Chasing Sunshine in the Philippines

When I’m in the Philippines, it feels like the sun is wrapping me in its warm, familiar embrace. As a Filipino, it’s my home. And as a self-proclaimed beach bum, I spent countless vacations and long weekends on its pristine beaches, the golden rays kissing my skin as waves gently lapped the shore. Now, living in Toronto, Canada, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of changing seasons. But when winter’s chill sets in and snow blankets the city, my heart yearns for the tropics and specifically the Philippines, where sunshine isn’t a fleeting gift but a mainstay of life. That’s when I find myself daydreaming of Coron, Siargao, and my forever favourite, Boracay. 

Coron, Palawan, which is located southwest of Manila, is a paradise that feels like it was plucked from a dream. The jagged limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and crystal-clear waters are nothing short of breathtaking. I remember kayaking along tranquil Kayangan Lake, the water so clear it felt like gliding through liquid glass. Coron is raw, a place where nature’s unadorned beauty overwhelms. It offers a stark contrast to Toronto’s urban skyline, where the closest thing to a lagoon is the reflective glass of skyscrapers. 

In the province of Surigao del Norte in northeastern Mindanao you’ll find Siargao, known as the surfing capital of the Philippines. The laid-back energy, the palm-fringed roads, and the warm smiles of locals make it impossible not to unwind here. I’ve spent mornings riding the waves at Cloud 9 Surfing Spot and afternoons exploring the famous islands. In Toronto, my mornings are now spent navigating subway crowds and sipping coffee on the go. But in Siargao, time slows down, and the only rush is the tide coming in.

Of course, no trip to the Philippines is complete without a visit to Boracay. Boracay is a tropical island surrounded by stunning white sand beaches and clear blue waters located about an hour's flight from Cebu or Manila. I’ve seen Boracay evolve over the years, from its bustling party scene to its recent transformation into a more sustainable destination. Visiting my go-to beach, with its iconic powdery white sand and magical sunsets, always feels like a reunion with an old friend. Walking along its shores when I went home in 2023, I appreciated the quieter moments—the sound of the waves, the feel of the sand between my toes, and the way the sky turns into a canvas of pinks and oranges as the sun dips below the horizon. 

Living in Toronto has its charms—the multicultural food scene, the changing seasons, and the sense of possibility that comes with living in a global city. But there are days when I just miss the simplicity of the island life, the warmth of the sun on my skin, and the salty breeze that carries the scent of the sea. In the Philippines, life feels lighter, more connected to the earth and to each other. If you haven’t experienced the Philippines for yourself yet, this might be the sign to put it on your travel list. 

For me, chasing sunshine in the Philippines is about reconnecting with a part of myself that feels most alive under that golden glow. Toronto may now be home, but the Philippines will always be where my heart finds its light. 

By Reyel Lacson