Where will you go this summer to beat the heat?

IF busy schedules and bank accounts allow, it would be great to head for a much cooler place during the summer. One can escape not only the heat, but also the stress, traffic and pollution. We asked several entertainers where their dream vacations would be, and what would they pack in their luggage. Their responses:

Brian Velasco (drums, Razorback) wants to own a house in Boracay, Milan or in the South of France, because he loves to travel.

"I love Paris! I also love New York despite the pollution and crime rate, because of the characters there. Cultures converge there-Italians, Mexicans, Jews, Filipinos, whites and blacks. But for summer, nothing beats the beach! When I make it big someday, I'm going to buy a house in Boracay or Puerto Galera. I'm going to retire there."

Ned Esguerra (bass, FreeVerse) loves music so much that he brings it with him even if he's on vacation. "If I had the time, I would tour the whole Philippines. I will travel light, magiging backpacker para adventure talaga. Bahala na kung anong mahanap ko doon.

"Ang dadalhin ko sa tour, either maliit na keyboard o guitar para makapagsulat pa rin ako ng kanta. Maybe I'll be inspired by the places I visit. Para kapag bumalik ako galing sa bakasyon, may mga kanta na kaming mare-record."

Joel Tolentino (drums, FreeVerse) chimes in that the beach is also the perfect vacation spot for him. "Sa Batangas ako pupunta. Dati every summer, kaming mga magba-barkada would go on vacation. This year hindi na mga ka-banda ko ang isasama ko, ibang barkada naman.

"Dadalhin ko yung CD player at mga favorite CDs ko: Madonna's 'Something to Remember,' South Border's 'Live Album,' and 'Compilation' by Hemisphere (techno)."

Andy Garcia (lead guitar, FreeVerse) fell in love with Cebu when they performed there. "Cebu is a good place for a short vacation. Must-haves for my trip are my cell phone, ATM card, credit cards and Palm pilot."

Bong Maquito (keyboards, FreeVerse) loves food and hates to sweat. "Sa Baguio ako pupunta para mag-relax at magbakasyon. Magdadala ako ng maraming pagkain, CDs at tapes. Ngayon, South Border ang pinakikinggan ko, pero magbabago yung taste ko depende sa mood ko."

Railey Valeroso would go to Baguio this summer because it's cool and relaxing. "I love cool weather, that's why I always go to Baguio. But my dream vacation would be in Europe. I'd like to see the Eiffel Tower.

"I'd also like to go to the States. I'd bring my CDs while on vacation because I like sound-tripping and watching basketball games."

AJ Eigelmann likes the beach and would go to Boracay. "I'd go snorkeling there. Someday I'd like to go on a European tour and see the key cities of Europe. When I'm on vacation, I just eat, sleep and watch TV so I'll just pack the basics."

Brian Revilla's favorite vacation spot is at home because he loves playing video games. "I like staying at home because I can rest there. My dream place would be heaven because I could see the people I've missed! I like to see my Lola again."

Raymond Bagatsing likes to meditate and commune with nature. "I'd like to go to Australia for a vacation. This summer, however, I'd settle for the beach or any place with a lot of trees.

"Being with nature helps me meditate and contemplate. I like to check myself sometimes and just listen to my heart and soul. I'd like also to dive."

Agot Isidro claims that she loves to travel but it can't be a spontaneous activity. "I love to travel pero kailangan planuhin ko. Getting away can be good to the mind, body and soul, only if you take three days off. Basta change of scenery lang.

"Jim Paredes taught me to make a list of 100 things I want to do in my life. I wrote: ski in Aspen, trek the mountains and go to Africa. My dream vacation would really be in Africa. I've been to Paris, Europe and New York, but Africa is a different world. You don't know what to expect because the place is so exotic.

"My favorite place here in the Philippines is Palawan. Maganda, parang wala ka sa Pilipinas. It's so soothing to be there. On vacation, I'd pack I few self-help books, or anything that's interesting."

Sharmaine Suarez wants to travel around the world and become a philanthropist. "If I had the money, I would travel all over. I love children, so I'd visit orphanages around the world."