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?

1. It saves you money. Avoid inflated prices for accommodations and fares by booking early.
2. It secures your spots. Popular tourist spots fill up fast, so planning ahead makes sure you don’t miss out.
3. 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.

Final Tips for a Smarter, Wiser Travel this 2025

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!

As one of Metro Manila’s premier Central Business Districts, you’ll never run out of things to do in Makati City. Barangay Poblacion, in particular, is home to over a dozen bars and restaurants that will keep you busy day and night. For the most part, hotels in the area merely serve as a pit stop – a place to crash for those about to black out, respite for weary couples or barkadas who’ve completed an all-nighter pub crawl, or just a stop for the night for business travelers.

Oakwood Makati and I’M Hotel, however, are determined to be more than just a room for the night. And while the dimly-lit bars of Poblacion may beckon you away, these hotels' numerous amenities and offerings will have you glued inside – in the best way possible!

Guests to either of these hotels are guaranteed a memorable urban retreat – fine dining meals, cozy and comfortable rooms for the best rest possible, a five-star Japanese spa experience, drinks at a rooftop bar with the best views of Makati City, or even unique learning experiences. You wouldn’t even notice that you’ve never left the premises until you check out the next day – but no, this isn’t a Hotel California situation.

And it’s not just the opulent interiors or their stellar, one-of-a-kind facilities. It’s the attention to detail, the warm service, and the thoughtful touches that turn an ordinary stay into a staycation. First, however, let’s take a step back to appreciate the newest addition to the team – Oakwood Makati.

Oakwood Makati Rooms and Suites

With 150 thoughtfully crafted suites, Oakwood Makati caters to a wide range of guests – even long-stay guests who are looking to stay over a month. Their rooms aren’t just standard hotel rooms; they’re practically upscale apartments! For one, they boast fully-equipped kitchens fitted with Electrolux appliances – when was the last time you checked into a luxury hotel where you could also whip up a quick meal? Yes, basic cooking tools and dinnerware are included, our Tita hearts have never been more satisfied. Oh, and did we mention the washing machine?

Still, each suite feels like a curated space, with design choices that lean toward clean lines, neutral palettes, and textures that exude understated luxury. It feels like home, but elevated- who doesn't love floor-to-ceiling windows and bird’s eye view of the Metro Manila skyline?

Adding to the appeal is the hotel’s sustainability commitment woven into their operations. Single-use plastics? Almost none. Energy-efficient lighting and systems? Check. The conscientious travelers inside of us are almost jumping for joy. But it’s time to move out of the room and explore the rest of the hotel.

Facilities That Aim to Impress (and Then Some)

I’M Hotel spares no expense when it comes to facilities that cater to nearly every guest’s whim. Whether you’re a fitness buff, a wellness enthusiast, or a family looking for a break from it all, this property offers a little something for everyone.

Their state-of-the-art Fitness Center offers cardio machines, free weights, and treadmills and is open from 6 AM until 12 MN. With its sleek and spacious atmosphere, guests can easily squeeze in a quick workout – even if it’s just to feel less guilty about the buffet breakfast.

For those who prefer a relaxation-centered getaway, their Wellness Suites featuring a Japanese onsen, Finnish sauna, and a steam room will melt all of your stress away. As the first sento-style spa in the Philippines, I’M Onsen Spa boasts a truly unique experience. Their onsen features a combination of baths: Carbonated Bath (improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, detoxifies your skin, and makes you glow), Mineral Bath (infused with natural minerals for that “tsuru-tsuru” or baby-soft skin), and Ceramic Bath (moisturizes the skin).

Just a heads up, the wellness suites are gender-separated as traditional onsen etiquette dictates that you will have to be fully nude in the onsen pools. Still, the atmosphere is serene enough that the initial awkwardness quickly subsides. They provide towels, slippers, a key for your locker, and a yukata (Japanese robe) so no need to fuss about bringing anything; they’ve got it covered.

But if you want a more romantic and private experience with your significant other, I’M Onsen Spa offers Couple Suites complete with massage beds, a private steam shower, and jacuzzi. They also have a suite fitted with a private onsen. After your treatment, you can rest in their lounges with complimentary tea or juice to round off the experience.

Then there’s the pièce de résistance: the acrylic-bottom infinity pool. Suspended high above Makati Avenue, this pool offers a unique perspective of the city below. Dare to brave the transparent sections or relax in the lounges partially submerged in the shallow waters. You can also sunbathe in the bird’s nest lounges hanging above the pool or use their crystal kayak. Now, where else in Makati City could you say that you kayaked in a pool?

Our Stay at Oakwood Makati

Walking into their One-Bedroom Executive Suite felt like stepping into a Pinterest board. At 57 sqm, the space was expansive for a hotel room yet cozy through subtle details designed to make you feel instantly at home. The large living area featured a plush sofa perfect for binge-watching via the voice command-activated smart TV, while the dining table offered enough space for those looking to mix work with leisure – but there’s also a dedicated workspace in the bedroom for those who want to stay away from the tempting scent of whatever’s cooking in the nearby kitchen.

