Lucban in the province of Quezon is best known for celebrating the Pahiyas Festival, one of the Philippines most colorful harvest festivals, every May. The town is also known as a religious destination for pilgrims since it’s home to the 50-feet high Kamay ni Hesus Shrine, reportedly the third biggest Christ the Redeemer statue in the world.
The towns of Angono and Binangonan in Rizal offer an alternative destination where you can admire art and enjoy food trips near Manila. Angono, known as the “Art Capital of the Philippines,” is home to quirky folk art museums, art galleries like the Blanco Family Museum, and homegrown restaurants that serve native and exotic cuisine.
The neighboring town of Binangonan is also considered a cradle of arts in Rizal. It’s here where you can find the famed Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs (the oldest known work of art in the country) and ArtSector Gallery and Chimney Cafe, an art and food spot that’s grabbed the interest of folk from Metro Manila.
Al fresco dining has really made a comeback in the Philippines because of the pandemic. Since restrictions eased earlier this year and COVID cases are down, families and barkadas are dining out all together again during weekends, but many still prefer to meet up in al fresco spaces for safety. While mall-based restos with open air dining are an option, scenic places near Manila like Tagaytay and Tanay have just boomed with al fresco cafes and pop-up coffee stalls.
But because gas is so expensive these days, nearer destinations are becoming more appealing. For those based in the metro, Antipolo is always a popular destination that has an out-of-town feel and great views, but is still relatively near the metro and easy to drive to if you just wan to to enjoy a quick brunch or coffee with friends. For bikers, Antipolo is also one of the most popular spots near Manila to bike to for coffee or weekend rides.
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NOTE: The article below and most photos were taken during various pre-pandemic visits, but I’ve updated the latest guidelines and rates with information available as of January 2023.
Latest Guidelines (updated January 2023)
The museum is open from Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Closed on Mondays
Walk-in only (no reservation required)
No pets allowed
For photoshoot and event inquiries: Email them at pintoartmuseum@yahoo.com
After almost three years of socially distanced dining and making do with home delivery, this is the year to reconnect with family and friends for weekend food trips. While some well-loved establishments along Maginhawa, the “eat street” permanently closed, other restaurants adapted by providing more al fresco dining options or shifting to delivery. Others, which shut their doors, have reopened or branched out.
Here are a few new restaurants and old favorites around the Maginhawa and Malingap neighborhood of Teacher’s Village and nearby UP Diliman in Quezon City where you can go food tripping this 2023.
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines and the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) will join the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia on 02-05 February 2023 to showcase what the Philippines has to offer to the international market and strengthen business relationships to further boost the country’s tourism.
When it comes to leisure staycations, accommodations are the most important factor to consider. Camping and glamping have become more popular among families looking to spend time outdoors after months of being cooped up during the pandemic era.
In fact, there’s been an increase in demand for unique sleeping quarters like treehouses, camper vans, farm stays, and more catering to leisure travelers who want to experience something new. Data from Airbnb shows that searches for unique homes has exploded in the past three years, creating potential earning opportunities for hosts.
As a way to combat the traffic in the metro, the Pasig River Ferry System continues to offer FREE rides for the whole year starting January 2023. This is currently the only water-based transportation in Metro Manila that cruises along the Pasig River from Pinagbuhatan in Pasig to Escolta in Manila. The route passes through several cities including Pasig, Mandaluyong, Makati, and Manila.
One of the best things about this route is that bicycles, both folding and full-size versions, are permitted on the Pasig River Ferry, making it easier for bike commuters as well as leisure bikers who want to combine their trips with a river ferry ride to get to the Escolta or Intramuros area from other parts of the metro.
Royal Enfield Quezon City, the flagship showroom of Royal Enfield in the Philippines will be holding its first ever custom motorcycle building competition and incorporating a tambike session. The event will be participated by 10 veteran and upcoming custom motorcycle builders.
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