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The Department of Tourism (DOT) has launched its first-ever Philippine hop-on hop-off (HOHO) bus tours to provide tourists, particularly fully independent individual travelers and group travelers, with a convenient and flexible way to visit local destinations through a seamless and contactless booking system.
Collaborating with the Makati City government, the HOHO bus tours will cost around P1,000 per person and operate from Wednesday to Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Each tour will take tourists to the city’s lifestyle centers, museums, and heritage sites, including stops at Ayala Malls Circuit, Washington SyCip Park, and Museo ng Makati.
“Post-pandemic trends of travel have continued to evolve. People search for experiences that go beyond adventure, fun, and they search for meaning,” Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said during her speech at the Ayala Malls Glorietta on Sunday, May 28.
“And that is why the (Philippines) Hop-On Hop-Off tours [give] opportunities for our tourists not only to be reminded of the spirit of modernity and innovation that Makati has always been known for, but also to get to know the soul of your city that lies in your hidden gems, in your museums, in the many stops that are covered by this tour that will allow our tourists – domestic and international alike – to get to know the people of Makati, to get to know your rich history, culture, and heritage,” she added.
“This is an effort that we wish to replicate in all the other areas in Metro Manila [and the Philippines] and this is just the beginning,” she said.
The DOT noted in a release that preparations are also underway for the launch of the HOHO bus tours in the cultural hub of Manila. Both Makati and Manila HOHO tours will become fully operational after their grand launch sometime in June.
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Heads up, Chingus!Seo In Gukhas been officially named the Philippines’ Celebrity Tourism Ambassador for South Korea by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
Known for his work in various popular K-Dramas such as “Reply 1997” (2012) and “Doom At Your Service” (2021), Seo partners with DOT to promote the Philippines as a premiere destination for Korean travelers. DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco led the memorandum signing with the actor and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) at the DOT office in Makati City last Feb. 21.
As part of the agreement, Seo will participate in a series of promotional campaignsfeaturing Philippine tourist hotspots such as Boracay, Cebu, and Manila. He will also be engaging in digital content creation and immersive experiences to highlight the Philippines’ vibrant culture, natural beauty, and world-class hospitality.
Photo from The Department of Tourism/Facebook
This collaboration aligns with DOT’s current strategy to expand the country’s global tourism appeal by leveraging pop culture and social media influence. An actor and singer of Seo’s caliber means he has an extensive fanbase with whom they could connect and share the wonders of the islands. The singer-songwriter just held his first-ever fan meet in Southeast Asia in Manila last August 2023, proving his close ties with Filipino fans.
The actor expressed his gratitude at the meeting, as he promised to promote the Philippines and encourage more Koreans and other foreign nationalities to visit the country. His heartfelt message has been translated on DOT’s Facebook post:
“Thank you, and it feels very nice, and it’s an honor for me to be on this stage,” he said. “I really feel [a] big responsibility as a representative of and as a promoter for one country. I really really want to thank everyone for making this happen for me and I really want to say that I will give back all the love that you gave to me and I will be someone to promote the Philippines to others in the future. Thank you very much. Mahal ko kayo (I love you all).”
Photo from The Department of Tourism/FacebookPhoto from The Department of Tourism/Facebook
We don’t know about you, but we’re excited to see Seo play his most significant role yet!
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At first glance, walking around Metro Manila could be just like signing your death sentence — it’s that dangerous. Yet it remains a part of the daily lives of many, those with no choice but to skimp on convenience and those who would like to give Metro Manila’s streets a try.
If you thought that walking from one place to another in Metro Manila was impossible, then a group of students from De La Salle University-Manila (DLSU) would say the contrary.
Meet the "Chinito Walkers"— Irvin Ong, Bon Shi, and Idrian Lim — a trio currently making a case for a more walkable Metro Manila. Initiated by Irvin, who goes by the name JetNekko on social media, these students from DLSU-Manila regularly go on walks from their university to some place within Metro Manila to advocate that you can walk anywhere.
