ISLAND LIFE

By Gene Loves Acosta Most people leave Boracay with a tan and a hundred photos of the sunset. But what if you left with a skill? A holiday is a pretty good time to try something new. You’re out of your routine, you have time, and being a complete beginner on an island is surprisingly liberating. Here are a few worth giving a shot. Tibetan Sound Healing Certificate Course Duration: 2 days (Basic); 4 full days (Certification) Cost: $1,500 to $3,500 Best for: Wellness enthusias

The clouds may linger, but the light always breaks through and a new season begins. 📸 Freida Dario-Santiago There’s a saying that “no news is good news,” which means that all is well in the world. Well, perhaps not quite. It has been an extraordinarily eventful few months, and sometimes it feels as though the news comes at us faster than we can absorb it. Wars and conflict continue thousands of miles away. Extreme weather events have devastated communities. An ongoing global

By Rica Velasco Veterinarians and assistants, Vet Mission organizers and volunteers after a successful second day The fifth Veterinary Mission Boracay was held from August 31 to September 3, capping four days of free veterinary care across the island and mainland Malay. The mission had a strong turnout this year, with a total of 1,259 animals treated and 608 spay-and-neuter surgeries performed, 72 more than last year. Treatments also included 512 anti-rabies vaccinations, 13

By Freida Dario-Santiago International tennis star and Philippine pride Alex Eala has said it more than once. In fact, she seems to say it every chance she gets: she loves Boracay. “If I could be invisible for a day, I would go to Boracay or another island in the Philippines and have a nice vacation,” she said in a WTA post on September 2, just after winning her first-round match at the US Open. On another occasion, fresh from making history as the first Filipino to claim a W

By Freida Dario-Santiago With the rainy season upon us, be vigilant about dengue prevention. Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted by female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which thrive in tropical climates and breed in stagnant water. Cases typically rise during the rainy months, when frequent rainfall creates more breeding sites around homes and communities. There is still no specific antiviral cure for dengue, so early consultation, proper hydration, and close monitoring

By Freida Dario-Santiago The annual Boracay Veterinary Mission is set to return for its fifth consecutive year, bringing together veterinary professionals and local government partners in a continuing effort to promote responsible pet ownership and keep Boracay rabies-free. The initiative is organized by the Vet Mission Boracay team in partnership with the LGU Office of the Municipal Agriculturist of Malay. Participating organizations include the Office of the Provincial Vete

By Gene Loves Acosta Somewhere between the third sunburn and the fourth sudden downpour, every visitor to Boracay realizes the beach isn't an all-day activity. Whether you're escaping the midday heat, riding out a Habagat shower, or simply looking for a break from the sand, the island offers plenty of indoor hideaways worth discovering. The 19th Hole Corner Diniwid Road, Brgy. Balabag, Mobile: (0945) 106 2711 Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Rates: ₱700/hour (solo); ₱1,100/hour (2 pla

By Pauline Reitzer Miriam Quiambao-Roberto with husband Ardy and their children Joshua, Elijah and Ziki For many Filipinos, Miriam Quiambao-Roberto will always be remembered on the Miss Universe stage in 1999, representing the Philippines with grace and confidence and finishing as first runner-up. It was a moment that propelled her into the national spotlight and opened doors to a successful career in television, hosting and public speaking. But more than two decades later,

BSN chit chats with some of the community’s pillars and the folks you all want to get to know a little better. By Freida Dario-Santiago Arnold Fernandez Yap Schmidt Boracay businessman Arnold Schmidt is the visionary behind Smooth Café & Restaurant (2023), Smooth Attic (2023), Pawikan Apartments (2022), and the soon-to-open IslandVault Collectables & Café. A Boracay resident since 2021, the entrepreneur shares his connection to the island and what inspired him to build a life

Dreaming of celebrating the “Big Day” in Boracay? From barefoot ceremonies to sunset receptions by the sea, Boracay remains one of the world’s most romantic dream wedding destinations. By Freida Dario-Santiago You too can fulfill your dream Boracay wedding. 📸 Mayad Studios June has long been considered the traditional wedding month, and Boracay Island remains one of the country’s top destinations for tropical and beach-themed weddings. Named after Juno, the Roman goddess o

