There’s no doubt that the Philippines celebrates the longest Christmas season in the world as it starts with the “ber” months.

In the hospitality industry, you know it’s beginning to look and feel a lot like Christmas when hotels and resorts hold their Christmas tree lighting, festivities which come with deeper meaning and purpose as they usually highlight their properties’ advocacies and their season’s messages.

We had the chance to be part of these celebrations and we gladly share them because beyond the glitter is what Christmas represents—joy, hope, and the warmth of togetherness and the great message the world has received—the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Conrad Manila

Luxury hotel Conrad Manila ushered in the Yuletide season with the lighting of its shining, shimmering, and glittery Christmas tree on its grand lobby. With the theme “Bright holidays, Brilliant memories,” the tree, adorned with sparkling crystals and gold and silver ornaments centered on messages of gratitude, family togetherness, and the warmth of the Christmas spirit.

Okada Manila

Okada Manila’s magnificent Christmas tree features bold red accents, striped ornaments, gold spheres, carousel horses, and whimsical hot air balloon elements inspired by the resort’s holiday theme, “Christmas Carnival.” Topped with a grand red bow and surrounded by festive decor, it stands as a vibrant centerpiece that captures the playful charm and wonder of the season.

Pico de Loro Cove Beach and Country Club

Pico de Loro Cove Beach and Country Club’s inspiration on its Christmas tree comes from the mangroves, “nature’s quiet protectors that bring life and light to our surroundings. When mangroves thrive, they become home to fireflies—tiny sparks that illuminate the night, reminding us that even the smallest lights can create something truly wondrous together,” said General Manager Maxi Gavino.

The Christmas tree was created by the CRAFTmas team, composed of Pico de Loro Cove Beach and Country Club’s very own staff. Their innovative designs incorporated upcycled and locally sourced materials from the property and neighboring barangays, including wood scraps, foxtail palm twigs, Talisay fruit, acacia seeds, mangrove branches, mud crabs, and driftwood centerpieces. Each element combined sustainability with artistry, resulting in unique, memorable decorations that embody the spirit of the season.

Splendido Tagaytay Hotel and Country Club

Splendido Tagaytay Hotel and Country Club’s bright and sustainable-themed 23-foot Christmas tree was created out of reclaimed tree branches, put together with care and craftsmanship by the hotel’s very own maintenance team, and decorated with well-loved Filipino touches.

Century Park Hotel

Century Park Hotel’s Christmas tree transports everyone into a magical journey with the enchanting theme, “Century Express,” inspired by the beloved classic “The Polar Express.” The towering 43-foot Christmas tree is adorned with shimmering ornaments in hues of blue and silver. At its midsection, a grand Polar Express train encircled the tree, serving as a unique centerpiece that evoked the cinematic magic of holiday journeys. Snow effects cascading from the ceiling, garlands, nutcracker standees, and festive lights on pillars and trees completed the captivating decor, immersing guests in a winter wonderland.

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One of the most heartwarming experiences you can have when traveling to a province is interacting with the local community. This was what we did when we recently visited Zambales.

First was the Lotus Dairy Farm, a livelihood project of the Lotus Foundation Inc., in San Marcelino.

Dr. Teresa V. Yap, Chairman of the Lotus Foundation, guided us to some of the daily activities in the dairy farm such as cow feeding and milking.

Other things we found out about Lotus Dairy Farm. It provides fresh milk to the nearby communities and regularly conducts milk-feeding programs to school children. They train and employ housewives also from the nearby communities to produce dairy products for their families. They also have a training center for farmers and students for them to learn about dairy farming as they assist to supplement poor farmers’ low income by way of giving them additional sources of livelihood.

The visit to the dairy farm was part of the latest edition of NLEX Lakbay Norte which included the province of Zambales.

Another community which we went to was Liwliwa in San Felipe town.

El Zamba Villas

The El Zamba Villas were a new discovery for us.

