Travel is one of life’s greatest pleasures. To be able to see and experience places outside our own little bubbles is a gift many of us take for granted, so when we were forced indoors for what seemed like ages, we all realized just how much we missed it. Netflix, Zoom calls, and our couches were all well and good, but for those of us with itchy feet and a wandering spirit, those were probably the longest two years of our lives.
But things seem to be looking up. The government has lifted restrictions; hotels and resorts are dusting off their rooms and getting them ready for occupants; and, like birds finally let out of their cages, we’re taking those first few tentative steps out of the relative safety of our homes to find the thrill of adventure of the great outdoors.
Paraws at sunset in Boracay
PHOTO: Narjay Calinao / TPB
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The Department of Tourism is, expectedly, leading the charge to get people excited about travel again (although, truth be told, we never needed that gentle nudge to begin with). Through the Tourism Promotions Board, the DOT is reintroducing some of the most picture-perfect destinations to the public in the hopes that they will find inspiration to pack their bags and go on the next great adventure after being cooped up indoors for so long.
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“With more than half of the population vaccinated and mobility restrictions have eased, we aim to highlight that we can all enjoy fun and safe travels once again,” says TPB COO Maria Anthonette C. Velasco-Allones. “We believe that there is pent-up demand for leisure trips and the summer months have always been a peak season.”
Perhaps not coincidentally, the TPB found an eager partner that has just as much at stake as the DOT with the expected resurgence of traveling for pleasure.
Coron, Palawan
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“We want to be able to show our presence; we want to be top of mind,” says Yosh Yoshida, manager for corporate brand communications of Philippine Airlines. “During the pandemic, PAL was here for passengers who were stuck abroad who wanted to come home. Now that the Philippines has reopened, we want to be the airline of choice. The craving to travel again—we’re there for you.”
And so the TPB and PAL joined forces for a one-of-a-kind island-hopping trip across three of the most popular travel destinations in the country. It was a sojourn not only to rekindle that fire of discovering (or rediscovering) a special point on the map that’s beyond our own address, but to show others that, with proper health protocols in place, traveling can once again be safe, exciting, and fun.
White Beach at sunset
PHOTO: Narjay Calinao / TPB
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Boracay
There’s a reason the tiny island just off Panay is the number one tourist destination in the country. Chill vibes, fantastic food, spectacular sunsets, and sand so soft and dazzlingly white you literally need sunglasses during the day because it’s just so bright. Three days is not nearly enough time to soak in everything Boracay has to offer, but if you don’t have much time, an afternoon cruise around the island is the top suggestion from locals. Whether you choose a paraw (those colorful sailboats usually parked around White Beach), a motorized banca, or a fancy yacht—all of which are readily available depending on how much you’re willing to shell out—spending a relaxing day on the water is part of what Boracay dreams are made of.
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The Skypool at Henann Crystal Sands
A typical evening at Epic in Boracay
Stay: Henann Crystal Sands is centrally located on Station 2, has modern and well-appointed rooms, and offers arguably the best Skypool in the island with an unbeatable view of sunsets at White Beach.
Eat: Whether you’re craving light tapas or filling paella, Dos Mestizos is always a sure thing. Get the sangria and the Paella Negra (just watch out for those black lips and teeth).
Shop: Whatever you need, D’Mall will probably have it. (I forgot to bring my laptop charger and the Mac store there was a godsend). There’s also a row of souvenir shops along Station 2, and a full-service supermarket at Citimall on the roadside of Station 1.
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Cebu
The beach at Shangri-La Mactan
From Boracay, PAL flies direct to Cebu, so you can add the Queen City to your island-hopping itinerary. Some people say it’s a lot like Manila so why even bother, but there’s lots more to discover here if you know where to look. Go guitar shopping at Alegre Guitars on Mactan; visit the Yap-San Diego ancestral house for a glimpse at how our ancestors lived; and spend the afternoon at the Buwakan ni Alejandra Garden in Busay. It’s just a sliver of what Cebu has to offer.
The Yap-San Diego Ancestral House in Cebu
PHOTO: Narjay Calinao / TPB
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Stay: Shangri-La Mactan was heavily damaged and had to close down for a few weeks after the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, but we’re happy to report that one of the best resorts on Mactan Island is still a fantastic place to stay. One wing is still undergoing repairs, but if you’re looking for top-tier luxury accommodations, the Shangri-La name is hard to beat.
Grilled Sea Bass at The Pig and Palm
Eat: British chef Jason Atherton and his wife Irha imagines The Pig and Palm to be a modern tapas-style restaurant, but throw away any sort of expectations before you enter its massive wooden doors. From the divine bread, “KFC” or Korean Fried Chicken, Grilled Sea Bass with chorizo, tomato and bean ragu, and a Confit Pork Belly with Apple Caramel and Mashed Potatoes, this restaurant is a must-stop if you’re looking for something a bit more upscale and sophisticated in Cebu.
Buwakan ni Alejandra Garden
See: Want something truly out of the ordinary? How about a visit to a strange colony in the middle of the mountains an hour and half outside the city?
Coron
Uncrowded white sand beaches, limestone cliffs, serene lakes—Coron is a naturist’s dream. Despite increased tourism in recent years, the small town on the northern tip of Palawan has managed to preserve its breathtaking beauty so people can keep coming back and discovering new adventures each time. The town itself has seen growth and development and now has interesting restaurants, quaint coffee shops, and more lodging spaces for every kind of traveler. PAL has direct flights from Cebu or Manila to Busuanga, the gateway to Coron, so it’s never been easier to reach paradise.
The limestone cliffs of Coron
Stay: Coron Westown Resort is a mid-priced resort that has big rooms, an inviting swimming pool, and easy access to the center of town, which is less than 10 minutes away.
Sunset at Coron Westown Hotel
Eat: Seafood may be the specialty at Santino’s Grill (try the grilled squid and baked shellfish), but it also serves things like fall-off-the-bone ribs and the old reliable grilled chicken.
Visit: After a full day of visiting Coron favorites like Bulog Dos Island, Twin Lagoons, and Kayangan Lake, check out Maquinit Hot Springs, which is exactly what it sounds like. A soak in a communal pool of heated spring water that supposedly has healing properties is the ideal way to end a trip to one of the country’s most unforgettable destinations.
Esquire Philippines was a guest of Philippine Airlines and the Tourism Promotions Board. Check out PAL’s innovative Hiraya Flight Pass and Dear PAL e-Gift Card.
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