Wandering with Luzviminda

Summer tides are never complete without spending time in the sand and ocean.

The Philippine archipelago is rich in such natural wonders and so rather than going out of the country this hot season, wandering around the country’s three major islands should be on your bucket list instead.

Luzon has destinations that stretch from mountains to seas. And one of the most sought after road trips during summer is one going to La Union, a famed surf town located north of Manila.

Complete that weekend getaway with real coffee roasters at the El Union Coffee, while enjoying the iconic sunset of Urbiztondo. Grape picking is also a thing in La Union and you can readily do that at Gapuz farms—an experience that will not hurt your pocket.

You can also stay at the Vessel Hostel, with its Japanese-inspired architecture and interior design, for only P900 per person per night.

Meanwhile, one underrated place in Aurora that has budget friendly beaches and is worth the road trip to “experience the Pacific Ocean” is Casiguran.

The crystalline waters are best for quiet escape. Its unpopulated seascapes are said to be ancestral lands, which are being protected by the indigenous people of Luzon.

Palawan, specifically El Nido, will teach you what paradise means. The translucent waters of El Nido can easily set your mind and soul in tranquility.

Tao Farm is one of the most unadvertised places in El Nido as it caters largely to foreign tourists. Watching the moon at the opposite side of the island as it shines on the clear ocean, and having a farm-to-table breakfast allow one to experience the organic way of living the island life. Visiting Tao farm was unforgettable.

Known for the abundant marine life and the world famous beaches of Boracay, Visayas meanwhile has a city that’s great for food travelers.

Bacolod City, the sugar capital of the Philippines, boasts of the tastiest Chicken Inasal which cannot be compared to its counterparts in Manila.

The difference is that the chicken is sourced fresh daily from the poultry farms in the morning and later grilled to perfection for the diners. For those who have a sweet tooth, Bacolod is also the spot to be.

Mindanao is also blessed in terms of natural resources—from the rich organic farms of Bukidnon that grow adlai as an alternate source of grains and which can survive harsh climates, to the deep blue oceans in Samal, Davao Del Sur that produce pearls.

Travel down south of the Philippines and you can dive in Samal as the sun strikes the clear ocean with spectral lights. Marvel at the vibrant marine life at the Pearl Farm Resort, with its rustic architecture that resembles the traditional design of most countries in the east.

Indeed, having an adventure with Luzviminda is worth the affair and the experience of spending the summer in seeing a bit of everything in the Philippines.