I would have my first solo beach trip to Puerto Galera had the government not placed the Greater Metro Manila and nearest provinces back to ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine) rule. 

It seems we have not moved on from the last year ordeal, or at least improved how we handled the pandemic. Philippines is at the mercy of the devastation of coronavirus, and yet the government seems at a loose how to fight the spread of the virus effectively.

It's already irritating having to endure this situation again and again. While some parts of the world are already on the recovery period, with their effective measures to suppress the disease, Philippines is lagging behind. So non-essential travel has been stopped.

First solo beach trip

Since early this year, I've been planning to revisit Puerto Galera in my birthday this year. I would have booked in advance but due to travel restrictions and complicated travel requirements to accomplish, I put it on hold and waited for updates.

In March, Puerto Galera became open to tourists. I planned to book a room accommodation towards the end of March but it was announced Metro Manila will be placed in ECQ. All my plans for a solo birthday trip to the beach became dust.

The inept response of the Philippine government to the pandemic really got into my nerve. How can they be so incompetent in a time people are so desperate to get back into life. It's so terribly upsetting.

So my planned solo beach trip this April 3, my birthday, retreated back into a home-bound agony.I am started to lose appetite in life.

But why Puerto Galera?

I love Puerto Galera. It's been my childhood dream to visit this stunning island. In November 2019, I finally accomplished this travel goal. It was my last travel adventure outside Metro Manila. 

READ: My Puerto Galera Trip

It's just so lovely. I mean, the wide beachfront, white sand, breathtaking view of the ocean, turquoise-clear water. Everything!

What made White Beach, Puerto Galera super ideal is its close promixity to Metro Manila. Just less than three hours travel in early morning. It's an ideal beach to spend quiet weekend with. I love the atmosphere and there are tons of affordable room accommodations and restaurants near the White Beach.

I would just want to spend a quiet weekend on my birthday at White Beach. And just imagine the world in a different time, simpler, calmer, quieter, lovelier.  

I just want to lay in the sand, feel the softness of the environment, breathe on the crisp breeze coming from the ocean, listen to the splashing of the waves, and just watch the world go by. 

And do endless beach-walk. Life is easier and calmer at the beach.

Someday, when the world is safe from the virus, I could travel again. I could have my solo trip elsewhere. I just feel at this time that I would not want anyone to accompany me on a trip. I want to be a solo traveler from now on. 

It's better to travel alone. It's more liberating and more enriching. Someday! 

Read related story: My Last Travel Before the Pandemic

Year 2021. It's still the year of COVID-19 and not the year of travel and adventure. It's pretty awful to think but it seems our travel goals need another year of extension. It starts to piss me off but there's nothing the world could do but wait a little longer.

It's approaching April, the peak of springtime, and with it, the charming view of the Cherry blossoms rises to its glory. While we could not still travel out-of-the-country to see Cherry blossoms, now is the perfect time to start planning for a Cherry blossom travel someday.

In Asia, there are three countries known for its Cherry blossoms landscape at springtime: Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. 

The charm of Cherry blossoms

Why people are fascinated with Cherry blossoms? Perhaps due to its awesome hue that epitomizes happiness, romance and timeless beauty.

Visually-enticing, charming to the eyes and senses, and heartwarming, Cherry blossoms are the depiction of fantasy we all dreaming to visit. 

And while fantasy is only in a dream, we can at least make it coming true by viewing Cherry blossoms. Here are Asia's best destinations to witness this myriad beauty of pink, according to world travelers and travel bloggers.

Let's be tickled with pink!

JAPAN

Japan, no doubt, is the world's most popular destination when it comes to Cherry blossoms travel. It is part of the Japanese culture and its significant symbol of the spring season. 

Although Sakura trees are grown and cultivated around the world, none matches Japan's pandemonium of blush pink petals.

It's everywhere in the country, framing city canals, blanketing mountains and countryside with the sea of pink - and with it, the scenery of happiness and endless beauty of nature.

