Days are longer and temperatures are rising, which can only mean one thing: Summer is here.
If the heat is any indication, there’s no stopping the season from coming and going, pandemic or otherwise. While last summer was the height of the lockdown and a period of uncertainty, we have since tentatively settled into the new normal, which means we can plan out safe and responsible outings—or at least dream of them.
We ask content creators and personalities from the Visayas and Mindanao: How (or where) do you plan on spending your second summer in the pandemic?
Shani Nunez, Video Creator
“Last year was really tough on everyone due to the lockdown. That’s why this year, I’m definitely planning to go to more beaches. Preferably beaches with fewer people since we are still in a pandemic. Would also love to travel if given the chance. As long as we all stay safe and be responsible during this pandemic I’m sure we can all have a great summer.”
Follow on Instagram: @marshpotatoo
Xana Patal, Vlogger & Makeup Artist
“Blessed to be stuck in Siargao when the pandemic hit, every day has been a summer bliss for me. But if I were to plan a getaway this April, I would love to spend a few days again in Bucas Grande, Socorro. It’s a dream escapade — crystal clear blue waters, untouched marine life, an evening of bio-luminous planktons and firefly watching, and just truly being immersed and one with nature in a beautiful cottage tucked inside a lush islet. No phone signal, no distractions from the busy world, a healthy escape, and unplug we all deserve, at least once a year.”
Follow on Instagram: @xanapea
Maurene Anne, Blogger
“I was able to spend my Summer 2021 in a resort in Cauayan, Negros Occidental with my girlfriends. Cases here in Negros are a bit low, so after completing a couple of requirements like a medical certificate and health declaration form, we’re good to go na. Most of the time, if sponsored yung resort staycation, I tend to make more content and exhaust myself. So my staycation was the most memorable one yet, since I got to just relax and do nothing. I literally slept in the sand, had a massage by the beach, watched the sunset, and ate anything to my heart’s content.”
Follow on Instagram: @maureneanne27
Eldawn Catalan, BAYÉ Creator
“I enjoy inviting a few friends over at my place since it gives me the peace of mind knowing that we’re staying still plus I enjoy having substantial conversations with them. It also allows me to choose who I want to interact with and that space lets me learn more about them. If I ever get to travel, I’d like to go to Badian Island Wellness Resort and just enjoy the solitude.”
Follow on Instagram: @baye.ph
Dee Llenos, Entrepreneur
“With the pandemic, there is a limited option for summer destinations but for me, I’m planning to spend my summer up in the mountains together with my partner while hustling for our dreams. Productivity is the key!”
Follow on Instagram: @deellenos
Wyvren Veloso, Entrepreneur
“Definitely island hopping! Blessed to be living in a tropical paradise surrounded by beautiful islands and sandbars. So as our local government in Bohol eases restrictions, I plan to spend summer at the beach to finally get my 3 S’s — sun, sand, and salty kisses!
Follow on Instagram: @wyvhere
Joanna Cuenco, Columnist and Commercial Real Estate Advisor
“In some ways, this summer is different since we are fortunately more mobile now, and I wasn’t working this time last year. I’m keeping busy with work, inspecting spaces, and planning for clients’ new offices, which is hopefully a good sign for the economy that companies are slowly moving forward with their plans that were derailed by 2020. On weekends, I plan to take more road trips since now is the perfect time to rediscover Cebu’s less crowded beaches and underappreciated attractions.
In other ways, summer is the same since it’s still best to stay home when we can: plenty of Netflix, trying to go through unread books, working out at home, and the cleaning and decluttering that never seem to end!”
Follow on Instagram: @cuencojoanna