To-Go Places This Holiday
Sofia Mae Imbang
PUBMAT | Yasir Mangotara
Sunday, December 25, 2022 - The bells are ringing, the children are singing carols, and the cold air is rustling. It is, indeed, the time in which the Philippines has the world's longest Christmas celebration. However, decorating their homes with colorful lights and putting up the Christmas tree is not even an option for some.
The pandemic has caused enough longing to describe this year's holiday as "not-the-way-it-used-to-be," but we must not forget that Christmas is still here and we can still celebrate it most enjoyably and creatively.
So grab your pen and paper, write a bucket list, and fill it up with wishes and travel guides as we talk about these realizations and fun places to visit during this season's greetings!
Unwind and Relax in Sagada- Being one with nature is an overrated way of expressing your experience here. Instead, be one with what you are missing. The Sagada mountain is ideal for healing our inner souls and isolating ourselves from stress. Due to workload and real-life responsibilities, this year has prevented us from prioritizing our mental health and taking time to breathe fresh air. Hike with your family and friends. Take time to appreciate nature and the role of various cultures and tribes in the formation of the Rice Terraces. Take a sip of Sagada Brew coffee. Lastly, the cold seasons would be incomplete without the Sagada Bonfire Fest.
Astonishing Park in Madja-as Mountain- The Madja-as Park in Culasi, Antique, can be described as a fun place, not only for children and teenagers but also for adults. This place is included in relevant tourist attractions in provinces for this year. Madja-as Park is not your typical park because it shows you how you can be at the highest peak of the mountain while sightseeing in beautiful sceneries and landscapes, which is perfect if you are getting used to city buildings. Expect the best photo opportunities, have fun riding in an ATV vehicle while touring the park, stand next to real-life sized dinosaurs, meet your favorite cartoon superheroes, move with the flow of waters in their Gondola and Horse Riding, enjoy an amazing musical performance to cap off your visit, and more fun activities to create memories with your family!
A Fairytale-like Christmas Village in Baguio- Have you ever desired to see snow in the Philippines? It's not too late to make your wish come true. In Baguio City, a winter-inspired theme has been set for the Christmas season to show you the wonders of bible stories specifically articulating the birth of Jesus as well as an appreciation of Asian cultures and traditions for educational purposes, resulting in a colorful and bright light display to welcome the holiday feasts. It's such a captivating place that you'll wish you could live within the dreams of children, bringing up a youthful adventure.
A family could be a symbol of Christmas because spending time with your loved ones can strengthen bonds and build connections that represent strong relationships. But not everyone can have a happy and contented Christmas; some may be spending it alone, some may have lost a friend, and some may be unable to celebrate due to personal circumstances that stop them from achieving happiness.
Regardless of these reasons, it is not too late to thank God for the blessings he has given us. To pray and express gratitude to those who stayed and what we have gained for the time being. Also, remembering what we have gone through is a way for us to learn and grow.
Christmas can be a joyful or a lonely impression for some, so it will be our greatest gift to ourselves, loved ones, and neighbors if we try to keep looking forward by giving love and spreading courteousness as a way of sharing the true essence of Christmas.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone!
SOURCES:
Baguio christmas village-
https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2022/11/21/2225223/oriental-winter-wonderland-baguio-city
https://philstarlife.com/living/287818-baguio-country-club-christmas-village
Madjaas Park-
https://vismin.ph/2021/antique-madja-as-park/
Sagada-
https://www.willflyforfood.net/the-first-timers-travel-guide-to-sagada-philippines/
https://www.zenrooms.com/blog/sagada-philippines/
https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2012/06/sagada-bonfire-festival-mountain-province/
