2021 List of “Long Weekends” in the Philippines
2021 – A year for new beginnings
The past year caught all of us off-guard. Travel, in whatever sense, has come to a halt because of unprecedented events that shook all of us and the entire world. While hopes are high for 2021, let us look at some of the long weekends where you can book a trip! I also have put some places where you might want to explore for 2021! Let’s go!
Read also: Capiz Province: 1000-Peso Challenge
New Year’s Day (January 1 – Friday)
BORACAY (December 30, 2020 – January 3, 2021)
What’s a good way of welcoming the New Year in one of the best islands in the world? Boracay is one of the, if not, the most popular island in the Philippines. Boasting its tropical climate all year round and the finest white sand you will ever find, the newly-rehabilitated Boracay island is ready to welcome you to celebrate the New Year! What I like in this island is the hospitality of the people and the experience of visiting Boracay itself. When I visited this place, it was just surreal that you do not want to leave the island!
Read also: Reasons why you should fall in love with Boracay again and again!
Chinese New Year (February 12 – Friday)
DAVAO CITY (February 12 – 14, 2021)
(photo by The City Government of Davao)
Celebrating the Chinese New Year in the Durian Capital of the Philippines is one kind of an experience. The “King City” of Davao is home to one of the most diverse regions in Mindanao. Home to a portion of Mount Apo, Davao is a metropolis you would not want to miss. Being the key city in Mindanao, visiting its Chinatown is also a must as it is near Durian Stalls where you can see local cheap finds. I also suggest that you have an excursion to Samal Island (even for a day trip only) and experience the Mindanaoan Island life!
EDSA People Power Anniversary (February 25 – Thursday)
MANILA / NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION (February 25, 26 (file leave), 27, 28, 2021)
(photo by www.bluprint.onemega.com)
You will definitely be “coming back to Manila” when you have explored the National Capital Region where every major tourist spot is located. You can visit centuries-old churches (Quiapo Church, Baclaran Church, to name a few), visit some historical monuments (such as the People Power Monument along EDSA, Rizal Park, Intramuros), or have a food trip in the metro (Maginhawa Street in Quezon City, Chinatown Food Hopping in Binondo, or seafood madness in Dampa, Pasay City). There is so much to see and do in the capital region, that I suggest you to spend 3 to 4 days! It’s more fun in the Philippines! 🙂
Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (April 1 and 2 – Thursday, Friday)
MARINDUQUE (April 1 – 4, 2021)
Visiting the “Heart of the Philippines” during Lenten Season is a time for reflection, too! If you happen to plan a trip there this Lenten Season, you might want to experience the Moriones Festival as well! This festival is a reenactment of the search for Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus when he was crucified. Centurions adorned in colorful costumes are in a quest to capture Longinus portrayed in a colorful parade. The province’s capital Boac, is the place to stay when visiting Marinduque. I suggest that you visit Maniwaya Island and the Palad Sand Bar, too!
Araw ng Kagitingan (April 9 – Friday)
BOHOL (April 9 – 11, 2021)
Celebrating the Day of Valor in the island of Bohol would surely be a memorable one. Some of you may not know, but it is in this province where the longest Philippine Revolt happened. Visiting the staple tourist spots such as the Chocolate Hills, Baclayon Church, Loboc River, Balicasag Island, and Panglao Island is also a plus when visiting Bohol. I suggest you to look and go to the far-flung and lesser known municipalities of the island to level up your experience in the province!
Read also: Behold Bohol: Things you need to see and do in this wonderful Island!
National Heroes Day (August 30 – Monday)
CAVITE (August 28 – 30, 2021)
Pay homage to the Cradle of the Philippine Revolution, the historical province of Cavite! This province in the southern Tagalog region is rich in history, one events of which is the declaration of the Philippine Independence from the Spaniards and the first waving of the Philippine flag. Visiting the ancestral house of Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit is a must visit. If you want a cooler setting, I suggest that you go to Tagaytay and have a glimpse of the Taal Volcano as well.
All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day (November 1 and 2 – Monday, Tuesday)
MOUNTAIN PROVINCE (October 30, 31 – November 1, 2, 2021)
If you are in for a unique All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day in the Philippines, I definitely recommend that you visit Mountain Province. It is more than just ‘where broken hearts go,’ but this culturally-rich province is one of the rising destinations in the Cordillera region. The unique celebration of dia delos muertos, particularly in Sagada, is a sight to see. Families of the departed put up a bonfire in front of their relatives’ grave as a sign of respect and remembrance. This tradition is one of its kind in the Philippines.
Read also: Sagada is more than just finding your ‘Tadhana’
Bonifacio Day (November 30 – Tuesday)
ILOILO (November 27, 28, 29 (file leave), 30)
Exploring the birthplace of the world-famous Dinagyang Festival is definitely one for the books! Formerly known as the Queen City of the South (a ‘title’ which is now being claimed by Cebu City), Iloilo and Iloilo City is home to several historical houses and buildings that you can feast on! Not to mention, the province is also home to the famous Pancit Molo and La Paz Batchoy! Further north, you can find the Islas de Gigantes, where you can island-hop for a day!
Read also: Iloilo – 20 Places to visit in the “Heart of the Philippines”
Rizal Day (December 30 – Thursday) and New Year’s Eve (December 31 – Friday)
PUERTO GALERA, ORIENTAL MINDORO (December 30, 31, 2021 – January 1, 2, 2022)
Celebrating and welcoming the New Year is definitely one in my bucket list. For the mean time, if celebrating the holidays remotely is really your thing, I suggest you welcome 2022 in Puerto Galera! At par with famous beach destinations such as Boracay and Palawan, Puerto Galera also shares some of the best diving destinations in the Philippines. Just a mere 1-2 hour boat ride from Batangas, this municipality is one of the most laid-back destinations you will ever find!
Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha
*In solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters, Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha shall be declared separately after approximate dates have been determined according to the Islamic Calendar.
COTABATO CITY (date depends upon the declaration of the Muslim Community)
Home to the biggest mosque in the Philippines, the City of Cotabato is one of the must-be-visited cities in the island of Mindanao. With its rich Islamic culture and as the Center of the newly-formed Bangsamoro Region, Cotabato City is one of the cities you might not want to miss!
———
Did I miss something on the list? Hit me up here and let’s fix things! Let’s welcome 2021 with open arms! Remember, we’re born to travel!
About Aldrick 'chiki' Agpaoa
