Personal Encounters: It's a Long Weekend from August 27-30, 2011 for the National Heroes Day and End of Ramadan!

Long weekend ahead... woohoo!

It's a 4-day long weekend from August 27-30, 2011!

August 29, Monday, is our National Heroes Day and August 30, Tuesday, is the celebration of the end of Ramadan, the Islamic Holy Month of Fasting.

Photo Credit: www.iluvislam.com

Before anything else, I would like to salute and honor all our National Heroes for their bravery and contribution to the country's freedom. Likewise, I am greeting our Islam brothers and sisters, love and peace as they celebrate the end of Ramadan.

Now where to?

Baguio City

I'm thinking of the mountainous Baguio City which is up north of Luzon, around 240 kms from Manila with approximately 5-7 hour drive. It is hailed as the Summer Capital of the Philippines due to its crisp, cold and breezy temperature with serene panoramic views atop verdant knolls and hillocks. It's a refuge for those wanting to escape the scorching Manila heat! How delightful it is to wake up kissed by the cool morning breeze with clear blue skies, spend the afternoon strolling the foggy theme parks with the smell of pine trees and moon gaze on a chilly, starry night with a bottle of red wine! *hik!*

Oh, but that would all be wishful thinking because we have a visitor, named Mina (International name: Nanmadol) which according to Philippine Weatherman, Kuya Kim Atienza (Big Brother Kim Atienza) the other day, was supposed to leave the country's area of responsibility by Thursday, August 25. But I guess she's enjoying her stay and taking her time because it was later on moved to Sunday, and then again moved to Monday or Tuesday next week, as announced once again this afternoon on TV Patrol. Talk about Pinoy hospitality, even tropical storms are staying longer than expected! So, Baguio City, I'll see you next time.

Tagaytay City

Next choice, Tagaytay City! The climate here is also cold due to its mixed topography. There are densely forested hills and mountains in the southern and eastern parts and also level to nearly level areas rolling down gently to interspersed slopes, giving it a breathtaking view of the Taal Lake and the Taal Volcano. It's only about 55 kms away from Manila with approximately 1.5-3 hour drive which makes it very accessible both to local and foreign tourists. Tourist attractions include many fun activities to do in their zoos, parks, picnic areas, gardens, restaurants, clubs and there's also a casino! You've never been truly in Tagaytay 'though, if you failed to try their famous Bulalo Soup (Beef shanks and bone marrow stew with vegetables). Hot Bulalo, cold weather and a spectacular view of Taal Volcano... yes, definitely you're in Tagaytay!

3rd Choice, Manila Ocean Park! The nearest destination by far, it's just behind the Quirino Grand Stand in Rizal Park, Manila! The first and only oceanarium (marine mammal theme park) in the Philippines that opened in March 2008 which I have not visited until now. I really want to walk through the Buhay na Karagatan (Living Ocean), one of the main attractions of the oceanarium with a 25-meter long walkway tunnel with 220-degree curved acrylic walls full of different marine creatures! They also have the Jellies Dancing Sea Fairies Show which I think would be a breathtaking and mesmerizing sight. If you want some real action, there's the Aquanaut Voyage where you can dive and get close and personal with the sea creatures, but for me that would be too close for comfort so maybe I will just take the Glass Bottom Boat Ride. I also would like to be tickled by the doctorfish in their Fish Spa! Oh so many fun and exciting activities, I heard the restaurants there are great too! Plus they have special promo packages during holidays to attract more visitors, I'll check it out!

I wish it's Friday already! I'll update you on my long weekend adventure next week. I still haven't decided where to spend it but I am hoping that Tropical Storm Mina would be gracious enough not to raise a public storm signal in Manila. I'm also crossing my fingers that there wouldn't be big protest rallies and demonstrations during the holidays! What a bummer! I will then be confined to a Long Videoke Weekend with food deliveries and beer! But come to think of it ... it's not such a bad situation. Hmmn... maybe I could also go to a salon and spa? Whatever! I just intend to have a relaxing and enjoyable long weekend! Have fun too! :)

Ta ta!