The Beat Manila got a chance to chat with the Chinito Walkers to get to know their motivations, realizations, and their thoughts on a more walkable Metro Manila. Read on to get to know them more and see how they feel about walking the streets of Metro Manila.
Hi Chinito Walkers! What is the motivation behind creating your content on TikTok?
JetNekko: Technically, I would say that I started the idea. We were having lunch on a normal school day — it was a Tuesday. Then, usually, we’d just go home via LRT. The LRT station nearest to DLSU is Vito Cruz, right? Then we’d go back to Bambang. On that day, the line to the LRT was ridiculously long, to the point that it stretched to the outside. What we usually do is walk to Quirino Station, which is a 5-minute walk, then take the LRT from there because the line and trains aren’t too crowded.
But it just came out of my mouth and I said, “What if we walk home?” Just for the experience. Then coincidentally, my song “Aking Sinta” hasn’t been released yet. So I thought, “What if I make a video of us walking from DLSU to Bambang, and then put my song in the background for extra promotions? ” I wasn’t an active content creator then, but I thought, “What if we just give it a try?” Then we did. It started as a joke, and now it’s something that we do.
Aside from being the Chinito Walkers, who are you guys behind the scenes?
Idrian: Well, basically we’re just a group of friends since high school. We all have our own lives — Irvin (JetNekko) does music, and Bon and I have our own hobbies and sports. With what Irvin mentioned earlier, no one really expected this to blow up. The next day after the video was uploaded, my friends were already sending it to me saying, “Why are you on TikTok?” And I asked the same thing because I didn’t know that Irvin was recording at the time.
JetNekko: It was pretty lowkey at the time, even Idrian didn’t know it was for a TikTok and thought that I was recording for personal reasons. It was just a timelapse compared to our videos now.
Idrian: We wanted to ride on the hype our first video got, so that’s why we’re here now.
Can you tell me any stories about your walks? Anything memorable or what you realized while doing your content?
Idrian: We realized a lot, there were also a couple of times when we almost got hit [by cars]. It was scary.
JetNekko: Our walk from DLSU to Ateneo [in Quezon City] was our hardest walk, and our longest walk so far. It was incredibly difficult because we experienced different weather in different hours. The first few hours were so hot, then it rained in the end. We didn’t have umbrellas; we were just walking in the rain. Our things and phones were wet, and we passed everything. There was a time when there was so much traffic, roads without any sidewalks, and parts where there was so much trash. Our main realization while doing this content is that the Philippines needs a lot of work in terms of urban planning and such.
What was the most random comment you’ve received on your social media?
JetNekko: There are people commenting that we should go to extremely far places like Tagaytay, Dasmariñas, [or] Baguio. It’s fun to look at because there are a lot of people talking about it and we have a lot of choices and places to choose from.
Do you receive negative comments about your walks?
Idrian: Only a few, those that say that we didn’t [actually] walk the entire thing. There are people doubting but other than that, none really.
JetNekko: There’s at least one person commenting on our videos saying that we have a lot of time. But actually…We plan it down to the point that we slowly lose our free time because we try to turn this hobby into something more serious.
Idrian: We’re having a hard time.
JetNekko: The other side that people don’t see is that we sacrifice a lot of time and effort for this, especially for editing. Editing takes so much to the point that the time for editing is much longer than our walks. I would edit it continuously because there’s a lot to do. It’s a new learning [experience] for us on how to balance our studies and content creation.
As avid walkers around Metro Manila, do you think that Metro Manila has the potential to become more walkable in the future? Why or why not?
Bon: Metro Manila has the potential to be walkable in the far future, as long as the people in charge finally see what’s happening and start doing things to make it better. The infrastructure and urban planning [of Metro Manila] definitely have the chance to become better.
JetNekko: I think there are two sides to this: the government and citizens should help each other out. It has to go hand in hand; it’s a bit impossible in the next five years, maybe in 10 years. We recently walked somewhere, and we didn’t see one clean river.
Idrian: We didn’t see any clean river, and they removed the sidewalks for the cars to have more space. So, I believe that it’s going to be possible in the far future, because it’s not going to take a short time to build sidewalks. For now, walking doesn’t seem to be a priority in city planning, so it will really take a long time.
