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PAGASA already declared the start of the dry season so we are now expecting hotter days ahead. This is the time when most of us have started planning out our beach trips or has probably been to the beach to enjoy a nice cool down. I mean… with 7641 islands (not 1700), hitting the beach is the first thing that comes to mind when we start feeling the heat, literally and figuratively. Every corner of the country, with our long coast line, has a beach spot for every kind of traveler.  Thinking of where to go to beat the heat other than the beach? BUT… the Philippines is not just about beaches. There are destinations in the country where you can find a nice and cozy spot to cool down. Here are 5 “summer” destinations near the metro to help you beat the metro heat! 13 Waterfalls, Dona Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan Head up to the rustic side of Bulacan and enjoy the cold spring waters of Dona Remedios Trinidad. This part of the province remains largely unexplored and, thanks to the pandemic, its natural attractions are starting to get the attention of local travelers. DRT is the largest municipality of Bulacan and lies along the Sierra Madre mountain range. Its rugged terrain is a treasure trove of natural wonders that is waiting to be explored.  Finding my own jacuzzi spot at DRT's 13 Falls. 13 Waterfalls is just one of the many waterfalls that you can find in DRT. It also happens to be my favorite because it gives you a complete adventure of having to clamber through rocks and hike on trails to get to see the 13 “waterfalls”. The “waterfalls” are actually a series of water cascades that flow along Sapang Adarna. The falls located higher up the trail are more noticeable compared to those found downstream. The great thing about trekking through 13 Waterfalls is that you can always take a quick dip in its cold waters to cool you down along the trail.
The adventure is tiring but totally fun. Be forewarned though that the trek can be a bit of a challenge. Don’t expect to see grand cascades because only certain waterfalls will give you that amazing view. Some of it go unnoticed and that makes the whole experience exciting because you all end up counting less or more than 13 Falls. Check out the full blog here: Dona Remedios Na Yan! You can also checkout my travel video blog of 13 Waterfalls here: #ByahengOffTheGrid Done Remedios Trinidad Tinipak River, Tanay, Rizal Here is another adventure that will have you huffing and puffing before you get to enjoy the cold waters of one of the cleanest rivers in the country. Just two hours east of the metro, Tanay has become a favorite day and weekend destination with its diverse tourism activities.  The white limestone formations of Tinipak River was the first to attract travelers to this part of Tanay.
Tinipak River was the first to catch travelers’ interest on this side of Rizal. The white limestone formations of Tinipak was a natural wonder that got everyone amazed. The view and a dip in its cold waters was a perfect way to cool down after the hour trek from the jump off point or after climbing up the adjacent Mount Daraitan. There is also a cave that you can explore where its spring waters flow into Tinipak River.
Tanay’s tourism has developed from off-beat spots to a destination that offers diverse activities that cater to any kind of traveler. It has become an all-year round destination that will surely quench your thirst for adventure. But nothing really beats enjoying the summer views and the cold spring waters of Tinipak River. Check out the full blog here: Wow Tinipak! Buruwisan Falls, Siniloan, Laguna Situated along the Sierra Madre mountain range , Siniloan is another destination that will cool you down from the summer heat. Its waterfalls and green covers cools you down, the natural way. Of course, part of the process is getting you all muddied up first.  Buruwisan Falls is a perfect spot to cool down this hot season. The Buruwisan Falls experience allows you to enjoy walking through the forest covers of Siniloan and giving you that refreshing dip in its cold waters. There are, at least, three waterfalls that you will get to enjoy along the trail. The most majestic is Buruwisan Falls that cascades at a height of 180 feet. The view of its drop while getting refreshed by its cold water is the perfect way to end the hike before heading back to its muddy trail.
The eastern side of Laguna is perfect for chasing waterfalls. It is tiring but exciting because it gets you all muddied up first before enjoying a cool wash down. If you are the type who loves the gentle flow of cold water on your skin, Buruwisan Falls is a perfect spot for you. It warms you up before cooling you down. Check out the full blog here: Mount Romelo: A Peak and Chasing Waterfalls You can also checkout my travel video blog of Siniloan here: #ByahengOffTheGrid Siniloan Isla Maria, Cavinti, Laguna Isla Maria re-defines the phrase “stranded on an island”. Located along the waters of Lumot Lake, Isla Maria is a private island that you can enjoy for the weekend. It is just one of the many island lakes in the area where you can enjoy the rustic vibe.
Isla Maria gives you that unique experience of getting marooned on an island. You get to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature throughout your stay - from the morning sounds of the gentle slushing of lake waters to the rustling sounds of leaves in the afternoon to the cricket sounds at night. You also get front seats as you watch the sun setting down the horizon. You can also enjoy a cool dip in the lake or enjoy canoeing down its still waters.
Lake Lumot is a perfect spot to unwind. You get to enjoy cooling down while enjoying the sun. You get to experience the rural vibe by boating around and/or fishing out tilapias for your next meal. It is great place to beat the heat while it slows you down. It is simply perfect. Check out the full blog here: Isla Maria: Re-defining Island Living Pandin Lake, San Pablo, Laguna The City of San Pablo in Laguna is a destination where you can cool down during the summer. Apart from its cooler weather, the city is also blessed with 7 lakes. Pandin Lake was developed into a tourist attraction where you can enjoy a day adventure enjoying the views and its waters.  The relaxing and rustic beauty of Lake Pandin in San Pablo City.
The whole adventure starts with lunch aboard a balsa as local women maneuvers it across the lake. You get to enjoy a hearty meal as you enjoy the bucolic scene and the fresh air. The balsa is then anchored onto the side of the lake where you can choose to just relax on the balsa or jump into its cool waters. The still waters of the lake provides a good escape from the heat. A perfect way to end a roadtrip in Laguna before heading back to the metro.
San Pablo is a perfect getaway to escape the heat. Its location, along the foothills of Mount Banahaw give it a cooler weather. You can choose to explore the 7 lakes of the city or to simply enjoy a slow and laidback vibe that the city has to offer. Check out the full blog here: Road Tripping Majayjay-Liliw-San Pablo POST TRAVEL NOTES The dry season spells out beach plans for most Filipinos especially for those in Metro Manila. This is the time when most people would complain about the metro heat but would not mind the heat while on the beach. But beyond our coastlines, we also have inland destinations, like these 5 destinations, that can help us beat the heat and it ain’t the beach.  San tayo dadalhin ng init? Abangan. Philippine tourism is starting to pick up after the lowering down of the alert level across the country. People are now itching to travel and it was nice to see that we are seeing the influx in popular destinations. But let us also remember that there are also other lesser known destinations that is worth exploring and discovering. Let us explore beyond the usual, byaheroes! #StandTogetherPinoy
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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March 2023
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