1. I consider myself a beach/water person but surprisingly the first place on my list is a mountain – the Banaue Rice Terraces. It is already considered a World Heritage Site so all the more reason why we must go and visit and gaze in wonder at the magnificence that the early Igorots have made in the countryside of Banaue and Ifugao. I had hoped to do this maybe next year, when the weather is cool and hopefully take along the older ones with us even if the trip requires a bit of trekking. Anyway, they can always stay at the hotel because even there they can gaze at the magnificence of the terraces in the comfort of their own rooms. Relatedly, I also want to include in this item the town of Sagada in Mt. Province. Though I know visiting both places in one swoop would be far-fetched, I still want to take a peek at the famous Sagada hanging coffins someday, even if it will be a different trip altogether.
2. Next place I want to visit, or maybe rather re-visit is Coron, Palawan. I had been there before way back in 200? But only with the hubby with the FAS for their teambuilding and the utter serenity and beauty of the lakes just made me want to go back again and again and take my kids with me, of course. But this would entail a lot of money as the island hopping tours are even higher than that of Puerto Princesa so I guess we all need to pool resources on this in order to make this dream happen.
3. The third place is one I consider close to my heart – the place of my dad’s birthplace and one place (aside from Baguio) that I frequented as a teenager – Cebu. There is another reason why I want to take my family there, so that they would be able to immerse themselves in the Visayan culture and way of life and get to know the people I have found dear and whom I consider my second family there. Besides, the beaches there are just divine and the food too! I just wish that when the time comes, I can have Mike there with us, as our tour guide to show us around.
4. The fourth place I want to go to (again!) is Davao. I have been there (I think) in 2008 but that was a working visit so I never really got to savor everything that Davao had to offer and so if there was one province that I want to take my kids in Mindanao region – Davao is it! I intend to take them to see the Philippine Eagle and maybe, if possible, have a peek at the majestic Mount Apo, our country’s highest mountain.
5. The fifth place on my list is one I have not yet been to but the place just beckons to me with its clear blue-green waters and like the fish that I am…I just seem to have no choice but be hypnotized by its awesome beauty – the Caramoan Islands of Bicol. I know the place had already achieved international recognition after being featured (not just once) in the Survivor series but I still hope it remains pristine as it is and not as commercialized and crowded (like Boracay)
6. The next is a place the family and I have actually been to when the kids were still young, way back in 2005 (I think) but at the time the kids were still small (Keith was 10 and Kaye was just three years old)…so I think they do not truly appreciate then the rich heritage that Ilocos had to offer. On that future trip, I intend to take them to as far up as Pagudpud (like we also did the last time) and take in as many local sites as possible including another World Heritage site Vigan, the historical city known for its Calle Crisologo, Paoay church, the Malacanang of the North, Batac, former Pres. Marcos burial/tomb, and new ones we weren’t able to visit like Chavit’s Baluarte, among others.
7. Another place that I want to visit is Batanes…although I know this would cause quite a considerable dent in the pocket since the airfares alone is not something to scoff at (10K each person, last I heard). But still, the place is breathtaking (in photos at least) and one that I also wish to bring my family to if not just to savor the sights but also the taste of its rich cuisine.
8. Another place on my bucket list is Romblon, yup that place of marble fame although that is not exactly all they are famous for – they have marvelous beaches and amazing caves…definitely a place I would want to visit. I just wish they would address the security concerns of the place because I heard that tourists who go there are not exactly satisfied with the brand of hospitality that they receive.
9. Up next on my list is the mystical island of Siquijor, nope it is not because of the proliferation of ‘ghostly spirits’ that I want to go there…partly lang siguro but the main reason is that Ateng (my father’s kasambahay) hails from that place and she had long been inviting us to visit her house which is just a stone’s throw away from the beach…how is that for being cool! Huh! Maybe we just might take her up on that invitation someday!
10. Lastly, of course, I also want to visit someday the overhyped beaches of Boracay. But not during summer…maybe when the place is not teeming with crowded tourists. I hate it already when a place becomes so commercialized that going there becomes a nightmare and totally un-enjoyable…so yes I still will go to Boracay but not to party like most tourists do…but to enjoy the fine white sands and explore the pristine beaches and fun activities that the place had to offer.
Ok so that’s it for now… I guess I’ll just add/update the list as more places crop up. After all, our country is made up of 7,100+ beautiful islands to explore. Next time, I’ll probably make another list of foreign destinations naman…
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