Any future potential content for your “Chinito Walkers” page?
Idrian: We talked about moving our content to our main page on TikTok because our current walking series is on JetNekko’s. We do plan to make our group content on our page, but so far, we haven’t thought of anything.
Bon: Basically funny videos.
JetNekko: We keep hearing our friends saying that we’ll eventually run out of places to walk to. They keep asking, “Where are you going next? Won’t you run out of places?” From a content creator’s perspective, I feel like any type of content has its time, but we’re maximizing what we’ve created, and I think we’re the only ones doing this long walking series, and as of now it’s working and hyped; a lot of people are still watching. We’ll still continue our content; we’ll talk about creating new ones and we’re open to suggestions.
Where are you walking to next?
As of writing, their walk hasn’t been posted.
Idrian: We’re already struggling to fit three walks in one month.
JetNekko: Actually, we’re walking later. We’re also getting inquiries for collaborations, and as much as possible we try to fit them in our walks. What we can say is that it’s a university but stay tuned!
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. To catch the Chinito Walkers on their next walk, follow JetNekko’s TikTok page, and follow the Chinito Walkers on their Instagram
and TikTok pages.
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The Year of the Wood Snake is fast approaching, with this momentous day falling on Jan. 29, 2025. Gatherings with family and friends are a must for this special occasion, and the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria and Holiday Inn & Suites invite everyone to celebrate the Chinese New Year with them.
To mark this auspicious day, a traditional lion and dragon dance will be performed on Jan. 29, 2025, at 10 AM in front of the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. This performance, signifying luck, prosperity, and positive energy, will continue throughout both hotels, spreading good fortune to all hotel guests and visitors.
Guests can celebrate wealth and success with Xin Tian Di’s signature Lucky Koi Tikoy. With this Koi fish-shaped glutinous rice cake priced at P1,688 nett, it is the perfect addition to your New Year repast! The Lucky Koi Tikoy can be enjoyed and purchased until Jan. 31, 2025.
Xi Tian Di also offers a specially curated Chinese New Year Set Menu, crafted to bring joy, abundance, and indulgence to your celebrations. The set menu features authentic Chinese dishes, offering a Set Menu for Five Persons for P18,651 nett and a Set Menu for Ten Persons for P37,346 nett.
This limited-time menu is available from Jan. 16 to 31, 2025.
Make your Chinese New Year celebrations special and memorable and experience the vibrant traditions and heartfelt hospitality of the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria and the Holiday Inn & Suites.
For inquiries and reservations for the Chinese New Year Set Menu and the Lucky Koi Tikoy, contact Xin Tian Di at +6387903100 or via email at [email protected]
Location:Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Ortigas Ave, Corner Asian Development Bank Ave 1100 Quezon City National Capital Region; Holiday Inn & Suites Manila Galleria, One Asian Development Bank Avenue, Ortigas Center 1655 Quezon City National Capital Region
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Time to plan your “Elyu” trip, peeps! OPM singer-songwriter Rico Blanco has opened his own boutique hotel in La Union, and it’s nothing short of cozy.
You might have already heard of Motel Mambo in social media lately, as the singer recently hosted his fellow OPM artists at the hotel, which includes Zild Benitez, BINI’s Maloi, Blaster Silonga, Ben & Ben’s Agnes Reoma, and Over October’s Joshua Caleb Lua, among others.
Located in San Juan, La Union, about a four-hour drive away from Metro Manila, Motel Mambo boasts a quaint and tranquil atmosphere with its comfortable cushioned seats and sofas, colorful furniture, and geometric shapes against a backdrop of clean, plain-hued walls.
The hotel offers two types of rooms: the Couple Loft Room, which can accommodate up to three people, and the Family Loft Room, which can house up to seven people. Each room is equipped with plush beds, air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms with hot showers, and homey living rooms, among other amenities.
Motel Mambo also promises impeccable service with 24-hour reception assistance.
