Full steam ahead, that’s how 2024 is going, but where are we headed this year? Better yet, where are we aching to go?
The Philippine Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) of the Department of Tourism (DOT), along with Tatler Philippines, threw an intimate cocktail party at the Samba Restaurant at Shangri-La The Fort.
There were no more than 50 guests, each handpicked by Tatler Philippines managing director Irene Martel-Francisco because they, as she told me, “love to travel and explore, all of them very much attracted to wandering in places both new and favored.”

TPB chief operating officer Marga Nograles was, of course, the life of the party, whose raison d’etre, after all, was the Travel Philippines app, now enhanced with more features. We were all there to see how it could help us make 2024 the year we would see more of the country. “It seemed fitting to gather the people I chose around the COO as she shared the latest insights on the enhanced Travel Philippines app,” said Irene.
Incidentally, Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo, Stephanie Zubiri, and I have been asked by Irene to highlight why the Travel Philippines app is essential to our travel plans across the country. We all agreed that among its most appreciated features is that it’s easy to download and use. It’s a credible source of information on destinations, activities, what to do, where to stay, what to eat across all the regions of the Philippines. The app is designed to be your pocket assistant, where you can store, manage, and easily access e-copies of your travel documents, such as passport, boarding pass, hotel and restaurant reservations, and more. Plus, with the app in hand, it’s so much easier to avail of the latest, hottest deals and promos from accredited and trusted partners of both TPB and DOT.
It was a night bubblies, cocktails, and other heady drinks, delectable pica-pica with a clever Pinoy twist, not to mention a kilawin bar! But, champagne in hand, I made myself busy asking everyone about the pleasures and treasures they are aching to discover in the Philippines. Here are some of the answers.

I have always been fascinated with Batanes! It seems far removed from our amazing beaches. There is something raw, authentic in the photos I see of it—the scenic waters, terrain, and clean environment. I will find the time to visit and yes, I will make use of the TravelPH app in planning our trip. —Irene Martel Francisco

Tawi-Tawi is in my bucket list for its breathtakingly beautiful islands with almost untouched beaches and forests of corals and reefs, and lots of underwater life. They say it has the most beautiful seas on earth. But I find the sea nomads, the Bajaus, so intriguing, their way of life is so unique. I don’t know yet how to get there, but if I could, I would at the first opportunity. —Ching Cruz

Mt. Banahaw! I would love to explore our deeply mystical and spiritual ancestral heritage. I believe there is so much wisdom we can learn from our indigenous ancestors and how they connected to Mother Earth and the elements and saw the divine everywhere. I’m also fascinated by the marriage between the Catholic faith and our ancient beliefs. These are sacred places where these practices are very much alive! —Stephanie Zubiri

It’s only in the last few years that I got to see more of the Philippines and I get filled with so much pride each time. We really have beautiful beaches! I’m not much of a beach person so I think my top destinations would be more of the north. Growing up we drove up to Baguio every summer, riding horses and enjoying the cooler weather. I still remember my trip to Banaue, Sagada, and Vigan a decade ago, which really stuck with me. So much history, so many heritage sites, which I love, also the culture, the people, the food—the coffee!—the views up there, and the way of life. La Union, Laoag, Pagudpud, and Batanes are on my bucket list. —Monique Madsen

Last year, my destination of choice was Siquijor, so I made it a point to go and I did! I was there for almost a week. It was such a fun trip! The place is gorgeous, I was pleasantly surprised. And the food was really good. I had such a good time I made it a point to explore a new place every year. This year, a part of the Philippines I want to go is Tawi-Tawi. I’ve heard a lot of wonderful things about it, from its pristine beaches to its beautiful underwater life, food, and culture. —Kelly Misa Fernandez

I am very intrigued by Iloilo in the southeast portion of the Visayan island of Panay. It’s rich in historical beauty. I have deep family ties in Iloilo on my grandfather’s side and I hope one day to explore not only my own family history but the picturesque surroundings as well. —Rocio Olbes

Batanes has always intrigued me, not just because I have never been, but because of what I’ve seen and heard from others. It feels entirely different from any other part of the Philippines. Its location on the northernmost islands of the country, its unique weather and topography (and architecture), the different culture, flora, and fauna have always piqued my interest. I hope to experience them myself in the future. —Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo

Because I have always enjoyed our beaches more, now I am more curious about the mountains. I would love to go up north to Sagada and to the seaside cliffs of Batanes. Or maybe farther south to Bukidnon and Davao. —Chinkee Koppe

I’ve never been to Cebu, can you believe it? I am dying to explore its food scene, which I know and hear is excellent. I also want to go to Sagada for the weather, the small cafés, and the solace. —Nicole Ortega

I would love to explore more of Mindanao. In terms of landscapes, people, food, colors, and fashion, it looks quite unique and different from the rest of the Philippines. But I don’t know where I would start. Maybe Siargao, definitely for the vibe everyone talks about. I’d also like to go to Siquijor and Camiguin for the landscapes and the stories of friends who have gone and loved them. —Farbricio Sordoni

I have always wanted to visit Batanes, especially because apart from the scenic views I’ve heard it’s one of the places that have been able to really preserve traditions and keep its rich Ivatan culture! —Ella Pangilinan Miranda

I’d like to go to Siargao. I’m a creature of habit so we usually go to our favorite spots in Coron, like Club Paradise, and Boracay. I look forward to exploring new beaches around the Philippines. —Issa Litton