According to El Zamba Community Association President Bren Delos Santos, they are composed of around 70 establishments including restaurants, bars, unique accommodations, as well as those that offer services to travelers.

Liwliwa is a perfect beach town area for surfers, with consistent waves suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. Camping overnight is also allowed on the beach, with options ranging from rustic campsites to upscale glamping.

We were able to try the ATV while visiting some establishments, which were local cafes, hostels, and casual beachfront hangouts. The relaxing beach is the one that connects the community, which you can explore while riding the ATV.

We were then treated to a sumptuous feast with the community serving us various dishes and drinks, some of which have local influence. We then proceeded to our next destination.

Haya Nature Resort

Haya Nature Resort in Botolan provided a tranquil environment as we rested for the night, that is, after we had dinner at Bird’s Nest, its outdoor restaurant which served us popular Filipino food.

The resort features a lush environment, direct access to the beach, a big swimming pool, and comfortable and hotel-like villas.

The next day after breakfast at the resort, we were treated to some products from Sonia’s Sweets. Located in Botolan, it is a family business owned by Luzonia P. Encarnacion and has been operating since 1987. It produces delicacies such as banana chips, cassava chips, camote strings, pastillas, polvoron and gabi chips—snacks that are perfect for pasalubong and party treats.

The Bakery

And here’s one place you should not miss when visiting Zambales—The Bakery in Iba which takes pride in its breads, cakes, pastries, and more. More than a bakery, it has a restaurant with a classy look because of its black and white interiors. It serves a variety of signature blended drinks (such as mango and graham, mixed berries, cookies and cream, strawberries and cream), milk teas (like Nutella Milo, blueberry, strawberry, Okinawa), and hot, iced or blended coffee.

It also offers salads, nachos, burgers, fries, quesadillas, chicken wings, pasta, which makes it more like a fast-food restaurant.

Our visit to Zambales was short but sweet, but it gave us more reasons to travel to the province again to explore more of its interesting and fun tourist spots.

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In recent years, we have seen the rise of new tourist destinations in the country. New surfing spots ride the waves of attracting local and international travelers alike. The tranquil haven of soft sand meeting the sea of new beach destinations continues to lure travelers. Urban areas which appeal to heritage and culture enthusiasts also are not left behind.

Despite these new rising tourist spots, which we love (the more, the merrier, and it’s good for the country’s tourism industry), one top destination is holding its own, and you will be surprised at what it now offers. This we found out when we recently visited Subic.

Ocean Adventure

Our first stop was Ocean Adventure, a popular open-water marine park in the Philippines and always a top draw for tourists since it opened in October 2001. It showcases marine life through interactive presentations and encounters with dolphins, sea lions, and other marine animals.

At Sea Lion Underwater Viewing, we witnessed the angelic and majestic swimming gesture of sea lions underwater through an 18,000 liters glass pool. The Voyager Aquarium, meanwhile, features the predators of the sea and an exhibit of the divers’ suit and equipment history.

Then we proceeded with the highlight of our trip which was the encounter with the sea lions and dolphins. The sea lions put on a show that warmed our hearts. We also had the opportunity to feed, touch, and even get a kiss from the marine animal which we gamely received even though they seem to smell like fish. Our encounter with the dolphins was a short but thrilling experience. Once we spread out our arms, the gentle giant immediately leapt out of the water allowing their smooth bodies to be touched which created a deeper connection with these intelligent marine animals.

Ocean Adventure is not just a place where marine animals put on a show. It focuses on marine adventure and conservation, providing visitors with insights into marine ecosystems and the importance of protecting them.

The Walk on the Wild Side Show capped our visit here where we met some of the rescued forest animals through an interactive show. The show also helps educate people about the importance of saving wildlife.

