With more local government units easing their travel restrictions, things are looking up once again for our tourism industry. It needs all the boost it can get, as it has been one of the hardest hit industries since the onslaught of COVID-19.
I recently flew to Siargao to visit our eldest daughter, who has made the island her home for the past four months. The country’s surfing capital truly never disappoints, and the same goes for the charming hotels and hostels scattered all over General Luna.
It was a most amazing surfing break with my girls, especially since we were able to ride those glassy waves together. It’s true how catching a wave makes you feel like “you’re sitting on top of the world,” as one song by The Beach Boys goes. We found ourselves all super stoked after each surfing session.
Thankfully, with the government’s continued vaccine rollout across the provinces, setting out to see our many islands is a possibility once again while ensuring the safety of locals and travelers alike. If you’re fully vaccinated and you feel like you owe yourself a much needed break from the concrete jungle, consider visiting some of our local destinations if you can.
Whether you’re bound for Bacolod City, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu City, Davao City, or Iloilo, there’s a Seda Hotel waiting to be your home away from home. Property giant Ayala Land’s homegrown hotel chain assures guests of a worry-free stay with its #SafeAtSeda health and sanitation program. Visit Sedahotels.com to book the hotel of your choice.
Designed and developed as Ayala Land’s first tourism estate, El Nido has always been on everybody’s dream island destination wish list. You can finally make real plans on visiting those white sand beaches, vibrant house reefs, towering limestone cliffs and enchanting lagoons. Miniloc Island, Lagen Island and Pangulasian Island all offer holidays in a bubble with the highest level of safety for all guests. Head to elnidoresorts.com for more info or to book a holiday bubble now.
Meet those deadlines surrounded by Newcoast Beach’s sparkling blue waters, powdery white sand and cool breeze. Work from paradise with Belmont Hotel Boracay’s Workcation + Wellness offering. The all-in rate of P13,580 includes a four-night stay in a Deluxe Room with breakfast for two, food and beverage credits at Belmont Cafe worth P2,000, one-time four-hour use of a meeting room, 60-minute massage at Aqua Spa, and 20 percent discount at Aqua Spa and Belmont Cafe. Contact Belmont Boracay at 0917-867-2515 to know more about their workcation offerings.
Sometimes, it feels like 2021 never seems to tire of playing tricks on us. Shake off those feelings of dread and disquiet with the serene and relaxing environment of Sonya’s Garden (Facebook.com/sonyasgardentagaytay). Drive up to Alfonso, Cavite, and commune with nature, treat your body to freshly harvested produce and breathe in fresh, clean air at everyone’s favorite bed and breakfast. Each of Sonya’s Garden’s 22 cottages and many of its gardens are equipped with a strong WiFi connection, perfect for those whose agenda is a “workcation.” Sonya’s Garden Spa is back as well.
Make the most out of that road trip with a visit to Casa San Pablo. The cafe, bed and breakfast and community art space in San Pablo City, Laguna is open and authorized by the Department of Tourism to accept staycations and dine-in guests. Check it out at Facebook.com/casasanpablo or call/text 0917-812-6687.