If you’ve kept an eye out for the upcoming holiday schedule, the longest weekend you’ve been waiting for the whole year is about to happen. 

The upcoming barangay elections in the country, slated on October 30 as a non-working holiday, adds to the list of vacation days this latter part of the year. Meanwhile, November 1 and 2 are already gazetted in the list of special holidays. A couple of regular workdays are stuck in between, so make sure to send in those leave forms before you strike out. 

In the meantime, check out this list of fantastic destinations you should consider for an epic getaway. 

1. La Union

San Juan is a small, coastal town in the northern province of La Union, yet it has made a splash among beachcombers, sunbathers, and surfers from different corners of the country who want to getaway on its stunning shoreline.  

Eliseos Bed & Kitchen has been a calming home for many of them, and aside from its cozy cottages and suites, the homely spot takes pride on ‘Makan’, an experimental Filipino restaurant right on its premises. Seafood Sinigang, Inasal, Squid Adobo, Ceviche—these are a few of the dishes you can unwind with Engkanto craft beers after soaking in all the sun, salt, and sand. 

2. Batangas

A few hours from the frantic city streets of Manila, the world class diving spots of Batangas enchants with its underwater world for holidaymakers in much need of vitamin sea.  

Club Punta Fuego, an exclusive resort in the scenic fringes of Nasugbu, offers scuba diving for seasoned divers and new discoverers. The fun in the water continues on speedy jet skis, paddle boards, and a banana boat waiting for thrill seekers to go wet and wild. After all the aquatic activities, you can slide into the restaurants and bars at the resort and unwind with a glass or two of a refreshing Live It Up Lager. 

3. Cebu

Is Cebu just as bustling as the country’s capital? In some respects, it is, but when you’re at The Park Social Bar & Grill with friends, you can make a compelling argument that the city has its fair share of relaxing grounds.  

This trendy hangout at the IT Park has a breezy, open-air atmosphere and lounge areas to catch the sunset with a bottle of subtly sweet, easily enjoyable High Hive Honey Ale. Come nighttime, delectable appetizers and savory mains will make your trip more memorable. Remember to stay on your toes once the beat drops since musical artists are on the weekly line-up to make you move and groove. 

4. Siquijor

If you haven’t set foot in Siquijor yet, now is the time to make that trip before this stunning provincial island southeast from Cebu becomes a top tourist hot spot. 

Here, nature’s calm rests everywhere you look, and nothing beats the view from Siquijor Skylodge where a panoramic view of the ocean can put you in the mood to gaze at such wondrous creation. A sip of Mango Nation Hazy IPA will set you even more grateful of nature’s bounty with the beer’s natural aromas and flavors, primarily from prized Philippine mangoes that evoke a tropical escape. 

5. Palawan

White sand beaches, crystalline waters, and pristine reefs make Palawan a lauded destination among international travelers. There’s a lot to explore in this slice of tropical heaven, but when you want to go straight for the best, Amanpulo in Pamalican Island is your private getaway. 

From its lush casitas and villas amid a verdant landscape to the private dining experience and barbecues, all corners of the paradise beckon you to take utter relaxation. Sit back and hang out at the resort’s Beach Club, The Lagoon Club, or wherever you then a sip of Green Lava Double IPA. The beer’s bold zesty hops perfectly complement locally caught seafood that are cooked to perfection.