Sunset cruise

We continued with our adventure in Subic with a sunset cruise courtesy of Subic Fishing and Yacht Charter. As the yacht traversed Subic Bay, we enjoyed the music by the two-man band and some late afternoon snacks. It was a moment to unwind, reflect and connect with the vastness of the sea. From the warm glow of the setting sun to the dramatic play of shadows on the water, every moment is a potential masterpiece. Those gave us a serene and breathtaking experience that offers a unique perspective on the beauty of nature.

The newly opened Best Western Plus Hotel Subic was our home for the night. It is currently the only internationally branded hotel in the area offering a variety of topnotch facilities and amenities. The hotel boasts an outdoor pool, perfect for a refreshing dip, minimalist rooms, a bar at the ground floor and at the Sky Oasis Pool, and the Cactus Jack restaurant, also at the ground floor.

We had dinner at Cactus Jack, an all-day restaurant which serves up local and international cuisine. We devoured (an understatement) their monster boards which were loaded with a generous mix of smoked meats and classic sides. Its menu also features comfort food classics like juicy burgers, tender ribs, and perfectly grilled steaks.

We began our second day in Subic with a tour of the Central Business District via an electric bus which we were told will soon be the regular mode of public transportation in the area. We passed by some historical attractions such as the Inang Laya Monument and the Old West Gate which dates back to the Spanish times, among other commercial establishments.

The Range Subic Bay

We then proceeded to The Range Subic Bay for some adrenaline-pumping activity.

It is a state-of-the-art firing range which just opened last January providing gun enthusiasts and law enforcement personnel with a new venue to hone their shooting skills. The new facility, spanning 3,000 sq.m., is located at Corregidor Highway in the Ilanin Forest area. It occupies a former US naval building (Building 2027), which has been repurposed to include a 100-sq.m. indoor range.

The range master and range officer gave us a briefing on the facility, on gun safety, as well as how to use the gun. We took our chance at the firing range with some of us guests hitting the bullseye while others completely missing the target.

After sweating it out a little at the firing range, we then proceeded to Crabs N Crack for our lunch. The restaurant is the perfect place to end our visit in Subic with its menu featuring various delicious seafood platters, including their popular Mixed Seafood Platter, and individual items like Shrimp, Scallops, and Tuna Belly. They also serve Filipino dishes like Seafood Kare-Kare, Sinigang na Hipon, and House Bulalo, along with pasta, appetizers such as Chicharon Bulaklak, and desserts like Leche Flan.

Our visit to Subic was part of the latest edition of NLEX Lakbay Norte which also spanned Bataan and Zambales. If you haven’t recently visited Subic, now’s the best time to do so because aside from its usual attractions which never fail to excite every traveler, its new food offerings, activities, and places to relax and unwind will surely be worth your while.

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Bataan is a province in the country that truly etches itself into your memory, and not just for its historic and significant role in World War II.

The Death March, a 140-km. march of Filipino and American prisoners of war after the Fall of Bataan in 1942, is a somber reminder of the sacrifices they made during one of the country’s darkest hours. That day, April 9th of every year, is now observed as Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), a national holiday. It was previously known as Bataan Day.

We had the opportunity to visit Bataan during the latest edition of NLEX Lakbay Norte, a media familiarization tour that aims to promote and accelerate tourism development in the northern part of the country with the NLEX and SCTEX expressways providing fast, the safest, and most comfortable access.

The province is now becoming a popular destination for travelers, offering a treasure trove of history, heritage, food, nature, and adventure.

With Tesla setting the stage for an exciting adventure, getting inside the electric vehicle with minimalist interior and a large touchscreen, which is used for controlling various vehicle functions, gave us a futuristic feel. Tesla’s electric motor also provided immediate and substantial torque, resulting in rapid acceleration and a remarkably smooth and quiet ride.

Our first stop was Casa Victoria in Hermosa, Bataan where we had our hearty lunch.

Casa Victoria should be your go-to place when visiting the town. The restaurant celebrates both heritage and innovation, offering a wide array of traditional Filipino cuisine alongside creative dishes inspired by the family matriarch Victoria Senseng David. We feasted on various pizzas and pastas, wagyu beef shank bulalo, wagyu beef caldereta, lapu-lapu, baby squid, among others. Its ambience takes you to a bygone era providing added delight to every meal.

