What's your favorite summer getaway?

Whenever I plan my family’s summer vacation, the priorities on my list are places where we can try and see new things, enjoy good food and see interesting museums or structures for a brief history of the place. I surf the Internet and carefully plan our daily activities to make sure we don’t miss out on anything. If you’re running out of ideas for the summer, get some ideas from our interviewees as they share their favorite summer getaways.

DIANE VENTURA, manager, Pupils: In my line of work, every day is like vacation so for the real summer getaway, I love doing the opposite. I go to other countries to experience a simple normal life. Having a routine is important for me so I enroll myself in short summer courses and workshops, get a 9-to-5 job or just do regular household chores at other people’s houses (relatives’ homes abroad). It’s kind weird but I get a kick out of it. It gives me a sense of tranquility and fulfillment.

ALYANNA MARTINEZ, writer: My perfect summer getaways are local destinations for water sports. Water-skiing and wakeboarding in Taal Lake or Lago de Oro in Calatagan, wreck diving in Coron, Palawan, and night diving at the Acacia Dive resort in Anilao or Hobie Cat sailing and kayaking at El Nido in Palawan, or during my downtime I read a good book, listen to great tunes and watch the sunset. These are all you need to enjoy any destination.

TECHIE GERMAN HAGEDORN, housewife, entrepreneur: The Hagedorn family beach house in Tali Beach, Batangas. My 16-month-old twins Clara and Emilia love it there. They absolutely enjoy the fresh air, the sand and the salt water. A great escape from the noise and air pollution in Metro Manila. I’ve also spent many great weekends there with my late mother-in-law Pamen and going back always brings fond memories.

LEN BAUTISTA, administrator, Maritime Industry Authority: A perfect summer holiday for me is being in one of the white-sand beaches in the Philippines and 1) sipping a fruit shake while getting a tan and reading a good book; 2) swimming with my two labrador retrievers, Bruno and Brandy, and playing ball with them; 3) going to the spa for a complete cleansing and relaxing ritual; and 4) hopping on a boat for a romantic sunset cruise with my boyfriend.

KENNETH COBONPUE, international furniture designer: My favorite summer getaway is Singapore. Gone is its old image of being a sterile and boring city. It has changed so much in the last five years and is fast becoming an Asian hub for art, design and technology. Its proximity to Cebu and its seamless link to other international capitals put it at the top of my list. Tokyo may be more exciting, Paris prettier, but Singapore has the best of all worlds.

KRIP YUSON, columnist, Ateneo professor, poet-novelist MTRCB member:  I can’t really cite a single place as my fave summer destination. The regular one has been Dumaguete, where I usually serve in the writers’ workshop panel each May. An hour south is Antulang Resort in Siaton, a dream place for any season, for a magical cruise to Tambobo cove. I also wouldn’t mind frequenting Coron with its many nearby islands, or Puerto Princesa and Siargao. And, of course, Batanes and Bohol are always lovely.

JUDY DY TUMANGAN, entrepreneur: I love Amanpulo in Palawan. It’s the perfect hideaway when you want to relax and get away from it all. Everything on the island is breathtakingly beautiful. Another plus is the superb service and luxurious amenities. Truly a heaven on earth.

LIZ B. ALMORO, executive vice president, Lalain Logistics Int’l. Inc.: There’s nothing greater than spending summer at our beach house in Batangas with family and friends. We wake up really early and head to the nearby islands where we snorkel, dive and see dolphins, too. My son loves the beach as much as I do so we get to bond more here. Our trip won’t be complete without a visit to the nearby Taal Church (reputedly the biggest church in Asia) and the nearby market where you can find the best tapa.

ANDREA I.JIMENEZ, managing director, Pac South Company: My favorite summer getaways are the white sandy beaches with unpolluted air and minimal modern-day conveniences.