Long Weekends Galore

With the two upcoming long weekends (which I really find weird, di ba dapat iyong nearest Monday?), some may be thinking of unique and interesting ways to spend these free days. Since I've already encountered two friends asking for suggestons, might as well write something about it.

If the weather is good (but the weather is just so unpredictable), to go out-of-town is a perfect option.

Cocobeach, Puerto Galera

I really recommend this place. It changes the way you perceive Puerto Galera (as a party place). It's a perfect picture of nature -- mountain and seas, trees (a lot of coconut trees which is why it's Cocobeach plus banana trees which is why one of their villages is named banana and a restaurant named Cocobanana).

You got 101 things to do at Cocobeach wherein some of the activities are free. The food is good and the price is quite acceptable (200-300 per meal). You should just learn how to strategize. :D They have four (4) restaurants to choose from however not all are open daily except for the main restaurant. If you go there, try their Cocobeach Burger.

Cocobeach has an on-going promo, Going Coconut: Stay as long as you want. You're just basically paying for your accommodation and transportation. You can really stay as long as you want just for PHP 2498 + VAT. That's around 2,800 pesos for a really relaxing trip. So why not take a leave on a Friday and stay in Coco until Monday :)

Just make sure to check the weather for any typhoon update. Go to Pag-asa's website. You can also check Gale Warning updates there (to know the sea condition).

Note: Aside from the beauty of the place, what makes it a lot more interesting is the fact that the resort is helping a lot of locals. Every villa has an assigned service family to provide visitors with house-keeping assistance. The concept is interesting as they work as if you're a guest in their house.

For more information about Cocobeach Island Resort, visit their website.

Andanita Taj of Tagaytay
Address: 5059 Aguinaldo Highway, Laurel, Tagaytay

Never been there but reading through different reviews and the fact that I love anything Mediterranean made me interested about the place. They have a Friendster blog wherein you can check photos of the place and their rates. It's not really that presentable but enough to know their services (Maybe they should work out more on their marketing communication, oh well. I guess their working out on a website).

Some reviews of the place here.

Tam-Awan Village, Baguio City
I've written a review on this. It remains a good option.


Other options for quick weekend trip include: Casa de San Pablo,Sonya's Garden,La Luz.

However, if the weather won't permit you to go out-of-town, you can stay in the city and relax in a hotel/serviced apartments (Mayalan Plaza in Ortigas offers 3,500 per night for one-bedroom suite while Torre Venezia in QC offers 5,000 for two nights for studio-type unit). Throw a tea party or wine party among friends.

Or if you don't have much budget, simply lock yourself in your room and read all the books you've long wanted to finish. Or probably do a general cleaning of your room.