From vacation to relocation: The best alternative hometowns
If you could live anywhere in the Philippines, would you still choose your current hometown?
Chances are, you would probably name an exotic destination or a picturesque province. So what’s stopping you from chasing this exciting adventure?
Our country is full of places teeming with gorgeous landscapes, exciting opportunities and hospitable people. Many, however, are afraid of taking that leap when it comes to choosing their home for a variety of reasons—family, work or sheer unfamiliarity. Thankfully though, times are already changing. Places once considered distant are now closer than ever, thanks to improved roads and internet connectivity.
If you’re one of those dreaming to live outside the metro, do consider the following local destinations. Many provinces in our country are brewing with opportunities. It only takes some guts and planning to seize them.
Cavite
The St. Michael the Archangel Parish is one of the places to visit in Bacoor, Cavite.
Probably considered the next best city outside Metro Manila by many, Cavite has seen a huge influx of migrants these past few years. Due to its proximity to the National Capital Region, the province has become home to many people working and studying in Metro Manila.
Bacoor, Imus and Dasmariñas, which form part of the northern part of Cavite, are already considered extensions of Metro Manila as they cater to many suburbs occupied by city workers. Other parts of Cavite, however, offer country charm and affordable wide lands. Trece Martires boasts of international schools and clean air. Silang and Amadeo have fresh breeze and amazing views. Of course, Tagaytay remains a prime choice with its cold climate and tourist-friendly offerings.
Pampanga
The Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles, Pampanga is a thriving economic and entertainment hub.
With all the developments built in Pampanga during the Duterte administration, it’s no wonder why this province ought to be in your list. The province features new and soon-to-rise infrastructure projects that aim to shorten travel time to Metro Manila. In particular, the Manila North Railway and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway will make it easier for commuters to reach the Clark International Airport. Beyond transportation, however, Pampanga also boasts of the New Clark City as a portion of it is occupied by the new development. Clark is considered a rising economic and entertainment hub in Central Luzon.
Coupled with its delectable cuisine and famous tourist spots, it’s no wonder why more and more people are calling this province home.
Iloilo City
The Iloilo River Esplanade provides visitors with a majestic view of the rising sun in the morning.
If you’re the type of person who loves both old-world charm and modern amenities, Iloilo is the best place for you. This Visayan gem has managed to preserve its heritage structures while catering to new developments. The province offers abundant greenery and pristine beaches. It also has seen a rise of international investments in the past few years, making it one of the best places to find work in the IT and business process outsourcing (BPO) sector.
In addition, Iloilo has relatively lower bouts of traffic and pollution compared to other major cities. Its government also actively promotes a healthy lifestyle with free Zumba classes and a clean environment with clean-up drives. With all these things in consideration, what more could you ask for from a dream hometown?
Dumaguete City
The Dumaguete Cathedral and Rizal Monument are some of the must-places to visit in Dumaguete City.
The capital of Negros Oriental, this quiet city packs a punch when it comes to features. It is considered a university town and a potential Unesco World Heritage Site.
Dumaguete is renowned for being home to Silliman University, the first American and Protestant university in Asia. Besides this educational offering, however, Dumaguete also offers a thriving BPO sector, real estate industry and retail sector. There are a lot of job opportunities waiting in the city, but you can also explore its fantastic tourist spots. You can go dive in Apo Island or hike to visit Pulangbato Falls among other destinations. It’s really an exciting place to be in, both in terms of leisure and lifestyle.
Cagayan de Oro
The Higalaay Kagayan Festival in Cagayan de Oro City is one of many exciting events to look forward to in the area.
While many pick Davao as their first choice city when it comes to Mindanao, it pays to explore our country’s southern island for more options. Cagayan de Oro is another city in the South worth considering. It is accessible and offers a lot of modern features that are comparable to those you find in Metro Manila.
Cagayan de Oro has a thriving trade industry, exceptional educational offerings and beautiful landscape features. Both foreigners and locals agree that the place is quite safe, with the city being considered as one of the safest Southeast Asian places to live in, according to international database surveys. Despite its modern offerings, the area still maintains its natural splendor and countryside charm. Traffic and pollution are considerably less here, and the tourist spots remain worthy of a visit even if you’ve become a local.
Beginning anew in the province
There is surely something to love in every place here in the Philippines.
For a place to feel like home, however, there should be something in it that must be truly special for you. Consider different factors when choosing your new hometown, and be open to new ways of living once you’ve made your move. The Philippines has more than 7,100 islands to choose from, so what’s stopping you from exploring all before settling on the one that fits you best?
Sources: Aboutcagayandeoro.com; Bilkenn.com; Mark Gio Amoguis, patrickroque01, Americana22ount, Mike Gonzalez (TheCoffee) and Judgefloro via Wikimediacommons.com
