Destination ideas for this coming Christmas vacation: A 'Biyahe ni Drew' guide

Christmas season is the season of giving. But did you notice that it is also the season when you do a lot of writing and listing? From breaking down on how to spend the Christmas bonus, dates of parties to attend, ingredients and recipes of food to cater for noche buena and of course, the names of your inaanak and their gifts, you all list them down so you won't forget a single thing.

Since it is the season of giving and listing, 'Biyahe Ni Drew' is giving you an additional list! List of places that can visit during the Holidays and will surely make you feel the Christmas vibes even more.

1. Somewhere down the road

Looking for a trip where you can see Christmas decors along the way? You may visit San Fernando Pampanga and be amazed with their giant and beautiful lanterns during the Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul in Kapampangan). The popularity of the festival made Pampanga the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines” (so what are you waiting for?)

For more information, check out Biyahe ni Drew’s Pampanga itinerary here

Still in the north, an ancestral house in Bulacan was renovated from being simple to a Christmas decor museum! Casa Tetangco in Calumpit will bring out your enthusiasm for Christmas decors. Von Tetangco is the person behind Casa Tetangco. From his travel, Von had collected numerous memorabilia and he come to the point that he wanted to share these memorabilia to everyone. His collections include mechanical displays, Coca-cola and M&M’s toys to name a few.

(From Unang Hirit Facebook page, photo courtesy of UH segment producer James Bautista) Caption: One of the displays in Casa Tetangco, hope that Santa Claus will also visit this cute town.

But if you are looking for a place within the metro, Ayala Triangle is the perfect place. Watch the  lights dance to the beat in the Festival of Lights that opened last November 9. It will be shown 30 minutes nightly, from 6pm up to 10pm until January 4, 2016.

2. Sea-ing Christmas differently

Summer is extended this December so go beach bumming! (It’s not that cold right?) Say hi to Ticao Island in Masbate and get the chance to meet the gentle sea giants such as manta rays and whale sharks. Ticao Island is slowly becoming a tourist attraction because of its healthy marine biodiversity.

For more information, check out Biyahe ni Drew’s Ticao Island itinerary here.

It’s a perfect day to look for manta rays and whale sharks! Let’s hope Drew will get a chance to meet them.

Speaking of marine biodiversity, you may try the fish feeding activity in a marine protected area in Padre Burgos Southern Leyte. Remember, it’s the season of giving so give those fish some food. Plus, Padre Burgos is a perfect place for a serene and relaxing vacation. Its scenic place, the powder-like sand and the sound of the waves while touching the shore will surely make you feel that you’re in paradise.

For more information, check out Biyahe ni Drew’s Padre Burgos Southern Leyte itinerary here.

It seems that this fish is too shy for a picture

Or overcome the cold water and go diving in Apo Island in Dumaguete City. Well, it is not just diving but muck diving. It is a sea activity where you dive and explore through the seafloor to meet little sea creatures.

For more information, check out Biyahe ni Drew’s Negros Oriental itinerary here.

Drew trying the muck diving activity. 

3. To the top

Isn’t it more exciting to wait for the sun to shine while on top of Mount Pulag with your loved one?

Putting the star on a tall Christmas tree gives you that exciting feeling about Christmas. But looking for stars on top of a mountain is more exciting to try this yuletide season. Brave the cold and  long trek up to “the playground of the gods”, Mount Pulag in Benguet and enjoy its breathtaking views while you are 2,922 meters above sea level. Just make sure to get reservations and attend the DENR orientation because it is where people learn about the history of the mountain, and also the do’s and don’ts. #BiyaHero!

A medical certificate is also a requirement for those who want to climb for safety purposes.

For more information, check out Biyahe ni Drew’s Mount Pulag itinerary here.

What to see when 2,922 meters above sea level? Sea of clouds!

In Dalaguete, the vegetable basket of Cebu, prepare yourself to fall in love with the majestic scenery when you reach the Osmeña peak. It is also a perfect place to wait for the beautiful sunrise.

For more information, check out Biyahe ni Drew’s Dalaguete itinerary here.

Drew be like: “I really really love my job! This is the life!”

In case 2,000 plus meters above sea level is too high for you, you may try the rock climbing activity in Atimonan. The Tinandog Wall is considered as one of the major rock climbing spots in the country and it has route for all kinds of climbers, even for beginners.

For more information, check out Biyahe ni Drew’s Atimonan itinerary here.

Tinandog Wall climbing experience is a good stepping stone for beginners in rock climbing.

4. No more ‘no fly-zone’ holiday!

Many did not get the chance to get a vacation out of the country last APEC week because of the ‘no fly-zone’ policy. Now is the perfect time to reschedule your getaway! Do you want to build a snowman? Then go to Hokkaido Japan where it is almost always winter. Enjoy the snow and do some activities like skiing, snowboarding and many more! (or you just really want to build a snowman?)

For more information, check out Biayhe ni Drew’s Hokkaido itinerary here.

Wanna play in the snow? Use a board equipped with bindings for the feet so you can easily maneuver down snow-covered slopes. Snowboarding in short :)

South Korea is also a perfect place to visit before the year ends. Have a gastronomical adventure with Korean dishes or shop ‘til you drop at Myeongdong district for cosmetics and clothing. Or just, like what they say, go Seoul (soul) searching.

For more information, check out Biyahe ni Drew’s South Korea itinerary here.

When travelling, don’t forget to try their delicacies and eat like a local.

But if you are brave enough to give yourself extreme activities, Guam is just waiting for you to visit. Embrace the clouds and go skydiving or enjoy the picturesque stretch of Guam’s sea in Zip Guam.
Zip Guam has a total of 6 lines and each stop’s length averages around 300 and 400 feet per line.

For more information, check out Biyahe ni Drew’s Guam itinerary here.

Sky and chill. Looks like Drew is really enjoying his dive from the sky!

---Kim Bernardino/BMS, GMA Public Affairs