March signals the beginning of summer in the Philippines. Since it is the vacation season, kids are already on their school break and families are starting to plan for their getaways. Before you let your kids run crazy with their gadgets or buy unnecessary summer items for yourself, check our list of best things to buy and do this month to make the most out of this season.
Workshops
Let the kids learn new skills this summer.
School may be out, but learning new things is always in—even in the holidays. Plenty of organizations are offering workshops for children during the summer break so they can spend their time wisely and productively. Joining workshops is also a great way for kids to meet new friends who share the same interests as theirs and develop their character.
For the sporty kids, they can enroll at 2017 Milo Summer Sports Clinic or Jr. NBA Philippines 2017 where they can learn all sorts of sports to keep them fit and active. If your kids enjoy dancing, singing, or drawing, you may sign them up at Young Artists’ Studio and Trumpets Playshop. They have great programs to help your kids express their creativity.
Plane tickets and Cruises
Planning on a getaway? Book now to get the best deals.
Getting a plane ticket or travel cruise is a must in this season. You can buy tickets now and schedule your travel for the Holy Week the following month. You can also score cheap flights if you are eyeing a vacation on a foreign land where summer falls on a later date compared with the Philippines.
Mobile applications like Skyscanner and Kayak will let you compare fares from various airlines so you easily see the cheapest deals. For local destinations, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia always have the best offers for flights; on the other hand, Star Cruises can assist you if you’re planning on an international cruise.
Gym Memberships
Get back on track with your fitness goals this March.
Are you guilty of indulging in high-carb and high-sugar diet last December and January? It’s definitely the time to lose some weight. Go ahead and buy a gym membership to get your beach body back!
Because many people want to get their body in good shape in time for the swimsuit season, gyms take advantage of the influx of new clients and give great membership offers. Gold’s Gym and Fitness First offer the best programs and facilities in the country. You may also try the nontraditional gyms, like 360 Fitness Club or Elorde Boxing Gym, that offer special programs and other ways of getting fit.
Bikinis and Summer Dresses
Plan your beach OOTD now!
They say that you’re not really ready for the beach until you got yourself a bikini. Don’t worry, whether you are slim or curvy, you can find a style that will flatter your body so you can rock it with confidence. You can also buy a summer dress so you can cover up if you’re just strolling at the beach. Make sure that your summer dress is made of lightweight material so your skin can breathe through the scorching heat and won’t make you feel uncomfortable.
Stores like Nothing But H20 and I Love Koi Swimwear offer a selection of bikinis and summer dresses that you can choose from.
Sandals, Sunglasses, and Beach Bags
A bag is always a must for any summer getaway
Sandals are perfect for the beach because they are light and easy to slip on. Choose ones that are made of high-quality and water-resistant materials so you won’t be bothered when they get wet. Crocs and Ipanema sandals have functional styles in chic designs.
Sunglasses are also necessary because aside from protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays, they make a good accessory to complete your look. Sunnies and EO Optical have a wide range of sunglasses that you can choose from.
Lastly, make sure to bring a handy beach bag where you can put all your summer essentials. Roxy has some great totes and bags for your next summer getaway.
Sunscreens
Love you skin and put on some sunscreen.
It’s difficult to bathe under the sun’s scorching heat without protection. If you get exposed to UV rays for too long, you may get sun burn, or worse, skin cancer. Therefore, sunscreen is must. A good sunscreen should contain at least SPF 30. Make sure that you buy water-resistant ones and reapply when necessary. Neutrogena and Belo have sunscreens for the face and body.
Travel Luggage
Invest on some sturdy luggage this month.
Another great item to purchase in March is a travel luggage to prepare you for your trips, may they be local or abroad. Make sure that your luggage is lightweight but at the same time durable, has plenty of interior compartments, and adheres to the standards of most airlines in terms of its size or measurements.
You may check Samsonite and Delsey Luggage Philippines. They have a range of luggage in different styles.
Cameras
Capture your best summer moments with a new camera.
Although most of our smartphones already have powerful built-in cameras, they are still not as versatile as compact cameras and DSLRs. If you want to take your photography skills seriously, then buying a decent camera is a must. Nikon, Canon, and Fujifilm design and produce great-quality cameras at affordable prices. They offer point-and shoot, mirrorless, and single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras to cater to both newbies and pros alike.
Grills
Grilling at the beach is always a good idea.
Bringing a grill to your summer escapade can turn your ordinary meals to a fun feast! You don’t just enjoy the food and save a few bucks, but you share good conversations and laughs while grilling. Portable grills are available at markets and supermarkets.
Graduation Gifts
Make your graduate feel special this month.
March is not only known for summer. In the Philippines, it is a celebrated month because students reach a new milestone—graduation. Hence, it’s only necessary that we appreciate our little brothers or our big sisses for finishing school by buying them graduation gifts! Plenty of brands are on sale to reward the graduates. You may check SM Department Store and National Book Store for a wide range of gift options.
Can you think of other best things to buy in March? Share your thoughts in the comments box below!
About Patricia Marie Prado
Patricia came from the field of business and accounting but is now pursuing her dreams of being a writer. She is a self-confessed introvert and is passionate about reading, travelling, writing, movies, coffee and God. When she's not writing, she loves discovering new coffee shops/cafe and doing TV-series marathons.
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