Japan is home to the finest Sakura trees in the world where spring time saw the whole country cloak in the charm of pink.

It's difficult to predict the peak of the Cherry blossoms season in Japan, however, most travel guide to Japan suggested March to April as the best time to travel to the land of the rising sun.

Where to experience the best of Cherry blossoms travel in Japan?

1. Kyoto - This ancient capital of Japan tops the list of best places to witness the charm of the Cherry blossoms season. The full blooming season starts in the middle of March and lasts until the mid-April.

In springtime, the imperial city of Kyoto transforms into a pink of paradise. Everywhere is filled with charming sights of the flowering Sakura trees. The grand palaces, ancient temples, ornate shrines. and traditional "machiya" houses clad in Cherry blossoms comes springtime.

Although all over Japan is cloak in pink with the stunning Cherry blossoms, Kyoto offers the most stunning scenery of the blooms. Head to the Kyoto imperial palace, Kyoto botanical park, Maruyama-koen park and Philosopher's path for the most thrilling cherry blossoms adventure.

2. Yoshino - A town in Japan's Kii Mountain, east of Osaka. It is the gateway to Mount Yoshino, known as the mountain covered with thousands of Cherry blossoms trees. It is Japan's most popular Cherry blossoms viewing point.

Cherry blossoms typically start in late March down to early April where the blooms reach its full beauty. Range of elevation varies so the blooming season is scattered by a couple of days between the Shimo (lower), Naka (middle) and Kami (upper).

Yoshimizu shrine, Kinpusenji temple and Nakasenbon park are the best spots in Yoshino to experience the best of the Cherry blossoms season.

3. Osaka - A bustling city of Japan famous for its authentic Japanese cuisine, Osaka is one of the country's best destination for Cherry blossoms experience.

Its famous landmarks - Okawa riverside, Osaka Castle, Kema Sakuranomiya park, Osaka Mint Bureau and Tsurumi Ryokuchi park - are famous backdrops of sakura trees where the surroundings burst into the sea of blush pink.

4. Lake Kawaguchi - It is located in the border of Fujiwaguchiko and Minobu towns in southern Yamanashi Prefecture. This lake shines the best of its charm during Cherry blossoms season.

It is where the view of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest peak, can be best enjoyed. And its glistening beauty rises in springtime, especially in mid-April.

One of the nicest spots of Cherry blossoms viewing is at the seaside promenade near the Kawaguchi Music Forest. 

However, travelers are being warned that Mt. Fuji is not visible whole day at Lake Kawaguchi as clouds obstruct the view of the mountain, especially during hazy months. The best time to see its charm is in the morning and near afternoon.

5. Yoyogi Park, Tokyo - This 134-acre of massive cherry blossom trees and greenery is one of the most charming spots in Tokyo for a Sakura tree blooms viewing. It is famous for picnic-at-the-park during springtime.

6. Nakameguro, Tokyo - It is considered as the best neighborhood for Cherry blossoms viewing. Each springtime, between the last week of March and early April, its canal-like waterways are teemed with brilliant pink blooms. 

Highlight of the season is Nakameguro Sakura Festival where shops and restaurants sell Cherry blossoms-inspired items along the canal.

7. Shinjuku Gyoen - A huge park and national garden located in Shinjuku and Shibuya in Tokyo. It is home to more than 20,000 trees with approximately 1,500 varieties of Cherry blossoms, thus, the best spot to experience the Cherry blossoms viewing comes spring.

Shinjuku Gyoen is scattered in three different garden style. The French garden, the English garden and the Japanese-style garden. It is the best spot to experience the best of nature in Tokyo.

However, unlike other spots in Japan for a cherry blossoms viewing, Shinjuku Gyoen is not free. It has an admission fee and opens from 9:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon.

