Cebu to Siargao with Sunlight Air: A Complete Island Travel Experience.

By Cedric Lucero | Travel & Lifestyle

Siargao has long been known for its surf breaks, beautiful beaches, and laid-back island atmosphere. But there is so much more to experience beyond the waves. From local food and island-hopping adventures to quiet mangrove views and farm-to-table meals, the island has plenty to offer travelers looking for something different.

RP-C6388 - Sunlight Air | Sayak Airport, Siargao Island

My recent trip to Siargao with Sunlight Air and Reside Siargao gave me the chance to experience these sides of the island, starting with a flight from Cebu and continuing with local experiences that made the trip memorable.

If Siargao has been on your travel list, consider this your sign to start planning that getaway.

Flying from Cebu to Siargao with Sunlight Air

The journey began at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, where I boarded my first flight with Sunlight Air to Sayak Airport in Siargao.

Wide legroom on Sunlight Air 

One thing I appreciated about the experience was having room to settle in during the flight. Sunlight Air's boutique airline experience includes wider legroom and complimentary snacks and beverages, little details that make a difference when you are looking forward to a destination.

Before long, we arrived in Siargao, ready to explore the island.

For travelers based in Cebu, having a Cebu-to-Siargao flight option makes planning an island getaway more convenient. You can start your trip from Cebu and spend more time enjoying what Siargao has to offer.

A Relaxing Stay at Reside Siargao

Our home base for the trip was Reside Siargao in Catangnan, General Luna, near Cloud 9.

Reside Siargao

I stayed in a Studio Room with a sea view. The room had a comfortable queen-size bed, fast Wi-Fi, a television, and the essentials for a comfortable stay. It also came with refillable water bottles and a water heater, which was useful for making coffee before heading out.

Studio Room with a sea view | Reside Siargao

One of my favorite parts was the small veranda, where I could see the sea through the trees. It was a nice place to slow down after spending time around the island.

The property also had a welcoming lobby and a relaxed atmosphere that suited the pace of Siargao. After a day of exploring, it was nice to return to a comfortable space and recharge before the next adventure.

Experiencing Local Food with Lokal Lab

One of the experiences I enjoyed was the Market Tour and Kinilaw Making Class with Lokal Lab at The Hub by Lokal Lab.

We started by visiting the local market to choose fresh fish and gather ingredients for kinilaw, a Filipino dish made with raw fish cured in an acidic mixture and seasoned with local flavors.

After the market visit, we returned to The Hub to learn how to prepare our own kinilaw.

What made this experience interesting was getting involved in the process, from choosing the ingredients to preparing the dish. It offered a closer look at local food and the ingredients that play a part in everyday island life.

 Kinilaw Making Class with Lokal Lab at The Hub by Lokal Lab

For travelers who want to add more than beach stops to their itinerary, a food experience like this is worth considering.

Island-Hopping with Galatea Tours

The surrounding islands of Siargao were another highlight of the trip.

Galatea Tours | Siargao

With Galatea Tours, we visited Corregidor Island, explored the marine sanctuary, stopped at Naked Island, and continued to the mangroves in Malinao.

Corregidor Island Siargao

Each stop offered a different view of the island's natural beauty. Corregidor Island gave us a chance to enjoy the coastal scenery, while Naked Island offered wide-open views of sand and clear blue water.

Naked Island, Siargao. Photo by Cedric Lucero

The mangroves provided a quieter change of scenery. Seeing these different landscapes on a single island-hopping trip reminded me that Siargao has plenty to offer beyond its famous surf spots.

Exploring Siargao's mangrove ecosystem. Near Secret Beach, Siargao

If you are planning an island-hopping day, consider giving yourself time to enjoy each stop rather than rushing through the itinerary.

Exploring Northern Siargao with Hertz Philippines

The next adventure took us around the northern part of Siargao on a North Land Tour hosted by Hertz Philippines. 

North Land Tour hosted by Hertz Philippines

With my content creator friends from Cebu.

We traveled in brand-new vans, making it comfortable to move between stops around the island.

