It’s called Naked Island, this 200-metre sandbar off the main island of Siargao which is literally as its name implies: an island basking in its powdery white sand glory devoid of coconut trees to distract you from its raw beauty.

Island. Sea. Sky. Sunburn.

Sunbeams bouncing off the sand, penetrating into pores and memories that, nine months later and forever, I hold close to my heart.

It was definitely a trip to remember. And I don’t just mean this particular one in Siargao. I mean ALL of it! Last year’s June holiday was one for the books. Time spent with the people I love most in the whole entire universe.

My paradise in paradise. Pictures frozen in time.

Our second day in Siargao was earmarked for island hopping. A typical tour when you’re in the Philippines where islands and boats abound, taking tourists out and about to show you some of the hidden gems the country has to offer.

After an early morning start, we stopped by the local bakery to buy fresh bread, our group’s go-to breakfast which Jeff and Dennis devoured eagerly as soon as we were on the boat.

By the time we got to the island, it was 10:00 but it felt like high noon with the scorching sun and no coconut trees to hide under for shade. Of course, that didn’t stop us from taking photos.

Pics or it didn’t happen.

While my nieces went for a bit of a swim, Raven enjoyed using nature as her play dough, scooping water and mixing it with sand to create impressions of her pop it toy which she brought along with her.

We didn’t stay long in the island, though.

Couldn’t.

The burning heat became unbearable even for a tropical girl like me.

*Raven at 7 years old