ISLAND LIFE

Globally Celebrated Filipino Dishes to Try in Boracay By Freida Dario-Santiago As the Philippines marks its 128th Independence Day on June 12, the celebration extends far beyond history and patriotism. It is also a tribute to the country’s rich cultural identity, deeply reflected in its cuisine. Filipino food tells the story of centuries of influence and exchange, blending indigenous traditions with Spanish, Chinese, Malay and American culinary influences to create flavors un

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

By Jaz Mara This section is independently curated by the BSN editorial team and presented in no particular order. Selections come from editorial and community recommendations, then sampled and reviewed by our writers and editors. Jaz Mara is a Boracay-based restaurateur and food enthusiast. Exploring the island can work up an appetite. Between activities, a quick, filling, and satisfying meal is ideal. Several Boracay restaurants offer standout sandwiches featuring high-quali

“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

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

After a banner 2025 capped by top regional honors, Boracay’s iconic White Beach was voted the world’s best beach by readers of Condé Nast Traveler . By Freida Dario-Santiago Just as Boracay was celebrating its top-four ranking among Asia’s best islands, Condé Nast Traveler (CNT) released its year-end list of the World’s Best Beaches “for Sunbathing, Surfing, and Doing Absolutely Nothing,” based on votes from readers of its US edition. The prestigious top-15 list features s

by Jaz Mara Food joints along Boracay’s Main Road worth stopping for Boracay has been busier than ever lately. Families and groups of friends fill the beach, water activities buzz in every corner, and shops are packed with visitors hunting for the perfect souvenir. When it comes to dining, most tourists gravitate toward beachfront restaurants or the lively atmosphere of D’Mall. But for those who want to step away from the crowd and explore beyond the usual hotspots, Boracay’s

by Abi Lei One tap or click, and food gets delivered right to your doorstep. Better yet, just add hot water or pop it in the microwave, and minutes later, you have a hot meal. These instant fixes, however, have taken away much of the joy of cooking together and sharing a feast prepared as a family. Yet a movement seeking to bring us back to our kitchens is very much alive in Boracay. From November 19 to 23, 2025, I had the privilege of seeing the slow food community of Boraca

Top romantic tables for Valentine’s Day by Gene Loves Acosta How many times have we sworn off Valentine’s Day crowds, only to end up scrambling for plans when the night rolls in? Boracay makes that dilemma a little easier. With its mix of intimate hideaways and mood-setting dining spots, the island offers plenty of ways to celebrate without forcing the romance. Consider this your heads-up (and your excuse to plan), as we list some tables worth booking for a Valentine’s date

Having lived in Boracay for five years now, and counting, I can say it isn’t just its name that appeals to people who choose to forego city

Boracay, a gem of the Philippine archipelago, boasts a fragile beauty, with its greatest asset being the pristine white sands encircling the