Understated Summer Activities and Destinations that Rethink Your Summer Itinerary
Photo courtesy of ZYN
While a typical Summer in the Philippines is usually spent at the beach, even the country’s leading destinations offer more than just their coastal atmosphere
How do Filipinos enjoy their summer? The months of March to May have become a way for Filipinos to discover new activities, destinations, and communities in the country. There’s surfing, hiking, and even a total cultural immersion in the city for those who are fond of the indoors, from pottery and scrap journaling to pickleball and sound meditation.
Planning for the best itinerary is a whole different thing altogether. In partnership with ZYN, Vogue Philippines created itineraries, from road trips to flying out, in the country’s popular destinations.
La Union
La Union may be known for surfing and its culinary communities, but it is also home to a variety of rolling peaks and hidden oases that showcase the province’s natural beauty. Starting in the morning at the base of Mt. Mugong, hikers will be able to summit La Union’s tallest peak, offering a panoramic view of the province, as well as a sea of clouds for those most patient. After a four-hour walk back to Barangay Lon-oy, travellers can head straight to Dupagan Falls before heading back to the city proper. Throughout the hike, trekkers will also get to try a variety of Ilocano delicacies, as well as dishes made with karlang, a fibrous root vegetable similar to taro.
Boracay
Boracay has recently shifted from its identity as a go-to coastal getaway through its “Love Boracay 2026” campaign, highlighting the island’s inherent beauty through guided itineraries and cultural events.
Visitors can take an off-road journey to the summit of Mt. Luho, offering an unrestricted view of the island’s shoreline. And while the Ati-Atihan festival only happens every January, travellers are still invited to learn more about the Ati tribe’s heritage in weaving and traditional medicine.
For a change of pace from the usual island hopping, quest-seekers can take a tour through the island’s Crystal Cove and Puka Cave, showcasing a different facet of the island’s history.
Metro Manila
Exploring Metro Manila will open the door to numerous cultural destinations. Starting along Intramuros’ expanse of preserved heritage homes, urban explorers can then head to Escolta Street to view varieties of Art Deco architecture, which would later lead to Binondo’s range of Filipino-Chinese cuisine, culture, and art.
The nightlife scene in Manila has changed. It’s now brimming with spaces for shared experiences through local artistry, from art galleries and film screenings to celebrations of queer art and community.
For the urban explorer looking to discover the local music scene before a night out, places such as 78-45-33 and Oto in Makati offer sprawling catalogues of vinyl records that pair with their uniquely crafted cocktails.
ZYN had also focused on hosting its own sensory-driven experiences in 2025, partnering with local artists and festivals to highlight what it means to stay in the moment. For this year’s ZYN Summer 2026 campaign, however, the brand had recently staged a series of events across the country’s popular hotspots.
From nightlife takeovers during Cebu’s Sinulog festival to scenic rooftop experiences in partnership with Billboard Philippines, ZYN’s seasonal campaign is now set to culminate in Siargao this May. Here, patrons, ambassadors, as well as selected raffle winners, are invited to celebrate in the island’s electric atmosphere, resonating in the brand’s pursuit of an uninterrupted Summer.
“Our vision is to accelerate a smoke-free Philippines, and providing people with diverse and scientifically substantiated products is a step towards that. The best option is still to quit smoking, of course. But for those who don’t, a shift to smoke-free products is a better option,” says Zhenya Ivanov, President of PMFTC.
Visit the ZYN website to learn more about ZYN Summer 2026. Visit ZYN on Instagram to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Ambeth Ocampo is a renowned Filipino public historian, author, and academic. Born in 1961, his work extensively covers Philippine history, with a particular focus on the personal lives of national heroes like José Rizal, Apolinario Mabini, and Antonio Luna.
He is recognized for his unique ability to “humanize” historical figures. By moving away from viewing them as static monuments, he uses primary evidence to present these figures as relatable individuals, making history engaging and accessible to the public.
Ocampo is widely known for his long-running newspaper column, “Looking Back,” which has been in publication for over 36 years. These columns have been compiled into best-selling books, most notably Rizal Without the Overcoat, which won a National Book Award in 1990.
Ocampo considers humor his “main weapon.” He believes that by using humor to make people laugh, he can lower their defenses, making them more receptive to historical lessons—whether they are readers of his columns or bored students in a university classroom.
Beyond his ongoing teaching and writing, Ocampo is currently developing a new book about unusual characters in Philippine history and is dedicated to creating a digital archive for future José Rizal scholars, ensuring his extensive research remains accessible.