Wow Travel Special: 4 End of Summer Destinations
April and May could easily be the busiest months to travel. Everyone’s in a frenzy to pack up and visit their dream destinations for the year. But if you’re just about to plan your own summer getaway, Knowledge Channel has lined up five great destinations within your reach! No need to travel abroad to experience a “wow” summer worth posting to social media.
Edric Calma, host of Knowledge Channel’s Wow travel show, shares these exciting places for your enjoyment!
For those who love the beach: PANGASINAN
Pangasinan is located right at the heart of Central Luzon. It’s also home to the famous Hundred Islands National Park where you can island-hop to your heart’s content. This is the first national park established in the country and is known to have 123 islands. The three most visited islands are Governor’s Island, Cuenco Island, and Marcos Island.
The province is also popular for its historic Lingayen Beach, where US troops under Gen. Douglas McArthur landed during World War II, and the picturesque Bolinao Beach peppered by upscale vacation houses and resorts like Puerto del Sol.
Did you know?
The name “Pangasinan” was actually derived from the word “salt” or “asin” in Filipino as this was where salt is usually made.
Pangasinan is highly famous for its milkfish or “bangus” produce.
The province’s Agno River is said to be the “cleanest river” in the country.
One of their local specialties is pigar-pigar, made of carabao beef.
Other places worth visiting
Patar Beach and Rock Formations
Bolinao Light House
Manaoag Church
Cacupangan Cave
For those who want it cool: KALINGA
Kalinga is tucked within the mountains of Sierra Madre making it a perfect spot to feel the cool pine breeze and laid back atmosphere. Just a few hours from Baguio, Kalinga is home to one of the country’s most popular UNESCO Heritage Sites, the Banawe Rice Terraces.
Did you know?
Kalinga is one of several landlocked provinces in the Philippines.
The place is also popular for its coffee beans in creating the distinct flavor of “Highlands coffee”.
Many tourists visit the province because of Whang Od, the oldest and last Kalinga tattoo artist or “mambabatok”.
Other places worth visiting
Chico River
Mt. Binaratan
Ullalim Festival
Tiwod Spring
For those who love history and heritage: MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL
Misamis Occidental is emerging tourist destination in the wonderful land of Mindanao. Attached to the eastern part of the Zamboanga Peninsula, the province faces the open waters of Iligan Bay, providing a diverse environment of mile-long beaches and sprawling mangroves. The city of Ozamiz is home the province’s mix of Hispanic and Malay culture and heritage.
The province also has a new attraction, the Caluya Shrine in Sapangdalaga, which resembles Rio de Janiero’s iconic landmark, the Cristo Redentor in Brazil.
Did you know?
It was believed that “Misamis Occidental” came from the word “kuyamis” which is a type of sweet coconut.
“Subanen” is the main dialect of Misamis Occidental.
Other places worth visiting
Tangub city – Christmas City of the South
St. John the Baptist church
Nature walk sa boardwalk
Tubo-tubo Island
For those who want an urban experience: PASIG, METRO MANILA
Right at the heart of Metro Manila’s main waterway is the city of Pasig. Its urban landscape is sculpted by the different restaurants, malls, condominiums and cafes. Ortigas, the city’s central business district, is lined by tall buildings, iconic structures, and upscale malls and hotels.
Pasig City has the “Tanghalang Pasigueno” where events such as pageants, contests of various sorts are conducted. There’s also the Pasig City Museum and Ark Avilon Zoo if learning about history and animals is your cup of tea.
Did you know?
The word “Pasig” is an old “Sanskrit” word which describes about a river flowing from a body of water towards another body of water.
Pasig is one of the oldest communities in the Philippines.
Other places worth visiting:
Rainforest Adventure Park
Bahay na Tisa – oldest stone house in Pasig
Café Juanita
Gastro Park Kapitolyo