Wow Pasko! Travel Destinations This Christmas Season

Christmas is just around the corner and aside from the holiday shopping and activities, people also look forward to a long and restful vacation. Whether with family, friends, or going   for a solo adventure, the Philippines offers a list of perfect destinations to visit this Christmas.

Knowledge Channel’s Wow features some interesting places to visit and interesting activities to do from Baguio to Mindanao this Christmas Season. Check out the complete list below!

1. Baguio City

The Summer Capital of the Philippines can also be considered as Christmas destination favorite because of its cool weather, which can easily drop below 10 degrees Celsius from November to February.

The pine trees, winding roads, and “countryside feel” make Baguio a perfect getaway for those looking for a peaceful sanctuary. It is also home to the cheapest and freshest vegetables, fruits, and other fresh produce thanks to the city’s cool climate.

Baguio Country Club is also worth visiting for its highly popular Christmas Village which runs from November to January. The village was set up to let visitors experience the so-called “White Christmas” of Western countries.

2. Ifugao Province

Ifugao, which means “from the mountains”, is a highland region at the center of Luzon. Aside from its cool climate, Ifugao is home to the Banaue Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This man-made wonder was the Ifugao tribe’s way of adapting to the landscape so they can plant rice in the absence of flat land. The terraces are so vast that if they are connected together from end-to-end, it would encircle half the globe.

Aside from the majestic mountain views, Ifugao is also popular for its Bale, which is considered to be the “first pre-fabricated house in the world,” according to renowned anthropologist Otley Beyer. These can be seen and experienced in the Banaue Ethnic Village which houses actual Ifugao native houses that have been relocated and preserved.

This place is a great alternative Christmas experience especially those who want to get to know some Philippine traditions in precolonial times.

3. Tanay

For those looking for a quick getaway from the metropolis, Tanay is the best place to visit. Despite its close proximity to Metro Manila, Tanay is a famous vacation spot during the Holiday Season due to its cool weather which can match that of Baguio’s. A lot resorts, hotels, and restaurants have been established in the area, making it easy to book an overnight or weekend stay.

One popular resport is 21-hectare JE Camp and Resort, where former President Joseph ‘’Erap’’ Estrada used to stay during his house arrest. For those who want to experience nature, Daranak Falls is a perfect stop to have a picnic or go for a swim. It’s name originated from the word ‘’Dara’’ meaning “body of water” and ‘’danak’’ which means bubbles.

Tanay is a great weekend escape for those who live in the city and those looking for an adventure-filled Christmas.

4. Misamis Occidental

For those who have the budget and time to travel further, the province of Misamis Occidental in Mindanao is an unlikely yet delightful choice for a Christmas vacation spot. The city of Tangub, believe it or not, is the so-called “Christmas City” of Mindanao as it showcases replicas of famous monuments all over the world decorated in Christmas lights. This Christmas Village has recently been attracting more tourists and visitors as it mounts more attractive and entertaining displays year after year.

For those looking for a more spiritual holiday experience, climbing up to Caluya Shrine is a worthy option. The shrine is a replica of the Cristo Redentor or Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. One can get a full 360 view of Misamis Occidental and Casul Bay upon reaching the shrine.

With inputs from Marc Arleson and Azrael Gonzales

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