(Photo from: https://unsplash.com/photos/wooden-boat-on-shore-near-green-tree-LPX1BluOE7c)
With the release of the country’s official list of 2026 regular and special holidays, hard-working Filipinos get an unexpected gift of free time to spend as they please. With schools and offices closing up for several long weekends, families and individuals have more days to recharge and enjoy quality time with loved ones.
According to communication released last year, there are eight confirmed long weekends in the Philippines this 2026: April 2–5 (Holy Week), May 1–3 (Labor Day), June 12–14 (Independence Day), August 21–23 (Ninoy Aquino Day), August 29–31 (National Heroes Day), October 31–November 2 (All Saints’/All Souls’), November 28–30 (Bonifacio Day), and December 24–27 (Christmas). As if things weren’t good enough, a long weekend crosses over to 2027 in time for the country’s New Year celebrations (December 30 – January 3, 2027).
Thankfully, the Philippines is home to over 7,000 islands (some way bigger than the others) that are ripe for exploring. Aside from familiar destination spots, there are plenty of breathtaking sceneries and worthwhile destinations that beckon the curious.
Start the year right with short but meaningful drives
The first quarter is a good time to ease into travel with shorter drives that still exude the aura of proper breaks. Families can plan weekend escapes to Tagaytay for cool evenings, garden walks, and relaxed meals overlooking the lake. Nearby Laguna offers hot spring resorts, lakeside towns, and small cafes that suit quiet mornings and unhurried afternoons.
Up north, Pampanga remains a favorite for food trips so travelers can spend a day moving from one classic diner to another before heading back to the city. These closer destinations help households get back into the rhythm of regular road trips without spending long hours on the road. At least not yet!
Beating the summer heat with sparkling seas and cool highlands
By April and May, the weather pushes many travelers toward refreshing beaches or cooler highlands. The Holy Week break is often the first big escape of the year and offers vacationers an annual invitation to head for the Cordilleras. Families or barkadas can drive up to Baguio, La Trinidad, or nearby mountain towns. There, they can enjoy early morning coffee under pine trees, and schedule side trips to Benguet farms or viewpoints. Those who prefer quiet can go further up and stay in smaller inns or homestays and spend quality time on adventure treks or slow walks.
As temperatures climb, beach destinations without costly airfare become more attractive. Batangas remains a reliable choice for lively reefs, snorkel spots, and IG-worthy coves. A drive to Subic or Zambales opens up beaches with a mix of simple huts and full-service hotels, along with sailing, paddling, or relaxed sunset cruises along the bay. Long weekends in this quarter are ideal for planning back-to-back trips that alternate between the mountains and the sea.
Of course, the biggest adventures require some derring-do. Reaching summer hotspots such as Mindoro and Boracay is possible by car if you’re willing to hitch your sturdy mount to a Ro-Ro ferry for an inter-island voyage. The reward for doing? Breathtaking long rides to port cities and the opportunity to explore hidden gems far from tourist-heavy spots.
Heritage towns and comfort food weekends
Meanwhile, the Independence Day long weekend in June can anchor another drive loop that combines history and food. Travelers can stop at heritage churches and town plazas on the way north, then spend a day in Vigan walking its cobblestone streets and sampling local dishes. From there, another drive brings them to surf towns and coastal cafes, where they can watch the sunset after a day of exploring.
The Ninoy Aquino Day break in August is ideal for shorter but meaningful trips. Families can revisit favorite nearby destinations for a second look during the rainy season, when crowds are lighter and the scenery feels different. The National Heroes Day long weekend in the same month invites city-based travelers to take a fresh look at nearby heritage spots in the metro. They can book walking tours of Intramuros, visit museums and restored homes, or explore old districts known for traditional bakeries and markets. Even with a city hotel as base, a long weekend leaves plenty of room for side trips that highlight local history and architecture.
The final stretch: homecomings, holidays, and year-end escapes
The cluster of holidays in November often sends Filipinos back to their hometowns to visit family and loved ones. This period is a natural time for long provincial drives that pass rice fields, rivers, and small-town centers. Many families now extend their stay by a day to include side trips to nearby waterfalls, lakes, or coastal roads before heading back to the city. These small additions turn a traditional visit into a more rounded homecoming experience.
For the Christmas holidays in December, the calendar quickly fills with reunions, Simbang Gabi, and last-minute shopping. Many families will choose to stay in the city and book hotel staycations that place them near malls, parks, and Christmas markets. Others prefer to drive to highland destinations such as Baguio or Tagaytay to enjoy cooler air, simple bonfires, and quieter celebrations away from the busiest streets.
A bonus New Year long weekend from late December into early January gives everyone one more chance to enjoy one final road trip before resuming their regular scheduled programs. This can be a late booking at a nearby beach, an overnight drive to a ridge or bay to watch fireworks, or a relaxed stay at a favorite hotel with a good view of the city skyline. With a bit of planning, the first sunrise of 2027 can be enjoyed somewhere new.
Are you ready for 2026?
Embarking on these worthwhile journeys requires a steady workhorse that performs reliably and enjoyable to drive as well. Nothing dampens the more than spending your time on road groaning about rattling rides or uncomfortable seating. Thankfully, some vehicles are more equipped to handle any type of journey so that the only mild annoyance will come from the repeated questions of “Are we there yet?”.
Speaking of power and comfort, the Ford Everest offers a spacious seven seat interior, comfortable ride, and practical storage solutions that suit both long highway drives and regular weekend runs. Its blend of power, refinement, and smart assistance technologies helps drivers feel more confident on varied roads while passengers settle in for the journey with room to stretch, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
Get the most from 2026’s abundance of holiday weekends by sketching out your travel plans now. Learn more about the Ford Everest, book a test drive, or check the latest offers by visiting any Ford dealership nationwide or logging on to the Ford Philippines website and official social media channels.