These basic safety reminders could make or break your vacation and could even save your life By Freida Dario-Santiago 📷 Alexandra Ipatova Traveling alone can be an exhilarating adventure, whether for relaxation, soul-searching, or simply enjoying freedom, independence and the chance to meet fellow travelers. But it can also become daunting, even disastrous, when done impulsively and without preparation. Let’s face it: travel comes with risks and challenges, making it even

How these scams work and how to avoid them By Rica Velasco Over the past few years, a growing number of Boracay resorts have had to deal with fake social media accounts using their names, photos and promotional materials to scam unsuspecting guests. At first glance, these pages often appear legitimate. They use real images, copy branding, and respond quickly to inquiries. Many offer heavily discounted rates or limited-time promos, then request deposits through bank transfer o

By Gene Loves Acosta Love Boracay? For sure. But even in paradise, there’s always room for a little more adventure. If you’ve spent your first few days perfecting the art of the beach lounge and now find yourself in a full sun-daze, take it as a sign to look just across the water. The mainland is calling, trading white sand for jungle rivers, heritage trails and the giant “kawa” cauldron you can actually soak in. Here are a few day trips worth leaving Boracay’s magic for, ev

By Gene Loves Acosta Boracay is easy to love as a pet owner, until you realize you have no idea where anything is: the nearest vet, a decent pet shop, or even a proper walking route that isn’t crowded. Options are limited, honestly. But they do exist, and if you’re new here, these are the ones worth knowing. Where to Walk The beachfront itself is a bit of a grey area for pets. Stick to the path along the establishment side, parallel to White Beach. Early mornings near Angol o

Malay Council Bolsters Disaster Response After Yapak Lifeguard’s Heroism By Jun N. Aguirre In the wake of a tragedy that stirred both grief and pride across the municipality, the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Malay is pushing for a comprehensive plan to strengthen the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO). The legislative push comes as a direct response to the death of Rex Pablo Aguirre, a dedicated MDRRMO lifeguard who died during a rescue operation of

“Cheers” to island heroes and moments that matter By Freida Dario-Santiago 📸 Alvin Casitas courtesy of CSTH Congratulations to Medical Director Dr. Karl Lachica and his team on the successful inauguration of the new emergency wing at the Ciriaco S. Tirol Hospital (CSTH) on March 13, 2026. A Vision RealizedThe ceremony was graced by Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores and his father, Congressman Florencio Miraflores. Both have been instrumental in modernizing the Level 1 h

Here are practical ways to get ahead of it and cushion the blow. By Freida Dario-Santiago recipesforwellbeing.org The war in the Middle East becomes a cost-of-living crisis. Soaring fuel prices have begun to affect the prices of transportation services and travel costs, cascading down to everyday consumer goods. When oil becomes expensive, companies don’t just absorb those costs, they pass them on to you and me, the consumers. So, anything from airfare to household goods and

By Pauline Reitzer Summer in Boracay is more than just sandcastles and swimming. The island offers many opportunities for kids to learn new skills, express creativity and build confidence while having fun. From cooking and swimming to art, music and playful learning, families can find meaningful activities for children of all ages. 1. Cook Your Own Meal at Indila Café At Indila Café, tucked behind Hennan Lagoon in Station 2, kids can trade their swimsuits for aprons. Under th

Experience more of Boracay with access to places you’ve never seen By Gene Loves Acosta Not every great Boracay moment comes with a room key. Some of the island’s most gorgeous pools, quiet coves, and beachfront lounges are open to anyone willing to grab a day pass. Whether you live here or you’re just visiting, these passes are an easy way to switch up your scenery for a long lunch, a quick escape from the crowds, or a sunbed spot you've always been curious about. Crimson Re

Boracay Sun News (BSN) conducted an informal online community pulse survey to gauge public sentiment on the unsolicited proposal by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) to construct a bridge connecting Caticlan (Malay, Aklan) to Boracay Island. (For more information, read the headline on page 1.) The proposed bridge remains one of the most widely discussed issues in local chat groups and everyday conversations. While public opinion is not a legal basis for determining the project’s a