After years of balancing academics and extracurricular events, pulling all-nighters just to beat tight project deadlines and burning the midnight oil for exams, students are now counting the days to their graduation, the victorious end of school life and the beginning of yet another chapter and adventure.
‘This is indeed the season to celebrate and embark on one last hurrah with the barkada or blockmates. Here are some getaway ideas that will guarantee a memorable time with friends without hurting the pocket too much.
Good ol’ road trip
Post-graduation, everyone will start pursuing their own respective career paths or go on a vacation to recharge, so catching up with friends may become a challenge. Take some time for a spontaneous trip on the road before transitioning from ‘thesis is life’ to ‘adulting.’ Round up the barkada and hit the highways.
Just a couple of hours from Metro Manila is the refreshingly cool Tagaytay. You can simply enjoy the breathtaking view of the world’s smallest volcano, Taal, try horseback riding at Picnic Grove or get some energy rush with the thrill rides at the amusement parks in this popular holiday town. For a more thrilling experience, get up close Taal Volcano’s crater with guided tours.
The next best thing to a road trip is food trip, and Tagaytay also has this covered. You and your friends will never run out of things to try with new restaurants popping out in every corner.
To the beach please
Graduation season also means summer vacation, and there is no better way to spend it than with a trip to the beach.
The Philippines boasts a long list of superb beach destinations to choose from. One popular destination for millennials today is Batangas. The province is especially known for its diving spots. Nothing recharges more than a tryst with nature and exploring the wonderful life underwater.
There are also group activities for the entire barkada such as banana boat riding, kayaking and pedal boarding. You can also explore smaller islands around the province.
For adrenaline-junkies, Cebu offers the opportunity to swim with whale sharks while Boracay has parasailing adventures. All that hard work you put into school surely deserves a reward. Toast to school days while beating the summer heat and revelling in the Philippines’ natural wonders.
Urban staycation
If going out of town is a stretch for everyone’s schedules and budgets, a staycation in the city is your best bet. Chill out with the squad in one of the many OYO Hotels in Metro Manila. Pop some popcorn, have a movie marathon or play board games, and basically just relax and unwind.
Wherever and however the barkada wants to make the best of the last few weeks of school, deciding on an accommodation should be a breeze. OYO Hotels offers premium quality accommodations with student-friendly rates. There is OYO 118 Hotel Merlo in Manila, OYO 146 Solace Hotel in Makati, OYO Mi Jo Hotel in Tagaytay and OYO 120 Balai Sofia in Batangas.
With OYO Hotels, consumers and travellers are assured of premium quality service and facilities best shared with friends and loved ones. These properties are very accessible and near tourist spots to make vacations even more pleasant. For a hassle-free vacation, book an OYO room with one tap of the finger through the OYO app or through its partner online travel agencies such as Booking.com or Agoda. The OYO app is downloadable from the Play Store and App Store.
Plan that trip with the barkada today and applaud yourselves for finally being able to throw that academic cap or toga high up in the air.