Boracay, the Second Time Around – A Familiar Paradise with Family

Ana Borja, Mary Ann Calderon, Meme Borja, Maureen Miras, Bernadette De Leon

May 28, 2023 - Boracay Island. Philippines

The first time I set foot on Boracay’s powdery white sands, I was with my family—and like most first-time visitors, we were wide-eyed and eager, chasing sunsets, snapping photos at every turn, and squeezing every “must-do” into our stay.

I remember how everything felt new and exciting—the colors, the flavors, the energy of the island. We were tourists, no doubt about it, running on adrenaline and a shared sense of discovery.

Fast forward to our second time around, and something had changed. Not the island—though some parts have, in good ways—but us. This time, Boracay wasn’t about rushing. It was about returning.

Meme Borja, Ana Borja, Bernadette De Leon, Maureen Miras, Mary Ann Calderon

Familiarity Feels Good

From the moment we landed, there was this comforting sense of déjà vu. We already knew what to expect, which spots were worth going back to, and how to avoid the crowded areas. That sense of familiarity made the trip feel easier, smoother, and more relaxed.

No more Googling where to eat or asking around for directions. We knew where to find the freshest seafood, where to buy souvenirs without overpaying, and how to time our beach walks to catch the best light.

But more than just being “easier,” the second time allowed us to experience Boracay more deeply.

Mary Ann Calderon, Ana Borja, Maureen Miras, Bernadette De Leon

Slow Days, Stronger Bonds

Instead of trying to fit everything in, we let each day unfold naturally. Some mornings, we just stayed on the veranda sipping coffee, watching the island slowly come alive. Other times, we strolled down White Beach without a destination in mind, talking, laughing, or just enjoying the silence together.

It wasn’t about ticking off a checklist anymore—it was about enjoying being together, in a place that already held shared memories.

There’s something special about watching the same sunset with the same people—only now, we’re all a little older, a little wiser, and maybe a little more grateful.

The Island, Revisited

Of course, we still did the “fun stuff.” We revisited Puka Beach, went island hopping again, and indulged in mango shakes and beachside barbecues. But this time, we also explored quieter corners—less popular spots that we didn’t get to see the first time.

We chatted with locals more, learned bits of their stories, and appreciated the post-rehabilitation improvements to the island. Boracay felt cleaner, more sustainable, and still as breathtaking as we remembered.

Bernadette De Leon, Ana Borja, Mary Ann Calderon, Meme Borja, Maureen Miras

Why the Second Time Meant More

What surprised me the most was how emotional I felt on this trip—not because of the scenery, but because of the shared history we now had with this place.

There’s something powerful about returning to a destination as the same group. You realize how much has changed between visits—not just on the island, but within yourselves. And yet, some things remain blissfully the same: the sound of the waves, the laughter around the dinner table, the feeling of sand between your toes.

Conclusion: The Gift of Returning

Going back to Boracay with my family wasn’t just a vacation—it was a reminder. A reminder of how far we’ve come together. Of how travel isn’t always about new places, but about seeing familiar places with new eyes.

The first time was unforgettable.
But the second time?
It was irreplaceable.

By: Meme Borja