Bataan Tourism Center

We dropped by the Bataan Tourism Center, which gave us a preview of what to expect in the province. Constructed in 2009, the Bataan Tourism Center houses the Provincial Tourism Office, Exhibit Hall, Audio-Visual Room, and Pasalubong Center which showcases the province’s finest products, handicrafts, and delicacies.

Bataan also has its share of old churches that date back to the Spanish colonial era. We paid our respects at the Abucay Church, so-named because it is situated in the town of Abucay. Officially known as the Saint Dominic de Guzman Parish Church, it was established in 1587 and administered by the Dominican Missionary Friars in 1588. Its original structure was made of wood and thatch, but it was later rebuilt using stone and brick in the 17th century.

One thing Bataeños is surely proud of is one woman who because of her achievements has become an inspiration for the province. She is Amanda Battad, owner and founder of Amanda’s Marine Products, who recently was named Outstanding Agricultural Entrepreneur in the medium scale category in Central Luzon as part of the GAWAD SAKA 2025 Awards.

Her company produces bagoong and other gourmet seafood products such as boneless tinapa, tilapia smoked fish, dried dilis, pusit, tuyo, among others. She began as a small backyard operation. Now her products are not only being distributed all over the country but also internationally.

Culinary delights

Aside from Casa Victoria, we gave in to our cravings in the next places that we visited. We were delighted with the plant-based meals at Luces Living in Balanga City. It is also an eco-shop, and a mixed-use space for wellness classes such as Yoga, among other holistic activities.

Lunico Café, meanwhile, brings something special to the dining scene in Balanga City. Fusion dishes are served here. So whether you’re craving for seafood or chicken dishes, beef quesadilla, salad, or a hearty burger, there’s plenty to explore. We also tried their full range of concoctions–from classic coffees to fruit teas–with Lychee Sakura, Passionfruit Basil and Mint, and Mulberry Lemon Iced Teas being truly refreshing.

We spent the night at Bayandati Resort, a cozy accommodation which has an interesting name. It was actually coined from two Tagalog words bayan (town or población) and dati (old). The place where the resort is located used to be the center of Morong until a new poblacion or bayan was established. But beyond the name, the resort is a class on its own with its well-appointed rooms, refreshing facilities such as its swimming pool, and an all-day dining restaurant named Maria’s Kitchen which offers Chef’s Specials, Filipino comfort food, steak, and a Happy Hour during the late afternoon up to early evening where selected cocktails are at 50-percent off.

The next day, we passed by the EGL Beach Resort. It has lovely beachfront views, a swimming pool, a restaurant, bar, lounge, and private gazebos. Its accommodations can rival the serviced residences in Manila.

Pawikan Conservation Center

A visit to the Pawikan Conservation Center in Morong taught us a lot about wildlife conservation. It is a vital center dedicated to the preservation of endangered marine turtles. The coastline where the center is situated is home to the original nesting sites of these endangered species. It’s managed by former poachers who are now protectors of these creatures. Visiting and participating in turtle releases is truly an amazing experience.

Our short trip to the province was capped off by our lunch at the famous Loleng’s Hu Tieu-an Plus which offers Vietnamese dishes–imagine Pho, Banh Mi, spring rolls, among others. A lot of stories were shared over every bite with Lolita “Aling Loleng” Vistan herself gracing us with her presence, beginning from the establishment of the restaurant over 40 years ago due to the presence in Morong of Vietnamese refugees displaced by the Vietnam War, to how it has grown into a popular foodie spot now.

From the remnants of the war, to pristine beaches, delicious food, comfortable resorts and accommodations, lovely nature, and exciting adventure activities, as well as inspiring stories of its people, don’t miss Bataan when planning your next getaway.

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