By Trisha Jean V. De Leon
With the summer sun high up in the sky, it shouldn’t be a surprise that many Filipinos are already planning their out-of-town trips or city tours for a much-needed break from their hectic schedules.
No one would want to be left out while everyone is having a great time at the beach or somewhere else around the Metro.
However, if you’re one of those busy bees who got caught up with work, planning your summer adventures can be a bit stressful. Fortunately, we have prepared a list of things that are worthy of your vacation leaves. Check out the top things to add to your summer bucket list:
Hiking
Burning calories this summer doesn’t necessarily put the word gym in the equation. In fact, you can lose weight while having fun.
Try hiking. It’s a recreational activity that can help put your leg muscles to a test and even make you feel closer with nature.
Luckily, there are many hiking spots in the Philippines that are beginner-friendly. Even without prior experience, you can travel by foot and explore the beauty of Pico de Loro, Mount Batulao or Mount Maculot. These are some of the most popular hiking destinations near Metro Manila.
Make sure to wear comfortable clothes in your trek. You should also never forget to bring a bottle of water to avoid heat-related health problems, such as heat stroke and dehydration.
Museum hopping
For history enthusiasts, visiting museums is a must to immerse themselves in the local art, culture and tradition. City dwellers, however, don’t have to travel far. For instance, they can enjoy world-famous artworks from the likes of Juan Luna and other Filipino painters in the National Museum of Fine Arts. You may also go see the National Museum of Anthropology or Natural History.
Note, however, that most museums have their own set of rules to abide. Taking photos or touching some of the displays, for example, may be prohibited, especially if the artifacts are from a different century or in a dilapidated condition.
Out-of-town trips
With its naturally beautiful terrain and coastline, you’ll never run out of things to do and visit in the Philippines. Whether you want to travel via land or sea, you’ll surely find a hidden gem just around the corner.
The Bonbon Beach in Romblon has fine, white sand with clear water. The best thing about this place is it isn’t as crowded as other beaches like Boracay. To make the most of your stay, wait until sunset to get a glimpse of the sky turning into variants of red and orange.
Summer festivals
Your summer escapade outside Metro Manila won’t be complete without summer festivals. For instance, the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon, is famous among local and even foreign tourists due to its unique and colorful celebration. Homes are often decorated with colorful kiping. You may also get a chance to taste their local delicacies, such as the famed langgonisang Lucban and pancit habhab, on your brief visit in the area.
On the other hand, the Moriones Festival in Marinduque every April features some locals who dress up as Roman soldiers and centurions with brightly colored masks and costumes. This is to reenact the life of Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus in his side using his lance.
Staycation
If you’re one of those people who just want to relax but does not want to travel far, look for the best hotels in your area for a staycation. But what are the must-haves when choosing the right hotel?
Even if you want to stay indoors to avoid the summer heat, you may still want to socialize, shop or dine in on your staycation. So when selecting the perfect hotel, check out its other amenities, including their restaurants, coffee bars and stores. Many people are also searching for hotels with spa, pool or fitness center to drive their stress level down.
Shopping galore
Malls in the country are a landmark themselves, thanks to the unique shopping habits of Filipinos and the country’s tropical weather. Plus, who doesn’t like to stroll in air-conditioned shopping centers when the summer sun is at its peak?
Visiting your local mall is all fun and games until the shopping addict or hoarder in you comes out. The last thing you want to happen to your visit is dragging around a cart full of items that you won’t ever use. Yet, with summer sales popping up every where, it will be almost impossible to resist the urge to take out your credit card from your wallet.
To avoid going on an unnecessary shopping spree, create a budget and stick to it. It’s true that you can splurge on clothes, bags or other stuff, especially when you want to reward yourself for the hard work, but you should also contemplate whether your purchases are even worthwhile.
Playtime for kids
As a reward, give your kids some time to enjoy and explore outdoors this summer. Although they may enjoy playing with their consoles or gadgets, it’s still best to let them go out with their friends to stay physically active. A sedentary life won’t only affect their socializing skills but also their physical health.
On its third biggest year, SM Supermalls, in cooperation with the best-loved global toy and children brands, and Unicef, recently launched Every Day is Play Day event. This event aims to promote every child’s right to play, relax and indulge through a holistic approach on both their artistic and recreational activities.
Picture-perfect memories
Whatever you have decided to do this summer, have fun and make sure to snap some photos, so you’ll be able to look back on some of the most memorable moments of your trip.
It’s also important to spend some quality time with your family or friends, create as many memories as possible and seize the day.
