BORACAY is famous for many things: clear waters, miles-long shore and white sand that doesn’t seem to get hot no matter how high the temperature rises.

Well, the island made an exception this time because the sand definitely sizzled as beach-volleyball players, celebrities and the media trooped to Boracay for the Nestea Beach 2008. 

Now on its 12th year, Nestea Beach has become a summer staple on the island. One of the highlights of the four-day event was the volleyball celebrity matches, played over two scorching days in the sand court. Spectators didn’t mind standing under the sweltering heat because they got to see their favorite stars in bikinis and shorts as they battled it out for the Nestea Beach 2008 Celebrity Match Championship.

The team composed of Bb. Pilipinas World 2007 Maggie Wilson, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2006 Lian Ramos, model Brad Turvey, and columnist Amiel Cabanlig bagged the coveted title. Other celebrities who participated in the matches were Pinoy Big Brother former housemates Will Devaughn, Riza Santos and Gabby de la Merced; Penshoppe models Victor Basa, Matt Evans, Melissa Ricks, Vicky Herrera, Dawn Balagot and Einar Ingebrigsten; TV hosts Sam Oh and Cesca Litton; and VJs Sanya Smith and Andre Felix.

Beach-volley enthusiasts were also thrilled to witness the fierce competition among the qualifiers from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao universities, as they slugged it out during the semis and final rounds of the volleyball tourney.

Fashion designer PJ Arañador showcased his summer collection of pristine whites, gold and silver-metallic Lycra, and floral and animal prints. Statement shirts in bold red letters were scene-stealers. Local apparel brand Penshoppe also showed its latest collection featuring its stable of endorsers led by Heart Evangelista and Nikki Gil. Dubbed “Destination Penshoppe,” the collection included clothes that are perfect for that laid-back vibe. Accessories in eye-popping colors were also displayed, a perfect contrast to the dark-colored jeans worn by the models.

“I love the white tube top [paired with jeans], I really love white,” actress Heart Evangelista said of the runway ensemble that suits her personal style. “I think everybody loves it. It’s so clean, elegant, classy and fresh,” gushed the latest Kapuso star.

Nestea also continued its environmental advocacy by embarking on a beach-cleanup campaign. Divers collected trash underwater while volunteers swept the shore for cigarette butts and other little knickknacks that collectively threaten to destroy the pristine coastline of Boracay.

“We had about nearly 15 divers and each had a certain area to cover right in front of the beach,” said Brad Turvey. “We collected all the trash that we found underwater, the majority of which are glass bottles.” Brad said that compared with last year, the trash collected this year was fewer. “For someone who’s into this kind of conservation effort, it’s great to see companies like Nestlé and Nestea supporting the community. They’re aware of their community responsibilities,” he added.

The rain threatened to ruin the fun during the last night but the victory party continued at the bar Hey Jude as Parokya ni Edgar led the celebration of another Nestea Beach success.

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