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Friday, March 29, 2024

I dream of travel

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WITH the promise of Covid-19 vaccines, how exciting it is to dream of traveling again. The family has finally started to discuss taking that long-delayed vacation to Boracay Island, perhaps toward the end of the year, when—fingers crossed—everyone is sure to have the life-saving jab.

The family has always loved the beach, white sand or otherwise. We were practically reared by the beach every summer, as we visited our Papa’s home province of Capiz, and the one-month break would always find us swimming in the salty waters of the baybay and raking the sand for cagaycay.

And now that we are much older, we continue to enjoy soaking up the sun’s rays (our skin now slathered with lotions to protect us against its more harmful UV), breathe in that pleasant briny smell in the air, relax with the cool breeze in the evening, and savor the fresh seafood accompanied by strong libations to fill up our hungry tummies, in Boracay.

A glimpse of Mount Hibok-Hibok on the boat trip from White Island in Camiguin.

I am guessing that for now, many of us will still be sticking close to home, or will just travel to domestic destinations, instead of taking a 14-hour trip to, say, Prague or New York. Even if I get vaccinated, I’d still be wary of breathing in regurgitated or recirculated air, Hepa-filtered or otherwise, aboard a long-haul aircraft.

So here are my other favorite, must-visit local destinations:

ILOCOS SUR. There is nothing more breathtaking than taking a walk along the cobbled streets that romance has preserved. Calle Crisologo in Vigan has long been a center of commerce in this province north of Manila. But its Filipino-Chinese homes and ground-floor retail shops continue to thrive because of the romances between Japanese soldiers and the local women in World War II. As the stories go, even when ordered by their superiors, the soldiers refused to burn down Vigan as they already had families there.

INTRAMUROS. The incredible depth of history the Walled City holds makes it a major attraction for history buffs like myself. Fort Santiago has the Jose Rizal shrine, a replica of the late hero’s home which houses a number of memorabilia. There are also paintings and religious art at the San Agustin Church Museum, while Casa Manila speaks to the traditional way of life of Filipinos during the Spanish period. (Visit Intramuros’s Facebook page for details on visitor requirements.)

LAGUNA. Stop off at Casa San Pablo, a bed-and-breakfast with a rustic charm, quirky guest rooms, and delicious cuisine from the freshest of ingredients. Travel onward to visit Ugu Bigyan’s pottery studio for a glimpse of the master’s earthen creations. Then set off to Liliw to see how native slippers are made, and purchase sturdy casual footwear at bargain prices.

ILOILO/NEGROS OCCIDENTAL. For the food alone, these two provinces are my best bets. When in Iloilo, hang out at Madge’s Cafe with its homegrown brews and pastries in the La Paz Public Market, after a bowl of steaming batchoy at Deco’s. For lunch or dinner, escape to a generous yet inexpensive meal of oysters, shrimps and more at Breakthrough. In Negros, a visit to Silay for the lumpiang ubod (Emma Lacson) and ensaimada (El Ideal) are also musts, in between tours of their heritage houses, along with a side trip to see the Church of the Angry Christ in Victorias City.

The tarsier of Bohol is the smallest primate in the world.

BOHOL. This province boasts of the most number of Spanish-era heritage churches, which have been rebuilt and fortified since that fateful earthquake in October 2013. Of course, one shouldn’t miss the Chocolate Hills especially during summer when the grass is all toasted. A river cruise along Loboc River comes with a hearty lunch and musical performers. After alighting from the boat, check out the tarsiers in one of the private sanctuaries. Kids will love these tiny furry creatures.

CAMIGUIN. I’ve never seen white sand a powdery cream, and waters as clear as Boracay’s except in White Island. There are no shacks nor plantation to protect against the sun so it’s best to go early morning or late afternoon. Camiguin also hosts a number of well-preserved ancestral homes, some of which have been turned into restaurants. Life and property surround the still-active Mount Hibok-Hibok, which helps nourish the province’s farms and feed its clean spring pools.

On my wishlist, as I’ve never been to these destinations before, are Siargao, with its myriad or islands and beaches in which to swim around; Caramoan Islands, the site of the reality show Survivor, with white sand beaches and limestone forest, and rich marine life; and Siquijor, with its hidden beaches, waterfalls and caves.

With our country’s more than 7,600 islands, it won’t be that difficult to find amazing destinations we can enjoy. I’m so looking forward to my next travel adventure.

Image credits: Stella Arnaldo
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