Speaking of kitchens, it was equipped enough for guests to cook up a feast, but our kind of cooking just ended up being “reheating pizza.”

And let us not forget the even more enticing bedroom. Its king-sized bed, draped in 1,000-thread-count linens, had us in a chokehold and we had to peel ourselves away every time.

What truly set the room apart, though, were the little touches that made the stay extra special. For example, an adorable “towel bear” greeted us on the bed with a welcome note. Simple, demure, and mindful. Trust us, it was cute enough that we had a hard time “dismantling” the bear to use the towels. For families with kids, parents can rest easy knowing that the balcony door is securely locked for safety. It can be opened upon request, however, so you can step out to admire the view even further.

Lastly, the bathroom is a haven in its own right. The tub filled up much faster than expected and the rain shower – with easy-to-control temperature knobs, by the way! – was perfect for unwinding after a long day. After all, who doesn’t hate it when you just awkwardly stand there freezing in the middle of the bathroom as you wait for the shower to turn hot or the tub to fill up? Oakwood Makati’s bathrooms aim to relieve you from that stress and needless to say, we were grateful. Although we were hoping they had bubble bath solution or bath salts on hand, perhaps this is something we can watch out for in the future.

Dining and Drinks: M Osteria and Antidote

If you’ve made plans to grab a bite or drink around Poblacion, I’M Hotel and Oakwood might just convince you to cancel those reservations. To think of it, why tire yourself again after that stress-melting spa session or wear yourself out even further after kayaking in the pool?

For a hearty lunch or dinner, head over to M Osteria, their in-house Italian restaurant featuring dishes that marry Italian classics with Asian flavors. But before you grab the menu, you might want to take up their Pasta-Making Masterclass first. Perfect for beginners and families with kids, their class is sure to make your stay even more memorable. Don’t worry, their chefs will guide you every step of the way!

First, you’ll learn the art of turning humble ingredients into pasta and shaping them into spaghetti, gnocchi, and tagliatelle. If you ask us, it was surprisingly therapeutic. Afterward, they will teach you to make the pesto, red and white sauce – then put it all together back in the kitchen so you’ll only witness the finished product. We’ve got to say the tasting was the best part, not only because we finally got to eat but also because of the fulfillment that comes with having created it all from scratch. Not to toot our own horn, but we were extremely proud of the pesto gnocchi we made!

Still hungry? Well, grab that M Osteria menu and sample their bestsellers. We had to try their bread basket which includes a Baguette, Pan de Campagne, Focaccia, Grassini, and Pesto Rolls. It also came with miso-infused butter and purple cabbage-infused AOP cultured butter. As the first point of contact, we tend to set our expectations for the rest of the meal based on how the bread basket fared. It’s perfect for small groups as a somewhat filling start to a meal, but personally, we found that the purple cabbage added little to the flavor of the butter – aside from providing a nice contrasting color.

Next up, we had the Ube Focaccia Bruschetta with whipped stracciatella and burrata cream cheese, and cherry tomatoes. The name is quite a mouthful and so was this appetizer. Although we did love the whipped cheese on top, the whole cherry tomatoes would drown each bite with its acidity instead of providing a subtle balance that chopped tomatoes would’ve done.

As for their pizzas, we went with Beef Sausage Bolognese Pizza and Seafood Vichyssoise Pizza. Both pizzas shone and brought the respective meaty and seafood flavors that were expected of them.

Last but not least, we fell in love with their Heart-Shaped Tiramisu. Containing Arabica coffee, homemade Italian sponge fingers, vanilla pate a bombe mousse, and Linzer sable, this tiramisu was the perfect way to end the meal. Not only was it Instagram-worthy with its glossy heart presentation, but the flavors effortlessly stood up against its shiny exterior.

Before turning in for the night, a visit to Oakwood Makati and I’M Hotel wouldn’t be complete without stopping at their famous rooftop bar, Antidote. Known in Poblacion for its wall aquariums containing live jellyfish (which they assured us was well taken care of), Antidote is a must-visit.

Their cocktail menu features inventive concoctions but the Saffron Sour stood out for its unique flavor profile. Made with Don Papa Rum, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg, and Angostura bitters, it was a cocktail that oddly enough felt like a great evening starter or a nightcap. Whichever way you go, any drink in Antidote is just effortlessly elevated by the panoramic views of Metro Manila.

Check Out Thoughts

Would we stay here again? Without a doubt. Oakwood Makati and I’M Hotel deliver a luxurious, comfortable, what-else-could-you-want stay that’s hard to beat. Despite its central location with plenty of options for activities, refreshments, and dining all around Poblacion, we were completely content with just staying inside and experiencing everything they had to offer.

