Best of Manila: Places to Explore in Manila with a P500 Budget

This is your sign to book that trip to Thailand because Cebu PacificAir is set to launch direct flights to Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in July this year!

Starting July 16, Cebu Pacific is offering three flights weekly to and from DMK, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Cebu Pacific now joins AirAsia among airlines offering DMK flights in the Philippines.

This is also in addition to the airline’s existing flights to Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand’s main airport, increasing the frequency of their weekly Bangkok flights to a total of 17.

Meanwhile, the Gokongwei-owned airline continues its regular twice-a-week flights from Manila to Bangkok and daily Clark to Bangkok flights.

Currently, Cebu Pacific is also offering a P1 one-way base fare for selected local and international destinations, in celebration of Mother’s Day. This is available from today until May 14 for trips spanning July 1 to Nov. 30 this year. You can check out the promo here.

To book a flight to Thailand via Cebu Pacific, visit their website. Grab your travel buddies and secure your tickets!

Good news, travelers! The Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) has just announced an easier and hassle-free visa application. Starting on May 1, KVAC has expanded its courier service nationwide and has started accepting mailed-in tourist visa applications.

For those who are applying for the C-3-9 Tourist Visa (under 59 days), you now have the choice to not personally visit the KVAC office anymore. All you must do is prepare all the needed requirements, which you can see on the Korean Embassy’s website, submit them, and head to the nearest W-Express branch near you to have them shipped to the KVAC office.

You can check their branches through their website.

Priced at P1,900 per application, which includes P1,000 for the W-Express service fee and P900 for the Korea Visa application fee.

Applicants who wish to apply are encouraged to plan their travel at least four weeks prior to the travel date or earlier, as the estimated application timeline is 16 days as pull-outs and fast-tracks are not permitted.

Access KVAC’s full guidelines for their expanded courier service through this link.

In desperate need of a getaway? Look no further than Batanes, the Philippines’ destination gem situated in the northernmost part of the country!

If you’re planning a trip to the tranquil province soon, great news! Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is bringing back its Clark, Angeles City to Basco, Batanes route! Starting July 2, travelers can board Clark-Basco and Basco-Clark flights every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

As of this writing, Clark-Basco round-trip flight prices start at P10,396 (base fare) for July. The airline is also offering one-way tickets to Batanes for as low as P5,298 in November, among other deals.

In a press release issued on April 22, President and CEO of LIPAD, Noel Manankil, said that the Clark-Basco revival aims to promote tourism and foster connections throughout the country.

“This renewed connection not only signifies the strengthening of ties between two vibrant destinations but also underscores the importance of Basco in the growth of Clark International Airport,” he added.

Meanwhile, PAL’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Capt. Stanley K. Ng, said that the airline will continue to reopen more routes departing from Clark in the future.

To book PAL’s Clark-Basco flight, click here.

Planning to fly to Hong Kong soon, but don’t want to face the traffic going to NAIA? Here’s an alternative: HK Express is launching a new flight route from Clark International Airport starting June 6!

HK Express, a subsidiary of Cathay Pacific Airlines, will be operating the Clark-Hong Kong direct flights four times a week every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

On Mondays and Saturdays, there will be two flights departing for Hong Kong every 10:50 AM, arriving at the bustling city by 1:05 PM. Meanwhile, flights bound for Clark on the same days are leaving by 7:55 AM and arriving at 10:05 AM.

For those who aren’t fans of early flights, HK Express has Tuesday and Thursday schedules, with flights going to Hong Kong leaving at 8:55 PM and landing by 11:10 PM. Hong Kong to Clark, on the other hand, will take flight by 6:10 PM, landing by 8:20 PM.

Some people prefer flying from the Clark International Airport since there are fewer crowds and cheaper flight options. If you’re planning to drive there, take note that the usual travel time takes two hours or more, depending on how heavy the traffic is. Here’s how to get there: take NLEX northbound going to SCTEX Exit. Keep driving to take the Clark North Exit and turn on the first rotunda going to Clark Airport Road.