If you’re wondering how much it costs to stay in the hotel, fret not, because their room rates are quite affordable. The Couple Loft Room is available for only P3,860 for a one-night stay, while their Family Loft Rooms go from P6,880.
For fur parents, the hotel also has pet-friendly rooms, which can cost as low as P3,860.
Gather your loved ones and book a stay at Motel Mambo soon! More information about the hotel can be found via its official website. To book a room, click here.
Location: Motel Mambo, MacArthur Hi-way, Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union
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Asia is a haven for theme park
lovers and there’s one in the Philippines brimming with wonder and excitement!
Located in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, Enchanted Kingdom is a magical destination that promises a thrilling mix of adrenaline-pumping rides, enchanting attractions, and unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a family looking for some quality time, or someone who simply wants to bask in the park’s magical ambiance, Enchanted Kingdom has something to offer and more.
From the iconic Space Shuttle to the thrilling Flying Fiesta, we’ll cover everything you need to know — must-visit attractions, tips on shortening wait times, dining options, and insider hacks to make the most out of your visit. So keep scrolling and let’s explore the magic of Enchanted Kingdom!
Best Time To Go
Photo from Facebook/Enchanted Kingdom PH
The Philippines is known to be a tropical-climate country so it’s warm all year round and only has two seasons: dry and wet. Majority of the park’s attractions are located outdoors, so expect to spend hours under the sun. You can make the most out of your time there if you visit during the dry season which is between October to May — the first half being the cooler dry season and April and May being the warmest.
But if we’re talking about peak seasons or if you want to know if there’s a time when the park is likely to be less crowded, it’s best to go on aweekday (Wednesday to Friday) as it’s normally crowded on weekends. The “-ber” months are the busiest season, especially during the holidays around Christmas and New Year. It's also wise to research school breaks and holidays — while it used to be April and May (coinciding with the hottest months of the year or "summer break"), the COVID-19 pandemic has forced school schedules to drastically change and is quite unpredictable if you're making plans way ahead of time.
The park is open from 11 AMuntil 8 PM from Wednesday to Sunday. Do take note that the park’s operational hours are subject to change without prior notice depending on weather conditions and government-declared holidays. You can visit here
to double-check operating hours.
Getting There
Photo from Website/Enchanted Kingdom PH
Enchanted Kingdom is located at San Lorenzo South, City of Sta. Rosa, Laguna, which is accessible through public transport or via private car.
To use public transportation from Manila, you can board a bus
to Balibago Sta. Rosa (BBL Transit) from Pasay City (near Buendia LRT station) and get off at Walter Mart Santa Rosa. This will take around 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic conditions and will cost around P86. From Walter Mart, you can take a five-minute tricycle ride to the entrance of the theme park. The one-way tricycle fare is around P10.
The park also offers a special shuttle package in partnership with BBL. The EKspress Shuttle Packageincludes round-trip bus transfers and a regular day pass for P1,400. Roundtrip Bus Transfer tickets cost P400, while One-Way Transfers are P200. The terminal’s location can be found at the Gil Puyat Station (BBL terminal) in Makati City. Additionally, you can enter the park via a designated lane for Online Ticket Holders should you avail yourself of the package. For more information on bookings, click here.
If you plan on driving from Manila, travel southbound via SLEX (South Luzon Expressway) and take the Sta. Rosa Exit. When you reach the Coca-Cola manufacturing plant turn left at Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road. Head straight until you see Walter Mart Santa Rosa Mall, and then turn right to San Lorenzo Road right after passing the mall. Continue straight until you see the park’s entrance on the right side.
If you want to learn more about transportation options in the capital, you can check our travel guide here.
Ticket Information & Prices
Photo from Website/Enchanted Kingdom PH
Regular day passes are at P1,200 which is inclusive of admission and unlimited rides. This is applicable for guests 4 ft. (122 cm) and above. Note that this ticket does not include access to gated attractions such as Xtreme Paintball (XPP), Fun Kart, 7D Interactive Motion Theater, Laser Mission 2.0, and the NEW EKaleidoscope and Alcatraz — which all require a separate fee.
