Favorite ‘secret’ summer destinations

By: Alex Y. Vegara, Cheche V. Moral, Stef Cabal
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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MICHELE SISON

Fave secret getaway would be our rest house in Pililia, Rizal. It is the only house on a hill, and is not publicly accessible. It can be a place for solitude or could be a party place with a group of friends or my family.—MICHELE SISON, fashion designer

I love surfing in Maui, Hawaii. It’s where surfing started. The waves are the perfect size for surfing. It’s nice to surf with a lot of champion surfers in Maui. I learn faster, and I have more fun when I surf with the best.—RICHIE SANTOS, VP and group manager, Cinderella

RICHIE Santos

There’s only one secret hideaway for me and my friends, and I keep going back. It’s in Alfonso, Tagaytay. It’s a house, a big loft owned by two balikbayan friends. They fixed and designed this home for comfort. You can just laze around all day and eat to your heart’s content—wine and chees

e all day long, and all the gossip and conversation! I’m already missing the fun just thinking about it. It’s really a great way to unwind, away from all obligations, and to bond with my closest BFFs. We try to do this at least three times a year. Can’t wait for our next one!—HENRI CALAYAG, creative director, Henri Calayag Salon

Dicasalarin in Baler, Aurora. The moment you reach the entrance, you will fall in love. The vista is breathtaking. You have to meander through the mountain and its lush vegetation to get to a little private cluster of cute cottages. Once you get there, you have a choice of going to the ocean or just hanging out by a cool freshwater stream. The shoreline is long, and you can check out little coves or climb up a hill and take the view in.—FERDI SALVADOR, TV host

Chichen Itza and the cenote in Mexico. Chichen Itza is just amazing, from the structure to its history. It’s just so inspiring. As for the cenote, it is an underwater cave where you can either dive or snorkel. It’s a nice cave with free hanging stalactites. It’s a different experience to be snorkeling inside a cave, with clearance of just one or two feet, and above you are the amazing stalactites.—MONETTE BATA GARCIA, co-owner, IORA Phils.

NJ TORRES with friends

Capari, San Vicente, Palawan. It’s a modest boutique resort in a private cove, offering serenity, privacy, great food, great beach, conveniently located near the country’s longest 14.7-km white beach cove called Long Beach. Deserted beaches, waterfalls and captivating viewpoints. Perfect getaway from the big city.—NJ TORRES, PR manager, Marie France/Facial Care Centre

INGRID Go

Hands down, Amanpulo in Palawan, Philippines. Confession: I was never a beach person until two years ago, when I first went to Amanpulo. I have since been transformed and have been going back when I need to unwind. While I would undoubtedly enjoy the vibe of Boracay, I choose to go with the quiet and calm, the serenity and privacy, as they give me that chance to relax and completely detach myself from the “real” world without compromising modern amenities that we’ve all grown accustomed to (hello, Internet! The island is “wired”!). El Nido, Palawan comes a close second as it’s also more “budget-friendly” and allows for more interisland exploration.—INGRID GO, “bag hag” and Inquirer columnist

The Monastery of the Transfiguration in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, is a tranquil retreat for urbanites who seek spiritual renewal and inner reflection. Its chapel’s unique pyramid-shaped architecture is indeed a sight to behold, surrounded by the picturesque terrain of Bukidnon and the calming breeze. Basked in serenity, the monastery is definitely one summer destination worth visiting.— ROSEVI GAETOS, Citem executive director