Life is made up of moments. Some are good, and some are bad. And both give you something, either lessons to learn or memories to cherish. Join me as I share an unforgettable adventure at one of the most breathtaking places one could ever visit.

I was born into a family with a thin wallet. Our weekly bonding was mostly spent at free-entry beach resorts. Usually, there were no cottages, just good spots with home-cooked meals, cheap snacks, and simple treats. And it is more than enough. I enjoyed every bit of it, because for me, the only thing that mattered was the people I was with.

Until one day I met my man, who likes adventure as much as I do. We spent our first anniversary at one of the finest beach resorts in Cebu, Philippines—the Hagnaya Beach Resort. Being at an extravagant resort I never had a chance to experience growing up tells me how exciting life can be. And I was in total awe the entire time.

It took us about 20 minutes to reach the resort from Bogo City to Hagnaya, San Remigio. Upon arrival, the staff welcomed us warmly and guided us through the accommodations. After settling our payments, I changed into a vibrant yellow sundress that my lover had bought for me. And as I took in the scenery, it felt almost surreal. It is like seeing something straight out of a postcard. There was so much to explore that started our day with soaring excitement. So, we began our little adventure by finding a good spot and roaming around.

The first thing we did was take as many pictures as possible, so later we could simply enjoy living in the moment. Every corner was worth capturing. But what immediately caught my eye was their iconic ship-shaped structure for the bar and rooms, set right in the center of their lavish pool.

The entrance was also uniquely built in a spooky shark head. Designs were undeniably creative and striking. I had seen it in photos, but nothing had prepared me for how massive everything looked in person.

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Then, we moved to the green areas, perfect for relaxation. Before us stood an almost human-sized chessboard, casually displayed on the grass and waiting to be played on. Not far from it was a replica of the kalesa, a traditional Filipino mode of transportation. In one corner, a charming boat-shaped bench offered the perfect spot to sit and admire the vast ocean view. The gentle breeze touches our skin making it impossible for us not to take a pause.

Aside from their magnificent spots, they also offer great options for entertainment. Guests can enjoy the basketball court, play billiards, or relax while sightseeing by the koi fish pond, among their many enjoyable amenities.

After exploring the surroundings, we finally made our way to the highlight of our visit—the pool area. The resort has three pools: one located beneath the iconic ship-shaped structure, another designed for kids, and their first built pool situated a short walk away from the two.

The pool beneath the ship was surrounded by charming mushroom-shaped sun shelters with mini pools beneath them. Its sparkling blue water shimmered under the sunlight, so clear and inviting that we couldn’t resist taking a dip. They even added a basketball near the ship if guests wanted to play while taking a swim—a charming little detail.

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Every Saturday, they have a special activity for guests called the Ice Pool, where the staff throws large blocks of ice into the water. It is a perfect treat for a hot, sunny day. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to experience it since our visit was on a Wednesday. Nevertheless, it wasn’t a loss at all because there were still plenty of other things to explore.

Then we moved on to the kid's pool. A lively and colorful spot, too cute to ignore. It was beautifully designed with gentle slopes, playful fountains, and cheerful animal figures that made it feel like a mini water playground. The area was clearly built with safety and fun in mind, perfect for children to splash around freely.

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But it wasn't just for the little ones; adults were welcome too. Therefore, my partner and I immediately slipped into the water and began laughing and playing as if we were ten years younger. In that moment, we weren’t just healing our inner child. We were truly living our childhood again, carefree and full of joy.

After more than an hour of having fun, we took a short rest and went to Josephia’s Restaurant for lunch. The place had a cozy and romantic ambiance, perfect for our anniversary celebration. Soft, warm lighting brought out the elegant wooden furnishings, while subtle décor and carefully arranged table settings added a touch of sophistication. The service was fast, attentive, and friendly, the perfect qualities of a fine-dining restaurant.

Their menu featured a wide variety of dishes to choose from. We finally decided on Bam-i with Kawali Toppings and Sizzling Sisig, along with two chilled soda drinks. When the food arrived, it was chef’s kiss. It was beautifully presented, deliciously flavorful, and filled with a comforting, homely aroma.

Just a short walk away is D’Bar, a local favorite where you can sip on good drinks, catch live band performances, and vibe with the fun that keeps the night alive under the glow of neon lights.

With our stomachs full, we spent the rest of the day without our phones, fully savoring every moment. We chatted endlessly, ran around, playfully chased each other, and swam until our lungs finally gave out. Then, we attacked our mini cake like hungry sharks, crumbs flying everywhere, while laughing at how messy yet perfect our little celebration had become.

As the day came to an end, we left the resort with nothing but wonderful memories. The laughter, the views, the food, and the simple moments we shared were things we would never trade for anything. It was worth every penny, and we will surely visit the place all over again. Hagnaya Beach Resort will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we might have a hard time trying to find another experience that could ever top it.

For more information about their place and for reservations, you may visit their Facebook page: Hagnaya Beach Resort and Restaurant.