8. Hiroshima Ueno Park - Located in Shobara city in the Hiroshima Precture, Ueno park is famous cherry blossoms viewing spot. In spring, the Sakura blooms around the pond create a spectacular scenery of beautiful pink blooms.

SOUTH KOREA

Ever since the K-pop world makes a sweeping wave across the Philippines, Filipinos cannot get enough of South Korea. However, this country is more than K-dramas and K-pop idols. 

Apart from Japan, South Korea is a popular Asian destination for Cherry blossoms. And there are many spots in the country where travelers can witness the full blooms of Sakura trees in spring.   

1. Jinhae, South Korea

Jinhae-gu is a district in Changwon city, South Korea surrounded by mountains and pines and famous for its irresistible Cherry blossoms at Yeojwacheon stream and parks. 

It is at Jinhae port where the largest Korean spring festival takes place, the Gunhangje festival where Cherry blossoms are in full display. It is organized in the first week of April and visitors will have the best Cherry blossoms experience in the city of Changwon.

2. Gyeongju, South Korea

Cherry blossoms season in South Korea starts in late March and runs until the third week of April. This period offers the best of Cherry blossoms experience in this amazing country.

To enjoy the full blossoms viewing, travelers are advised to head to Gyeongju, the ancient Silla capital home to many historic sites.

During the Cherry blossoms season, Gyeongju has many festivals attributed to Cherry blossoms including marathon and performances. Gyeongju is accessible from Seoul through KTX train of express. 

The capital of South Korea is itself a myriad of beautiful things to see for travelers. It has century-old palaces, sublime gardens and skyscraping buildings. However, it's in its bustling streets that travelers see the eclectic beauty of Seoul.

In April, Seoul, celebrates the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival. Visitors can witness a myriad of Cherry blossoms beauty along the Hangang River. It's said to be filled with other eye-catching blooms such as forsythias, deutzia and azaleas.

Seoul Cherry blossoms viewing include fringe activities like street performances and fireworks. So if you want to visit Seoul in its finest beauty, consider visiting during springtime.

The beautiful spots in the city to see Cherry blossoms:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace
• National Palace Museum
• National Folk Museum of Korea
• Changyeongqung
• Seokchon Lake
• Insa-dong where cherry blossoms and traditional Korean houses give an aesthetic pleasure

4. Jeju island - known as the "Hawaii of Korea", the island lies in Korea strait. It's where the spring season comes first, thus, Cherry blossoms can be first experienced at Jeju island. During this season, Jeju island is teemed with Canola flowers and the magnificent Cherry blossoms.

Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak, a UNESCO world heritage site, Hallim park, and Mount Sanbangsan, are the best spots to experience Cherry blossoms in Jeju island. Peak of Cherry blossoms season in Jeju island is between mid-March and early April. 

5. Busan - A cultural hub of South Korea and its second most populous city. Its beaming skyscraping buildings roll spaces between green mountains and beaches, while beautiful bridges span across the sea.

Busan is not only a beautiful place to explore the culture and modern life of South Korea, it is also a great spot to view Cherry blossoms.

Gamcheon cultural vilage, made up of colorful houses built on the foothills of a coastal mountain, made Busan a beautiful Cherry blossoms destination as this vibrant town transform into a village of timeless beauty with Sakura trees.

TAIWAN

While Japan and South Korea are the most popular destinations in Asia for Cherry blossoms at springtime, Taiwan is not far behind.

However, unlike Japan and South Korea, Taiwan has no specific forecast of the peak of the Cherry blossoms season.

Blossoming of its Sakura trees vary each year but generally, the best time to see Cherry blossoms in Taiwan is around January to early part of April.

Spots to make the most of Cherry blossoms experience in Taiwan

1. Alishan Forest Recreation - a mountaintop recreational area surrounded with lush forest and rolling tea farms. Famous for its spectacular sunrise and hiking trails, it is also a popular destination for Cherry blossoms travelers. It has a festival called Alishan Cherry Blossoms festival that runs between midway March and early April.