Million Dollar View Siargao

Our itinerary included Million Dollar View and Pasikon Beach, where we took in more of Siargao's coastal scenery.

Pasikon Beach Siargao. Shot by Cedric Lucero

We also stopped for lunch at Tropical Academy in San Isidro. The meal highlighted organic, farm-to-table food made with fresh local ingredients. It was a welcome part of the day's journey and another reminder that exploring Siargao is also about experiencing its food and local communities.

Lunch at Tropical Academy in San Isidro

We continued to Pacifico Beach before heading back to our accommodation.

After the 1-hour surfing lesson at Pacifico, Siargao

The North Land Tour gave us another perspective on Siargao, with scenic stops and experiences beyond the usual General Luna itinerary.

Coconut Plantation Viewpoint. Photo by Cedric Lucero

Siargao Is More Than a Surfing Destination

What I appreciated most about this trip was the variety of experiences.

There were the beaches and island views, but there was also the chance to learn about local food, visit different communities, enjoy a farm-to-table meal, and take in the quieter landscapes around the island.

Siargao can be a destination for surfers, but it can also be a place for travelers who want to slow down, explore nature, try local dishes, and make time for experiences they might not have expected.

You do not need to build your entire itinerary around surfing to enjoy the island. You can choose experiences that suit your interests, whether that means island-hopping, visiting local food spots, exploring the northern coast, or simply spending a little more time enjoying the views.

Planning Your Siargao Trip from Cebu

If you have been thinking about visiting Siargao, this might be the time to start planning.

You can fly from Cebu to Siargao with Sunlight Air, then arrange your stay and activities based on the kind of trip you want. Reside Siargao served as our home base, while Lokal Lab, Galatea Tours, and Hertz Philippines helped us experience different sides of the island.

The arrival of Sunlight Air at Sayak Airport in Siargao

For your next Cebu-to-Siargao getaway, you can use my Sunlight Air promo code CEDRICSUNLIGHT10 when booking eligible regular Value and Plus fares. The code offers a 10% discount, subject to applicable exclusions, including holiday and peak dates.

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Travel partners: Sunlight Air, Reside Siargao, Lokal Lab, Galatea Tours, and Hertz Philippines.

Follow along for more travel stories and island experiences.

#SunlightAir #ResideSiargao #SunlightinSiargao #CEDieTravels

iPhone 18 Pro sa ₱137 Lang Kada Adlaw? Giunsa Paghimo nga Mas Gaan ang Pag-Upgrade sa Home Credit

Mas flexible nga financing options ug mas manageable nga bayranan kada bulan para sa gustong mag-upgrade sa pinakabag-ong iPhone.

Kinsa man gud ang dili ganahan sa bag-ong phone, labi na kon ang hisgotan mao ang pinakabag-ong iPhone? Apan kahibalo ta nga usahay mag duha-duha ta inig tan-aw sa presyo. Maayo na lang kay aduna nay maayong balita para sa atong mga nagplano nga mag-level up karong tuiga!

Pinaagi sa Home Credit Philippines, mahimo na natong makab-ot ang bag-ong iPhone 18 Pro ug iPhone 18 Pro Max sa bayranan nga magsugod ra sa ₱137 kada adlaw. Mas haom kaayo kini para sa mga tawong gustong mag-budget nang daan nga dili ma-zero ang savings.

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Unsa'y Nindot sa Ilang Offer Karong Panahona?

Aron mas dali lang ma-manage ang atong gihaguan nga kuwarta matag bulan, nag-andam sila og pwede kaayong kapilian:

• 0% Interest ug 0% Down Payment Promo: Adunay mga partner stores ug promos diin pwedeng makasugod nga walay dako nga cashout ug walay dugang patong sa interes (subay sa eligibility sa kustomer).
• Hangtod 24 ka Bulan nga Terms: Pwede nimo i-paspas o i-hinayhinay ang binuwan nga hulog depende sa imong makaya.

