Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.

When people talk about Sandara Park, they often remember her as the energetic K-pop star from 2NE1. But for many Filipinos, she will always be “Sandy”, the cheerful girl who first captured our hearts during her Star Circle Quest days. Even after years of fame and success, Sandara never gets tired of coming back to the Philippines. She may live in Seoul, but her heart remains here, in the country that helped her become who she is today.
In her recent interview with ABS-CBN, Sandara shared that the Philippines is more than just a place she used to live. It is a home she always returns to. “I always feel at home whenever I’m here,” she said. “The people, the food, everything feels familiar.” Each visit feels like a reunion with an old friend, filled with warmth, laughter, and memories that never fade.
Just this year, she made headlines when she returned to Mindanao for the Kalimudan Festival in Sultan Kudarat. It was her first visit in 18 years, yet her excitement and energy felt like she never left. Locals welcomed her with open arms as the “Pambansang Krung Krung” joined the celebration, dancing and smiling with the crowd. For Sandara, every return to the Philippines feels natural, as if she is coming home to where she truly belongs.
Image credit: NewsInstar | Wikimedia commons
Sandara’s connection to the Philippines goes beyond nostalgia. She is one of the few international artists who truly embraced Filipino culture. From learning the language to exploring local life, she made the Philippines a permanent part of her identity. She often talks about her early days in Manila, remembering how she loved eating street food, shopping in malls, and meeting fans who treated her like family.
Whenever she visits, Sandara makes the most of her time exploring the country she still calls home. She enjoys island getaways in Palawan, food adventures in Manila, and quick escapes in Cebu. She never forgets to indulge in her favourite dishes like balut and sinigang, proof that her Filipino side is still very much alive.
For many fans, seeing Sandara travel around the Philippines brings a sense of joy and nostalgia. Her story reminds us how this country leaves a mark on everyone who has lived here. It is not just about fame or travel; it is about belonging.
If there is one thing travellers can learn from Sandara, it is that you never get tired of returning to the places that feel like home. Every time she visits, she reconnects with her roots and the people who never stopped supporting her. So yes, you can take Sandara Park out of the Philippines, but you can never take the Filipino heart out of Sandara Park. She remains our Pambansang Krung Krung, a star who continues to show that once you fall in love with this country, you will always find a reason to come back.
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