For children between 3ft (91 cm) to below 4 ft. (122 cm) tall, Junior Day Passes are available at P840. Children below 3 ft. may enter the park for FREE. Special Day Passes can also be purchased at P840 for senior citizens and PWDs (Persons with Disability).
One of the things we dread about going to theme parks is the inevitable long queues. But EK is giving you a chance to skip the lines similar to Disneyland’s Lightning or Fast Passes and Universal Studios’ Express passes. The EKspress Ride Access allows guests to enjoy the unlimitedpriority access lanefor all major and kiddie rides except for gated attractions. This one-day admission is priced at P2,200.
Planning on returning more than once this year? Become amember for only P3,800 and get a year’s worth of magic and special membership perks such as EKspress Ride Access for all major rides!
Park Tip: If you plan on visiting EK on your birthday or birth month, you can get a free birthday pass and a 10% discount on regular day pass tickets for your companions!
Where To Buy?
All tickets can be purchased online via the EK Online Store or onsite at the park’s front gate booths. We highly recommend booking in advance online to enjoy discounted rates. The store accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and GCash as payment methods.
Tickets with the QR code can be printed out or presented on your mobile phones upon entry. There are also Express Lanes for online ticket holders entering the park. For more information, visit here.
Additionally, you can also secure tickets from EK’s online ticket partners like kkday, SM Tickets, and Klook.
Before Your Visit
Before we get down to the fun part and explore all the magical things waiting to be experienced in the park, here are a few tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Prepare the essentials
First on the list are your tickets. Once you’ve booked them online, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your tickets. Make sure you have them on hand at the gates.
As it’s pretty much summer all year round in the Philippines, it could get seriously boiling out there so sunscreen, sunglasses, and refillable water bottles are a must! Some rides can also get you wet so a change of clothes can be useful. Wear breathable clothing and put on your most comfortable pair of shoes as there will be a lot of walking through the park. Bring power banks or extra batteries for your cameras because trust us, you’ll be making a lot of memories. Lastly, there's always a possibility of rain so make sure to bring a pocket umbrella.
If you’re worried about carrying too many things on your trip, lockers are available inside the park (Victoria Park). Rates per day depend on the locker size and are subject to availability.
P200 — Small (14in x 10in x 40in)
P250 — Medium [QUBE Smart
Locker] (18in x 14in x 18in)
P350 — Jumbo (35in x 11in x
40in)
P200 per item — Outside Locker
Rental (Helmets, etc.)
P350 per item — Luggage Area
Park Zones, Rides and Attractions
Photo from Website/Enchanted Kingdom PH
EK is divided into nine themed zones namely: Cultural Village, Boulderville, Brooklyn Place, Jungle Outpost, Midway Boardwalk, Portabello, Spaceport, Victoria Park, and Eldar’s Village.Each zone features a unique set of rides and themed entertainment.
One of the coolest things this park has to offer is the variety of musical shows throughout the year which are held at several venues including Eldar’s Theater (600-seater), Boardwalk Party Place (300-seater), and the Enchanting Events Place, which seats over 2,000 guests!
As for any theme park, our rule of thumb is to go for the popular rides first as the lines for these get really long as the hours pass. This won’t be an issue, however, if you avail of the EKspress Ride Access, so we highly recommend getting this especially if you’re visiting during peak seasons. There are a ton of rides in the park, both adrenaline-pumping ones and rides that kids and the young-at-heart can enjoy. Here are some of the attractions you shouldn’t miss out on:
Thrill Rides
First on this list is the Space Shuttle, EK’s iconic coaster that takes you on a 360-degree loop and reaches speeds of up to 88 kilometers per hour!
For those looking for a splash, TheRio Grande Rapids is an exhilarating group ride through raging white water. Guests are seated on circular rafts and embark on a bumpy and wet adventure. (PS: seriously, you’ll be soaked after this but it’s totally worth it!)
For adrenaline junkies, you won’t want to miss the EKstreme Tower which takes you 40 meters up — giving you a breathtaking view of the expanse surrounding the park — before suddenly dropping at 76 kilometers per hour! We could still hear the echoes of riders’ screams.