Matod pa ni Puneet Suneja, ang Chief Sales Officer sa Home Credit Philippines, nasabtan gyud nila nga ang binuwan nga gasto ang unang tan-awon sa mga tawong mopalit og bag-ong smartphone. Mao nga nagtanyag sila og flexible nga installment plans aron dili ra maglisod ang kustomer sa pagbayad.

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Importanteng mga Petsa nga Angay Nimong Hinumduman

• Pre-Order: Nagsugod na kini niadtong Oktubre 2, 2026 pinaagi sa mga Apple Authorized Resellers ug Home Credit partner stores sa tibuok nasud.
• Store Availability: Makapalit o makakuha na gyud ka sa mga tindahan sugod karong Oktubre 16, 2026 (sugod alas 12:01 sa kaadlawon).

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Mubo nga Mahitungod sa Home Credit Philippines

Dili na bag-o sa atong dunggan ang Home Credit. Sa kapin 13 ka tuig na nilang pagserbisyo sa Pilipinas, sobra na sa 13 ka milyon ka Pilipino ang nakasulay sa ilang serbisyo. Gawas sa smartphones, nag-offer sab sila og sayon nga installment plans para sa appliances, laptops, muebles, ug uban pa sa kapin 18,000 ka partner stores nationwide.

Alang sa dugang mga detalye o disclosures, bisitaha ra ang www.homecredit.ph/disclosures o corporate.homecredit.ph.

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-242751 Series of 2026.

#HomeCreditCebu #HomeCreditPH #CBSxHomeCredit

Transform Your Health Habits: What’s New with the Upgraded AIA Vitality Ecosystem

For a long time, many Filipinos operated on a "bahala na" mindset when it came to personal health—often reacting to illness, hospitalization, or life changes rather than actively preventing them. However, recent data from AIA Philippines’ Rethink Healthy study shows a massive shift: 70% of Filipinos are prioritizing physical health, and 60% are actively taking control of their mental well-being.

To bridge the gap between the intention to live healthier and the daily action, AIA Philippines has officially rolled out major upgrades to its flagship wellness program: AIA Vitality.

Whether you are looking to track your daily habits, unlock exclusive lifestyle perks, or gain a deeper understanding of your body, the refreshed AIA Vitality ecosystem brings protection, prevention, and rewards into one seamless experience.

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What is AIA Vitality?

AIA Vitality is a science-backed, total health and wellness program available through AIA Philippines and BPI AIA health plans. Built around three core principles—Know Your Health, Improve Your Health, and Get Rewarded—the program motivates members to build long-lasting, healthy habits through gamified goals and tangible incentives.

The Vitality Journey

• 1️⃣ Know Your Health: Complete personalized assessments and biometrics screenings.
• 2️⃣ Improve Your Health: Track daily physical activities, nutrition, and sleep.
• 3️⃣ Get Rewarded: Earn points, level up status, and unlock exclusive discounts.

3 Game-Changing Upgrades in the New AIA Vitality

The newly expanded ecosystem introduces smarter insights, easier meal tracking, and enhanced medical benefits:

1. Smarter Insights: Vitality Future Health Projections

The upgraded Health Assessment evaluates your physical activity, sleep, mental well-being, nutrition, biometrics, and lifestyle factors. It translates your information into three actionable metrics:

• Vitality Age: Compares your biological health against your actual age.
• Vitality Health Priority: Pinpoints exact areas you need to focus on first.
• Vitality Future Health: Estimates how many additional healthy years you could gain by making positive lifestyle adjustments today.

2. Photo-Based Meal Tracking

Say goodbye to tedious manual food logging. With the new Food Tracker, simply take a photo of your meal. The app evaluates your plate, provides a food rating, and gives personalized nutritional advice—including calorie counts and macronutrient breakdowns—alongside weekly habit reports.

3. Free MediCard Health Checks

Prevention is easier when health monitoring is accessible. AIA Vitality now offers members a complimentary AIA Vitality Health Check at MediCard, which includes a free consultation with a MediCard physician if any biometrics fall outside normal ranges.

