March 30, 2022 - Boracay Island, Philippines

Some trips are about adventure. Some are about rest.

This one?
It was about family—and it turned out to be one of the best bonding experiences we’ve ever had.

I spent a few unforgettable days in Boracay with my siblings, nieces, and nephews, and if I’m being honest, it was pure, beautiful chaos… the kind that fills your heart and makes you wish time would slow down just a little.

First Step on the Island: Instant Reset

As soon as we stepped onto White Beach, it was like the island whispered, “Chill. You’re here now.”

We were all a little tired from the travel—but the second those toes hit the sand and we saw the water (seriously, how is it that blue?), energy snapped right back. The kids started squealing. My siblings started smiling. I started plotting how to stay forever.

Our Beach Routine: Sand, Laughter, Repeat

White Beach quickly became our group’s playground. We bounced between Station 1’s calm, Station 2’s buzz, and Station 3’s chill vibes. Each one gave us something different:

• Station 1 was perfect for quiet chats with my siblings while the kids built sandcastles or hunted for shells.

• Station 2 kept us moving—with food stalls, souvenir shopping, and the occasional “Where did the kids run off to now?”

• Station 3 became our go-to for lazy mornings and family selfies (some more chaotic than others).

It didn’t matter where we were—what mattered was we were all together, laughing way too loudly and soaking up every second.

Adventures, Mishaps & Memories

We decided to go all in and booked an island-hopping tour. Best. Decision. Ever.

There were snorkeling attempts (some more graceful than others), cannonball competitions off the boat, and one unforgettable moment when my nephew declared he saw a shark (it was seaweed).

Later that evening, we boarded a paraw sailboat just in time for sunset. As we floated across the water, the sky turned every shade of orange and pink—and for once, everyone was quiet. We just sat there, wind in our hair, completely in awe. It was one of those rare moments that didn’t need a filter or caption.

Eating Like Island Kings and Queens

If there’s one thing we all agreed on during this trip, it was this: Boracay knows how to feed you.

We had seafood feasts on the beach, shared sticky rice desserts with bare hands, and took halo-halo breaks almost every afternoon. Watching the kids try local dishes (and sometimes immediately regret it) became part of the fun.

My siblings and I stayed up late one night, just the adults, sipping drinks by the shore, talking about life, childhood, and how weird—but beautiful—it is to see our kids growing up together in places like this.

Family Chaos, Island Calm

Sure, there were meltdowns (kid and adult), sand in places sand should never be, and the occasional argument over who got the last mango. But there were also:

• Inside jokes that somehow became running gags for the whole trip

• Beach games that turned into mini tournaments

• Moments where I looked around and thought, this is exactly where I’m meant to be

Boracay gave us space to be loud, silly, playful, nostalgic—and completely ourselves.

A Clean, Family-Friendly Island

As someone who likes to travel mindfully, I was happy to see how clean and organized Boracay is, especially post-rehabilitation. The locals were kind, the beach was pristine, and there was a sense of pride in the way the island is cared for.

It felt like a place we could bring our families again and again, knowing it’ll always welcome us back.

Leaving Was the Only Downside

On our last day, no one wanted to pack. The kids kept asking, “Can we stay one more day?” and honestly, so did I.

We left with messy suitcases, full phone storage, and hearts that felt lighter—but also fuller.

Final Thoughts: Take the Trip

If you’re ever thinking of planning a getaway with your siblings and their kids—do it.
Take the trip. Chase the sunsets. Laugh over breakfast. Make sandcastles.
Let the kids get messy. Let the adults unwind. Let the moments unfold.

Because years from now, we probably won’t remember the exact schedule or what we packed…

But we’ll never forget how Boracay made us feel—together, in the best way.

Tag your siblings. Start a group chat. Make it happen.

By: Meme Borja