Looking for attractions to enjoy with the fambam? Get on the Jungle Log Jam, which takes you through a twisting river with up and down chutes, and features a high slope and drop that guarantees a splashing good fun! Be sure to check out the professional ride photos afterward for a good laugh (IYKYK).
Go to the Philippines’ first flying theater, AGILA the EKsperience which takes you on a journey across the country’s majestic mountains, breathtaking beaches, and incredible islands. This massive theater is equipped with moving seats that lift off the ground, as well as multisensory special effects — making guests feel as if they’re actual eagles soaring across the sky.
A little bit more thrilling family ride is The Disk-O-Magic
which takes riders on a spinning and rocking adventure of motion, and the Flying Fiesta, which is an exciting swing ride that features gradual lifts, drops, and tilts, making you feel like you’re actually flying!
There are plenty of attractions for children to enjoy in the park. Apart from the classic Grand Carousel at Victoria Park, which looks as charming as a fairytale, and the old-fashioned Wheel of Fate Ferris Wheel, kids can also enjoy a ride aboard the Boulderville Express train or go on a hot air balloon ride in Up Up and Away!
There are also gated attractions you should check out, like the EKaleidoscope, which is an interactive inflatable trampoline
located on the ground floor of Building 25 at the Spaceport Zone. This one-of-a-kind prismatic experience offers guests a chance to explore the solar system through a remarkable interaction with light and space. Tickets for the ride are P150 each.
Another paid attraction is the 7D Interactive Motion Theater, which is the first of its kind in the country and features a new XD Dark Ride — a 7D Interactive Light Gun Motion Ride where guests can fight off on-screen characters and score points! You can experience this awesome ride for P150 (107.4 for seniors/PWDs).
Dare to try your hand at some arcade games involving darts, hoops, and water guns. Challenge yourself and win a prize or two at the fun games stationed throughout the park!
There are a ton of other rides and attractions across the park’s zones so it’s best to familiarize yourself with the map which you can find on their website and at the park's entrance.
Live Entertainment
Photo from Facebook/Enchanted Kingdom PH
EK boasts several shows and live entertainment across its many themed zones. The shows shuffle and change throughout the year so there’s always something new and exciting happening in the park. These events mostly happen on weekends and during the holidayseason. Here are some of the special shows in the park:
The Enchanted Kingdom Story Musicale - Enjoy live music and performances as they reveal the legendary tale of the twin princesses and the royal family.
Sky Wizardry – Witness a gorgeous nighttime firework display synchronized to the park’s theme song, which is the perfect end to a perfect day.
Victoria’s Way and TheKingsmen – Named after one of Enchanted Kingdom’s royalty, Princess Victoria, this show features EK’s all-female vocal group as they entertain guests with song and dance stages alongside talented gentlemen called the Kingsmen at the Bandstand.
Photo from Facebook/Enchanted Kingdom PH
Each themed zone also has daily shows and character meet and greets, so make sure the catch their performances! You can learn more about them here.
Where To Eat
Photo from Facebook/Enchanted Kingdom PH
There are several dining options around the park to recharge your energy after a full day of going on rides and catching shows. The Amazon Grill and Launch Time Restaurant between Spaceport and Jungle Outpost offers Filipino staples and international entrees perfect for lunch and dinner. From roasted chicken and grilled pork barbecue to sizzling Sisig and Halo-Halo for dessert, you’ll find some great eats here.
Other restaurants and snack spots include:
SPAM Station – Offers SPAM burgers, fries, and sandwiches. (Location: Spaceport)
Diggers Treats – This is the perfect snack spot while enjoying a show. Serves set meals ranging from Chicken Ala Cave Rice meals to Filipino Pork Adobo. (Location: Bandstand)
Stir Fried Rice (SFR) – Rice is life, and fried rice just makes it all the better! Enjoy a delicious rice topping treat with beef or pork. (Location: Midway Boardwalk, Portabello and Spaceport)
Magnolia Ice Cream Flavor Shop – We can never get enough of ice cream. This is the place to be for a sweet scoop!