2. Qingjing Farm - Located in Nantou county, in a quaint Taiwanese town of Qingjing, the farm is famous for its picture-perfect view of Cherry blossoms.

There are beautiful scenic spots in Qingjing farm to view Cherry blossoms, at the Sakura trail and Guanshan trail. Best time to go: Middle of January to the middle of March.

3. Wuling Farm - Located in the Heping district of Taichung, Taiwan, Wuling Farm yearly organized a Wuling Farm Cherry blossoms festival between February and March. What makes this location uniquely different from other spots in Taiwan is that, it is home also to a sweeping 30,000 Cherry trees. So there's a lot more to see at this farm than just Cherry blossoms.

4. Wuji Tianyuan Temple - A stunning Taoist temple located at the foothills of Datun mountain in Danshui, just 30 minutes from Taipei city, so it's a bit accessible to travelers. 

It's one of Taiwan's best spots for Cherry blossoms viewing. What made it a beautiful travel destination at springtime is its breathtaking scenery. Cherry blossoms adorned the ornate 5-tiered pagoda and dozens of romantic lanes lined up with Yoshino cherry trees.

 OMG! Packing is boring! 

I always carry one backpack and one sling bag during my travel

Eager to go on a beach trip again?

Yeah, we love to. We all need that. We need a vacation somewhere. We deserve it to de-stress after going through a rough year. But the world is still in the middle of the pandemic and government restrictions on leisure travel is still very much in place. 

Philippines has yet to start distributing the vaccine jab, which makes traveling a bit risky and unsafe. Though more destinations are slowly reopening, I still don't have the appetite to start fixing my travel plans. Just not yet. 

I don't want to undergo such inconveniences of having a swab test, having tons of travel requirements to accomplish and, darn! I hate wearing face mask. 

I would never enjoy the trip,  So I will just wait when everything is okay. Meanwhile, I am preparing my list of beach destinations in the Philippines to visit when travel for leisure becomes convenient and comfortable again.

Prefer a beach with a long coastline

I don't like party destination beaches (except White beach, Puerto Galera) because I hate noises and a flow of a huge crowd. I prefer beaches that are quiet and calm where I could have a relaxing retreat and a moment of solitude. 

I love beach destinations with a wide beachfront, sprawling ground and a great view of the open sea. And those with a long coastline so that I could have endless long walks anytime of the day. A walk on a beach is just so therapeutic and relaxing and that's what I am looking for in a beach adventure.

My attachment to the open sea

I was born and raised in a coastal town of Surigao del Sur, nestled between mountains and beaches and directly facing the Pacific Ocean.  A quiet rural area dotted by rivers, valleys, rice and coco fields. Very far from the world I lived today. 

I spent my childhood running through the rice fields, marveling at the mountains, picking seashells during low tide and chasing waves during high time.

I would go to sleep at night with the noise of crashing waves, and would wake up to the sounds of chirping birds. During weekends and at summer time, I would take long afternoon walks at the seaside, gazing at the vast ocean, wondering what's beyond the mystical blue sea.

My happy place

Thus, a long coastline is my "happy place", my sanctuary when everything is unbearable. It is where I could be in my calmest myself, where I could have the privacy of my thoughts.

Should everything is safe to embark into a leisure trip again without so many travel requirements to accomplish, my first destination is really a beach. 

Either I would go home to Surigao, or go somewhere for a beach lounging. I miss the scent of a salty ocean, the therapeutic sounds of the crashing waves, the relaxing sight of the open sea, the powdery beach sand, and the crisp breeze rolling from the ocean.

Most memorable beach walk

I have not gone much to luxurious beaches in the country, apart from Boracay and Pearl Farm, but I have some of the best beach travels where walking along the seaside became memorable.