If you plan to commute from Metro Manila, however, there’s a point-to-point (P2P) bus by Genesis Transport Service, Inc. in Trinoma starting at 4:30 AM. There’s also one that starts at NAIA Terminals 1,2,3, and 4, starting at 2 AM. The travel time would usually be 2.5 to 3 hours, but since the traffic from Manila to NLEX is unpredictable, be sure to leave extra time just in case things don’t go as planned.

If you want to just sit back and relax, there are car rental and taxi options as well.

Be sure to stay updated about the new flight routes and other exciting deals. For more information, follow Clark International Airport’s Facebook.

Looking for something fun to do this summer, but the heat is just too much to go outside? Or you’ve had so much vitamin sea that you’re looking for something that you can enjoy without getting all sweaty in this season? Head indoors to these ice-skating rinks and cold hangout spots for a different kind of summer fun.

While there are only a limited number of spots to visit, The Beat Asia has made sure to compile all the places you can visit within and near Metro Manila for your convenience. So, what are you waiting for? Get your whole gang ready and head to these spots before anyone else!

SM Megamall Ice Bumper Cars

While SM malls are known for having an indoor ice skating rink in the country and being one of the most visited attractions no matter what the season is, the mall’s skating rink in SM Megamall is more than just a rink where you can skate; it now also offers ice bumper cars where you and your friends can enjoy driving while on ice, offering a whole new bonding experience without feeling the prickling heat outside.

Priced at P150 per ride for the ice bumper cars, while the regular ice skating passes start at P350. You can get your tickets through the counter located outside the skating rink, as well as rent additional equipment for your convenience.

Star City Snow World

True to their slogan, “Where winter never ends,” Star City’s Snow World transports you from the tropical island to a winter wonderland upon walking inside. Make sure to button up your thick jackets and your gloves, as the place tends to get cold, just like what winter feels like in other parts of the world!

Tickets are available for purchase through their website. To access Snow World, visitors should have a Star Pass plus Snow World tickets priced at P889. While Star Pass is also available for purchase for P699, which only includes access to the park, tickets to Snow World are subject to a separate fee.

SM Mall of Asia Ice Skating Rink

Of course, we would not miss out on SM Mall of Asia’s ice-skating rink. Located inside one of the most visited malls in the metro, the SM MOA’s ice-skating rink is a great place to glide on the ice after walking along the seaside. You can also check out the mall’s game park if you’re up for more fun with your friends.

Skating rates for the SM Mall of Asia branch are the same as for the SM Megamall, with a starting price of P350, which guests can purchase at the counter. You can check out their daily schedule through this link before booking your passes.

Manila Ocean Park Trails to Antartica

Although you cannot really dive deep into the sea to avoid the heat, let yourself explore Antarctica at Manila Ocean Park’s Trail to Antarctica. Get up close with our penguin friends and take cute pictures with them inside the frozen-like backdrop to complete your South Pole experience.

Currently, the park is having a summer splash sale for all online bookings. For only P680, you can already have all-day access to the park, including the Trails to Antarctica (but not the penguin-feeding) and other attractions. The promo is valid for all bookings until June 29 and can be used until June 30.

Tagaytay Crosswinds

While Tagaytay tends to also get warm, it’s still manageable compared to the heat in Manila. If you’re looking for a place to just chill and drink your coffee peacefully, CrossWinds in Tagaytay has a wide selection of cafes that you can check out.

Surrounded by pine trees, the property is nestled uphill, which elevates and helps to lessen the heat, which makes it the perfect spot for a laid-back sunset hangout or a quick rest before you make your way back to Manila.

Baguio Burnham Park

A few hours' drive away from Manila, escape the heat and head to the summer capital of the country, Baguio City. Aside from the picturesque view of mountains and pine trees, enjoy freshly picked strawberries while you sit and chill at Burnham Park.

Your trip will surely not go to waste, as you can enjoy a lot of fun things and explore the rich culture of the city beyond its cold weather and pine trees.

