The hot months are here and some fear that the weather will be intolerable again. Expect people to proclaim their love towards their air conditioners and complain about their heat strokes consistently. Before being one of those people who take to Twitter and Facebook to complain, don’t forget to look at the brighter side of things. We’re telling you, there’s always a silver lining and there’s a lot of fun things to do in the summer (whether you want to do it with the comforts of your AC or under the scorching sun). Shop till you drop, visit a museum, learn something new, go happy hour hoping, or jet-set to cooler weather if you want to hide from our tropical island sun. For those who actually like the sun, the Philippines is not without beautiful beaches to explore and get lost in. It’s perfect weather for you to go out of your comfort zone and discover the country’s golden coasts and clear blue waters this season. To make things easier for you, we’ve decided to come up with a list of 10 random (but truly fun) things you can do this summer…
Go on a Shopping Spree
Shop till you drop. Shopping in the Philippines is quite underrated. Stay away from the tropical heat storm by checking out the offerings at our local luxury malls. It isn’t only fun, but you’ll be the best dressed guy or gal in the archipelago. Make sure to check out Rustan’s upcoming travel fair, which isn’t only offering hot deals on summer essentials from favorite premium brands, but also discounts on airlines and hotel accommodations, and a chance to win a dream vacation at a luxury island. For more fashion inspiration, check out our weekly Beauty Break articles. Todd’s just released a new summer campaign starring Kendall Jenner, and after seeing it, you’ll want to dress as if you live on the Mediterranean coast. Carter’s latest eyewear collection isn’t only beautiful, but functional as well. It is also the most suitable companion to protect your eyes from the glaring sun.
Happy Hour Doesn’t Only Mean One Hour
Happy hour deals and promos around Metro Manila are getting better every year, especially as millennials begin to take over the food and beverage scene and the demand for it increases. We listed some recommendations for you last week, stating what we feel are the three best places to drink during the summer. Hideaway from the sun at the Raffles Hotel’s cozy Long Bar, enjoy refreshing Buy 1 Take 1 mojitos at Chotto Matte, or concoct your own Gin & Tonics at Discovery Primea. The options are endless and are waiting to be discovered.
Have a Movie Marathon at Home
Our website is never short of a movie recommendation or two. We love movies because, who doesn’t? On less busy days, turn the AC on to the lowest temperature possible and go on a movie marathon. If sunburn is your biggest fear this summer, we promise you that this is the right alternative for you. All you have to do is figure out what movie to watch. We’ve compiled a list of 20 good movies that best portray lives of luxury (for better or for worse), if you feel like watching the dramas of high society. Feeling romantic? See our movie recommendations for romantics that we published last Valentine’s Day. If you still can’t decide, surf through NETFLIX till you find something that strikes your fancy. Don’t worry, surfing NETFLIX is still considered surfing. We won’t tell anybody that you didn’t set foot on a beach.
Escape the Heat by Visiting a Museum
The newly refurbished Museum of Natural History is still waiting for your visit. Get lost for hours in the art of the great Filipino artists. And if you haven’t been already, Elmer Borlongan’s newest exhibit Extraordinary Eye for the Ordinary is currently running at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila until March 28, 2018.
Globe Trot to New and Exciting Destinations
Traveling to new and exotic destinations is always a good idea to escape Manila’s burning hot streets. Get a globe and spin it, put your finger on a random destination, and muster up the courage to go, whether you’re alone or not. If you feel like living like a royal, we’ve compiled a list of castles you can rent in Italy, England, Ireland, France, and India. For fearless adventure seekers, go on a pilgrimage to the most haunted castles, mansions, and estates in the world. Don’t forget to report back whether ghosts really do live in Amityville or if a demon dog truly guards the gates at Norway’s Akerhus Fortress.
Explore the Wonders of Philippine Beaches
For those who want to stay closer to home, take this summer as an opportunity to explore the wonders the Philippines has to offer. Take a trip to Coron, Palawan with your loved ones and soak up the sun while staying at a luxury resort. Don’t forget to check out our complete guide for you and the whole family published last week. If you want to avoid large crowds, there are endless options of beautiful secluded beaches around the country longing to be discovered. Trust us, you won’t be able to cover everything in one summer. In no time, the rainy season will come and you’ll be wishing for the sun again. Don’t forget your sunblock!
Redecorate Your Home
Take cues from March 2018 Home & Design cover girl Maggie Wilson-Consunji if you want to redecorate your home this summer. Did you know the former beauty queen has a degree in interior design? Take a sneak peek of Maggie’s house for some design inspiration. Trust us, when you see her Boho-themed living room and resort-like lanai, you’ll want to refurbish your home to be just as Instagram-worthy. We’re positive that this is a worthwhile summer project to undertake. Also, don’t forget to check out our article on some newly released furniture pieces that will surely give your home a proper pop of color.
Go on a Food Trip
The food scene in Manila has certainly become more impressive over the years. Luxury hotels around the metro never fail in making things interesting for their discerning patrons. There’s still time to catch Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s Korean special, which runs until March 17. The hotel has brought in famed Korean master chef Hyeon Cheol Joo to serve his take on modern Korean cuisine at the Spiral buffet. Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s Lung Hin is also always changing things up. Their latest dim sum lunch set is ideal for any lover of Cantonese cuisine. For other recommendations, we’ve compiled a list of society foodies who shared with us where they’re eating these days. The list includes Lifestyle Asia Editor at Large Cheryl Tiu, Bag Hag host and blogger Ingrid Chua, fashion maven Kai Lim, and recent February cover boy Alex de Leon.
Start a Collection
Take up a new hobby and start a collection. Whether it all of the Oscar Best Pictures on Blu-ray or the most expensive bottles of wines in the world, starting a collection is an ideal way to pass time and have fun all at once. The Leon Gallery is always having exhibits that may catch your fancy if you feel like acquiring important pieces from some of the Filipino greats. Their most recent auction even included letters written by revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio to Emilio Aguinaldo!
Experience Glamping for the First Time
Expert campers usually hate the idea of glamping (“glamorous camping”). The very mention of the word certainly has many of them cringing by this practice that completely takes away the “fun of the wilderness”. But what is wrong with enjoying the best of both worlds? We know we love enjoying the majestic sights and sounds of nature while having the amenities of a five-star hotel. Make sure to see our recommendations of five luxury campsite destination for your next glamping holiday abroad.
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By Chino R. Hernandez
FEATURED IMAGE CREDITS:
Photography by Yukie Sarto
Styling by Kim Barik
Hair and Makeup by Pamm Merera
Models Theo and Lizzie