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Move Up the Tiers for Bigger Rewards

Every healthy choice—from hitting your daily step target to getting enough sleep—earns points that elevate your Vitality Status: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The higher your tier, the greater your rewards.

Partner / Category	Exclusive Discount & Perks
👟 Nike Merchandise	Up to 50% OFF
⌚ Garmin Fitness Devices	Up to 15% OFF
🧳 The Travel Club	Up to 15% OFF luggage & accessories
🩺 MediCard Healthcare	Complimentary Health Check + Doctor Consultations

"Our research shows that Filipinos want to take greater ownership of their health, but they need the right support to turn intention into action. By connecting holistic health solutions across protection, prevention, wellness and rewards, AIA Philippines is building an integrated ecosystem that supports Filipinos at every stage of their health journey."

— Melita Teo, President and CEO of AIA Philippines

How to Access the Upgraded AIA Vitality

AIA Vitality is integrated directly into flagship AIA health and protection plans, including:

• AIA Philippines Solutions: AIA Critical Protect Plus, AIA Critical Protect 100, and AIA All-in-One.
• BPI AIA Products: BPI AIA MultiCare Protect and BPI AIA Critical Care 100.

If you are ready to unite your health protection with real, daily wellness rewards, connect with an AIA Life Planner or visit the official AIA Philippines website to learn more about starting your Vitality journey.

Make Every Page Count: Donate Books at SM City Zamboanga and SM City Mindpro’s The Great Book Share

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 09 October 2026 — Every book has the power to open minds, spark imagination, and transform lives. This year, your most loved SM City Zamboanga and SM City Mindpro invite the community to become part of a meaningful movement through The Great Book Share 2026, a nationwide book donation drive spearheaded by SM Supermalls.

The initiative aims to collect new and pre-loved books that will be distributed to schools, learning centers, and underserved communities across the country, helping provide greater access to knowledge and learning opportunities for Filipino children and families.

As champions of education and community development, SM Supermalls in Zamboanga believes that even the simplest act of giving can create lasting impact. Through this initiative, every donated book becomes a bridge to learning, inspiration, and hope. 

Communities, shoppers, partners, tenants, employees, and mallgoers are encouraged to contribute storybooks, children's books, educational materials, reference books, and other reading resources in good condition. 

Donation drop boxes are conveniently located at Upper Ground Level (near Starbucks) in SM City Zamboanga and Level 3 (near Sports Central) in SM City Mindpro. 

By donating a book, individuals become part of a larger story—one that promotes literacy, encourages lifelong learning, and strengthens communities through the gift of knowledge. 

Join The Great Book Share 2026 today and help turn pages into possibilities. Together, let's make every page count.

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About SM Supermalls 

SM Supermalls is one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China. Every Filipino has an SM story. For generations, SM has been more than a place to shop. It has become part of everyday Filipino life, a place where families gather, friendships grow, milestones are celebrated, passions are discovered, and communities come together. As Filipinos’ lifestyles continue to evolve, SM continues to transform its destinations through My SM creating malls that are more connected, experiential, and meaningful, while remaining the place Filipinos know, trust, and call home.

My SM. Your Most Loved Supermall.

SM Seaside City Unites Entertainment, Tourism, and Lifestyle in Cebu’s Most Ambitious Destination Estate

SM Seaside City Cebu anchors a growing destination estate in Cebu, bringing together diverse experiences across entertainment, tourism, sports, lifestyle, and business. 

CEBU, Philippines, 9th October 2026 - Cebu continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for entertainment, tourism, business, and leisure, with your most-loved SM Seaside City Cebu at the center of an evolving destination estate that brings together some of the city’s biggest experiences.

More than a retail destination, SM Seaside City Cebu is part of a broader ecosystem that brings together entertainment, tourism, sports, dining, hospitality, business events, and lifestyle experiences, creating more ways for Cebuanos and visitors to experience the city.

From retail finds to active entertainment, SM Seaside City Cebu brings together a diverse mix of retail, dining, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences.  