Here's my beach walks to remember:

White Beach, Puerto Galera

Popularly recognized as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, White Beach in Puerto Galera has not lost its charm despite shifting Philippine tourism's focus to other beach destinations in the country. 

It's still one of the most charming islands in the Philippines to visit where a walk on a beach is the most liberating and care-free experience.

White Beach in Puerto Galera is my top favorite to revisit the moment normal traveling is back in the country. I love the experience walking in the morning along the seaside. It has a wide beach front with a great view of the open sea.

The sprawling beach front, the long coastline, the brisk air coming from the open sea, the roaring of the waves, the turquoise blue water, everything is so terrific at White Beach, Puerto Galera. No wonder it's one of my favorite beach destinations in the Philippines. 

Check my trip and travel guide for Puerto Galera HERE. Or watch my Puerto Galera vlog HERE

White Beach, Boracay Island

Oh yes, Boracay! Who would not want to visit this breathtaking island in the Philippines? The powdery ivory sand, the irresistible emerald waters. The long coastline. It's surreal to always think of going to Boracay and get lost in thoughts.

Apart from the watersports and high-spirited night life, Boracay offers the best walk on the beach experience due to its long coastline and fascinating view of the open sea. And you can even walk barefoot without any feeling of discomfort.

I love going back there someday and just experience life at the seaside, lay in the sand or walk barefoot and watch the world go by while waiting for the sunset.

Read my actual travel experience in BORACAY HERE!

Jomalig Island

One thing I love about Jomalig island is its secluded location and endless view of the open sea! I have never been to an island in the Philippines where everything looks like a surreal - pristine surroundings, super clear and heavenly turquoise and emerald waters, long stretches of shorelines, where crashing of waves sounded like songs of the mystical sea.

Uncanny and timeless! Like, you do not want to end the day and just want to spend time walking at the seaside, gazing at the vast ocean. Jomalig island is a must-visit in the Philippines.

Going there is a bit difficult, unless you have the heart for an off-the-beaten track adventure. 

Sea travel seems risky. The boat travel takes more than five hours over the rough sea where waves smashed on the vessel like you've been shaken by an earth tremor. 

But the moment you reach the island, an awe of magic awaits. The white powdery sand, the stunning sea, the clear waters, the long coastline. 

Everything is so incredible at this remote Philippine island in the Quezon province. It offers the best walk-on-a-beach adventure to beach lovers.

It is a stunning island wonder that offers a sense of calmness and serenity. Its location in the middle of the rough seas provides abundance of a terrific ocean view and endless sea delights, making a beach walk here a rewarding experience.

Travel resources for Jomalig island:

• Our off-the-beaten track adventure in Jomalig island
• Jomalig Island DIY Travel Guide
• Watch our Jomalig travel vlog

Magalawa Island

Magalawa island is a remote island off the coast of Palauig, Zambales, Luzon, Philippines, spanning across 56 hectares of tropical land and white beach. 

It has two operating resorts and the one I visited with colleagues is the Armada beach. It has clean amenities, quiet atmosphere and wide sandbar for a fascinating beach walk experience. 

I love the sandbar. It's ideal for any activities like team building and ball sports or just beach lounging, letting things go by in a day. It's also a great area to view the sunset.

For my Magalawa island adventure, check this LINK, or watch my Magalawa island vlog HERE

White Island, Camiguin

My travel to Camiguin island in 2010 is the reason why I became a travel blogger 😄. It was such a great experience that I began writing my travel moments exploring Camiguin, especially the White Island, thus, created a travel blog. Back then, I only had one blog - The Royals of Europe site.

Camiguin was also the first island in the Philippines outside Southern Mindanao I've visited for a beach trip. So this beach adventure was very memorable.

White island is Camiguin's natural treasure. It is uninhabited with nothing but sandbar in it. Unlike other sandbars in the country that are attached to the mainland, the sandbar in White Island is totally isolated and literally floating in the open sea, so you feel like walking above the sea water when you do some beach walking here.  

