Published April 14, 2021, 3:08 PM The island of Boracay during the summer season (Rey Ilagan) Picture this: Fine white sand, pristine seawater, clear blue skies, and you sipping your favorite summer drink while watching the famed Boracay sunset from the comfort and safety of a crowdless beach front. It’s not very common to get the island’s best view all to yourself. In fact, there has never been a time that this was at all possible throughout Boracay’s active existence as the country’s most-visited beach destination and, at one point, the busiest party island in the region. As community quarantine extends to over a year now, the growing restlessness of people staying at home or localized in a city—especially for residents of Metro Manila and nearby provinces—have further resulted in lockdown fatigue for many. So when the Department of Tourism (DOT) finally allowed leisure travel late last year, together with the easing of mobility restrictions, many travelers rejoiced in delight but still fostered uncertainty about traveling in the time of a pandemic.