As a travel writer, I was fortunate to be able to break free from the clamps of the pandemic earlier than most people. I do remember my first trip since the lockdown, after six months following the government’s “stay at home” order, when I almost leapt for joy at finally smelling the fresh scent of nature. Unfortunately, many of us are still reeling from the global pandemic and might have shelved their travel plans on the side for the longest time.

Well, time to dust off that backpack or luggage of yours and set out on even a brief discharge from the monotonous everyday hustle and bristle. Reward all your hard work with a vacation to remember courtesy of Pico Sands Hotel’s “Break Free” holiday package.

Together with three other travel writer friends Anne, Karla, and Tina, we experienced the 3 days and 2 nights "Break Free" itinerary curated by Pico Sands Hotel. Taking advantage of the magnificent set of nature that surrounds the Hamilo Coast area in Batangas, we beach-bummed, sunset cruised, and fancy dined our way for a much-needed nature break.

After dropping our things inside our respective Lagoon View Rooms — which come spaciously furnished with modern amenities — we kickstarted our "Break Free" escape with a seaside lunch followed by a soothing dip and swim at one of Pico Sand's swimming pools.

During the afternoon, Pico Sands' experienced skipper Kuya Jojo helped us board a small yacht together with Celine Arenillo, the lovely Marketing Manager of Pico Sands, for a sunset cruise around Hamilo Coast.

For almost an hour and a half, we sailed past the other must-see nature gems in the vicinity such as the Bat Cave, Turtle Island, the three coves: Itayo, Elephant, and Subli, and the unique Broken Island.

Sharing laughter over conversations about various topics, we topped off the fun afternoon with a toast of fine wine and some delectable food items served on a premium charcuterie plate.

A relaxing, tissue-penetrating hard massage at Pico Sands' **Rain Spa** is also included in the curated "Break Free" itinerary. I booked a 7:00 PM massage session, timing it just perfectly before dinner.

After shedding off excess fatigue at the steam room for 15 minutes, I lay down on the treatment table where one of Rain's experienced masseuses, Maricel, calmingly almost lulled me to sleep with her deep, precise pressure, performing an expert combination of Swedish and Shiatsu modalities.

Topping off our earlier seaside lunch was a dome set-up dinner under the stars. Located a stone’s throw away from the beach, the comforting sounds of the crashing waves made the ambiance lovelier. Illuminated brightly against the deep darkness of the night, our dome glistened charmingly against the starlit skies.

As romantic as the set-up was, the four-course dinner served to us elevated the atmosphere to a true, spectacular moment.

The Curated Four-Course Menu:
Grilled marinated shrimp in mango salsa; New England sweet corn chowder with fresh plump mussels; Baked Mahi-Mahi fillet under a toasted coconut crust paired with garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed bok choy, and shiitake mushrooms; finishing with a dense white chocolate cheesecake layered over a tangy pineapple compote.

After starting our second day with a light outdoor breakfast, we headed straightaway to **Santelmo Cove** following a brief, scenic 20-minute outrigger boat ride.

A strictly protected marine sanctuary, Santelmo Cove is only accessible to guests of Pico Sands Hotel as it remains a private beach zone handled by the property.

The sands here are noticeably finer and lighter compared to the main cove beach in front of the hotel blocks. While waiting for our lunch hampers, we made a short trek up to the forest viewing deck that gifted us a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the waters enveloping the whole of Hamilo Coast.

Since the area is also a renowned diving spot, Karla, myself, and Tina went snorkeling while Anne free-dived down with our boatman, Kuya Jojo. In the crystalline depths, she spotted healthy schools of jackfish, mackerel, and even a brief glimpse of a baby blacktip reef shark.

This was easily my favorite component of the “Break Free” package because for half a day, I got to finally enjoy an entirely "internet signal-less" time with mother nature, simply digging my toes into the cool sands or hele-ing myself to sleep on one of the rope hammocks slung under a coconut tree.

We spent the rest of our second day exploring the other integrated amenities of Pico Sands, which includes a host of indoor sports venues like a classic bowling alley, billiard pools, darts, and multiple cozy lounge nooks where one can easily settle down and summon a true Zen mode.