The most ideal time to visit White island is in the early morning. Before sunrise, you should be in the island and leave before noon because it has only sandbar and no shade to protect you from the grueling sun.

Check my actual trip in Camiguin, including top spots to visit:

• Camiguin Trip, My First Island Adventure
• Top Destinations in Camiguin Island

Beach Travel Plans

I have not traveled in over a year due to the pandemic. My last beach adventure was in November 2019 in Puerto Galera. Wish to travel again soon. And beach trip is my top choice.

Philippines is home to more than 7,000 islands and islets, so there's no short of beach destinations to choose, however, there's always an exemption. And because I love beaches with the longest coastline and with a surrounding that's quieter and calmer, I have gathered a list where I would be going next.

These 5 destinations are my top choices:

1. Long beach, San Vicente, Palawan

San Vicente, Palawan has been on my travel bucket list long before the pandemic began. I've gathered quite a number of articles and travel guides about this remote town in Palawan. When everything is okay to travel again, I'd love to go there.

San Vicente is smack between El Nido and Puerto Princesa, and unlike Palawan's popular destinations, Coron and El Nido, San Vicente offers a very laid-back atmosphere and a terrific view of the open sea. 

And the perk?

It is home to the longest coastline in the Philippines, about three times the size of White beach in Boracay. And second in Southeast Asia, after Indonesia, thus, got the moniker of the "Long beach".

And that's enough to make me swoon in thrill! I love long coastlines because I can do an endless beach walk  day by day. 

Afternoon is always cool and ultra relax when I am in a long coastline, beach-walking. Such a peaceful feeling. I prefer a quieter environment where I could enjoy the day walking without the noise of a big crowd. I can no longer tolerate noises and crowded places. It drained my energy.

Long beach is a signature attraction in San Vicente, Palawan. It has a coconut-fringe coastline, pristine, ivory sand, stunning blue waters, and offers a pink-hued sunsets. Wow! Yeah, someday.

2. Santa Fe, Bantayan island

Bantayan island in the province of Cebu in the Visayas region is another dream beach destination. Heard a lot about it and wish to go there someday.

It's home to gorgeous beaches where atmosphere is so incredibly beautiful. Sugary white sand lapped by sparkling emerald water is the closest thing to paradise.

Its most popular municipality is Santa Fe where beach side is so pristine and romantic, ideal for a whole day beach walking. The tropical wide beach front is dotted by coconut trees, good for a relaxing adventure.

3. Hagonoy, Brittania island, Surigao del Sur

Mindanao is not so popular among travelers. Apart from Siargao island in Surigao del Norte, you would rarely hear tourists mentioning about a Mindanao travel destination. 

It's due to the insurgencies in the island. The terrorist attacks, the kidnap for ransom incidents, the bandits. Inconvenience news that terrifies tourists.

But I want to debunk this notion. 

Although there are parts of Mindanao considered as hotspot or in red alert due to terrorism incidents, it only happened in some regions but never the entire Mindanao. 

I came from Mindanao, I grew up in the province of Surigao del Sur, studied and worked in Davao City. My home province belongs to the CARAGA region (Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte) and it's relatively safer for travel even for first time tourists,

The CARAGA region is peaceful and most of its municipalities are still very rural. So you would never get lost. People are accommodating and hospitable. 

The region offers the most exhilarating experience of adventure due to the natural landscape of mountains and beaches. Relatively unknown to tourists (with the exemption of Siargao island in Surigao del Norte), this unpopularity, however, works pretty well in favor of the municipalities.

It keeps the provinces in the region quieter and peaceful and less crowded. It allows plenty of space and privacy. 

It protects the environment to remain clean and sustainable. And most of all, it keeps the rates of beach resorts here relatively cheaper and affordable due to low demands from tourists, making CARAGA region an exciting travel destination.

