You’re Invited: A Tilgoni Philippines Adventure
Exploring the beautiful Philippines (celebrating 40 Years of Toni)
As Gil likes to remind me, I'll soon be entering a new decade and swapping my “3” with a “4”. We talked about ushering in my 40th in the Philippines with him, me, and Phoenix on the beach, and in true Tilgoni fashion, looked at each other and said, why not invite friends?
So... I'm turning 40 and you're invited to a Philippines adventure!
December 28, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Boracay, Philippines
HQ: Crimson Resort Boracay
WHAT
Curated and led by Chef Pauline Gorriceta Banusing (Chef to Philippine’s presidents), we'd love to introduce you to my heritage.
We'll sail into picturesque sunsets on traditional Paraw wooden sailboats, hop from sugary white beach to sugary white beach on our private yacht to swim/snorkel/scuba in the crystal clear turquoise waters, destress with daily massages, chow on endless fresh tropical fruit, haggle with Filipino vendors, indulge in the island’s decadent Filipino cuisine - from traditional to fusion to foreign - curated by Chef Pauline, explore Boracay’s hidden corners, and get serenaded by Asia's best before singing karaoke ourselves (a national pastime). And of course, we'll dance the nights away...
It'll be slow pace, pampering from pleasure to pleasure, with just the right amount of adventure, in one of the most beautiful island nations in the world, with the friendliest people.
Join us for an indulgent and relaxing week in paradise together =)
HOW MUCH
The cost of the room of your choosing (so whatever that amount comes to) + programming (between $700 - $1000 USD/person, finalizing soon). Programming will include group meals, evening events, daytime activities, Filipino adventures, and more.
If accommodation or activity costs are an issue let us know as there are plenty of options available.
HOW TO RSVP
1) Send us a note that you're in, or RSVP via the link below, and we'll send our team your information, who will be in touch re all final details.
2) Book your own hotel from the list below or as you prefer. Rooms at the Crimson are fully booked but there are plenty of great super close options we’ve scoped out. If you reach out we can also let you know where other guests are staying; we’re happy to help!
3) We'll send more info once confirmed and keep you up to date!
CAN KIDS JOIN?
Yes! And if needed, our contacts can help source a nanny during your stay as well. Nannies are cheap, plentiful, and are manufactured in the Philippines
BOOKING ROOMS
See below.
FLIGHTS
Boracay is a very short and cheap flight from Manila and it is easier to book international flights directly to Manila, and to then to book a separate flight to Boracay.
From the West Coast to Manila a number of cost effective carriers across Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy include:
United Airlines, Eva Air, Starlux, China Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Asiana Airlines
From the East Coast the same airlines have great options, as do some of the Middle Eastern Carriers including:
Emirates, Turkish Airlines
GETTING AROUND
E-trikes are the island standard. Super cheap ($2-$5), fast (15 min max to anywhere), and smoke free. If you want more flexibility you can also rent scooters for $5 (low end) to $15 (high end) per day
Booking your hotel
Home base will be the Crimson Hotel on the north side of the island which is quiet and picturesque (think White Lotus). We’ll host a number of events there and we’re organizing access to the hotel so you can come and chill regardless of your hotel choice.
Most of the activities and meals will be further south near Station 1 (a bit bougie), and Station 2 (more party), so if you stay near either one you’ll be plenty comfortable getting to/from things. If you love to kitesurf, you should check out Bulabog beach which is the east coast, still super close, and where all the kitesurfing action is.
Closest
Crimson Hotel - beautiful 5 star hotel with private beach. This is home base. Rooms are luxe, food’s incredible, the beach is divine, and we’ll have a number of events here. Room availability is limited, but they’ve had some rooms open up so reach out ASAP if you want to stay on property. For those staying elsewhere we’ll arrange for access so you can hang as much as you like. $500-600/night.
Shangri-La Boracay - 7 star true White Lotus caliber and easily the most luxurious hotel on the island. It’s a 10 min walk to Crimson on the beach, or a 5 min e-trike ride. But it’ll take you 5 min to get from your room to the front lobby as it’s huge. Plenty of availability, and while expensive, it’s, like, wow. ~$900-$2000/night for huge rooms (700-3000 sqft).
Hotel Soffia - 3 star comfortable budget hotel (they claim it’s 4 star but I visited) that’s super close to Crimson. Like the exit of Hotel Soffia is the entrance to Crimson and is a 1 minute walk (a few more if you count time walking through hotel driveways). You have beautiful ocean views, and can access the beach through the Crimson. Rooms are ~$60/night
Station 1 - Next Closest (10 min ride)
Hotel Mezcalaria - nice 3.5-4 star hotel with good reviews that’s right on the beach. ~$80-$100/night
Astoria Boracay - super nice 4.5-5 star hotel with stunning views that’s right on the beach near the action $300-$400/night
Muse Hotel - nice 4 star hotel with stunning views right next door to Astoria Boracay. $200-300/night
Station 2 - Still Close (14 min ride)
Boracay Uptown - nice 3.5 star hotel on the beach in the heart of the action with an amazing live band every night that draws a crowd (we’ll likely visit here as a group) - slightly old and harder to get to but decently priced ~$130-$200/night
COAST Boracay - stunning 4.5-5 star hotel right on the beach with amazing food and excellent reviews. ~$370-$410/night
Hennan Hotels - 4 different 3-4 star resorts with varied availability, some beach front, some beach adjacent. Well known chain with good restaurants attached in the heart of it all. Lagoon & Garden hotels at ~$170-$240/night, Regency & Palm Beach at ~$250-$400/night
Bulabog Beach (east coast) - Still Close (14 min ride)
Happiness Hostel - short walk from Bulabog beach, super cool with great vibe, drinks, and food - shared dorm as it’s a hostel $20/night
Aira Boracay - 3 star well reviewed hotel on the north end of the beach, slightly remote but good value ~$40-70/night
Levantin Boracay - 3 star well reviewed hotel on the south end of the beach ~$40/night
There are plenty of other hotels at different price points as well - these are just some that either Gil visited, were recommended, or had multiple rooms still available and solid reviews.
Let us know what you’re thinking and we’ll help however we can, eg sharing who else is staying where.
RS
Let us know if you can make it!