THERE are many different things that we look forward to every month. It could be an important occasion in our lives, a much-awaited event of our favorite artist, new ventures, and so on. But if there is one thing that most of us are anticipating for when a new month comes in, it would be the long weekend.
In a few days, the nation will observe the Holy Week, a time when Filipino Catholics focus on their spiritual being and growth. Some people, however, take the long holidays in this week as a chance to get a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
But people don’t necessarily need to go to provinces and travel for long periods of time to get that rest they deserve. They can take a little breather by going for a staycation, and they can already find many spots in Metro Manila for their Holy Week break.
Here are some fun staycation places in the National Capital Region:
Nad’s Place Manila
Location: Sampaloc, Manila
The district of Sampaloc in Manila is known to be surrounded by numerous universities and colleges as it is part of the University Belt or U-Belt. But amidst the busy streets of Sampaloc, there is a hidden gem for anyone who seeks to have a relaxing day.
Nad’s Place Manila is one of the recommended staycation spots by netizens, particularly because of its neat and aesthetically pleasing look.
Upon entering the vacation home, visitors will be welcomed with a bar with a huge sofa, a table, a large television and tall chairs. The door on the second floor, which will lead you to a spacious living room, and four other rooms are secured with a digital door-lock system. There is a balcony, a jacuzzi, and a private swimming pool where visitors can chill.
Klimba Villa
Location: Bagumbong, North Caloocan
Have you ever wanted to visit Bali, Indonesia for a vacation? Well, you no longer have to hop on a plane to feel the summer breeze that the island gives off to tourists, because you may have that experience just by traveling to North Caloocan.
In the area lies a Bali-inspired exclusive guesthouse where one can seek tranquility: Klimba Villa.
Surrounded by trees and plants, the cozy guesthouse boasts of two bedrooms with bathrooms, a common bathroom, an outdoor dining and kitchen area, and a grilling area. Of course, we cannot forget about the Bali-inspired swimming pool that is made of green sukabumi, a natural stone that can only be found in Indonesia, and black lava stones that can bring calmness and relaxation, among other benefits to human beings.
Maria’s Deck
Location: Barangay Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati
There is also a popular activity among millennials and Gen Zs to make their staycation a little bit extra. It is called glamping, a portmanteau of the words glamorous and camping. The main difference between glamping and camping is that the former has other amenities that will make people more comfortable.
Most glamping sites can be found outside the metro because they are closer to nature, but there is one site here in Makati City where you can upscale your camping experience amid the high-rise buildings.
Maria’s Deck is where one can experience a breezy rooftop staycation in a residential building. The glamping site has a large air-conditioned tent that can fit five single beds. There is a kitchen area with a char-griller, a bathroom, and a backyard with cushions and tables where visitors can bond and have chit-chats.
Container Home Mandaluyong
Location: Plainview, Mandaluyong
A unique glamping site in the metro can be found in the heart of Mandaluyong City, and it is called Container Home Mandaluyong.
Behind colorful shipping container gates, this glamping spot has air-conditioned container rooms with queen-sized beds, a detached shared bathroom with a bathtub, a kitchen area, and an outdoor deck equipped with mosquito zappers and fly repelling fans for visitors to fully enjoy the metro’s night sky.
Dormitos
Location: Cubao, Quezon City
There is also a unique, futuristic capsule hotel called Dormitos at the commercial heart of Quezon City.
This Japanese-style capsule dormitory–the first in the country–has over 100 spaceship-like pods which give off that main character feeling in a science-fiction film or series. These pods are separated for male and female customers. Access cards are given to enter the main lobby, the pod area, and their respective capsule pods, as well as keys for lockers and mini vaults.
Unlike other staycation spots, Dormitos doesn’t have a swimming pool or a jacuzzi, but it still has other amenities that customers can share, such as a sofa inside the pod area, a pantry, and air-conditioned shower rooms that are separated from the toilets. Dormitos is recommended for those who would like to spend time for themselves in a quiet place in the metro.
