COMMUNITY

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 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

The True Meaning of Supporting Local in Boracay By Gene Loves Acosta The Philippine Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector makes up about 40% of the national economy. That’s a big number, but it becomes clearer when you realize that nine out of 10 businesses in the country fall into the micro category. These are ventures with assets of up to three million pesos, surviving on lean budgets and long hours. Beneath them lies an even wider base of nano-entrepreneurs: r

By Azenith Resurreccion Solar panels are becoming a prime commodity amid unprecedented demand driven by the global oil crisis, including the Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East, which continue to fuel economic uncertainty. In recent months, fears over fuel shortages and rising petroleum prices have affected everything from major industries to ordinary households, increasing the cost of necessities such as food, transportation and electricity. Residents across Panay I

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

As we reach the halfway mark of 2026 or the year’s “hump month,” we thought it fitting to fill this issue with sunshine, perspective and good vibes. June also marks the tail end of summer, and here in Boracay, that means longer sunsets, calmer waters and that unmistakable island energy that reminds us why this place continues to captivate people from all over the world. In a world increasingly dominated by noise, conflict and uncertainty, paradise offers something rare: clari

SMC says proposal not abandoned, may still be revisited in the future By Freida Dario-Santiago San Miguel Corporation (SMC) issued a formal clarification on May 29 after reports and social media posts widely circulated claims that the company had withdrawn its controversial Boracay bridge proposal following mounting opposition from Aklan leaders and local stakeholders. The company stopped short of declaring a formal withdrawal of the proposal, saying instead that the project

The scheduled 12-hour power interruptions are over By Jun N. Aguirre The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has reported completing its rehabilitation project for its Unidos–Caticlan 69-kiloVolt (kV) Line last February 13, 2026. The project entailed the replacement of damaged underground cables in Boracay, requiring several 12-hour scheduled power interruptions, spread across the first quarter. Reagan Alcantara, lead specialist of the Public Relations Departm

By Jun N. Aguirre Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores announced that the province is constructing an ₱810-million cruise sheltered port in coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). The facility is designed to boost tourism by luring cruise ship companies through seamless travel. Currently, cruise ships must anchor several miles off the coast of Boracay, requiring tender boats to ferry passengers to and from the island. Of the total project budget, ₱300 millio

by Rica Velasco Following the inauguration of its new emergency wing on March 13, 2026, Ciriaco S. Tirol Hospital (CSTH) continues to enhance its role as Boracay’s only public healthcare facility. Medical Director Dr. Karl Lachica led us on a private tour of the hospital, offering a closer look at how this Level 1 facility is expanding its services within its current limits. A graduate of West Visayas State University, Dr. Lachica brought a wealth of experience to CSTH in 202

“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

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

A Spiritual Oasis in Boracay By Freida Dario-Santiago 📸 Jack Jarilla Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish Church in Boracay, often referred to as the Balabag Church is a beloved Catholic landmark in the heart of Boracay and a popular choice for island destination weddings in Paradise. Before its establishment, Catholics worshipped in smaller chapels or traveled to the mainland of Malay. However, the rapid growth in population and tourism in the early 90s made a dedicate

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

Will 2026 prove to be a promising year for the Boracay tourism sector? In my humble opinion, shaped by 23 years of calling Boracay home, the answer depends on whether we can finally address a set of long-standing, make-or-break issues, challenges that are not new, but have grown more urgent with time. Encouragingly, both the government and the private sector are beginning to confront these concerns more openly and collaboratively. Doing so will require political will from nat

By Seema Manohar Boracay’s thriving wellness and self-care scene has no shortage of establishments with a range of services offering the latest trends and technology. These unique, boutique-style businesses are run by fabulous female entrepreneurs and are definitely worth squeezing into your vacation itinerary. Janeth Meneses Dungo Jandi Skincare Clinic is run by the enterprising Janeth Meneses Dungo, a.k.a. Jandi. Inspired by her passion for genuine self-care, Jandi wante

Boracay is both a tourism hub and a permanent community, hosting millions of visitors who engage in land and water activities daily. This reality demands a healthcare system that can respond quickly and competently to emergencies. The Municipal Health Office (MHO) has outlined a medical emergency referral protocol for Boracay and has shared that plans are underway to improve facilities and services. These are encouraging signals. What residents and visitors need is confiden

by Jun N. Aguirre NGCP linemen erecting poles to ensure continuous power supply. 📸 NGCP Various stakeholder groups have urged the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to fast-track efforts to stabilize Boracay Island’s electricity supply ahead of its hosting of the ASEAN meet in March 2026. At a press conference held last December at Casa Pilar Beach Resort, NGCP spokesperson Atty. Cynthia Alabanza said the target completion of the rehabilitation of the Unid

Tribal leaders from various communities in Panay Island showed a united front at a two-day conference in Boracay. Source: Facebook by Jun N. Aguirre Tribal leaders and elders from various Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities across Panay Island gathered for the first time at the Paradise Garden Resort in Boracay on December 5-6, 2025, to craft a shared, region-wide IP code. The consultative summit was convened by the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), the National Commis

Philippine Flying Disc Ultimate Team at the 33 rd SEA Games. 📸 Philippine Flying Disc Association by Jun N. Aguirre Two Boracaynons have brought pride to the island after the Philippines clinched gold at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, held December 16-18, 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. This marked the Philippines’ first-ever SEA Games gold medal in Flying Disc Ultimate, achieved after a hard-fought match against a highly competitive Singapore team. Team Pilipinas Ulti