It’s been quite some time.
In the wake of the global shutdown in 2020, there was an eagerness to make up for lost time. New ideas came up, old dreams woke up, and the things we wanted to do stayed the same. Some places only stopped for a year, but for us, it felt like two. Even though people tried to reassure us, we still felt careful.
In 2022, things started fresh. Going on work trips helped me feel better about traveling again. It made me remember how much I love exploring new places. I thought, why not start my adventures close to home? Lots of countries had a hard time because of the pandemic, especially in tourism. So, why not begin by helping people in my own country? It felt right to start here.
Davao
Davao proved to be a swift yet impactful detour– a business trip that reopened the world to me. The sensation of being airborne once more, soaring through the skies, was an exhilarating reminder of the freedom of travel.
In Davao City, food is a winner. If you like seafood that’s fresh and not pricey, this is your spot. I had a great time at Roxas Night Market trying different grilled seafood, but I loved the grilled tuna and fresh seaweed salad the most. All of it cost less than 500 pesos or $10. We also tried charcoal and durian ice cream, cream puffs, and fruit tapioca. Surprisingly, my stomach felt fine after all that! Matina Square is another place for tasty and unique food. I had my first durian coffee there and enjoyed eat-all-you-can dim-sum.
Since it was mostly a work trip, I didn’t have much time to explore the city more and can’t provide quick tips. However, make sure to check out Poblacion Market for souvenirs, local stuff, and pearls. I also went to Davao Town Square, People’s Park, and the San Pedro Cathedral.
We squeezed in a quick visit to Samal Island. Stayed overnight at a resort, swam in the pool and beach. Samal is known for nice beaches and waterfalls. I really want to go back there just for fun!
Boracay
It’s been a really long time since I went to Boracay. And guess what? The beach still has that soft, white sand. The part of the beach called Station 2 is always bustling with busy restaurants and water activities. There are tons of shops and places to eat. You can do stuff like banana boating, kayaking on see-through boats, paragliding, and more. If you love doing things in the water, then Station 2 and 3 are perfect for you. Just remember, it can get super crowded, especially in the summer. We went there in mid-July, and there were still a lot of people.
But if you’re more into relaxing and quiet times by the beach, I’ve got a suggestion for you. We stayed at Movenpick in Station 1, and it was amazing. They not only give great service, but they also make sure you get the chance to really relax.
The place is known for its relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great choice for families. It offers a 5-star experience with excellent amenities.
The pool and other facilities at the resort were top-notch, providing a comfortable and enjoyable stay. While the food on-site was a bit pricey, it was definitely worth it due to the quality and taste. The resort’s surroundings were beautiful and added to the overall experience, making it a perfect spot to unwind and relax. Staff are friendly and attentive. Surely, I’ll recommend Movenpick to anyone š
If you prefer a less crowded experience, consider visiting Boracay during the off-peak season. Mid-July, as mentioned in my experience, was relatively less crowded. Make sure to negotiate prices too, compare first from various offers especially for water activities. Choose your station based on your preferences. Station 2 and 3 are bustling with activity, while Station 1 offers a more serene atmosphere. Movenpick in Station 1 was a fantastic choice for a peaceful retreat.
Bataan
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a special old-timey resort in the Philippines that takes you on a journey to the past. It’s in Bataan and has old houses from the Spanish-Filipino time. These houses were moved and fixed up to make you feel like you’re really back in history.
Imagine going to a museum where everything is alive. That’s what it’s like at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. The place shows off the old style of building from the past. There are streets made of old rocks, old furniture, and each old house has really careful designs. The whole place feels like it’s from a different time, and people who like history and tourists really like going there.
But it’s not just about the buildings. There are also things to do and tours that show you Filipino culture and history. They have shows that are like the old times and classes to learn about it too. The place wants to teach you about the past in a fun way.
Whether you like history, old buildings, or just want a unique and pretty place to relax, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a mix of old and new that’s worth going to. It’s a cool place to feel connected to the history of the Philippines.
We did our team building at Las Casas. We did quick activities and a history tour, and we had fun learning about the culture and history. The food was really good.
The only problem was everything was expensive so make sure to budget your food accordingly, and bring insect repellant lotion as there were a lot of flies. š¦
After the team building visit, we made a quick stop at Mt. Samat, a place steeped in historical significance. The memorial cross atop the mountain commemorates the heroic stand of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II. The views from the summit were breathtaking, providing a solemn yet awe-inspiring experience. It was a brief but meaningful pause to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who came before us, adding a poignant layer to our Bataan-journey.
Conclusion
Looking back, these trips reminded me how strong people can be and how cool it is to explore new places. Davao, Boracay, and Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar each added something special to my travel story, making me love the beauty, culture, and history of the Philippines even more. Thinking about these adventures, I’m just really thankful for the chance to rediscover the world and make awesome memories.
xxKat
Katwalking 