MANILA, Philippines—I counted my blessings for the whole of 2008 on New Year’s Eve in Boracay. Paradise Island was packed with revelers. Some of the celebs spotted celebrating were Dingdong Dantes, Paolo Contis and his date EB Babe Lian, fab couple Marc Nelson and Paula Taylor, Maurice Arcache, Diana Zubiri and her non-show biz BF, Anne Curtis, Raymond and JR Isaac, Bianca King, JM Rodriguez, cool couple Tisha Silang and Geoff Rodriguez.

Dingdong, Paolo, Lian, my kids and Dong’s family took the 7,107 Islands Cruise (www.7107islandscruise.net). I teased Dong that it felt like we were aboard the Titanic because he has a striking resemblance to Leonardo di Caprio.

I asked Dong about his next project, Carlo J. Caparas’ “Babaeng Hinugot sa Tadyang.” He said, “Like with ‘Marimar’ and ‘Dyesebel’, I didn’t watch the tape of the previous version of ‘Babae.’ I don’t want to be influenced by the portrayal of others before me.” He truly has the makings of an icon because he refuses to be a clone.

Happiness is written all over the faces of Pao and Lian. They are still in the getting-to-know-you stage. “I really like her a lot,” admitted Pao. Said Lian, “I like Pao’s sense of humor and how protective he is of me. We don’t like to put labels yet because it will just create pressure on both sides.” Indeed, naming something makes it lose its charm and mystery.

My kids and I were billeted at the cozy La Carmela de Boracay (897-9184). I love its homey feel. My endless thanks to Boy So, Mon Perez and the friendly Carmela staff for pampering Bianch, IC and me like royalty. We immensely enjoyed living la vida Carmela in Bora!

We had a blast on New Year’s Eve at the hip Solstice bar in The Tides Resort. Thanks from the bottom of my heart and champagne glass to Pete Gonzales and Stephen Ku for redefining fun.

No trip to Bora would be complete without eating at my fave Hawaiian Barbecue. Thanks a mil to the Luau Queen Happy Ongpauco and her kind staff for overfeeding us. Another yummy resto to check out is Dos Mestizos. My A-1 Chef friend Pauline Banusing (of the best Ilonggo resto Freska) took me there.

I’m still in a Boracay state of mind. It revs me up to take the Year of the Ox by the horn. Bring it on, ’09! I’m raring to fly!

PERSONAL: More than columns and blogs could say, thanks to all my loyal readers for once again making Dollywood the overall most read column of PDI (based on INQUIRER.net’s ratings). Your vote of confidence is all the adrenaline shot I need.

Muchisimas gracias to the esteemed members of Gawad Tanglaw for choosing me for the second year in a row as the Best Entertainment Columnist. It inspires me to keep writing no matter, how crazy show biz gets.

E-mail wateringholeshangrila@yahoo.com