Create your summer bucket list today
We’re already in the middle of summer, but it's not too late to enjoy the season while beating the heat. Fun times in these months usually include swimming, staycationing and road trips. But if you want to switch it up a little, why not add more items to your bucket list? We got you covered with these five fun activities for the hottest adventures this season!
Nature visits
With over 7,000 islands and a tropical climate, there is nothing better to do in the Philippine summer than explore nature adventures.
The Philippines prides itself on its mountain ranges scattered across the big islands where you can definitely hike and camp with your friends. In Luzon, Mt. Gulugod Baboy Trail in Batangas, Marlboro Hill in Sagada, Mt. Province and Mt. Timbak in Benguet are a few of the good choices for your next hiking excursion. If you’re looking for ones in Visayas, you might consider going to Mt. Madjaas, the highest mountain in Panay, or Osmeña Peak in Cebu. However, if you are looking for a hiking adventure on the farthest island group in the country, Mindanao, Mt. Hibok-Hibok in Camiguin, or Mt. Hamiguitan in Davao Oriental can give you the challenge you’re looking for. You may also try camping in one or two of these places. Just make sure to wear the light and comfortable fits, and always seek the help of a guide.
The best thing about exploring locally is that some of these trails also have bodies of water near them. So, who knows? You might even go river trekking or free diving in the oceanside for a refreshing dip.
And before we forget it, is your nature adventure even complete without watching the sun? Almost all of the natural spots we mentioned are good spots for a spectacular view of the sun rising and setting.
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Festival celebrations
Not only is the Philippines known for its breathtaking natural treasures, but for the culture as seen in its various colorful and lively festivals.
In the month of May, there are various festivals you can go to and enjoy. One of them is Pahiyas Festival in Quezon, which is held in thanksgiving for the Lucban’s rich harvest and a way to honor the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro de Labrador. That’s why they decorate houses with colorful farm produce and feature. This year, the festival is back after a two-year hiatus.
Meanwhile, in Visayas, Albay’s Magayon Festival is one for the books. You will undoubtedly enjoy the province’s culture through the festival’s street parades, agricultural displays, trade fairs, cooking shows and many more. Balanghai festival in Butuan City, Mindanao also has its festivity craftsmanship to offer. This is said to commemorate the city’s early migrants on board Balangay boats. So expect colorful boats and group ensembles seen around the city during the festival!
These three festivals across the country aren’t the only ones you may consider this month. There is also the Tapusan Festival in Batangas, Abaca Festival in Catanduanes, Kaogma Festival in Camarines Sur, Dinengdeng Festival in La Union, Pasa Pasa Festival in Masbate, Butanding Festival in Sorsogon and a lot more to explore. Join the locals in the different provinces of the country and let these summer festivals warm your hearts!
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Museum hopping
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If art and cultural appreciation in a quiet place are up your alley, why not visit museums? You have a lot of different choices for different moods. Not only will you enjoy seeing artifacts, but you will learn a lot about our artists and their creations.
Wanna celebrate the Filipino heritage? The National Museum of Anthropology is open for visits. In this branch of the National Museum, you can see and read studies about the physical and natural sciences in the country. At present, in display are the past ethnographic, terrestrial and underwater archaeological collections of the Philippines. If you’ve got an eye for the arts, Pinto Art Museum is a must. This museum is said to be a “gateway” to the country’s overall art scene. However, if you’re into the celestial bodies, the National Planetarium is the place to be.
Meanwhile, you can also visit the Cordilleran treasures at the museums around Benguet like the Ben Cab Museum and Museo Kordilyera located at the University of the Philippines (UP) Baguio campus. These museums stage the arts, culture and history of the Cordilleran provinces. Here you will see textiles, traditional costumes and photographs of their people. Nothing like learning the histories about the destinations you visit.
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Pamper yourself
If you don't feel like exploring, why not take some time for yourself? Try to visit a newly opened café or check out that salon you’ve been meaning to go to. Treat yourself and get a full body massage. Don’t wanna go out? Cook yourself some pasta and open a bottle of bubbly, or order a box of your favorite pizza all for yourself, because why not?
Papering also means indulging your creativity by writing on your journal or shooting your daily vlogs as your emotional outlets. Maybe even consider enrolling in e-courses. The UP Open University is offering Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) every month. For the next months they will be teaching crisis management and foresight planning, basic animations, business analytics concepts and frameworks and more. Start investing in yourself this summer and be surprised with the changes you make!
Food crawl
A quintessential Pinoy summer is not complete without a food trip, let’s be real. Anywhere you go around the country, every place offers its food specialties. Vigan City has their garlic-y Longganisa, Pampanga has their sisig, Cebu with their crispy, crackling lechon and Malabon with their unique turon. Plus, there are surely summer specialties like halo-halo, uniquely flavored ice cream, and fruit tea to keep you cool. So, trust us that it is a must to do a food crawl this season.
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We all have different plans and moods this summer, but considering these five ideas might give you the best season yet!
Words Zhanele Africano
Art Matthew Ian Fetalver
