Dads are generally hard to please. Humble and contrite, they usually don’t want to receive gifts during this occasion. Also, it is difficult to figure out which gift is perfect for them. There are always the ones that you can wrap and leave on top of his desk. There are also hand-crafted gifts like a collage of pictures, an old photo in a new frame, a drawing of the family with him in the middle. These are good gifts, but they don’t quite hit the spot. Dad needs a gift he won’t forget, something that will make him look forward to the next father’s day: a vacation.

For dads who don’t travel enough:

 

Pampanga (Angeles City)

You’d probably spend more time in traffic at EDSA than on NLEX. Either way, it’s roughly a two hour trip. Home of the Pinoy delicacy known as sisig, and famous for others like tocino (spanish bacon), Pampanga is a food trip that’s just waiting to be taken. The places don’t have to be five-star restaurants as dad won’t mind eating in a hole in the wall, just as long as it’s rumored to have great food.

Since the region lacks tourist destinations that are open all year long (sadly the Good Friday crucifixions only happen in Lent), staying overnight might not be a good idea. Simply eat, buy ingredients from local stores, and perhaps scout for your next trip here. 

Gas: approx. P500
Accommodations: n/a
Food (per meal): approx. P150 – P250

 

Batangas

Yet another hotspot for sights – very delicious sights. A combination of food places, picnic sites, as well as scenic views, the city is overloading with potential. Also, getting here is a breeze. It’s the experience of not having to deal with hours and hours of road time and spending more time with the family that makes the place a darling for short lived vacations. And with the cool weather, the sunny skies, and the friendly people, Batangas is a good place to go to every now and then.

Spending a long weekend here is a good idea. There are plenty of places to go as Batangas is known to be a gateway to other places such as the beaches of Nasugbu, and other tourist spots down south of Manila. 

Gas: approx. P800
Accommodations: P1,000 – P,2000
Food (per meal): P200 – P350

Estimated Budget:
Approx. P3,000 – P4,500 (per person, one weekend)

 

Bantayan Islands (Cebu)

A hidden paradise that’s easy on the money and heavy on the relaxation, Bantayan Islands is a great place to get one’s mind off work and other city related stress. Isolation in a place like this is more than welcome for city folks as its calm waves and blue seas slowly wash away worries.

Airfare and land transfers: P3,200 (off peak rates)
Accommodations: P700 – P2,500 (off peak rates)
Food (per meal): P150 – P300

Estimated Budget:
Approx. P5,000 – P7,000 (per person, one weekend)

 

Dumaguete City

One of the Philippines’ hidden hotspots for great and fresh seafood. This place is literally crawling with the best tasting food with low prices. Also known as the Arts Capital of the South, Dumaguete is a great destination for art appreciative dads, or those who simply want their fill in a faraway and beautiful place. The city is small, and the locals are very friendly. Asking around for places to go and where to eat is simple enough. Going out of your way to spend time away from the city like going to Siquijor or Apo Islands is always a welcome option.

Airfare and land transfers: P3,500 (off peak rates)
Accommodations: P600 – P2,000 (off peak rates)
Food (per meal): P120 – P250

Estimated budget:
Approx. P5,500 – P7,500 (per person, one weekend)

 

Photo credits: Jekert Gwapo, George Parrilla,What’s On My  Mind, Stefan Munder, Roberto Verzo, Anne Ruiz, Raelene G., banggigay, TANAKA Juuyoh,  Cristian Bortes


Incoming search terms:

  • siquijor delicacies
  • native delicacies in siquijor
  • delicacies in siquijor
  • siquijor delicacy
  • siquijor native delicacies
  • delicacies of siquijor
  • foods in siquijor
  • famous delicacies in siquijor
  • famous food in siquijor
  • delicacy in siquijor