EDITOR'S NOTE: Raindrops and White Caps
- Aug 3
- 5 min read
The Department of Tourism’s refreshed campaign, Discover More to Love, encourages travelers to find their own reasons to fall in love with the Philippines.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay recently explained that the campaign is evolving into something more relatable and personal, less about telling people what to love and more about allowing them to discover it for themselves. Which got us thinking: brilliant, and as it should be.
Especially when it comes to Boracay.
This island never ceases to amaze. Just when you think you've seen every sunset, every stretch of powdery sand, every Instagram-worthy angle imaginable, she reveals another side of herself, one that is equally captivating but often overlooked.
Even during the Habagat season, with dark skies overhead, whitecaps dancing across the water, and the shoreline transformed by wind and rain, Boracay is simply breathtaking.
For tourists, Habagat in Boracay simply means it is the “off-season,” when flights and hotel rates are cheaper, and the island is less crowded. But ask longtime residents and they will tell you that this season has its own magic.
There is something deeply comforting about the smell of rain on the breeze, the swaying of coconut trees, the sound of waves crashing against the shore, and the sight of dramatic cloud formations rolling across the horizon.
Habagat invites us to slow down and settle into a gentler rhythm, to linger over coffee, to finish that book we’ve been meaning to read, to spend more time with family and friends, to reconnect with ourselves.
Having crossed the midpoint of another year, many of us find ourselves taking stock of where we’ve been and where we’re headed. We think about the setbacks we survived, the lessons we learned, the goals we achieved and the people who helped us along the way.
As the Book of Ecclesiastes reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
A time to celebrate, a time to heal, and a time to pause and simply breathe. This issue explores many of those themes.
September is Tourism Month, with Malay Tourism Week (Sept. 14-19) celebrations culminating in World Tourism Day on September 27. It is an opportunity to recognize the profound role tourism plays in communities like ours, not only as an economic driver, but as a bridge between cultures, people and ideas.
Tourism remains Boracay’s lifeblood. Yet as global uncertainties, rising travel costs and shifting visitor preferences continue to reshape the industry, the conversation can no longer be limited to visitor arrivals alone. The challenge before us is to build a tourism industry that is resilient, sustainable and beneficial to both residents and guests.
August also brings World Senior Citizens Day (August 21), a celebration of the men and women whose wisdom, sacrifice and experience helped build the communities and the freedoms we enjoy today.
In a culture that often glorifies youth and speed, there is tremendous value in pausing to listen to those who have walked the road before us and to life’s most important lessons, which can only be learned through time.
Our special feature reveals some tried and tested healthy habits that are crucial for those 50 and above, including how to make your home safer against falls. (“Lifestyle Checklist” page 17)
This issue also celebrates women of a certain age with an inspiring profile of Miriam Quiambao-Roberto. The actress, television host, and Miss Universe 1999 first runner-up opens up about motherhood, turning 50, rediscovering her strength, and embracing a healthier, more purposeful life. (“Miriam Quiambao-Roberto: Stronger Than Ever,” page 11)
And for those of us who are constantly looking for the elusive fountain of youth, Dr. Marion Salaver-Bassig gives us her take on anti-aging and a rundown of treatments readily available on the island, plus invaluable advice on coping with Meno and Andropause. (“The Fountain of Youth, According to a Boracay Doctor,” page 11)
Observances such as International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples (August 9) and National Heroes Day (August 31) encourage us to remember our shared history and honor those whose courage and contributions continue to shape our nation.
Meanwhile, World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) serves as an important reminder that not all struggles are visible. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) multi-year theme “Changing the narrative” is a call to action to shift from a culture of silence, shame and misunderstanding to one of open discussion, empathy and support. Our special feature explores some lesser-known signs of depression to help you recognize red flags and support loved ones in getting the help and support they need. (“Surprising Signs of Depression, page 17)
Connection matters.
In an age when everyone appears connected, many people continue to battle loneliness, anxiety, depression and emotional burdens in silence.
Checking in on family members, friends, colleagues and neighbors may seem like a small gesture, but it can make a meaningful difference. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer another person is simply our presence and willingness to listen.
And perhaps nowhere is that lesson more relevant than in our increasingly digital world.
Technology continues to transform our lives at breakneck speed. Artificial intelligence, smart devices, social media platforms, online gaming and algorithm-driven content now shape how we communicate, learn, work and spend our free time.
While these tools offer tremendous benefits, they also present new challenges for children and teenagers. Our special feature examines the growing global conversation surrounding social media age restrictions and online safeguards for minors. The reality is that no law, platform, or technology can replace active parenting and meaningful communication. (“Digital Life,” page 14).
Around the world, governments and technology companies are grappling with difficult questions: How young is too young for social media? How can children be protected from harmful content, predatory behavior, misinformation, and unhealthy digital habits? And what role should parents play in guiding their children’s online experiences?
We’ve also packed these pages with plenty of rainy-day-inspired features designed to help you make the most of the season. From comfort food and indoor escapes to local discoveries and hidden rainy-day gems, you’ll find countless ways to enjoy Boracay even when the sun disappears behind the clouds.
So whether you’re a visitor seeking refuge from the city, a resident enjoying the slower pace of the season, or someone simply looking for a reason to appreciate the rain, we hope this issue helps you discover something new to love.
Because Boracay, much like life itself, is beautiful in every season, rain or shine, and even on bad hair days.
Padayon! Vibe high, dive deep!
Peace and good vibes,
Freida Dario-Santiago
Editor-in-Chief
Boracay Sun News is committed to presenting all sides without endorsing political or social agendas. Information is accurate as of publication and written and edited by real people, not AI.
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