MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) is offering the public an array of affordable destinations to visit this summer, including sites in Metro Manila for those who are planning a “staycation.”
For the Holy Week break, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the historic Intramuros in Manila is the perfect place to visit as it hosts century-old churches.
The Intramuros Administration said several activities will be held during the observance of Holy Week from April 14 to 21, including the opening of nine churches from Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday.
The churches open for the Visita Iglesia or Seven Churches Visitation are the Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Parish Church, Fr. Willman Chapel at the Knights of
Columbus building, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila chapel, Mapua University chapel, Lyceum of the Philippines University chapel, Colegio de San Juan de Letran chapel, St. Matthew’s chapel at the BIR Building and Guadalupe Shrine at Fort Santiago.
The traditional penitencia or penance will be held around Plaza Roma and Manila Cathedral at 7 p.m. on April 18.
Stations of the Cross will be displayed on the stretch of General Luna Street (from Beaterio to Muralla) from April 18 to 20.
Aside from churches, Puyat said museums of natural history are open, with food trips on the side.
“Some people choose (to go on ‘staycation’ or stay at home vacation),” Puyat said during the Weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum last April 10.
But for persons who opt to leave the metropolis, Puyat said they could go surfing either in Baler in Aurora, San Fernando in La Union or in Siargao, Surigao del Norte.
Puyat said Malapascua Island in Cebu and Apo Island in Negros Oriental are for travelers who want adventure.
“Sun and beach, of course, Boracay and El Nido, among other places, are still very popular among both domestic and foreign travelers,” Puyat said.
For those who want to “commune with nature,” DOT Assistant Secretary Roberto Alabado said farm tourism fits them as they can farm or harvest crops.
In farm tourism, Alabado said tourists are taught about composting and organic farming.
“This is important so that the public will know where the fruits come from and so that our children would know our food. Once they have such experience, (they) would have such appreciation and they’ll be able to see how our ecosystem works,” Alabado said.