I dream of travel
WITH the promise of Covid-19 vaccines, how exciting it is to dream of traveling again. The family has finally started to discuss taking that long-delayed vacation to Boracay Island, perhaps toward the end of the year, when—fingers crossed—everyone is sure to have the life-saving jab.
The family has always loved the beach, white sand or otherwise. We were practically reared by the beach every summer, as we visited our Papa’s home province of Capiz, and the one-month break would always find us swimming in the salty waters of the baybay and raking the sand for cagaycay.
And now that we are much older, we continue to enjoy soaking up the sun’s rays (our skin now slathered with lotions to protect us against its more harmful UV), breathe in that pleasant briny smell in the air, relax with the cool breeze in the evening, and savor the fresh seafood accompanied by strong libations to fill up our hungry tummies, in Boracay.
I am guessing that for now, many of us will still be sticking close to home, or will just travel to domestic destinations, instead of taking a 14-hour trip to, say, Prague or New York. Even if I get vaccinated, I’d still be wary of breathing in regurgitated or recirculated air, Hepa-filtered or otherwise, aboard a long-haul aircraft.
So here are my other favorite, must-visit local destinations:
n ILOCOS SUR. There is nothing more breathtaking than taking a walk along the cobbled streets that romance has preserved. Calle Crisologo in Vigan has long been a center of commerce in this province north of Manila. But its Filipino-chinese homes and ground-floor retail shops continue to thrive because of the romances between Japanese soldiers and the local women in World War II. As the stories go, even when ordered by their superiors, the soldiers refused to burn down Vigan as they already had families there.
n INTRAMUROS. The incredible depth of history the Walled City holds makes it a major attraction for history buffs like myself. Fort Santiago has the Jose Rizal shrine, a replica of the late hero’s home which houses a number of memorabilia. There are also paintings and religious art at the San Agustin Church Museum, while Casa Manila speaks to the traditional way of life of Filipinos during the Spanish period. (Visit Intramuros’s Facebook page for details on visitor requirements.)
n LAGUNA. Stop off at Casa San Pablo, a bed-andbreakfast with a rustic charm, quirky guest rooms, and delicious cuisine from the freshest of ingredients. Travel onward to visit Ugu Bigyan’s pottery studio for