One of these islands in my home province, Surigao del Sur, that offers the best of beach adventure is Hagonoy island in San Agustin, Surigao del sur. Just a 20-minute ride from my home town of Marihatag.

Formerly known as Oteiza, San Agustin (where both of my paternal grandparents hailed) is gifted with stunning islands (24 all) and islets called Brittania group of islands.

As most of these islands are uninhabited and almost without plants, the islands are spruced up in white and pristine coastlines with just few coconut trees, making it ideal for beach travelers who love to lounge under the warm sun.

With its terrific view of the Pacific Ocean and white sand, this island offers a fascinating adventure of beach walking and sunset viewing. 

Though we're 20 minutes away from San Agustin and my birthplace is part of this municipality, I have not yet visited Brittania group of islands, making me the only member of our family to have not set a foot in Hagonoy island.

4. Paliton beach, Siquior

So many foreign tourists are raving about the beauty of Paliton beach, in the exotic island of Siquijor, yet I only heard about this beach recently. So I got intrigued. And wanted to visit it someday.

It is located in the northeastern portion of San Juan, lies a stunning white sandy beach of Paliton.  According to the Lonely Planet article, Paliton beach has a crystal-clear water and palm-tree fringed shoreline.

And because it faces west, Paliton beach is a great place to watch the beautiful sunset. Oh, wow! Someday, hope to go there!

5. Saud Beach

Another stunning beach in the Philippines I only heard recently. Saud beach is located in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte in the Northern tip of Luzon. 

What I would love about this place is how travel resources online describe the place - calm, quiet with dazzling long arc of white sand glistening on the warm sunshine. Coconut palms fringe the shoreline 

For inquiry, you can visit their official website

My Beach Appetite

I am sort of an introvert who savors the quiet scenery and tranquil atmosphere of the beach than the crowded destinations. 

Popular beaches like El Nido and Coron in Palawan never fascinate me because of the flock of the huge tourists. Crowd and noise drain my energy and ruin my appetite of a beach holiday.

I prefer moments of solitude and calmness, enjoying the view of the ocean, the rushing of the waves, and the long beach walks.

I just want to spend a relaxing day on the beach, walking along the seashore, get lost in my thoughts and watch the world go by.  Then spend the afternoon laying in the sand, sipping tea or reading books or listening to the soft whispers of the rolling sea as sun prefers to set.

Long coastline fascinates me, it's one of my definitions of a happy place on earth. Taking a quiet morning or afternoon walk along the shoreline resets my mood for a wonderful life. It's one of my indulgences in life.

It's pretty cool and liberating to be in a quiet beach. Someday, when everything is okay to get back on the road again, I would love to go to the beach in any of the above destinations. 

Until then. 😊

So, officially the world will celebrate Valentine's day in the bubble (at home). 

The pandemic really kills everything in our lifestyle, plans and connection to everyone. First the holiday season, second the family reunions, and now the Valentine's day. 

What else is there to be hopeful for? 

Of course life itself. Let's be grateful that despite the rampage of COVID-19, we are safe, healthy, and not in the hospital under ventilator. And that's enough.

So, how about the day of hearts? 

That's Sunday! What a perfect day to mark the occasion, if only we are free to go out, enjoy the day, go somewhere, have some great dinner or movies, and lots of fun and laughter with friends and loved ones. But we are still not out of the woods with coronavirus. Sulk!

So, how can people mark the occasion when social distancing and health protocol are still very much in place? And wearing face mask and social distancing rules make everything so inconvenient and annoying?

Fret not! Here are some ways to make this Valentine's day, still a day of love, happiness and blessing:

1. Home Celebration

Yeah, where else but home? 😄We need to come to terms with our destiny that this V-day, we will stay in the bubble, and mark the occasion at home. 

The old adage that goes: home is where the heart is, will surely have great meaning at this year's Valentine's day due to the global pandemic. Home is the safest place right now on earth. Outdoor fun is out of the question.

