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HONG KONG. We love the idea of seeing New Year fireworks from Victoria Peak! When in Hong Kong, we highly recommend a stay at the Marco Polo Hong Kong and Gateway Hotels.
JANUARY 2017
Sunday, January 1 – New Year’s Day (regular)
Saturday, January 28 – Chinese New Year (special)
FEBRUARY 2017
Saturday, February 25 – EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary (special)
APRIL 2017
Sunday, April 9 – Araw ng Kagitingan (regular)
Thursday, April 13 – Maundy Thursday (regular)
Friday, April 14 – Good Friday (regular)
Saturday, April 15 – Black Saturday (special)

LOS ANGELES. With Philippine Airlines flying direct to the City of Angels from Cebu, there’s no excuse not to go to the United States next summer.
MAY 2017
Monday, May 1 – Labor Day (regular)
JUNE 2017
Monday, June 12 – Independence Day (regular)
AUGUST 2017
Monday, August 28 – National Heroes Day (regular)

SOUTH KOREA. Make summer last a little longer, as the season lasts until September in South Korea. Philippines AirAsia flies direct from Cebu to Incheon, making Seoul-searching easier no matter what time of the year.
OCTOBER 2017
Tuesday, October 31 – Additional Special Holiday
NOVEMBER 2017
Wednesday, November 1 – All Saints Day (special)
Thursday, November 30 – Bonifacio Day (regular)
DECEMBER 2017
Monday, December 25 – Christmas Day (regular)
Saturday, December 30 – Rizal Day (regular)
Sunday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve (special)

NEW ZEALAND. Experience Middle Earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Cathay Pacific has excellent connections from Cebu to Auckland.
The Philippines itself is not short on must-visit destinations. Here are some of our local recommendations:

DAANBANTAYAN, CEBU. It’s a three-hour drive from Cebu City, sometimes more, which to spoiled locals is two hours longer than what they are used to. However, the whole idea of going there means readily agreeing to the long trek, as discerning travelers know. You’ll have to plan at least a two-night stay to appreciate Kandaya Resort at its best. Otherwise, don’t bother.

PANGLAO, BOHOL. Thanks to easy travel between Cebu and Bohol – a 90-minute ride by fast craft – and connectivity from the revitalized Mactan Airport, it seems like Bohol has become the “it” destination, not only for Cebu locals but to many international travelers.

SUMILON ISLAND, CEBU. Explore the island on foot by following the trails that lead to Sumilon’s landmarks, including the shifting sandbar, natural lagoon, the lighthouse, the historic watchtower or baluarte, and the Yamashita caves. The path also showcases some spectacular views of the sea, especially from the highest points of the island.

BUSUANGA, PALAWAN. You know you’re on to a good thing when you step out of the private fast craft in hundred-degree heat to the ladies room, and it’s stylishly air-conditioned. Then you walk out, and realize that the sea is on both sides. Oh yes, this is an island.

SAMAL ISLAND, DAVAO. If Samal Island is an oyster, Pearl Farm Beach Resort is the unique and beautiful gem within. This native getaway in the midst of the Davao Gulf showcases the best of Mindanaoan culture and hospitality, proving that something authentically Filipino can be raised to world-class standards.

SIARGAO ISLAND. The relatively untouched beaches on the island and the others dotting the waters around it, the choice waves that are friendly to both beginners and advanced surfers, the rustic charm of the small island community… Siargao is captivating, and you’ll be hard-pressed to keep from falling in love with the place.
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The first question we had for Three on Canton was whether they had Marco Polo Plaza’s famed malicious cookies. The answer was an unfortunate no, although this outlet also has their own signature dessert—a light and fluffy chocolate cake that oozes melted chocolate when you slice it in half. It’s best paired with a scoop of Mövenpick ice cream, and it’s quite the dining experience, overlooking Hong Kong’s bustling Canton Road. Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Located off the Soho area of Central, Gough Street used to be home to many of the city’s printing presses. Now it is home to a diverse offering of establishments—fashionable furniture and lifestyle stores Homeless and mr Blacksmith are found along the stretch, as is an outlet of popular French dessert chain Agnès b., and bag boutique Timothy Oulton. Representing Hong Kong’s juxtaposition of the new and international with the low-key and traditional, Gough Street is also home to the Kau Kee noodle house, which has been on the location for 90 years and is one of the best places to get beef brisket noodles in clear soup in the city. Central, Hong Kong Island
Tucked between the towering buildings of the nearby financial district, the Man Mo Temple’s unassuming façade on Hollywood Road leads into a small but beautiful shrine in shades of gold and red. The temple is a tribute to Man, the god of literature, and the god of war Mo—both gods were patrons of students who were studying for the civil examinations of Imperial China, the results of which found the administrative officials for the state. The temple is part of a complex that includes the Lit Shing Kung, where you could worship all the heavenly gods, and the Kung Sor, an assembly hall for community discussions. 124-126 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island
Stretched across 13.3 hectares, the Kowloon Park is the largest in Tsim Sha Tsui and is a stretch of greenery flanked on its side with Hong Kong’s towering modern skyscrapers. The park offers a number of different areas to while away the hours of the day—the Bird Lake and Aviary feature an impressive avian collection, the Chinese Garden is a peaceful setting, its water features teeming with turtles, and the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre and Health Education Exhibition and Resource Centre is in the park’s premises. A favorite is the Maze Garden—the short shrubs may not get you lost, but it sure makes for pretty photos. 22 Austin Road, Jordan
Granted, it’s an institution dedicated mostly for kids—but the interactive displays are equally enjoyable for the young at heart. The exhibits explain many scientific processes in the simplest of terms and have activities that allow visitors to physically experience said processes themselves. The World of Mirrors is incredibly enjoyable for its optical illusions, while the Telecommunications Gallery allows you to connect calls using a telephone switchboard. It’s easy to lose hours in here, especially once you sit down and try to tackle the challenges in the Mathematics Gallery. 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon
It may be quite the tourist trap, but Victoria Peak is definitely one of the must-visit destinations when in Hong Kong. The splendid panoramic views of the city’s iconic skyline never gets old no matter how many times you go there, and the experience of riding the Peak Tram is always a thrill. While the Sky Terrace 428 is being advertised as having the best and unhindered views, it comes with an extra fee. We were thrilled when we discovered the Green Terrace, an observation deck on the top floor of The Peak Galleria, which allowed us to marvel at the sights at no cost at all. 118 Peak Road, Central, Hong Kong Island
Sure, you’re going to stuff yourself silly with all the crazy delicious Hong Kong fare, but if you’re staying there for more than a few days, you’re bound to want a break from it all. Ebeneezer’s Kebabs & Pizzeria proved to be quite the discovery while we were looking for somewhere to drink in the bustling Lan Kwai Fong district. The restaurant claims to be the best place to have a kebab in Hong Kong, and we can see why! The Donar bursts with the flavors of roasted lamb and the spicy dressing of our choice, and it’s perfect with an ice-cold bottle of beer. 5 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong Island
Take a break from the dizzying buildings in Hong Kong, and enjoy some lush greens at the Nan Lian Gardens. Okay, so maybe not quite a break as you can still see buildings in the background, but a 30-minute sojourn while being surrounded by the Buddhist Pines in this Chinese classical garden is quite a refreshing escape. The garden is said to follow the rules of Chinese traditional landscaping techniques, interspersed by old-fashioned buildings that provide a stark contrast to the city. In short, everything here is picture-perfect. 60 Fung Tak Road, Diamond Hill, Kowloon
by Shari Quimbo and Patty Taboada
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, April 2016. For back issues, subscribe via Magzter.