marc7 travels |
The past days have been wet days in Luzon. With active weather systems affecting the Philippines, it was no surprise that it was bringing in the rains. Filipinos are used to these shifts in weather so we have already packed our stuff and prepared to stay home for the coming months… NOT!!! The Philippines is a year-round destination. We have got a destination in dry days and in wet days. In reality, weather is not and was never an issue for Pinoys when exploring. It was just a matter of choosing the right destination to fit the prevailing weather system. In line with the p weather, here are 6 destinations that is worth exploring that to make you through the rain. Quirino This landlocked province is a treasure trove for adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies. The mountains that stand guard has a lot to offer from its peaks down to its caves under it. A large part of the region is under the Quirino Protected landscape, that lies along the upper portion of the Cagayan River, that preserves its natural attractions. This is where water dances with the curves and corners of the mountains. You really get the rustic vibe as you enjoy the amazing panoramic views of the mountains at Landingan View Point. The view perfectly fuses the flower gardens, the mountains, and the river that snakes through the landscape. The view of the river reminds you of the adventure of getting splashed around its rapids and enjoying a quick jump into its cold waters as you enjoy the rock walls that lie along its banks. Exploring the trails of these mountains brings you to breathtaking views of waterfalls, caves, and amazing rock formations. Quirino is definitely an underrated mountain adventure that is best enjoyed during the wet seasons. It may not have the beach spots but the fresh waters that cascade and snake around its rugged terrains can give guests a good ride. The mountains of Quirino, not only protects its territory, but also holds a pack full of adventures for curious travelers. You can read about my Quirino travel adventure here: Liwliwa, Zambales Zambales is a year round Philippine destination. From its islands to its hiking trails to its beach coves, the province has a lot to offer for any kind of traveler. Liwliwa is a popular weekend spot among local travelers owing to its proximity to the metro and the chill vibe that it offers. It is an all-weather beach spot, whether you want to have fun under the sun or the melodramatics of an afternoon drizzle. Liwliwa has evolved from an off-beat surfing destination to a popular weekend spot of metro people. It has kept its laidback vibe but has more to offer to its guests, from the initial surfing and beach bumming to more diverse activities like ATV activities, waterfall chasing, beach bars, and yoga classes. Weekends at Liwliwa has become more crowded. But despite the crowd, I still got to enjoy what I love the most doing in Liwliwa - chilling down with a drink while enjoying the view of its sunset. Liwliwa is one destination where I have seen it develop from a laidback vibe to a more vibrant experience through the years. Its popularity has grown, thanks to social media, and with it came development in the area. We have more options now in terms of dining and accommodation. We have more people enjoying the beach. And on my mind, I would still try to find my solitary and serene spot in Liwliwa where I can enjoy the place like the old days. You can read about my Liwliwa travel adventure here: Intramuros This spot in the metro exudes that melancholic vibe as the rains pitter patter on its cobblestone streets. The place transports you back to the good old days of Manila. The walls of Intramuros protected a huge chunk of history that we can literally walk its streets and learn from our distant Filipino past. Under the sun or under the rain, both seasons can offer a different perspective of Intramuros. Behind the walls of Intramuros is a treasure trove to explore and discover for anyone who is interested or loves history. Its collection of museums gives you a glimpse of the old Spanish days whether it be the lives of its residents or the faith that bind these residents. The lavish lifestyle of its residents, the gates that open to other local communities, the horrors of its garrisons during the war, and the last days of our national heroes are all fused inside its thick walls. The stories of Intramuros makes you understand how we can be better at being a Filipino, and with a little rain, learning it can be a little more dramatic. I strongly agree that EVERY Filipino should get to explore Intramuros at least once in their lifetime. We should be spending more to attract the younger generation to explore this historical destination at the heart of the metro to build their sense of pride and nationalism. We can build a better nation by cultivating nationalism among the youth by putting premium on our history. You can read about my Intramuros travel adventure here: Badian, Cebu The province of Cebu is another treasure box of amazing destinations. The province is an all-year round destination that has a lot to offer to its locals and guests from sun up to sun down and whether the sun is shining or the rain clouds are hovering. Its beauty rolls from the top of its mountains to the depths of its sea. Badian is one destination that gives you that fun-filled experience, rain or shine. The main draw of Badian is its Canyoneering experience along the turquoise waters of the Canlaob River. The experience had us flying over the mountain slopes of Badian to the jump off point of the canyoneering adventure. From here, you would be trekking along and into the river, and I really mean INTO the river. The activity will challenge your fear of heights and water as you jump inthe cascading waters of Canlaob. The canyoneering will get you dripping wet, rain or shine. The thrill and chill of Canlaob River adventure is perfect against the backdrop of the lush forests that surrounds you. The experience gives you a full sensory experience - the rustic views are relaxing to the eyes, the sound of water rushing down the river is relaxing to the ears, and the feel of the cold water on the skin soothes one’s tired muscles. The canyoneering adventure immerses you with nature, literally and figuratively, to be refreshed and re-energized by the nature. Badian is a perfect way to enjoy the wet season in the Philippines. You can read about our Badian travel adventure here: Siargao Island Beach spots are usually associated with the dry season in the Philippines but this island on the west side of Mindanao packs a punch with as an all weather destination. From beaches to lagoons to swimming with the jellies to night outs, Siargao Island is a must-visit destination. It is an island that fuses rural living with a touch of urban flare all hidden behind its coconut trees and white sand beach spots. Siargao Island has gained popularity for its “afam” guests and you can’t blame foreigners for radiating towards the beauty of this island. It does give you a laidback tropical vibe and fuses it with adventures that allow you to immerse and enjoy the beauty of nature. Where else can you find a destination where you get the thrill of riding its waves and the thrill of swimming with thousands of jellyfish. You can enjoy the sun and play beach volleyball with strangers at Guyam and/or find your self alone aboard a kayak enjoying the calming sound of nature, with a slight drizzle, at Sugba Lagoon. You can explore the rock pools of Magpupungko and indulge your palate with Siargao’s pan de coco. There is always something to do and enjoy at Siargao Island, rain or shine. If there is one island that I would like to return to and explore again, Siargao island is on my top 3 list. It is a destination that brings back rustic childhood memories of vacations in the province. This island humbles you,m as you enjoy its natural beauty and the activities that it offers. It teaches you that life is best enjoyed by its simplicity. Whether you are under the Siargao sun or enjoying getting a wash from its rain, this island sends you home with a different perspective after an awesome adventure. You can read about my Siargao travel adventure here: POST TRAVEL NOTES The rains have been drenching us over the past days and weeks. Metro Manila has been lucky enough that, even with the billions spent on flood control, a little rain brings out the flood pools of the metro. But we should not let the weather dampen our spirit of adventure and exploration. Rain or shrine, there will always be a destination worth exploring in the Philippines! Traveling is not just about taking a flight or a bus to a destination. The best place to explore during the wet season is your own locality. Explore and discover the nooks and crannies of your place. Share it and, who knows, you might just unravel the next tourism destination in the Philippines. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas 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. Archives
November 2024
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