Michael Leyva, Jo Ann Bitagcol, Sunshine Puey, Rafe Totengco, Melanie Tan, Jody Lim, talk about their relaxing and fun plans for the summer.
Whether it’s lounging by the beach-side or seeking a cool, relaxing refuge away from the country’s heatwave, everyone has their own idea of the perfect summer vacation. For this LA Asks feature, we’re interviewing six of Manila’s society to share what their exciting plans for this season are, from trips abroad to local haunts.
READ ALSO: LA Asks Some Of Manila’s Foodies: What Are Your Favorite Traditional Filipino Dishes?
Michael Leyva
Q: What are your summer travel destinations?
My favorite local travel destination would have to be Boracay Island. It’s always a go-to for me when I want to soak up the sun and hit the beach. Paris is also a favorite destination of mine. And, of course, Osaka. What’s not to love…Japan is always a go-to for everyone.
Q: What inspired you to travel to these places, and are you traveling solo or with loved ones?
I just love the vibrant cultures and the distinctive charm each place has. Not only that, but these places make me feel really relaxed. Shopping is so great in these places too! Of course I can’t pass up the chance to share these experiences with my loved ones.
Q: Where would you like to travel to next?
I would say that Iceland is next on my travel list. I’m looking forward to exploring the beautiful landscapes and seeing the Northern Lights.
Jo Ann Bitagcol
Q: What are your summer travel destinations?
I’ve been exploring neighboring countries [that are] still close to home—like Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong.
Q: What inspired you to travel to these places, and are you traveling solo or with loved ones?
My travels lately are with designer friends Rhett Eala, Ivarluski Aseron, Dennis Lustico, and Lulu Tan Gan. It’s just fun to have a quick getaway from work with great company, experiencing local food, culture, source materials, and being inspired again to create.
Q: Where would you like to travel to next?
I’ve heard nice things about South Korea, I would like to visit it one of these days.
Sunshine Puey
Q: What are your summer travel destinations?
We are going to the Bay Area for the summer. We enjoy spending our summers there.
Q: What inspired you to travel to these places, and are you traveling solo or with loved ones?
It’s a time for relaxation and family bonding. The kids are also going to coding camp. We’ll also try to squeeze in a beach trip before school starts. I travel with the kids as much as possible!
Q: Where would you like to travel to next?
I’d love to go to New Zealand with them someday!
Rafe Totengco
Q: What are your summer travel destinations?
It’s all about timing. I prefer to get a jump start on summer in the spring to avoid the summer crowds. Everywhere you go these days it seems that the crowds are unavoidable, so I like going when it’s not the high season. We were recently in Mexico and Oaxaca and it was lovely.
Q: What inspired you to travel to these places, and are you traveling solo or with loved ones?
My husband and I love going to Mexico because there’s so much to see, do, and eat! CDMX [Ciudad de México] is such a vibrant and energetic city full of amazing museums, art galleries, architecture, and top notch dining, you can easily spend a week here.
We combined this trip with some days dedicated to chilling on the beach at Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca. Fundacion Casa Wabi designed by Tadao Ando had been on my bucket list for a long time, so I was happy to finally check it off. The beauty of Puerto Escondido is the beach is so wide, so long, and so remote that oftentimes we felt like we were the only people there. It was the perfect getaway trip.
Q: Where would you like to travel to next?
We are going back to the UK at the end of May to visit my husband’s mum and then spend a few days in London, Devon, and in Bruton. Hauser & Wirth has an amazing gallery and outdoor garden designed by Piet Oudolf, which we have been wanting to see for some time now.
My husband, being English, is obsessed with gardens and I have since become equally obsessed. So, every time we cross the pond, we have a list of gardens and country estates we aim to see.
Melanie Tan
Q: What are your summer travel destinations?
La Union, Bohol, and Boracay.
Q: What inspired you to travel to these places, and are you traveling solo or with loved ones?
Surfing (my boys love to surf), the sand and beach, water activities, the restos nearby, and lots of cafes too! I always travel with either my family or with my closest friends.
Jody Lim
Q: What are your summer travel destinations?
For the summer, my travel destinations would be Denmark, Norway, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Korea, Japan, and of course, the beaches in the Philippines.
Q: What inspired you to travel to these places, and are you traveling solo or with loved ones?
What inspired me to go to those places are the sights to see, places to visit, and dishes to eat. There are lots of activities to do for all ages. Since I am traveling with my husband and children, I want to make sure to choose a destination we all can enjoy.
Q: Where would you like to travel to next?
I would like to bring my family to Iceland to see its beautiful landscape.
Photos courtesy of Michael Leyva, Jo Ann Bitagcol, Sunshine Puey, Rafe Totengco, Melanie Tan, and Jody Lim.