During the night, we gathered for dinner at another distinct venue. This time, on a beautifully set-up spot called the **“Spanish Steps”**, where we feasted over aromatic pans of loaded seafood paella and an assortment of other mouth-watering Spanish tapas plates.

Culminating our “Break Free” escape was a scheduled early morning track toward Marina Bay. However, since we all wanted to deeply savor the great outdoors for longer, we opted to modify the pace into a leisurely walk, enjoying the picturesque nature trail mapped out inside the Pico Sands and broader Hamilo Coast property.

We passed by the glass-fronted beach chapel where destination weddings are frequently held, an expansive field of blooming magenta bougainvillea flowers, a rustic viewing deck sculpted entirely from woven twigs, and a long, uninterrupted stretch of striking ocean scenery.

We returned from our morning trek to a hearty breakfast buffet setup directly by the salt lagoon edges. A grand smorgasbord of classic Filipino breakfast fares, traditional American hashes, and Asian noodle choices—all plated exquisitely—was served to refuel our bodies.

Nourished once again by exceptional gastronomy, it was a fitting bookend to a wonderful three days of milking the absolute most out of the stunning natural beauty that Hamilo Coast can offer.

Coupled with the top-notch hospitality service, modern amenities, and pristine environment of Pico Sands Hotel, it is a restorative holiday escape package I would recommend to anyone in a heartbeat.

I’m sure you have read many “Where to Stay” listicle articles where the author just picked up random accommodation properties and presented even without experiencing what it's like staying there. I know, I’ve done such thing writing for other websites. However, in this article, I’ll highlight actual properties where I've spent at least a few days. I’ve been to Boracay only four times in the past with this year’s trip being the longest at almost two weeks. But in those journeys to Boracay, I’ve hopped from one place to another ranging from budget options to medium range and luxury. However, I've yet to reach Shangri-La levels though.

Here, I’ve listed down the various beach resorts, hotels and hostels I’ve stayed at in Boracay hoping it could help you plot your visit to the island soon.

During my 12-day trip in Boracay, I stayed in six different places. The first one was in Belmont Boracay courtesy of my friend Jem who let me couchsurfed in the spacious room she booked.

Belmont is located in the Newcoast township being developed by Megaworld. Far from the crowd of Station 1 and 2, it definitely has its charms and isolated vibe that is advantageous to introverted people like me. A hundred meters from Belmont, one can enjoy utmost tranquility just sitting by one of the beach benches fronting a long shoreline edged by azure colored waters.

The property is also surrounded by a scenic biking and jogging path that leads to the famed Boracay Keyhole — where every Friday to Sunday morning, a pop-up café is set up for early morning bikers to enjoy a fresh brew.  

Missing the party atmosphere of Station 1? You can always take their free shuttle van service that drops guests near D-Mall numerous times every day.

What I love about this place is the wide beachfront located along the powdery shoreline of station zero. Here, you only have to share the beach with a few people. The sands are similar to station one; blinding white and pure but free from the seasonal algae blooms.

The swimming pool is large enough to enjoy isolated spots even during peak swimming hours. I also love the breakfast buffet selections. My friend Jem spent four hours enjoying every bit and bite of it, while I hurried to the beach eager to start the morning with a refreshing dip.

I was telling her, “This is the closest I’d gotten to swimming on the waters of Shangri-La Boracay”, since the luxurious resort is located only a kilometer away in the same station zero area.

My fourth home in Boracay during my last visit there was another mana from heaven. After my friend Jem left the island, I was supposed to transfer to a hostel but while on my way, an FB friend who owns a Travel company messaged me.

"Marky, I booked an excess room. You want to stay at Henann Crystal Sands? I can change the name to yours". Of course, I said yes,

Since I’ve already stayed at Henann Lagoon when I went to Boracay for the first time in 2016, I’m already familiar with the Henann brand of hospitality and its property’s theme. Still, I was pleasantly surprised to see some unique features of Crystal Sands such as the sky pool — which is a different one from the long swimming pool found on the ground floor leading to the restaurant and beach front.