At SM Seaside City Cebu, retail, dining, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences converge in one destination. Its scale and location have made it a major venue for some of Cebu’s most anticipated events, while developments within and around the complex continue to expand its role as a destination for locals and visitors alike.

The SM Seaside Cebu Arena lights up South Coast City, bringing major concerts, sporting events, and large-scale entertainment experiences to Cebu. 

One of the estate’s newest landmarks is the SM Seaside Cebu Arena, located within South Coast City, the emerging district taking shape beside SM Seaside City Cebu. Designed for concerts, sporting events, family entertainment, and large-scale gatherings, the arena gives Cebuanos more opportunities to experience major events closer to home while further strengthening Cebu’s position as a destination for large-scale entertainment and sporting events.

The upcoming SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu, with the future Park Inn by Radisson and Radisson Hotel Cebu visible alongside, forms part of South Coast City’s growing mix of MICE, hospitality, entertainment, and leisure destinations. 

South Coast City brings together entertainment, dining, retail, business, hospitality, and leisure in one connected district. Complementing the arena is the upcoming SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu, which will expand Cebu’s capacity to host major conventions, exhibitions, corporate gatherings, and other MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events. With more than 21,000 square meters of leasable event space, the convention center will add a significant new venue for business and large-scale events in the city.

The district will also welcome two hotel properties, Park Inn by Radisson and Radisson Hotel Cebu, adding accommodation options for business and leisure travelers while complementing the area’s growing entertainment and MICE offerings. Together with the arena and convention center, these developments further establish South Coast City as an integrated destination within Cebu.

From up-close encounters with penguins at Cebu Ocean Park to fun-filled rides at Cebu Fun Park, the SM Seaside destination offers family-friendly experiences for visitors of all ages. 

Beyond these major developments, the wider SM Seaside destination offers experiences for different kinds of visitors. Cebu Ocean Park brings marine life, education, and family entertainment to the area, while Cebu Fun Park adds another leisure option for families and visitors seeking recreation.

From pickleball at Thirsty Pickle to football at AIA Stadium, the SM Seaside destination offers more ways for Cebuanos and visitors to stay active and enjoy sports and leisure.  

The estate is also expanding its role as a destination for sports and active lifestyles. The recently opened AIA Stadium brings football, fitness, and community activities to the SM Seaside Complex, while Thirsty Pickle adds pickleball to the area’s growing range of recreational experiences. Together, they give Cebuanos and visitors more opportunities to stay active, pursue their interests, and enjoy leisure beyond shopping and entertainment.

Meanwhile, SM Seaside City Cebu continues to bring people together through its year-round calendar of mall events, from seasonal celebrations and community programs to major lifestyle, entertainment, and cultural experiences. These larger-than-life events keep the destination vibrant year-round, creating extraordinary experiences and maxed-out moments for visitors, while giving them more reasons to come together, make memories, and return to Seaside. 

What sets the SM Seaside destination apart is the way its different components complement one another. The retail and lifestyle offerings of SM Seaside City Cebu are supported by major entertainment and sports venues, tourism attractions, dining, hospitality developments, and an expanding MICE infrastructure.

From concerts and sporting events to conventions, family attractions, active leisure, dining, hospitality, and mall events, the destination serves diverse audiences within a single connected estate. Families can explore attractions and enjoy leisure activities; tourists can discover new experiences; concertgoers can attend major shows; athletes can take part in sporting events; and business travelers and delegates can access conventions, accommodations, dining, and entertainment within the same district.

As the estate continues to evolve, SM Seaside City Cebu is reinforcing its role as one of Cebu’s leading destination hubs, bringing together experiences that contribute to the city’s growing appeal for entertainment, tourism, business, and lifestyle.

With every new venue, attraction, and experience, the destination grows alongside Cebu, creating more opportunities for people to gather, explore, celebrate, and experience the city in new ways.

More Than Miles: Why Running Crews Are Becoming the New Social Circles for Young Filipinos

“See you tonight” is taking on a whole new meaning for young Filipinos. The meeting spot is now a starting line, the evening plan is a few kilometers together, and catching up happens stride for stride along the city route.

