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Everyone is getting into their fit and healthy era nowadays. Whether it be getting a membership at a fitness club or joining runs, it is great to see that more people are making the right choice towards being an inch fitter and healthier. This might come as a surprise to many but I have been in the fitness industry for more than two decades. This movement was our dream when I started in the industry at the age of 24 and now it is starting to bear fruit.
Today I have decided to fuse two things that I am passionate about - my work and my local travels. This is NOT about where you would find the most health-conscious locals in the country. It is NOT about hiking or camping. This blog is about Philippine destinations that would challenge you to be more physically active while actually exploring the beautiful spots of the place. They provide you with a healthier alternative of adventure beyond the usual “touristy” way. Baguio City The City of Pines is popular for its cool climate. Whether it be a quick relief from the summer heat or enjoying the cold of the BER months, Baguio City is an all-year round destination. Most tourist often go around the city using their cars or by taxi which causes vehicle congestion along its popular spots, not to mention the challenge of finding a parking space. You see… the city’s infrastructures were not designed to accommodate this huge influx of residents and tourists.  Baguio is a walkable city. You get a different vibe when you walk the city. But here’s the thing… the City of Baguio is a walkable city. Locals usually just walk when doing their daily runs. That is the reason why locals get annoyed when tourists, who seem lost, block sidewalks because it slows down the pace of their daily grind. Walking around the city, from Burnham Park to Botanical Garden to The Mansion to Mines View, could help you complete your daily 10,000 step goal while enjoying the rustic views of the city. Exploring the city by foot would give you a more appealing Baguio vibe and you get to save up on gas and time.
The city also has a lot of open parks that offer various activities - biking and boating at Burnham Park, children’s parks where kids can play outdoors the OG way, easy hiking trails, and horseback activities through forest covers. Don’t just eat at restaurants. Go out and have a picnic with the family after a short hike or bike ride. You get to enjoy family time with nature which is good for mental health. Find your spot under the pine tree covers as you enjoy reading a book over a cup of coffee. Try these physical and mental activities on your next Baguio trip to give you that different pine vibe that heals. You can read more about my Baguio adventures here: Beyond the Usual Baguio Sunday Session Intramuros, Manila The Walled City of Intramuros is a “walkable” destination at the heart of Metro Manila. It fuses history and fitness because there is no other way to explore around it but on foot or on a bike. Well… if you have extra cash to spend, you can also go around it using the kalesa. But nothing beats exploring its nooks and crannies on foot as you get to discover beyond the usual sights.  Here's the thing... the best way to explore Intramuros is on foot. You can start your Intramuros walk at the historical Fort Santiago. This landmark warms you up as you walk around its sprawling space, from its barracks to its wall esplanade. From the fort, you can trace the footsteps of Dr. Jose Rizal from his cell to Puerto Postigo. All Intramuros landmarks are walkable from here. The Manila Cathedral, the San Agustin Church, Museo de Intramuros, Casa Manila, and Baluarte de San Diego are within walking distance from each other. You can get the vibe of the old Manila as you walk along its cobbled streets.
A leisure walk inside the Walled City gets you physically active while brushing you up on our history. This Manila spot perfectly fuses exercise and learning within and along its walls. The perfect way to end an Intramuros Day is to leisurely walk along its walls, enjoying the breeze from the bay, and breathing in the Manila skyline on the horizon. Intramuros literally walks you along its past. You can read more about my Intramuros adventures here: Boracay Island, Aklan Boracay Island is THE face of Philippine tourism. The island perfectly fuses the tropical beach vibe, picturesque sunset, and beach night life that most tourist, both local and international, look for on this side of the world. The island has definitely transformed from its 80's rustic beach vibe to its present unique rural-urban fusion.  Boracay Island is known for its amazing sunset views. Although island development has given its locals and guests more convenience moving around, Boracay Island’s 4-kilometer powdery white sand is still best explored on foot. Walking along the beachfront from Station 3 to Station 1 is a great way to sweat while getting that island tan. You can make quick stops along the way for a snack, to check out souvenirs, and to just enjoy the white sand beach view of the island's famous strip. You can also enjoy a Jonah’s fruit shake while finding your own beach spot. You may also opt to explore beyond Station 1 to discover secluded beach spots like Diniwid Beach. You will get to enjoy that Boracay Beach spot without the crowd.
