The holidays and long weekends in the Philippines are always the perfect time to get close and cozy with the people you cherish the most. It can be your parents, your best friend, and your significant other! Without a doubt, a long weekend or holiday vacation with your special someone is the best combination for you to unwind, take a break from the stress that everyday life brings, and just enjoy some intimate time to relax with a person who understands you the best in this world.
Whether it’s going to one place only or spending a few nights together, these are the top 5 places to get that well-needed break during the long weekends in the Philippines!
The Manors at Camp John Hay
Baguio City is best to visit during the holidays because it gives you a break from bustling city life. You get to experience the closest to winter here in the Philippines. The city will welcome you with an embrace of its cold weather, clean streets, and tall trees (all of which give you a picturesque view).
If you are looking for a place that gives the best accommodation and a luxurious experience in the city, then The Manors at Camp John Hay is the best place that would suit your taste! Located at the heart of Burnham Park, this well-known hotel has everything you need in one area. They have an in-house café and restaurant, piano bar, spa, fitness gym, and shop. And that’s not all! The Manor is situated inside the premises of the historical Camp John Hay. The visitors can enjoy a lot of things such as having a taste of the Tsokolate de Baterol, a day of activities at the Treetop Adventure, a relaxing time at the Yellow Trail Hike, playing at the Camp John Hay Golf Club, and many more.
To top that off, the hotel features an illuminating set of Christmas lights and a grandeur performance. It is also near a few of Baguio’s top attractions, namely Burnham Park, Mines View Park, and the infamous Diplomat Hotel.
Bakebe at BGC
Baking is such a fun opportunity to eat delicious pastries while having fun making them! Although, realistically, not everyone can bake. But through this activity, you and your special someone can spark a friendly rivalry about who makes the best treats! This can also be a way to unravel an undiscovered talent and be a stepping stone for a new hobby.
If this is something that suits you and your special someone’s alley, then booking a day at Bakebe is the one for you! This pink-themed baking studio suits anyone who wants to spend a good time with their friends without having to spend too much out of their budget. Currently, Bakebe has two branches. The first one is at SM Aura, BGC. While their newest branch is at SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
Suppose you’re thinking about how the session will go. In that case, it’s not that too complicated. All you have to do is choose from their wide selection of cakes or pastries that you want to try. Then show up at the studio, and have their virtual assistant. Yes, it’s an app! It will guide you in the step-by-step process of making your possibly first, and best creation yet. But don’t worry; employees are ready to assist you anytime you or your friend needs it.
Oh, and did we forget to mention this? The place is totally perfect for your next IG-worthy post!
Staycation at Tagaytay
The city of Tagaytay is undeniably the hotspot for a quick getaway from the metro during long weekends in the Philippines. Famous for its cafés, hot pot of Bulalo, and freshly baked buko pies. This place is also loved because of its cold weather, and it gets colder during the peak of the holidays.
Whether you want to do a one-day visit or book a week of staycation, Tagaytay has a lot to offer. However, during the weekends, you might experience medium to heavy traffic on the way to Tagaytay. It is best to go there at dawn or earlier so you can avoid waiting in traffic. We also recommend going there during weekdays, so you don’t have to deal with big crowds.
During your visit, although there are numerous cafés in the city, we recommend stopping by café Voi La, an Asian-style café that has a very homey vibe—but is filled with vibrant decorations, perfect for your next Instagram post!
What’s a visit to Tagaytay without having a Bulalo meal and a slice of Buko Pie? Considered the original Bulalo joint, Diner’s Tagaytay is definitely something to not miss out on. This place isn’t loved by many for nothing—serving hot bowls of *the* original Bulalo since 1984. Visitors can enjoy having this hot meal while experiencing the cool breeze and having a picturesque view of Taal lake. After that, you can go to the well-loved Cecilia’s, where they serve freshly baked Buko Pies daily. They also offer other pastries you can take home or enjoy during your stay in the city.
To make the most out of your stay, you and your special someone deserve a room at Twin Lakes Hotel! All that hard work is worth staying at this beautiful place, complete with everything you need during a staycation. It has a pool, café, spa, fitness center, game room, and even a kid’s corner if you bring a cutie along!
Paskuhan at Imus, Cavite
Paskuhan means the celebration of Christmas in the Philippines, and what better way to commemorate it than having a whole month dedicated to this joyous event? You and your special someone will surely have the most wonderful time during the long weekends in this part of the Philippines.
At the Paskuhan sa Imus (Paskuhan at Imus), travelers can witness the city covered and decorated with luminous Christmas decorations such as their color-changing Christmas tree. Numerous lanterns are hung all over the place, as well as life-size figurines of superheroes and the Belen.
Besides that, the Paskuhan at Imus opens its doors to trade fairs, music concerts, and beauty pageants that visitors can enjoy. The event is capped with a reenactment of the Panunuluyan or the dramatization of the search for Bethlehem by Joseph and Mary, Imus style. Call it the perfect ending! (Very sentimental too!)
Pampanga
Last and definitely not least, San Fernando, Pampanga, is a place you would want to visit with your special someone during the long weekends in the Philippines!
Known as the Christmas Capital of the country, this place takes pride in its Giant Lantern festival. People from all over the country goes to the area to witness the gleaming parade of parols (Filipino lantern). This festival has become a tradition for the Kapampangans (a term used to call the people from Pampanga). Different barangays are competing to make the most extravagant piece of a giant lantern and display it to the public.
The fun doesn’t stop there! If you guys are food lovers, then we’re sure that you’ll consider Pampanga your new haven after this trip! Why? Because Pampanga also takes pride in holding the title of the “Culinary Capital” of the Philippines. We highly recommend booking a table at Bale Capampangan, serving the best authentic Kapampangan cuisine—plus, it’s a buffet too! And of course, what’s a visit to Pampanga without having a bite of their well-loved sisig? Sharing this meal with either just plain water or a bottle of beer, you and your special someone will surely enjoy it before watching the parade.
Holidays and long weekends in the Philippines are best spent with the people you value the most. We hope this article helped you plan your next date with them! Salud!
