Home For The Soul

Lotus Shores Is a Yogic Retreat of Manifestation and Spiritual Healing in a Paradise of an Island.

- Alyssa Lapid

There’s something to be said about the Filipino spirit—its resilience, its malleability, and the ease with which it rides adversity. Driven by the belief that Filipino culture perfectly—albeit unwittingly—embodies yogic culture, a retreat house tucked in the idyllic sanctuary of Siargao was brought to life by a yogini whose calling was to create a home for the yoga tradition in the heart of the country. “It is a very spiritual culture—we recognize the unity of our existence; the sense of community is much stronger than our sense of individuality,” says Lili Albano of Lotus Shores. “We are so connected to our essence—that is infinite bliss. How else are we able to remain hopeful and joyful throughout a very challenging history?”

True enough, the Filipino culture is known to celebrate love and life under any metaphorical weather. Siargao then, serves as the perfect microcosm of that culture and philosophy. The island life is slow and relaxed. There seems to be no strict structure, no monotonous rhythm to march to. Aside from the undeniable beauty of the island, this lackadaisical pace adds to the appeal that both locals and foreigners alike have deemed worthy of a move.