If the Mayans are to be believed, the world as we know it will come to an end on December 21, 2012. That means you have 12 months to maximize your time on this planet, and more importantly, this beautiful country of ours. Here's a list of places in the Philippines you need to visit before all it turns to dust, and us with it.

While we may have managed to whittle the list down to 12, it was no easy feat given the fact that our country is home to 7,107 islands. We came up with one city/province for each month of what could be your last year on Earth.

1. January - Kalibo, Aklan or Cebu City


(Do check out: EYP Cebu)

On the second week of January, every year, Kalibo celebrates the Ati-atihan Festival in honor of the Sto. Niño (the infant Jesus). The festival consists of tribal dances, parades, festive music and, yes, tons of boozing, of course! What's a festival without the consumption of copious amounts of alcohol? The fun part? People walk around holding toilet plungers (brand new, unused ones of course, or at least we hope they are) and use them as makeshift glasses from which they drink their liquor of choice. Another festival option, happening on the same weekend is the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City.

2. February - Sagada, Mountain Province




If the prospect of sitting in a bus for 12 to 15 hours doesn't fill you with dread, Sagada in our country's Mountain Province will be a trip worth taking. The quiet, mountaintop town is a great change of pace from the hectic and often stressful hustle and bustle of city life.

(Like this article? Check out: Off the Grid? Hike for Light!)

3. March - Donsol, Sorsogon or Puerto Galera, Batangas


If swimming with whale sharks (or butanding, as their called locally) isn't on your bucket list yet, well now's the time to add it. As someone who's already taken part in this awe-inspiring activity, I guarantee you it's something you definitely need to do before you shed this mortal coil. Although these gentle giants can be seen year-round, peak seasons (when tons of them come out to feed on plankton) are between February and May, making March the perfect time to make the trip.



If you're not too keen on getting in the water with a sea creature the size of school bus (even though it's completely safe), then head on over to Puerto Galera for the annual Malasimbo Music Festival on March 2, 3 and 4. To learn more about the festival, visit their official Facebook page.

4. April - Manila



Yup, you read that right. During the month of April, I implore you to stay in Manila and explore the various ins and outs of the city so many people often take for granted. I say this because Holy Week usually falls on a week in April and thus begins the mass exodus of people traveling out of Manila to, most probably, one of the places on this very list. Going out of town during Holy Week means long lines at the airport check-in counter, getting stuck in traffic, having to deal with way too many people on an otherwise beautiful beach, and just about all the pains that come with traveling multiplied by ten. Staying in Manila during Holy Week means the exact opposite of what I just described; there will be no traffic, no long-lines at the mall, no hassles. It's the ultimate staycation. 

5. May - Siargao, Surigao del Norte


Popular for being a surfer's paradise and the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, surfers from around the world and around the country, have been flocking to (and then almost inevitably taking root in) Siargao for decades now, with the determined mind to catch some waves on the right-breaking reef Siargao is most famous for: Cloud 9.

(Check out the metro's best surf shops here)

6. June - Malapascua, Cebu


Aside from its white sands and clear, blue waters, Malapascua is near Monad Shoal, a popular scuba-diving destination and the only place in the world you can see thresher sharks. Manta rays and hammerheads are also season attractions at Monad Shoal. This place is recommended for advanced divers so if you've been thinking about taking it up as a hobby, ain't no time like the present.

7. July - Mambajao, Camiguin


The island of Camiguin, in Northern Mindanao, is home to seven volcanoes. Yup, seven, with the most famous one (and only remaining active one) being Mt. Hibok Hibok; but don't worry, it hasn't erupted in over 60 years. Besides the fact that it's home to seven volcanoes, the beaches are breathtaking as well, not to mention the famous 250-feet high Katibawasan Falls which is something to behold.



8. August - Caramoan, Camarines Sur


(For the best and latest travel deals, check out EYP Deal Finder)

The unexploited, virgin islands of Caramoan are one of the country's best-kept secrets, or it was until recently when they held the French version of the popular American reality show Survivor there in 2010. Regardless of the hype, Caramoan is home to 10 beautiful islands that it would truly be a shame to miss out on.

9. September - Coron, Palawan

Photo by Patricia Lopez

Underwater shipwrecks, white pristine beaches and clear blue water, limestone formations, secluded lagoons, hot springs, one of the most bio-diverse underwater areas of the country, seriously, stop me if you've heard enough. If you haven't, then book a trip to Coron in Palawan, pronto!

10. October - Anawangin Cove, Zambales


To those that don't know about the place, you'd probably think the photo above was taken at some random lake in America, but then you'd be wrong. Anawangin possesses the charm of a lakeside camping ground and the mountainous landscape of a place like the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York, combined with the tropical allure of some of the countries most popular beaches. It's also become a popular surfing destination: so grab your surf board, camping gear, and head on to Anawangin Cove for a guaranteed good time.

11. November - Batanes


The Philippines' very own Marlboro country, with cows and horses grazing the vast greenery, and the Shire-like landscapes of Batanes make it a breath of fresh air compared to your usual beach getaway. Check out the Mahatao Hedgerows and strap on your cowboy boots (if you've got them) or muster your best hobbit-impression (if that's more your speed) and enjoy the old-world charm of Batanes, and while you're there, drop by the oldest house in Ivatan.

(Join EYP's Search-O-lympics for a chance to win amazing prizes)




The oldest house in Ivatan

12. December - Mt. Pulag

View from the top of Mt. Pulag- Cloud City


The moonscape from the top of Mt. Pulag
(Both photos by Mika Santos)

The third highest mountain in the Philippines, Mt. Pulag has, in recent years, become a popular tourist spot and hiking destination for adventure-junkies and nature-lovers alike. At 2,922 meters above sea level, the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking and well-worth the hike. Depending on which trail you take, the trek to the top could take one to four days. For hiking newbies, the Ambangeg trail is the easiest one. If the world is going to end on December 21 this year, wouldn't you want the best view?

Juice Recommends:

Juice Out Of Town
Juice Buhay Pinoy