Isola di Francesco, a mere ten-minute boat ride from Panglao proper, is a great destination for those who wish to retreat, reflect, and pray in harmony with the lapping of the waves and the chirping of the island’s resident birds. Upon arrival, you are greeted by the welcoming arms of a huge statue of St. Pio of Pietrelcina. A chapel was opened in the island last year and there’s a holy mass said every 23rd day of the month. In March, Isola opened another avenue for people to get in touch with the Creator – Isola di Francesco’s Nature’s Art Museum. And for every item that is being displayed in the museum, there is only one rule. “Everything must be made by God. You can clean, frame, and arrange to make it presentable; but you cannot alter anything, even the color must be original,” explains Isola owner and utmost St. Pio devotee, Mr. Ramon Rodriguez. And to everyone’s amazement, the museum is filled with items that speak of the grandeur of God and His Creation.