MANILA, Philippines – Independence Day on June 12 is not just a celebration of the Philippines’ freedom from the Spaniards; to those on the daily grind, it is also a day of freedom from the office or school.

For those who would like to make the most of this holiday, here are some day trip ideas:

1. Hit the beach

Nothing spells freedom better than a day of sun, sea and sand. Even if it rains, the day is still bound to be fun. There’s a saying that goes: “A bad day at the beach is better than a good day at the office.”

To those who live in Manila, pack up your beach essentials early in the morning and head for a drive or commute to some of the beaches only 3 hours away. Good options are the beaches in Batangas, like Laiya with its white sands.

2. Climb a mountain

What better way to feel that rush of freedom and exhilaration than to reach the top of a mountain?

You don’t need to climb for several hours, too. There are beginner-friendly mountains you can climb for just 3 hours.

Two examples are Mount Gulugod Baboy in Mabini, Batangas and Mount Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas (the latter is a bit challenging, but still manageable for beginners).

For more information on mountains you can climb on a day hike and their levels of difficulty, go to www.pinoymountaineer.com. 

3. Have a quiet lake moment

Whether it’s one of Laguna’s 7 lakes or the popular Taal Lake in Batangas — which can also be viewed from Tagaytay — you can have a quiet “me” moment if you pick and stay on a spot for some minutes just watching the still waters, even if you are traveling with family or friends.

Some lakes also have boat rides, kayaking and even rafting. 

4. Have a relaxing staycation

You don’t need to go far to get away from it all. Book a day at the spa and prepare for some serious pampering. To those with busy work schedules or family schedules (or both), this “me” time is freedom like nothing else.

If you have the dough, you can also stay overnight in a nice hotel and go to work refreshed and recharged the next morning.

5. Go back to where it all began

If you want to see history relived and celebrated, visit Aguinaldo Shrine at Kawit, Cavite, where the Philippine flag was first raised in independence.

It’s not just the flag raising ceremony and speeches you will see. As June 12 is the last day of the Kalayaan Festival (yes, a Cavite festival made especially for Independence Day), expect parades, dance performances and other activities.

Here is a video of the 2012 Independence Day rites: 

– Rappler.com

Claire Madarang is a writer, traveler, and seeker. Her wanderlust takes her on adventures like backpacking for 7 weeks straight. Her seeking leads her to different wellness practices like meditation and healthy (mostly vegetarian) eating. Follow her adventures, tips, and epiphanies at her blog, Traveling Light.