Home celebration is ideal too because it is less than expensive. With the ongoing health and economic crisis, the last thing we do is spend and splurge. The home bubble spares us from further trouble in our finances.

So how will you celebrate the day at home without feeling any less? Perhaps you could cook a simple but special meal, whip some desserts or refreshment then have a romantic setup in the living or dining room or stay Alfresco in your veranda or garden.

It's as romantic as dining outside plus it's a lot cheaper. One year on since the pandemic curtailed everything in our lives, we become expert adapting to the new normal of the pandemic. Home dinner is one.

You can transform your home into a beautiful space of love and happiness with all those cute goodies and embellishment sprucing up your living room.

2. Alfresco dining

Or you can dine outside but in a careful setup where health is safe. 

If there's one thing the pandemic really altered the way we dine outside it's the social distancing setup inside the restaurant. It's pretty inconvenient having a two-seat apart thing when you're in a group. 

The mandatory social distancing rule tends you to sit in a separate table, one meter away from your companion. You need to labor when you speak, and put face mask while you talk. So it's pretty much uncomfortable. 

But there are restaurants in Metro Manila that allow you to sit beside your group and no distancing rule is required if you choose the Alfresco setup.

Blackbird in Makati city is a great place to spend dinner or lunch this Valentine's day. It's a relaxing place with trees around the Ayala gardens surrounding the area. Its Alfresco dining is superb, breezy atmosphere and they offer great food! 

Check my blog about Blackbird HERE.

3. Movie marathon at home

Or better yet do some movie marathon at home. After all, it's Sunday!

I remember people rushing to watch movies comes Valentine's day in the previous years. However, since the pandemic shutoff the world, all cinemas, concerts and other form of entertainment and leisure were stopped since last year.

Perhaps, staying at home and do some movie marathon is the best way to mark the occasion. Here are five of the most romantic movies to devour this coming Sunday, and don't forget to prepare pancakes and potato chips because popcorn is so outdated. 😄

Check Here some of the best romantic movies to devour this Valentine's day like chocolates for a woman's heart

• Moulin Rouge (Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor)
• This Means War (Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Tom Hardy)
• The Cutting Edge (D.B Sweeney and Moira Kelly)
• Down To You (Freddie Prinze Jr and Julia Stiles)
• Sleepless in Seattle (Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan)

4. Love bomb your friends/loved ones

So what the hell is this? It's not that you're sending explosive stuff to your friends and loved ones just to let them know how much they mean to you this Valentine's day.

And if you are single like me this Valentine's day, don't sulk! 😂

The pandemic makes a lot of people single due to the home quarantine anyway. So just this consider V-day as a passing moment, but never mop or feel sad. 

We can be single and still happy. Remember that happiness is just a state of mind.

The act of giving actually boosts physical and mental health, so this Valentine's day, channel your energy by showing your care to your friends instead. 

Love exists in so many places, not just in a romantic way. Showing gratitude and affection to others improved our mental sense. It alleviates symptoms of depression. 

Here's how to love bomb your friends:

• Send them heart-shaped cookies
• Write personalized notes and send in their social media
• Send letterbox flower delivery
• Gift them afternoon tea set (I love to receive this 😂)
• Curate a love-themed hamper basket or grazing board

Afternoon tea setup at home

Silver living in the dark rays of pandemic

In every crack window, there's a spark of light filtering through open holes. So don't be so disheartened if you cannot enjoy the celebration like before. Just keep in mind this situation is only temporary.

One bright light that we can look forward despite this difficult time is that we can save massively. Our finances would not get hurt because we're staying at home.

For lovers, a lot of things to forward to. Just cherish each other's presence and demonstrate your affection in a different way, more handy and personal. Like, uhmm, sending notes to remember? 

This Valentine's day is cheaper. It will keep your purse safe and tight. No more splurging and spending at the mall. You can save a lot. It's a great blessing. 

Happy Valentine's day!