You don’t have to look far, or go abroad and spend a lot of money. All you have to do is take a trip around the country. There are so many beautiful places to visit and experience. The best white-sand beaches, scenic mountain trails and quaint restaurants wait to be discovered.
So, if you’re running out of ideas, or if you want to go somewhere new, here are a few places you can check out. Don’t forget to bring the whole family. Enjoy!
MIKE ARROYO, First Gentleman: There are many beautiful beaches in Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte but my favorite is the Blue Lagoon located in Barangay. Balaoie, Sitio Maraira. It has white sand, and the water is so clear and blue. Everyone should go to Pagudpod at least once in their life. It’s like paradise, it’s so serene, beautiful and relaxing.
FERNANDO ZOBEL, chairman, Ayala Land: It is difficult to give one answer, as there are so many beautiful places in our country. For the best beaches, I would say Boracay and Amanpulo. I also enjoy El Nido and parts of northern Palawan for the incredible variety of experiences. The cluster of beautiful limestone rocks, the hidden lagoons, the caves and beaches make the whole area one of the most unique places I’ve visited. Our country has enormous potential for tourism. But we must first solve our problems in Mindanao.
LANCE GOKONGWEI, president, JG Summit: My favorite place is Boracay, because it has nice beaches and blue skies for long walks and many small restaurants when you get hungry. The best infrastructure though, would be Tagaytay Highlands.
ROCK DRILON, artist: La Mesa Dam. Because it’s so close to home. Too bad it’s not really open to Metro Manilans. But my sons and I know a secret passage. We would explore the forest and sometimes swim in the safer side of the lake.
CHESKA LAUREL, owner, Core Fitness: Lake Danao in Leyte. It’s truly nature at its best. I am always calm and peaceful there.
ANGEL AQUINO, TV host/actress/commercial model: I’ve only been to a few places, but I really like Vigan and Sagada. Why? I like the texture of Vigan and the feel of Sagada. And maybe, in the near future, I’d like to see Batanes.
SABINE ABOITIZ, president and CEO, Aboitiz One: Bukas Grande, a lagoon in Siargao. To get there, you have to go through a cave. It’s really nice with its clear waters. I was there last week.
VICTOR CONSUNJI, CEO and president, CORE Development Corporation: Isla Naburot in Guimaras. Given its rustic setting and delicious food, it is the ideal place to go to escape when the city becomes a tad crazy.
NINA HERRERA-HUANG, housewife: For me it’s home. My life revolves 24/7 around my husband, my daughter and my family. I could be on a breathtaking island but if I don’t see the smiling faces of my family, I will have difficulty qualifying its beauty.
ROD NEPOMUCENO, director for marketing and communications, MTV Philippines: Lakawan Island, a semi-private island north of Bacolod. It has no nightlife, just white sand, clear blue waters, clearer night skies and one quaint restaurant. I go there to get away from everything. It’s my island getaway. It’s simply so peaceful.