For many Gen Zs and Millennials, running is no longer just about tracking personal bests or sweating off a stressful workday—it is officially becoming the new social circle. Across urban centers, running crews are popping up as vibrant communities where shared miles, post-run conversations, and genuine connection matter just as much as crossing the finish line.

Recognizing this powerful cultural shift, HOKA is exploring how run clubs are evolving into modern spaces for wellness, friendship, and unwinding after dark.

When Running Becomes Part of the Nightlife

Where traditional happy hours and indoor hangouts used to dominate after-work schedules, many are now opting to lace up their running shoes instead. A night run gives people something active and refreshing to look forward to:

• A Pace for Everyone: Whether someone is chasing a faster kilometer or simply glad to move after a desk-bound day, both find a welcoming place in the group.
• Built-in Motivation: Showing up becomes natural when you know familiar faces will be right there running alongside you.
• The Post-Run Cool Down: The experience doesn't end at the finish line. Crews linger afterward to trade stories, cool down, and plan the next meetup.

HOKA Midnight Run: Celebrating Movement and Community

Bringing this social side of running to life, the HOKA Midnight Run transforms an evening race into a shared city experience. Moving away from early-morning start lines, the event carries the energy of a night out, complete with music, vibrant nightscapes, and the collective spirit of fellow runners pushing toward the finish line together.

"Movement can help people feel connected and balanced in their daily lives, whatever their pace or goal." — HOKA's Fly Everyday Philosophy

For HOKA, the race is just one part of a larger running culture shaped by everyday connections, recovery routines, and the friendships that keep people showing up week after week.

Keep Moving Through the Night: Nationwide Legs

The HOKA Midnight Run continues its tour across key regional hubs, inviting local runners and crews to experience their city after dark in Cebu, Iloilo, and Clark. Whether you are aiming for a personal goal, introducing a friend to their first race, or searching for a new running crew, each leg offers a chance to take part in the movement.

📍 Find HOKA Store Locations & Gear

To learn more about the HOKA Midnight Run and test-drive race day gear, visit HOKA.com or visit official concept stores:

• Metro Manila: Ayala Manila Bay, SM Aura, One Ayala, Greenhills, Trinoma
• Regional Stores: Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Iloilo, Ayala Malls Abreeza Davao

Shop, Save, and Win at SM City Mindpro's Hermosa Sale

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 08 October 2026 – Get ready for a week of unbeatable deals, exciting rewards, and festive shopping fun as SM City Mindpro's Hermosa Sale takes over from October 10 to 16, 2026.

Shoppers can enjoy up to 70% off on great selections from participating stores, making it the perfect time to score must-have fashion finds, home essentials, gadgets, and more at incredible prices.

But the savings don't stop there. For every ₱1,000 worth of purchases, shoppers will earn one e-raffle entry for a chance to win exciting prizes, including an HONOR 600 Smartphone, UGREEN Powerbank, and SM Gift Pass.

The more you shop, the more chances you have to bring home fantastic rewards.

As Zamboanga celebrates the Hermosa Festival season, your most loved SM City Mindpro invites families, friends, and bargain hunters to make the most of this week-long shopping extravaganza filled with discounts, prizes, and exciting surprises.

Visit SM City Mindpro and gala to the max from October 10 to 16 and turn your Hermosa shopping haul into a rewarding experience. Shop your favorites, save big, and get a chance to win!

For updates, visit and follow SM City Mindpro on all social media platforms. 

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About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China. Every Filipino has an SM story. For generations, SM has been more than a place to shop. It has become part of everyday Filipino life, a place where families gather, friendships grow, milestones are celebrated, passions are discovered, and communities come together. As Filipinos’ lifestyles continue to evolve, SM continues to transform its destinations through My SM creating malls that are more connected, experiential, and meaningful, while remaining the place Filipinos know, trust, and call home.

My SM. Your Most Loved Supermall.