Gone were the days of seeing buzzing cities filled with people hanging out to relieve their pent-up stress and frustrations from school and work.
The outbreak has halted many plans and put the world on pause. Lightning dimmed in those establishments and parks. Moreover, homes are now illuminated by the screens of families stuck on complying with tasks from work and school.
As the year is coming to an end, it may be time for people to pause chanting padayon and move forward with the term pahuway. As socializing has shifted to video calls and chats due to the new normal, this monotonous routine has lessened productivity. Now, everyone wants to escape this reality and have an adventure to the fullest.
Surrounded by nature, with music blasting from that Spotify account, Bohol is the destination to start with a tour of its natural wonders and adventures. It just might be that significant weekend getaway unspoken in the family.
An opportunity for love? An island near Bohol offers a great selection of souvenirs. If they are fortunate enough, they can buy a Lumay (love potion). But of course, they are not a hundred percent effective. But who cares? At least you took your chance with your crush.
Besides, for someone who loves bringing up the past, Bacolod is an excellent place to start. The Silay City's walk around the heritage houses is something to pose for that historically themed photoshoot. While cooking pancit canton at midnight and drinking copious amounts of coffee may help one get through the day, getting out and spending time with loved ones help develop healthy habits.
And as the holidays are nearing, local governments have begun opening tourist attractions, welcoming visitors with preventive health measures to continuously stop the virus from spreading.
A change of scenery is what we can prescribe to lighten your mood during the holidays. To save you some time searching online for safe destinations, we have got you covered with a list of places you can safely visit!
1. If they want to be relieved by the ocean, Batangas is a haven for them. Batangas is well-known for its white-sand beaches and hiking trails, such as Mount Maculot. The famous inaugural Ala-Eh Festival begins on December 8th and runs for one week.
Are they tired of the ocean? They can instead take a stroll around their heritage towns and charming coastal municipalities. If they have a valid ID card, a health certificate, a negative rapid antigen test results from 48 to 72 hours before travel, and are between 18 and 65, they can travel to Batangas without a problem.
2. Rizal’s Tanay sea of clouds is something that might motivate night owls to wake up early. Though it cannot guarantee that it will always appear, Treasure Mountain offers many outdoor activities they can enjoy: scenic Tanay Campsite, hike, outside course, and swimming pools. Another place they can venture near Treasure Mountain is El Patio Razon. The resort is known for its relaxing large kawali hot bath that overlooks a mountainous view.
3. Bacolod is filled with open-air spots--the capitol grounds, the Lagoon, and the Ruins in Talisay City. There is also an option to island-hop in Lakawon and Sipalay. All these destinations are available if they have: a negative RT-PCR test conducted by DOH-accredited molecular laboratories, valid for 72 hours from the date of swab sample extraction, registration to S-PASS, and StaySafe.ph application.
4. Manila. If a weekend getaway is not for them, a tour around the national museum might suit them. The national museum announced it is only accepting fully-vaccinated visitors in a limited capacity of 100 per session. Venture towards our country's past by touring the National Museum of Natural History, Anthropology, and Fine Arts. However, note that the reservations must be reserved online at least a day before the tour—proof of identity and vaccination needed upon entry.
4. Manila. If a weekend getaway is not for them, a tour around the national museum might suit them. The national museum announced it is only accepting fully-vaccinated visitors in a limited capacity of 100 per session. Venture towards our country's past by touring the National Museum of Natural History, Anthropology, and Fine Arts. However, note that the reservations must be reserved online at least a day before the tour—proof of identity and vaccination needed upon entry.
6. Siquijor also receives a stamp of approval from the Department of Tourism for welcoming tourists. The island is located near Bohol and offers a healing atmosphere.
Tourists can visit some of its healing attractions, like Salagdoong Beach, where they can scooter around and do cliff jumps. Tulapos Marine Sanctuary’s coral reef can take their mind away from the demanding tasks.
And lastly, the 3-tiered waterfall, Cambugahay Falls. Near these attractions are areas to buy some exciting souvenirs.
-----
Written by: Nethaniah Jan Lim Layout and Design by: Bea Cudal
Comments