The island of Boracay is an island that offers a lot of exciting activities. Whether you want to get a view from above or a view of what’s underneath its waters, the island got you covered. There are more activities to try out and lpenjoy. Its development has made things more accessible and convenient with public transport. But guess what, Boracay is still best enjoyed by walking along its white sand shores. You can read more about my Boracay in a Day adventures here: Random Travel: Boracay In A Day Metro Cebu The Queen City of the South is burning roads with its running era. The city is piping hot with organized runs happening almost every week in and around the city. It is a huge city that offers a wide array of physical activities while immersing in its beauty. Metro Cebu will surprise you with how it gets you active while exploring a different kind of Cebu.  A different view of Cebu from its city mountains. While most tourist would opt to see a bird’s eye view of city at Tops Cebu, there are more exciting way of enjoying the same view from its mountain trails. You can go on an early morning or late afternoon hike and watch the city change with the colors of dawn or dusk. I was actually surprised that the mountains of Cebu hold a lot of amazing natural attractions that give you a different side of the city. This city flawlessly fuses the urban and rural vibe.
Beyond hiking the city mountain trails, you can walk around the historical core of the city. All you need is a map and you can easily navigate your way around the Parian area. If you are into running, you make a quick run around the Capitol and Fuente Osmena Circle. Better yet, you can run over the Cebu-Cordova Bridge, the longest bridge over water in the country. You can also try exploring the beach spots and bird sanctuaries on a bike at Olango Island. Exploring Metro Cebu alone can give you that quick workout while giving you a taste of Cebu beauty and hospitality. You can read more about my Cebu City hiking adventures here: The Mountains of Sugbo Side Note: You can also get a quick workout fix at Anytime Fitness Robinsons Fuente and Anytime Fitness One Pavilion Mall. These two AF gyms are located at Cebu City, near the Provincial Capitol Area. To get a free day pass in Cebu, check out their Facebooks pages: Anytime Fitness Robinsons Fuente, Cebu City Anytime Fitness One Pavilion Mall, Guadalupe, Cebu City Anytime Fitness Talamban Times Square, Talamban, Cebu (Pre-selling soon!) Siargao Island Over land or water, Siargao Island is a physically active island. We are not just talking about paddling out and riding the waves. The island will also get you walking, biking, and paddling on calmer waters. Every corner of this island gets you moving.  Calming my mind in Siargao. Although there are public transports in General Luna, getting around its iconic spots is best done on a bike or by foot. This island gives you that back to basic vibe where you get to enjoy its rustic charm more if you are walking around. You really get to breathe in its rural feel that slows you down and the time. This island lets you enjoy its beauty the old-fashion way. It is like living back in the past.
Even if you are exploring its famous lagoon, you go on a kayak to paddle your way to your own corner. You walk along the coast of its tidal pools to see the beauty of its nooks and crannies. When hungry, you have restaurants that offer you a healthier menu. You can also take a break to enjoy a yoga session if you want to ground yourself in nature and just get re-charged. Siargao Island is a wellness treat for travelers who want to have fun exploring in a healthier way. You can read more about my Siargao adventures here: #GOT81SurigaoDelNorte: Ten Things That Will Make You Go #SiargaoNaNgaAngHinahanapNgPuso (Part 1) #GOT81SurigaoDelNorte: Ten Things That Will Make You Go #SiargaoNaNgaAngHinahanapNgPuso (Part 2) POST TRAVEL NOTES While most people like traveling with convenience, you get to discover and appreciate more of the place when you explore the not-so-usual way. Taking a walk around the town lets you see the details of the city and its attraction. Trying out activities that gives you a different view and vibe lets you catch your breath on its beauty that is seldom not seen by the usual travelers. The physical activity gives you a different experience that will make appreciate the destination more, something that both your mind and body will remember.  Exploring a different side of Metro Cebu next. Traveling is a form of a wellness activity. Exploring a new place is a great way to ground and recharge ourselves. The experience enriches one’s mind giving a breather to our mental health. And when you match it with a physical activity like walking while exploring, you give your mind and body a good experience that enriches your total well-being. Give yourself a little room for change when traveling. That #ChangeGetsYouMoving for your mind and body. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Side Note: If you want to get a health assessment before you travel, you can get a FREE Health Assessment and Day Pass at the following Anytime Fitness clubs: Anytime Fitness Southwoods, Binan, Laguna Anytime Fitness West Fairview, Fairview, Quezon City Anytime Fitness Eton Centris, Quezon City Anytime Fitness Eton Westend, Makati Anytime Fitness Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Paranaque Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels.
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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