Spend Your August Long Weekends in These Getaways Beyond Metro Manila

Location: Gardenia Loop, Villa Pura, Tagaytay City

For many Manileños, Tagaytay has always been the go-to destination for a quick road trip. One thing that can make your long weekend even more special is a date night or lunch at The Purple Owl. It is an events place and restaurant rolled into one that’s known for its romantic and personalized setup.

In The Purple Owl, you can have a special dinner with your beau (PhP6,500) or an intimate outdoor movie screening with your friends (PhP10,500 for two, plus PhP1,250 for each additional person). You can customize the design and the meal, too! Dining at The Purple Owl is by appointment only, so make sure to call at least three days in advance.

See More: A One-Day Travel Guide to Tagaytay City’s Greatest Tourist Attractions

Location: Bldg. 2070 Corregidor Highway, Ilanin Forest, East District, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Subic, Zambales

Subic is also a favorite destination among young professionals living in Manila. To deviate from the usual beach itinerary, why not head to Funtastic Park? It’s an educational fun park for children, but it can also be enjoyed by stressed adults. For an entrance fee of PhP350, you can take lots of photos with optical illusions in their Trick Art Room, explore their 3D Enchanted Forrest Garden, and see if you can find your way out of their Mirror Maze.

Aside from their rooms, they also have an expansive garden with various attractions including a garden maze, grass slide, and a trampoline, among others.

Location: Manuel A. Roxas Highway, Clark Freeport, Mabalacat, Angeles City, Pampanga

One fun destination where you can eat your stress away is Paris City Café in Pampanga. Within a two-hour drive, you’ll reach this little piece of Paris in the heart of Mabalacat that is famous for its replica of the famous wrought-iron Eiffel Tower of Gustave Eiffel.

Once you’ve taken your attention off the tower, make sure to try the delectable but affordable Italian fares that the café offers. Enjoy their selection of pizzas and pastas like their Chicken Pesto Pasta (PhP240) and then end your meal with coffee and a slice from their wide selection of cakes.

Check out our list of restaurants in Subic, Clark, and Central Luzon or browse the Dining & Leisure category of the ShoppersGuide Directory.

Location: Quezon Province

If a food trip or a theme park do not relieve your stress, you can always come back to nature. One great place to visit is Jomalig Island. Many people are turned off by the long travel time (four hours on land and five hours on water), but if you brave it, what you’ll get in return are long lines of gorgeous beaches, fine white sand, and a not-so-crowded island.

You can also try the habal-habal or motorcycle tour and visit Little Boracay, Little Batanes, and Kanaway Beach while you’re on the island.

See More: Top 5 White Sand Beaches in the Philippines 2018

Location: #157 Narra St. Villa Lourdes Subd. Brgy. Tambo, Lipa City

Is your idea of de-stressing taking lots of photos or crafting? Dreamland Arts & Crafts Cafe + Bed & Breakfast is where you can enjoy both! It is filled with dream catchers, adorable fairy lights, and boho decor that’ll take you on a dream-like escape. They also have an in-house shop that sells various arts and crafts materials, perfect for the creatives and artists.

Once you’re done taking pictures and browsing the shop, make sure to taste their food as well. Dreamland has a wide range of offerings on their menu including pasta and rice meals, but don’t leave without trying their shakes like the Matcharap (PhP150), a refreshing matcha-infused drink topped with whipped cream. If Batangas is too far for you, Dreamland also has a Tagaytay branch you can visit.

Check out our list of restaurants in Tagaytay and Southern Luzon or browse the Dining & Leisure category of the ShoppersGuide Directory.

Location: Bolinao, Pangasinan

Another beach perfect for destressing is Patar White Beach in Bolinao. The roughly six-hour drive is worth it as Bolinao is packed with interesting places and beautiful natural resources you can explore.

After stopping over at places like the historic St. James the Great Parish and the impressive Cape Bolinao Lighthouse, you can spend the rest of your day at Patar White Beach. Enjoy the fine sand and peaceful scenery while waiting for the sun to set. There are also cottages in the area if you want to stay overnight.

Location: Legazpi Village, Makati

If you prefer not to travel outside Manila but still want a quick breather to get rid of the negative energy, head on to Washington SyCip Park. This little oasis in Makati is filled with tropical trees and plants, and it also has a koi pond to put you on a relaxing mindset. While you’re there, you can walk around or go jogging. You can also check out the various sculptures around the park, including the Wishing Stone, the Stone Turtles, and the Giant Urns or read the famous quotations of Washington SyCip embedded in various parts of the garden.