The spirit of independence is still on a high. Celebrate it by discovering and supporting the beauty of our country

We must understand that ‘responsible travel’ is not defined as stopping development or staying home.

Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, Restituto Javier, Guillermo Masangkay, Aurelio Tolentino, Faustino Manalak, Pedro Zabala, Jose Rizal, and the rest of the Katipuneros and our ancestors who fought long and hard in a 300-year battle against Spanish rule succeeded in liberating us exactly 123 years ago. In an ironic twist, there is a much larger threat that has taken away our freedom today. This invisible enemy attacks all, regardless of race, nation, age, and gender—the COVID-19 pandemic.

The contagious and deadly virus has plagued us for over a year now, preventing us to fully reap the fruits of our heroes’ sacrifice, and effectively taking away our privilege to roam our own islands and wondrous sites. This means that those who have been fully vaccinated, should at least do their countrymen a service by supporting the local economy and helping the tourism industry by traveling responsibly.

We must understand that “responsible travel” is not defined as stopping development or staying home. It is about planning trips meticulously aligned with health protocols so that everyone is able to immerse in the great outdoors, the cultural and traditional ways of a community, all the while leaving a positive footprint on the destination.

So go out there and explore the lures of the Philippines.

The art capital

Otherwise known as the city of pines and the summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio is famous for its cool weather, flower festival “Panagbenga,” rich culture depicted in its rich arts and crafts scene. The fast-paced developing city deserves more attention when it comes to local art and artistry. Director Jovita Gonongan of the Department of Tourism (DOT)–Cordillera explains that “Baguio City is dramatically living up to its title as the Philippines’ first UNESCO Creative City as collective creativity literally soared to greater heights. Although crafts and folk art represent an essential cornerstone of the city’s local trade and creative tourism economy, Baguio City works toward developing the sector’s sustainability through intergenerational transfer of knowledge and skills.” The vibrant art community is totally worth the climb.

Must visit: Ili-Likha Artist Village, the brainchild of National Artist, filmmaker, and writer Eric de Guia aka Kidlat Tahimik. The place, as years passed, has turned into one of the city’s not-so hidden gems where you can expose yourself to inspiring art and try delicious food right along Assumption Road.

Requirements: Baguio VISITA Account | Negative RT-PCR/rapid antigen/saliva test | Confirmed accredited hotel booking | Confirmed Itinerary | QR code tourist pass

Shrine of good faith

“If Boracay is a party girl, then Bohol is a dalagang Filipina. Courting her takes time, but once you get to know her you fall in love hard,” says general manager (GM) of Amorita Resorts, Leeds Trompeta. Bohol’s Panglao Island has always been compared to Aklan’s Boracay, both with white-sand beaches, serene waters, and abundant underwater life. Panglao is renowned internationally for its world-class diving spots, and yet, beyond the water activity, staying at Amorita Resort is a treat on its own. The Seaview Pool Villa presents guests with their personal swimming pool in front of a breathtaking panorama of the ocean. Currently the prices of the rooms have been slashed to nearly half.

Must Visit: Apart from the resort and Alona beach, the Blood Compact Shrine is 25 minutes away from the hotel. Bohol plays a vital role in Philippine history having witnessed the Spanish-era blood compact between Rajah Sikatuna of Bohol and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi of Spain. This Sandugo serves as the First Treaty of Friendship between the two leaders. In honor of the historical event, Bohol native and National Artist Napoleon Abueva crafted a sculpture, which was placed in Barangay Bool in Tagbilaran City. There are also historical churches within Bohol that exhibit Spanish presence marked by carvings, frescoes, and stone churches of the 15th century.

Requirements: Confirmed hotel booking | Negative RT-PCR test result | Online registration for QR Code | Letter of Acceptance from the LGU | Booking of DOT-accredited tour operators only | TRAZE app

Beach please

Our beach reunion, long-overdue, can finally happen with Discovery hotels and resorts vouchers on stay. Book now with the option of using your reservations for later, valid until December next year. Spend leisurely afternoons watching the awe-inspiring Boracay sunset with vouchers at Discovery Shores Boracay available from ₱12,000 nett inclusive of ₱1,000 resort credits per night, daily buffet breakfast for two at Sands Restaurant, including roundtrip airport transfers from and to Caticlan Airport. Western Visayas residents get a special rate of ₱9,000 nett with the same inclusions.

Relish the tickling sensation of the blue waters lapping at your toes as you walk along the shoreline on an expansive 700-meter beach of the private island of Dimakya. With rates starting at ₱9,000 for Palawan residents and ₱11,000 nett for other travelers, you can take in the pristine atmosphere of Club Paradise Palawan and enjoy daily breakfast with a companion at Firefish Restaurant and special benefits for restaurants and bars.

The luxury of space is within reach via the city hotels. Discovery Primea invites guests to have a relaxing staycation in the heart of Makati starting at ₱7,500 nett for a business flat. Realize the longing for different urban spaces at Discovery Suites starting at ₱5,500 nett for a junior suite and ₱11,600 nett for a three-bedroom suite—all with a complimentary Discovery pizza during your stay.

Reward yourself or gift the vouchers to family or friends. Discovery Hospitality Corporation’s Independence Day Sale is until June 18, 2021. My Discovery Elite members get additional discounts of up to 10 percent when they avail of these deals. http://bit.ly/IDSale2021

Requirements: COVID-19 Testing | Flight Booking | Confirmed Accredited Hotel Booking | Health Declaration Form | Boracay Tourist QR Code | Island Transfers