I spent a couple of nights here and thoroughly enjoyed my breakfast and coffee by the beach.

This is where I first stayed in Boracay during my first trip here in 2016. I joined my friend Mia for a few days before she left early for Manila. At that time, I thought this was the only Henann property until I saw the others while we’re walking along Station 2 to Station 3.

It has well designed rooms and ours came with a balcony overlooking the huge maze-like swimming pool below. The breakfast buffet came with more selections than normal and you get to sit and enjoy it by the pool. I don’t remember much about my brief stay here as we’re always out getting drunk, but our new friend Linda was able to experience the swimming pool when she dropped by. She loved it.

I experienced staying in Azalea Hotels and Residences during my third visit in Boracay just a few weeks before the pandemic. I love its wide space leading to its reception and a small courtyard leading to the elevators and its in-house Kuya J Restaurant.

Their rooms are post-modern eye candies furnished with all the essentials of a comfortable accommodation plus a kitchen space where you can prepare your own food.

The location is a few strides away from Station 2. While it isn't a beachfront property, Azalea makes up for it with its homey environment, visually appealing and spacious rooms. The rooftop swimming pool was a pleasant find while I was strolling around one afternoon.

Still included in my hotel-hopping experience during my most recent Boracay trip, this underrated hilltop named Hotel Soffia dishes a Tagaytay vibe on the island.

I like its influence of Mediterranean architecture made more pleasing visually by the oil painted artworks and popping colors displayed on the lobby and inside its rooms. The lounge chairs by the pool screams of Zen-vibe and relaxation, where you just take everything in as you feel the cool winds and mesmerize at the lush scenery around.

Ferra is a little bit of a walk from Station 2 but that doesn't diminish the coziness of its property. Featuring loft-rooms designed with contemporary aesthetics, it also has a rooftop bar famous for its selection of cocktail drinks and other delectable grubs.

During my stay here, I was gifted with some complimentary drinks of all fourteen different kinds of cocktail drinks such as Mojito, Tequila Sunrise, Cherry Martini, White Russian, and more.

Good thing, a friend who I met there, Linda from Germany, helped me finish all the drink.

I stayed here for a night during my last trip to Boracay since it is near the port. For 200 pesos a bed in a dorm room, what’s there to ask for? They have a small café on the $2^{\text{nd}}$ floor and alfresco dining downstairs where every night they set up pop-up barbecue and beer stations for socials.

When I was there, I met a few people staying for a month as they take advantage of their company’s remote work privileges given to them during the pandemic. They have a promo of 2,500 for month-long guests occupying one bed in a dormitory room.

Fat Jimmy's is an unassuming property a few hops from D-Mall. As one of the oldest resorts on the island, it's a low-key accommodation furnished with wooden and bamboo furnishings. The small property also has a garden and a rooftop lounge.

Travel Tip: Check out Metro Wanderer: Piso Fare Tickets and more, for good plane fare and accommodation stays in Boracay and other places in the Philippines.

The mood that pervades this hidden getaway is probably similar to what the Gods of Travel would have recommended to you after a day of diving and island hopping around the magical seas of Ticao Island. Slipped inside a cove in the town of San Jacinto and dotted with tall coconut trees, Ticao Island Resort dishes a laid-back atmosphere that is serene and full of Zen, just as a tropical island should be. Away from the crowd and almost free from any network signal, one can easily embrace the sense of isolation that exists on this part of the island. 

I could already visualize the resort's pleasant backdrop as our boat, which was made up of fellow travel writers and vloggers, members of the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines and staff of Bicol Region tourism office, steadily approached it. While I could use an internet connection to catch up on some work, I appreciated the almost zilch connectivity to the outside world. I say almost because anyone who raises their phone near the water on the shore can receive a few messages in their messenger inbox. 

Save from the aforementioned emergency signal location, I adore how Ticao Island Resort appears to be isolated from the rest of the world. As the sky began to darken with reddish tones and the reflection of the sky on the placid waters slowly vanished, one by one we disembarked from our boats only to be greeted by the resident dogs and the amiable staff of the resort. 