Coca-Cola Frozen Beverages – Beat the heat with a refreshing drink! This beverage stall offers your Coca-Cola favorites in slush form.
EK also has several food partners that can be found within the park including AuntieAnne’s (pretzels), PotatoCorner (flavored French fries), EggBoss (Korean egg sandwiches), and Shakey’sPizzaParlor.
A Starbucks coffee shop also recently opened at the EK Portico and is open from 7 AM to 10 PM (Sunday to Thursday) and until 10:30 PM, every Friday and Saturday.
Unlike Disneyland
or Universal Studios where each land has its own merchandise shop, there are only five found within this park.
Eldar’s Specialty Shoppe
Located in Victoria Park, this is EK’s main merchandise store selling everything from character pillows and Eldar plushies to t-shirts and hand-sewn key chains. It’s also near the exit, so it’s the perfect spot to buy your souvenirs before ending your visit.
ICYDK: Eldar the Wizard is the park’s official mascot and beloved main character.
Store Hours: 11 AM to 8 PM
Location: Victoria Park
EK Portico Tram
Bring home the magic at this mini merch stall selling Twin Princess rag dolls, 3D magnets, trendy streetwear, and other souvenirs.
Store Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM
Location: EK Portico
Pugad
EK’s grandest concept store showcases a unique set of items from across the country. This store is in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in support of the Go Lokal campaign. You can take home intricately woven bags and fabrics, skillfully carved wood products, or even sample some local delicacies.
Store Hours: 11 AM to 8 PM
Location: Cultural Village (at AGILA the EKsperience)
Photo from Website/Enchanted Kingdom PH
Treasure Island
This store carries a selection of gifts and souvenirs that will remind you of your exciting adventures on the Rio Grande Rapids. It’s also the perfect place to buy waterproof ponchos and flip-flops should you dare to get on the ride. Or if you're stumbling into the store after getting off the ride, this is the perfect spot to buy a change of clothes!
Store Hours: 11 AM to 8 PM
Location: Portabello
Tropics Trading Post
Check out this Amazon-inspired outlet selling accessories, native bracelets, cute socks, and adorable animal keepsakes.
Store Hours: 11 AM to 8 PM
Location: Jungle Outpost
EK Online Store
The park also has its own online shop where you can simply “add to cart” and have the items delivered to your doorstep! You can start browsing here.
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Going on a museum crawl this year? Great news, because the National Museum of the Philippines has announced that its museums will now be open seven days a week!
In a social media announcement, the museum unveiled that their Central Complex in Manila and Regional Component Museums across the country will now be open daily for free to make their programs more accessible to the public.
“Universal access has always been our priority. By opening our museums every day and maintaining free admission, we aim to make our programs and services even more accessible to everybody,” the post read.
Previously, the National Museum Complex in Manila, composed of the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Anthropology, and the National Museum of Natural History, was closed on Mondays.
With the extended operating hours, visitors can now explore historical artifacts, artworks, and more exhibited at their museums daily, including the newly added “Josephine Sleeping” sculpture in Manila, which was added to the gallery last Dec. 30 in time for the commemoration of Rizal Day.
The National Museum of the Philippines in Manila and their regional sites are open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. For more information, visit their website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
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2025 is shaping up to be the ultimate year of long weekends, and savvy travelers are already on their toes figuring out how to make the most of those Vacation Leaves (VLs). Whether you’re craving a beach trip, a foodie trip abroad, or simply some guilt-free “me time,” planning your vacation days wisely can turn good breaks into an epic holiday.
Don’t worry — we did the math for you! This vacation (leave) planning guide will help you make every leave day count, from holiday hacks to the best times to book that trip! Ready to level up your 2025 travel game? Let’s map it all out!
