DO you have any plans this coming weekend?
On August 28th, the Philippines will be celebrating National Heroes Day, a holiday dedicated to commemorating the Filipino heroes who have fought bravely for the freedom of the Filipino people.
This day – known in Filipino as the “Araw ng mga Bayani,” celebrates the likes of Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Melchora Aquino, and many others who sacrificed themselves for the betterment of their people.
This holiday was first enacted back in 1931, and the Philippines has been celebrating it ever since.
Aside from taking the time to honor the country’s heroes, though, this holiday also means that Filipinos get to take some time for themselves given that they have the long weekend to look forward to.
If you haven’t yet decided what you’re going to be doing this coming August 19 to 21, here are some places you can visit that are still pretty near Metro Manila, with little planning needed.
- Go on a food trip in Makati
If you’re looking for a fun-filled activity with friends but aren’t really in the mood to walk around amid Manila’s sweltering heat, why not spend the weekend going restaurant-lash-cafe hopping all over Makati? It’s popular for its variety of good food, after all.
Don’t worry if the people in your group aren’t really big eaters; those that want something a little on the lighter side can take the time to explore the cafes in Makati. One that is in right now is Odd Cafe, located in Salcedo Village and best known for its plant-based specialty coffee.
There’s also Papakape down on Ampere Street if you’re hoping to visit somewhere more outdoorsy. And if you’re looking for something a little different, here are some other places republicasia recommends for cute IG-worthy shops in Makati.
If you’re planning to eat a lot, though, you still have a ton of options to choose from. Seltsam on Amorsolo Street, for example, has a gorgeous view and great food. Or if you’re in Rockwell, you can get oysters at Wantusawa for just 50 PHP each.
There are a lot of lowkey places in Makati, too, that are pretty cheap considering the quality of the, like in the small Korean restaurants you can find scattered alongside different streets. Philippines Food Diary on TikTok recommends Kkakchi Bunsik on General Luna Street for authentic Korean Cuisine.
No matter your budget or who you’re with, Makati is a great way to explore different kinds of cuisine. Just be sure to bring an empty stomach and a full wallet.
- Take a chill pill in Tagaytay
At present, the temperature in Manila seems to be at an all-time high. Just last March, the Metro’s heat index hit a dangerous 39 degrees Celsius. Filipinos seem to be sweaty and tired basically all the time.
Now is the best time to go to a place like Tagaytay, where the weather is much cooler and the atmosphere, much more soothing.
Enjoy the breeze and greenery in Tagaytay by downing some snacks at the Tagaytay Picnic Grove, or the People’s Park in the Sky. Or make time to have a chat with the Lord by visiting the Pink Sisters’ Convent and Chapel, though that one’s a bit of a long walk.
You can also just enjoy the good food and sip some warm, thick tsokolate as you scroll through your news feed for the day.
Bag of Beans is known to be one of the best cafes in the area. There are also several aesthetically pleasing restaurants like the Greenhouse Cafe if you want to be surrounded by nature as you eat.
Or you can always just look for a good old bulalohan at the side of the road and fill yourself up with some good, hearty soup. One added bonus is a lot of them often overlook the Taal Volcano, so you have a gorgeous view of it while eating. Diner’s Original Bulalo is one such place with a view like that.
- Go for a hike in Cavite
Just a little ways away from Tagaytay are a number of great hiking spots in Cavite if you’re looking for an activity that’s a little more out of your comfort zone this coming weekend. Be sure to pack some stretchy shorts, a bottle that’ll keep your water cold, and a pair of shoes you don’t mind ruining.
If you’re looking for a more beginner-friendly hike, Mount Marami in Magallanes is your best bet. As per Marie Claire Lagrisola of Crown Asia, it’s less complicated and challenging compared to other mountain trails, so it’s easier to enjoy given its simplicity.
Mount Pico de Loro can be found in Ternate, Cavite, and there’s a vast array of trees and lush greeneries you’ll be able to walk past as you trek up to the top. It also has quite a few streams of water, and even a monolith to take photos with.
There’s also Mount Batulao, which is rated as number one on All Trails. This is in Alfonso, and as you reach the top, you’ll feel a cool breeze quickly start to envelope you to cool you down from your tired state.
- Splash around at the beaches in Batangas
If you have a car – or if you’re willing to commute – you can plan a trip to Batangas with your family and/or friends, whoever you’re more comfortable spending a little over three hours in a small space with.
Best known for the several beaches within its vicinity, Batangas is perfect if you’re hoping to swim and have all your worries washed away by the calming beach waves.
Some of the most popular beaches that you can visit are Calayo, Calatagan, and Matabungkay Beach.
Enjoy the view of the bountiful sea, or use your three days to get surfing lessons and pick up a new hobby. Take this time to enjoy the salty ocean breeze and the water crashing against your sand-covered feet, or lay down and get that tan you’ve been seeing on the Filipino it girls for months prior.
And if you aren’t a fan of beaches, you can always just go on a hike instead and enjoy the cool air atop the mountains, instead. Mount Maculot or Mount Batulao are just some of the mountains here known for their breathtaking views.
No matter what you decide to do with your time, be sure to rest up afterward with a belly full of food. There are a variety of popular restaurants in Batangas after all that are known not only for their delicious food but their gorgeous atmosphere, as well. Chef Chateau, for example, is a fancy restaurant perfect for when you want to wrap up your stay with something extra special.
There are also several cafes in Batangas that make for the perfect Instagrammable moment, and after all, what’s not to love about a hot cup of joe after spending hours straining your body? Some with beautiful views are the Prism Restaurant Cafe or the Casa Rap Garden Cafe.
- Bring the kids to Laguna
If you’re looking for a place with fun activities and a shorter travel time compared to Batangas, there are many amusement parks to visit in Laguna that are as age-appropriate as they are entertaining.
One of the most famous amusement parks not just in Laguna, but in the Philippines, is Enchanted Kingdom (EK,) which you can enter for around 1, 100 PHP per person if you’re planning to get Regular Day Passes. For kids that are 36 to 47 inches tall, tickets cost 770 PHP.
There are also discounts available on Klook for EK if you’re a senior citizen or a person with a disability.
And if you wanna take your kids swimming over the weekend, when you’re done with EK you can head on over to Splash Island, which is known as the number one water park in the Philippines.
Here, there are huge slides and floating obstacle courses. Tickets here range from 499 to 599 PHP per person, but you can always stay tuned on their social media pages for promos and discounts.
