners and afternoon song-and-dance features on stage.

Highlighting the third annual summer extravaganza, which has been held in various parts of the country, was the three-in-one concert treat featuring Bamboo, Kamikazee and Rocksteddy, which are among the most popular bands in the country. The concert was witnessed by more than 5,000 of Boracay visitors and natives who endured  the more than 30 minutes of downpour, the show capped by public dancing that lasted until the wee hours of the morning. “The rain didn’t stop the big crowd from its partying mood, they continued singing and dancing with the concert artists even when they were already wet,” recalled Riza Acap, a journalist from Davao City, who was among the Vis-Min writers who covered the summer smart fun.

Three more Samahan legs are set for the rest of the summer – in Subic this weekend, Davao and Camarine Sur, following the ones held in La Union and the Enchanted Kigndom Resort.

Ma. Lourdes Bersalote  Gocotano of Smart Communications Vis-Min Public Affairs Division staff said the Boracay Samahan was her company’s way of “treating our subscribers and clients in the spirit of fun through sports, music and leisure activities.”

Despite the occasional rains, for the Boracay visitors, it was, indeed,  one hot summer fun! AVDC