Fortunately, they offer plenty of promotions and packages that could further elevate your staycation. This holiday season, there’s no better time to treat yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable hotel stay. At Oakwood Makati, an overnight at their suite may come with some perks such as a complimentary 10-minute massage at I’M Onsen Spa plus access to the Wellness Suites (onsen, sauna, and steam), complimentary use of the Fitness Center and Pool area, WiFi, and access to Antidote (no minimum spend required).

If you want an even more immersive and festive experience, I’M Hotel is currently offering a Holiday Spacation Package which starts at P12,000 nett for two persons. Your overnight stay comes with a 60-minute massage at I’M Onsen Spa and access to Wellness Suites. Plus, a Christmas Glamping experience including free-flowing hot chocolate, coffee, and festive snacks, all set against the backdrop of an indoor movie theater. Guests will also be treated to a breakfast buffet at The Common Good Restaurant. Book until Dec. 27, 2024 via this link or email them at [email protected].

Pro tip: I’M Hotel releases secret sales and packages via their Instagram stories. Follow them on Instagram to get the best rates! Also, book a stay at Oakwood Makati via their website and follow them on Instagram for more details.

Location: Oakwood Makati & I’M Hotel, Makati Avenue corner Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City 1210

I’M Onsen Spa, Makati Avenue corner Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City 1210

Since the world reopened after the pandemic, Metro Manila’s events scene has come alive. From blockbuster concerts to trade expos, venues like the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena and the World Trade Center in Pasay City have become hotspots for memorable experiences. With crowds flocking to these venues, finding a nearby hotel can make all the difference in comfort and convenience.

Whether you’re attending a high-energy concert at the MOA Arena or a professional event at the WTC, here are five hotels near these venues that you can easily book through platforms like Agoda and Booking, or directly through their official websites.

Seda Manila Bay

One of the must-visit hotels near the MOA Arena is Seda Manila Bay. Its modern design and practical amenities cater to both leisure and business travelers. Guests can enjoy the rooftop bar and infinity pool, which offer scenic views of the picturesque Manila Bay, as well as spacious 300+ rooms and suites designed for relaxation.

Located within the bustling Entertainment City, this hotel is just a short distance from the MOA Complex. Book a room here.

Location: Seda Manila Bay, Abueva Road, cor Aseana Ave, Aseana City, Parañaque, Metro Manila 1701

Conrad Manila

Situated at the heart of the Mall of Asia Complex, Conrad Manila is known for its luxurious accommodations and ship-like structure, which perfectly complements its location overlooking the stunning Manila Bay. The hotel features spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for families who love basking in natural sunlight and enjoying a bit of people-watching.

What’s more, the hotel’s wide variety of dining options and direct connection to the S Maison Mall make it a convenient option for guests who like combining travel, shopping, and food exploration.

If premium amenities while staying close to the MOA Arena are what you’re after, secure a room at Conrad Manila.

Location: Conrad Manila, Seaside Boulevard, Coral Way, Pasay City, Metro Manila 1300

TRYP by Wyndham Mall of Asia

Located near both the MOA Arena and the World Trade Center, TRYP by Wyndham Mall of Asia offers a smart and practical stay for guests of all ages. The hotel’s modern rooms cater to families and groups, with some featuring bunk beds for added convenience.

Each room comes with free Wi-Fi and a TV, so you can stay connected and entertained during your visit. There’s also a rooftop pool and bar, which features sweeping views of the city in a relaxing setting.

With TRYP’s welcoming atmosphere and convenient location near key attractions, it’s an excellent choice for event-goers and jetsetters. Book a stay today.

Location: TRYP by Wyndham Mall of Asia, MOA Complex, Seaside Boulevard, Corner J.W. Diokno Blvd, Pasay City, Metro Manila 1308

The Henry Hotel Manila

The Henry Hotel Manila provides a one-of-a-kind stay for travelers who appreciate character and charm. This boutique hotel features Filipino retro-style houses surrounded by lush gardens, offering both “leisure and refuge” in the heart of the city. Whether you’re opting for a budget-friendly classic room or splurging on one of the suites, The Henry Hotel Manila is a refreshing alternative to your usual hotel stay. Reserve a room here.

Location: The Henry Hotel Manila, 2680 Compound, 2680 F.B. Harrison St, Pasay City, Metro Manila 1302

Lanson Place Mall of Asia

If you’re after a homey stay near the World Trade Center, Lanson Place Mall of Asia is a great choice. This serviced residence offers spacious suites with kitchens, living areas, and modern amenities, making it ideal for both short and long stays.

Coffee lovers will appreciate the Nespresso machines in every room for that perfect cup to start the day. Guests also have access to a pool and gym, plus the hotel is conveniently located near major venues and shopping spots.

With its practical design and thoughtful touches, Lanson Place is a solid pick for both families and business travelers. You may see their available rooms through this link.

Location: Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex, Blk 12 Palm Coast Avenue, cor Seaside Blvd, Pasay City, Metro Manila 1300