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Philippines

Long weekend?
Source: Manila Bulletin
Author: Jaser A. Marasigan
Date: 2007-11-01
 
Everyone who works all week long yearns for the weekend, when they can relax, play and spend their hard-earned cash.

Some even find ways to celebrate the weekend with a mini–vacation, traveling to a nearby beach resort or visiting friends in another city. But what if you got two extra days to go with it? Just like next weekend when Nov. 1 and 2 falls on a Thursday and a Friday, All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day, respectively. What else would you do before or after a visit to the cemetery?

These long weekends are great ways to sample just about anything in the Philippines (and anywhere nearby), from toasting new towns to rip-roaring adventures. With cheap air fares becoming increasingly available, travelers are no longer limited to their own neighborhoods, for every beach resort and every mountain retreat is just a few hours away.

Some of the most well–travelled people know that mini-vacations do not have to mean mini-fun, rather they should create many memories for you to hang onto until the next long weekend.

1. Check in to a fancy hotel. Staying at a fine hotel means you can expect full service and privacy, for quite a tag price. If you want to stay in bed all weekend, sipping champagne and nibbling on chocolate-covered strawberries, room service should be able to accommodate this.

2. Pamper yourself at the spa. While one might think that going to a spa is a form of self–indulgence, spas can also have true therapeutic benefit. A two-hour massage can definitely relieve the pain and stiffness of muscles. So, if you decide to splurge and go to a spa resort, be adventurous. Try out their signature treatments, especially if they are unusual.

3. Beach getaway. Spending a weekend at the beach means sun, sand, sea and a variety of water activities to choose from. Beach resorts often rent sailboats, kayaks, and other watersports equipment.

4. Road trip. Got more time than just a weekend? Gas up, ready your backpacks and go on a road trip. Visit relatives or friends you have not seen for awhile. Remember, though, road trips usually never go as planned. There will be traffic, road work, and unplanned pit stops. There might even be a flat tire or two. Stay flexible and your road trip will be a much better experience.

5. Food trip. From the exotic Filipino delicacies to the sophisticated European cuisine. Metro Manila has so many specialty and dazzling trendy bars and restaurants where everyone can just drop in and hop from one restaurant to another. Dubbed as the latest food haven is Piazza Serendra in Taguig City. Among the favorites here are Mezze Luna, Guava, Thai at Silk, Gaudi and Cupcakes by Sonja.

6. Long weekend cruise. If you have less than five days, you are probably restricted to Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand or Malaysia. Vacationing onboard these so–called "fun ships" is like spending your weekend on a floating resort. Cruise packages come in several different sizes to fit your budget and your time constraints.

7. Romantic escape. There is something intrinsically romantic about weekend escapes. Just you and your partner, miles away from anyone you know. Romantic retreats are just waiting to be discovered anywhere in the country, where dozens of picture-perfect cottages and cozy cabins speckle the gorgeous landscaped mountains.

8. Explore the city. Urban dwellers who have been accustomed to seeing Manila as an urban jungle may have to revisit this city to re-open their eyes to the sampling of architectural treasures and historical sites it has. And one will be surprised at how such an array of sites with historical and cultural value awaits everyone just around the corner.

9. Bar hopping. Like anywhere else with a strong line of Latin ancestry, Manila is all about the rhythm. Thus, Manila’s nightlife is one of Asia’s most exciting. Malate is known for its street parties, Makati partygoers enjoy the delights of Greenbelt where bars and cafés are lined up next to each other, while other places offer dazzling cultural shows, futuristic clubs and KTV bars.

10. Try something new. Ever heard of wakeboarding, diving or surfing? Paddling against the surf, wakeboarding or rock climbing are ways to tone and tighten those muscles, providing healthy, action-packed vacations. Learn to do something new such as an exhilarating sport and get in shape for your next vacation.
 

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