Cheap travels near the Metro for the long-weekend

MANILA, Philippines - Another long weekend is almost upon us and our thoughts have turned to hitting places where we could take a little break from the demanding city life. Manila itself is thriving with many historically-rich spots, but if you want more, the nearby provinces can definitely give you what you want.

Lie on the volcanic ashes of Anawangin and Nagsasa Cove in Zambales
Today, Anawangin and Nagsasa coves have risen as popular tourist destinations for its ashen sand dumped by Mt. Pinatubo decades ago and agoho trees that emanate a unique Baguio-meets-Boracay vibe. Unlike other beach destinations, there are no fancy rooms or accommodations in these places. It is necessary that you bring your tents and camping supplies when planning to go there for the weekend. Include also flashlights and spare batteries because there is no supply of electricity. There is completely no reception in this island, so if you are looking for a trip away from the bustling and modern Manila, Anawangin and Nagsasa coves are the right spots for you.

Anawangin Cove by Allan Ascaño/ CC BY-NC

Beat the scorching heat in Tagaytay City
If you want a quick whiff of refreshing air, Tagaytay is a place where you most certainly would get it. Tagaytay offers the best views, with cool atmosphere to savor. It is an ideal place for doing leisure activities such as picnic, horseback riding, and sightseeing. If you are the type of a person who does not want tiring adventures, then you could go into a spiritual journey in Tagaytay by visiting churches and gardens where you can meditate and just relax. The chilly weather is also right for drinking coffee while enjoying the view of Taal Volcano.

Taal Volcano View by John Ong/ CC BY

Dive and spoil yourself with marine biodiversity in Anilao, Batangas
Anilao in Mabini, Batangas has been one of the divers’ favorites because it is only three hours away from Manila. It boasts of teeming marine biodiversity with abundance of corals, which make it renowned all around the globe. The beach does not have white sands, but what you will see beneath the water will make up for it.

Anilao Twin Rocks by Raymond/ CC BY NC-ND

Discover art and culture in Angono, Rizal and Paete, Laguna
For those who do not know it, Angono is the art capital of the Philippines. The Angono-Binangonan petrolyphs is considered as the most primitive artwork in the country. Angono is also where the National Artist, Carlos ‘Botong’ Francisco’s home stands. You may also try to do some food tripping by trying their Soup No. 5.

Laguna is not just about hotsprings. Paete town takes pride of the sculptures while Liliw boasts of its "bakya." For real adventure seekers, dare to visit the underground cemetery in Nagcarlan, Laguna. Roam around the nearby provinces and visit historic churches, ancestral houses, and unique restaurants.

Paete was named after the "paet" or chisel of its artisans and is famous for its wood carving.  Photo by Jojo Nicdao/ CC BY

Learn history and go for some ghost hunting on Corregidor Island
This tadpole-shaped island lies at the mouth of Manila Bay and was a strategic military base during World War II. The remnants of the past remain standing at the eerie place, so if ghost-hunting is right up your interest, they say it is also the place to be.

Corregidor Island by cisc1970/ CC BY-NC

Enjoy the beach, nightlife, and jungle paintball in Puerto Galera
Puerto Galera has been the go-to summer destination among city-dwellers for beach activities such as swimming and beach bumming.  But Puerto Galera is not just about the beaches and the nightlife. Approximately 10 kilometers from Puerto Galera, Tamaraw Falls is well worth taking the time to visit. Puerto Galera is also where  X-Treme Sports Philippines Adventure Par is located.  Aside from paintball shooting, you can ride go karts, dune buggies, quad bikes and more.

Puerto Galera by Carolyn/ CC BY