The Official 2025 Philippines Holidays List
Of course, you can’t start mapping out your game plan without seeing the list. Here’s a rundown of all regular and special non-working holidays in the Philippines this 2025:
Regular Holidays
New Year’s Day – January 1 (Wednesday)
Araw ng Kagitingan – April 9 (Wednesday)
Maundy Thursday – April 17
Good Friday – April 18
Labor Day – May 1 (Thursday)
Independence Day – June 12 (Thursday)
National Heroes Day – August 25 (Last Monday of August)
Bonifacio Day – November 30
Christmas Day – December 25
Rizal Day – December 30
Special Non-Working Days
Chinese New Year – January 29 (Wednesday)
Black Saturday – April 19
Ninoy Aquino Day – August 21 (Thursday)
All Saints’ Day Eve – October 31 (Friday)
All Saints Day – November 1 (Saturday)
Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary – December 8 (Monday)
Christmas Eve – December 24 (Wednesday)
Last Day of the Year – December 31 (Wednesday)
The 2025 Long Weekends
At first glance, these dates might seem minimal (with most around the 2nd and 4th quarter of the year), but with a little thinking, you can stretch all those breaks into eventful long weekends. Here’s a list of all upcoming long weekends in 2025:
Long Weekends in 2025
Dec. 28, 2024, to Jan. 1, 2025: Saturday to Wednesday (New Year)
Apr. 17 to 20, 2025: Thursday to Sunday (Holy Weekend)
May 1 to 4, 2025: Thursday to Sunday (Labor Day Weekend) - File your VL on May 2
June 12 to 15, 2025: Thursday to Sunday (Independence Day Weekend) - File your VL on June 13
Aug. 21 to 25, 2025: Thursday to Monday (Ninoy Aquino + National Heroes Day Weekend) - File your VL on Aug. 22
Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, 2025: Friday to Sunday (All Saints’ Day Weekend)
Dec. 24, 2025, to Jan. 1, 2026: Wednesday to Thursday (Christmas + New Year Weekend) - File your VLs on Dec. 26 and 29
Making Every Leave Day Count
The best way to make the most of your paid vacation leaves is to schedule them around long weekends. That may already seem like a no-brainer, but here’s a little something to help you out: sandwiched days.
These are workdays between two holidays or between a holiday and the weekend. And honestly? These are the perfect chances to extend your break without using too many leave credits.
Why Plan Ahead?
It saves you money.Avoid inflated prices for accommodations and fares by booking early.
It secures your spots.Popular tourist spots fill up fast, so planning ahead makes sure you don’t miss out.
Very mindful planning.Planning in advance prevents your travelmates from being overwhelmed with extra work. Win-win!
Your Strategy for the Perfect 2025 – Vacation-wise
So, you have all those dates on your planner and calendar. Now, it’s time to strategize! Start with the question: What’s your 2025 vibe?
Adventure: Do you foresee some thrilling treks, extreme sports, or exploring new cities with your friends?
Relaxation: Are you envisioning a spa day, cozy glamping or camping cabins, or a day at the beach while you soak up some vitamin sea?
Family Time: Is bonding with your family part of your goals this year?
Romantic Getaways: Been wanting to have a moment with just you and your partner in an idyllic place?
Self-Discovery: Or maybe just some solo adventures, a needed R&R, or just staying comfortable at home?
Your vision will guide you in aligning your vacation days with your goals for the year. Combine your vibes with smart planning, such as taking advantage of long weekends and sandwiched days, and you’ll set the tone for a year filled with unforgettable memories.
Now that you have all that information, here are some more tips to end this guide properly:
Make the most out of the tech tools available. To stay on track with your bookings and dates, why not use apps like Google Calendar, Wanderlog, etc.?
Be flexible with your travel dates. Most of the time, traveling during off-peak season is better because of deals and fewer people. Why not plan your travel during off-peak days? The downside, however, could be weather concerns but this is where research and planning come in.
Set and stick to your budget. Setting a spending limit helps you narrow down the best deals for your travel itinerary. Plus, it also helps you not overspend.
Be prepared for anything. In the case that your leave hasn’t been approved or some unforeseen circumstances happen, it’s best to be prepared.
With all this in mind, 2025 is set to become your best travel year yet. Happy planning and plotting your VLs, everyone!
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