Best long weekend destinations for an unforgettable experience

Baguio

My dad recently came home after how many years of working from Dubai and I haven't been to Baguio since pre-pandemic. I found comfort in the weather and being complete with my family after so long. 

— Gela Tianco, multimedia producer  

La Jolla Luxury Beach Resort in Bagac, Bataan

The resort is a hidden gem in the western tip of Bataan that sprawls on a 60-hectare tropical estate. It instantly captured my heart as it will only take you a few steps before you reach a secluded beach where you can get a gorgeous view of the setting sun. Aside from this, La Jolla Luxury Beach Resort has a welcoming mood thanks to its friendly staff and natural sceneries, and it also has lots of facilities that can give you a relaxing time such as its infinity pool and massage area. 

— John Patrick Magno Ranara, content producer  

Maramo River, Bulacan

The Maramo River, located at Sitio Sapang, Norzagaray, Bulacan, is one of my favorite long weekend destinations. My first time there was with my partner. We were both curious why this place is called "Little Palawan" and so wanted to see it for ourselves. 

You’ll need to do a 10-15 min trek before you reach the Maramo River to experience the beauty of nature. The best thing about the place is the view—it’s like you’re not in Bulacan! Those looking for a budget-friendly trip must at this to their agenda. 

— Yoniel T. Acebuche, content producer  

Boracay

The scenic island of Boracay is one of the places our family first visited when pandemic restrictions eased up. It was in the summer of 2022 that our family made our first LaBoracay memories, and they are ones I’ll hold on to forever. We stayed in a resort in Station 1, in a room just a glass door away from the white sand beach. Every time we stepped outside, we'd get a breathtaking view of the beach. Sunsets are truly picture-perfect here, and guests from other stations would walk a distance just to get a glimpse of it. We also enjoyed walking far on the sea while it was low tide in the afternoon. This was followed by relaxing strolls on the powdery shore as we discovered restaurants serving savory native dishes for dinner.

But more than Boracay's beauty, what makes our trip truly unforgettable for me is the company of my family, especially my Daddy who recently passed away. Because of him, my memories of enjoying the calm waters of Boracay on a laid-back afternoon in May 2022 altogether became a destination I wish to go back to over and over again.

— Justine Punzalan, associate editor

Batangas 

Since I have so much on my plate, slow days are rare for me and there are times when I would need some time to pause and just take it all in. When I do, I find myself in Batangas. It’s just a 90-minute drive from Manila—not too near, not too far, which makes it good enough to escape the hustle and bustle even just for a while. 

— Brooke Villanueva, deputy editor

Pico de Loro, Nasugbu, Batangas

There's always something about Pico de Loro that keeps me and my family going back. Although it can be hectic during peak season, I still like going there because of its well-maintained beach and amenities.

— Camille Santiago, head editor

Tagaytay 

The best thing about Tagaytay is that it is near Manila. The weather is nice—especially if you want to experience the same weather as Baguio’s—and there are plenty of attractions such as SkyRanch and Picnic Grove. For food lovers, the town also has lots of cafes and good restaurants. 

— Alain Robredillo,  social media producer