After receiving my key, I immediately walked to my assigned room, which turned out to be one of the beachfront cabanas that caught my eye while on the boat. Constructed mostly of wooden materials, it features a queen-sized bed, side tables, a working desk, TV, a clothing drying rack, safety box and a spacious bathroom.

The nipa-thatched roof and the balcony decked out in a hammock draw your attention from the outside since they are typical of a traditional Filipino island home. Simple yet cozy and surrounded by breathable space, and in Ticao Island Resort's case, additionally, it comes with a  fantastic view of the waters of Ticao Pass.

Even though our time here was quite brief, it was enough to convince me to yearn of returning in the near future. Hopefully, I'll have my diving certification and equipment with me so I may witness the renowned schools of manta rays that are frequently sighted underwater in Ticao and Masbate Pass.

Our group bonded over a feast of a buffet dinner that included a lechon, reveling at the amazing day we had spent on exploring the island's various attractions. from the Halea National Park to the 100-foot plus Catandayagan Falls that drains straight into the ocean. 

I immediately went to sleep after a fun-filled day of swimming and snorkeling, only to wake up the next morning to the golden rays of the rising sun. As fleeting as our visit at the Ticao Island Resort was, I suppose, I will return.

It makes perfect sense that museums are housed in repurposed historic structures, as there is no better way of narrating the significance of the past than inside a building whose four walls hides heaps of stories to be told.

Such is the case of the early 1900-era Sorsogon Provincial Jail and Courthouse that is now converted to Museo Sorsogon. The architecture of the original structure itself is already something to marvel at. When you combine its rich past with the contemporary curated art pieces and historical artefacts at the now Museo Sorsogon, every visitor gets a triple dosage of learning.

After the inmates vacated the former Sorsogon Provincial Jail in 2019 when a new penitentiary was built, then Governor Chiz Escudero saw the potential of preserving the building’s impressive architecture.

As the building was updated to meet museum standards, certain elements of the old prison was preserved when they were converted the space into different galleries, most notably the iron bars and graffiti walls painted by the inmates.

A short walking distance from the Sorsogon Provincial Capitol — itself a Neoclassical masterpiece from the early 20th century — the now whitewashed and refurbished Museo Sorsogon compliments the heritage look of the provincial compound.

Museo Sorsogon is curated by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) with the help of the Province's office of Tourism, Culture and Arts.

Inside the two-story museum are 10 galleries brimming with historical and cultural mementos as well as reproduced items related to the province. All are displayed and presented in an eye-catching manner, giving visitors an easy walk through of Sorsogon's history.

Each period of Sorsogon’s history are told through the museum’s collection from the pre-Spanish rule to the province’s role in the 1896 Philippine Revolution, the period preceding and succeeding World War II, and other cultural memorabilia unique to the region.

Apart from the museum’s many educational displays, what caught my eye was the painting of the Lady of Justice seen on a wall on the second floor. It was said to be done by the former prisoners themselves. Perhaps, the inmates' art expressed their collective plea for equality in lady justice's eye or a sense of revolt to authority, as shown by a portrait of revolutionary Che Guevara created by members of the Sputnik gang — a dreaded group immortalized in Philippine cinema’s action genre.

Outside the 2nd floor, visitors can enjoy a gasp of fresh air, just as the former inmates did on their daily 60-minute allotted outside exercise, on the more than 800-square meter open-air amphitheater now doubling as an events place.

Museo Sorsogon's journey from its origins as where the hands of justice kept its prisoners, to its current state as the new generation of Sorsoganon's window to the past, is a poignant testament to the province's reverence for its storied years.

As I walk out of the building, my mind wanders to an imagined past where the clatter of inmates banging tin cups against the iron railings of their cells resound through the old structure. I paused and realized how that must have been a terrifying and thrilling scene. Bringing my mind back to present time, I understand that the Old Sorsogon Provincial Jail is never more. Where I just stepped out is now the Museo Sorsogon, a place that exudes an atmosphere of peace and serenity. One that is replete with fascinating anecdotes about Sorsogon and its people.