Ah, summer. What a perfect time to beat the blazing heat with a refreshing vacation, away from the chaos of the city. Sure, going to Boracay, Baguio, or Tagaytay may be at the top of your list to get your chill vacation, but just going to these destinations may be a bit too exhausting and expensive (not to mention the crowds).

If you’re on a budget and looking for a getaway that’s not too far from the capital city, we’ve got you! In this article, we’re giving you a list of underrated vacation destinations in the Philippines that are just a ride away from the Metro. So, file a leave, pack your bags, ready your wallets (and the oh-so-important sunscreen), and check out our list!

Ternate, Cavite

While Tagaytay is Cavite’s cool destination for staycations and bustling landmarks, Ternate is the under-the-radar place to visit in the province, especially for beach lovers! The town has an abundance of beach resorts with vibes that stack up against popular destinations like Boracay and Palawan.

The best thing about it? Most resorts here are budget-friendly! To get here, simply hop on a Ternate-bound bus from Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) or drive through CAVITEX and navigate along the Naic-Maragondon-Ternate route.

Real, Quezon

Another summer season destination to visit is Real, Quezon. The coastal town, albeit small, boasts an impressive collection of lush greeneries, pristine waterfalls, and many more natural wonders—perfect for those looking for a tranquil getaway.

Some of the best places to visit here are the majestic BalagbagFalls and the breathtaking Baluti Island. You can also book a stay in one of their luxurious accommodations, which offer various experiences to help you explore the town’s beauty. For an easy commute to Real, you can ride a Real-Infanta-bound van from Legarda, Manila. You can also hop on a Real-bound bus in Sampaloc, Manila, via Raymond Bus Terminal.

Tanay, Rizal

Hiking enthusiasts will love this destination down south! Aside from the wide selection of relaxing resorts and food spots, Tanay is also home to sky-high mountains that offer scenic views. This includes the wonderful Masungi Georeserve, featuring rustic rock formations and tall trees. There’s also Mount Daraitan, a well-loved destination for hikers.

There are numerous transportation options to get to Tanay, including a UV Express or a jeepney ride from Starmall EDSA. You can also ride a UV Express from the terminal near the LRT Station in Santolan, Marikina. To check out more alternatives, click here.

San Felipe, Zambales

Soul-searching? If you are, an underrated destination to visit is the quaint and quiet village of San Felipe in Zambales! The best thing to do here is to go camping and bask in the beautiful view of their serene beaches or ride the waves and go for a surfing session. Their most popular attraction is Sitio Liwliwa, where a number of beach resorts are located.

If you’re from around the Metro, you only need to ride a bus going to Iba, Zambales, via Victory Liner’s terminal in Cubao to visit this small yet attractive town.

San Pablo, Laguna

If you love taking pictures while you’re on a trip, San Pablo is a great place to visit! Dubbed “The City of Seven Lakes,” San Pablo houses seven crater lakes that offer picturesque views: the Sampaloc, Bunot, Palakpakin, Mohicap, Pandin, Calibato, and Yambo Lakes. These lakes are also great spots to have a picnic and go for a swim.

San Pablo’s charms do not stop there! Being one of the oldest cities in the Philippines, San Pablo is also a destination where you can find historical edifices. Some of the best spots to take snaps at are the San Pablo City Cathedral, the Apolinario Mabini Shrine, Casa Real, and HagdangBato. To get here from Manila, just ride a San Pablo-bound bus from the terminals in Buendia along Taft Avenue.

Bolinao, Pangasinan

Another underrated destination rich in natural marvels is Bolinao, located in the coastal province of Pangasinan in the northwestern region. With its sunny, powdery-white beaches, enchanting caves, and jaw-dropping waterfalls, this place truly lets you immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

While there’s an option to travel to Bolinao from Manila through a cutting trip via Dau or Alaminos, you can sit back and relax by taking a direct travel bus to Bolinao via Five Star Bus, Victory Liner, or Dagupan Bus terminals in Cubao and Pasay. It will take about five hours to get there, but we assure you, it’s worth it!