Summer adventures—from Mexico and Quebec to Disney’s Bahamas island
Steven Tan — president, SM Supermalls
Where did you go? Who did you go with?
Traveled with Dos Quong to Mexico (Oaxaca, Campeche, Merida and Tulum), then headed to Quebec City and also stayed in Ojai Valley in Los Angeles.
What did you love about this summer adventure?
Mexico is having its moment now, and it’s a destination that shouldn’t be missed. Throw away those preconceived notions of the country being unsafe. We’ve been victims in Paris and all over Italy, but zero in Mexico. But please avoid all-inclusive hotels and resorts as you won’t get the full experience. There’s a lot of boutique hotels, and my favorite would be Hotel Oaxaca Pug Seal and Hotel Panamera in Tulum. The former summer residence of drug lord Pablo Escobar is now a resort hotel and the spa is a must-experience.
Mexico has leveled up so much in terms of their cuisine. Hartwood in Tulum was fantastic, as they used commonly available ingredients, and flipped and redid it with a fresh approach.
What were the highlights for you?
In terms of experience, Chichén Itzá (one of the Seven Wonders of the modern world) in the Yucatan Region ranks high on the ancient civilizations ruins list; just make sure you are there right before the opening, before the busloads of tourists start coming in.
Québec is the most beautiful city in Canada and most probably in Northern America. It is for me more French than Canadian. The city is inundated with excellent restaurants. The maple-glazed thick bacon at Restaurant La Buche is not to be missed, and I am dead serious about it.
Québec’s Notre-Dame is a must-visit. Aside for the beautiful architecture, it has the Holy Door. Walking through the only Holy Door outside Europe is a special moment, as the doors are open only every 25 years. Plenary indulgences are granted to those who pass through the door, and this alone makes it worth the trip for fervent Catholics.
Lawrence Cua — cofounder, Bun Appetit
Where did you go?
Seoul and Jeonju, South Korea
Who did you go with?
I went with my wife, Iya, and son, Benjie.
What did you love about this summer adventure?
I loved spending every minute with my little family. Our son is just 1 so he won’t remember this trip, but we will. I enjoyed visiting the filming locations of some of our favorite K-drama shows, discovering new places to eat and escaping the Manila heat! What were the highlights for you?
The highlights were the old Samsan Tech office in “Start-Up” which is actually the rooftop of a shoe market in Dongdaemun; Hanbyeokgul Tunnel in Jeonju which was featured in “Twenty Five, Twenty One”; and Mong Tan, where we had some of the best beef barbecue on this trip. What’s most memorable for me is that my son got to enjoy some, too!
What tip would you give to someone who wants to do the same thing?
We planned our itinerary based on the filming locations of our favorite shows, then we mapped out interesting food and coffee places to check out nearby, just to add some structure to our days. But still, leave some free time to explore. Who knows, you might be pleasantly surprised. Also, download the Naver app!
Amado Forés — restaurateur, A Mano, Steak & Frice, Ramen Ron
Where did you go?
Tokyo, Japan
Who did you go with?
My girlfriend, mom and team members from A Mano.
What did you love about this summer adventure?
It was a combination of rest, receiving our 50 Top Pizza award, and pleasure in one of my favorite cities in the world.
What were the highlights for you?
Receiving an award for my restaurant A Mano, listed 12th place by 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2024, and going back to my favorite yakitori restaurant Torishiki, this time with my girlfriend. Discovering a new pizza spot named Pizza Marumo in Ebisu, which serves unique and inventive pizzas. And lastly, enjoying a meal served by the legendary 99-year-old sushi master Jiro Ono at Sukiyabashi Jiro, famously featured in my favorite food documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi.”
What tip would you give to someone who wants to do the same thing?
Plan early to make reservations in restaurants that need to be reserved ahead of time. But also keep time open to discover new things while strolling around.
Jacqe Yuengtian-Gutierrez — CEO and co-founder, Happy Skin, Blk Cosmetics and Seoul White
Where did you go?
We went on a Disney Wish cruise to the Bahamas.
Who did you go with?
My family—Vic, Raf and Anton.
What did you love about this summer adventure?
It was our first time to go on a cruise as a family, and it’s probably the most relaxing vacation we’ve taken! They had so many activities for both adults and kids onboard—theater plays, movie nights, trivia nights, special dinners, water slides and all the Disney characters have schedules where you can take a photo with them!
What were the highlights for you?
I loved the food! There was a good and wide selection of fine dining and casual food, both of which were order-all-you-want! We also loved Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. They have a lot of water sports there, and we even managed to feed some stingrays!What tip would you give to someone who wants to do the same thing?Book ahead! I booked our flight for the US eight months ago to get the best deals! We did Walt Disney World first in Florida for a couple of days before we boarded the cruise (also in Florida). Cruise tickets also run out fast, especially during the holidays, so plan in advance
Marlyn Ocampo — makeup artist and drag artist
Where did you go?
Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto
Who did you go with?
My sister Violet and other family members
What did you love about this summer adventure?
I love that we went to Japan and did cool activities that I would only get to do in Japan.
What were the highlights for you?
One of the highlights is having my dream oiran photo shoot in Kyoto and meeting up with friends to know more about J-fashion subcultures from the locals.
What tip would you give to someone who wants to do the same thing?
Make sure to have savings in order to go to your dream place and be one with the locals. Explore the place and be adventurous.
Kaye Tinga — philanthropist and entrepreneur
Where did you go?
Central Europe, primarily Budapest, Vienna and Prague.
Who did you go with?
I went with my family—we flew together and met our son in Vienna, as he is doing a term abroad in Rome.
What did you love about this summer adventure?
I love going to new places, and it was my first time in all three cities so it was such a treat going to what are some of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever visited. And visiting the Leopold Museum, which houses the biggest collection of one of my most favorite artists, Egon Schiele.
What were the highlights for you?
The highlight would have been visiting at least eight different churches, including the Church of Our Lady Victorious–Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague, and receiving a special blessing from the parish priest during Easter. We were also able to watch “Der rosenkavalier” in the Vienna Opera House, and “Nabucco” in the Prague State Opera, which is as relevant today as it was when Verdi wrote it in the 1800s.
What tip would you give to someone who wants to do the same thing?
Plan ahead, as some of the sites such as the parliament in Budapest accept only limited visitors a day, and it’s not easy to get tickets.
Dennis Lustico — fashion designer
Where did you go?
Hoi An and Da Nang in Vietnam
Who did you go with?
Model/photographer/designer Joann Bitagcol
What did you love about this summer adventure?
Discovering the amazing movie-set like colors and mood of the Ancient Town of Hoi An. I’m so in love with the place. Walking around its beautiful narrow streets. Checking every store and discovering endless treasures full of history. Basking in the radiance of their lively lanterns. Biking to the Silk Village and savoring the softness of Vietnamese silk. Enjoying the healthy and famous Vietnamese food.
What were the highlights for you?
Joann celebrated her birthday while we were in Hoi An.
What tip would you give to someone who wants to do the same thing?
Research the place online. The trip actually starts when you decide to book a plane ticket, then there’s the excitement in choosing a hotel. Go check as many videos about Hoi An; this will eventually save you time, especially when the trip is a short one. Get a tourist map as soon as you check in to the hotel and prioritize places to visit according to interest. This has to be strategic that’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with the area.
Robby Carmona — fashion show director
Where did you go?
I went to Tokyo, Japan, and did a lot of walking in the streets—Shibuya, Ginza, Shinjuku, Daikanyama, Omotesando, Harajuku and Ebisu.
Who did you go with?
I traveled with my best friend since grade 5, Jasmin, and her daughters Kitty and Carmina.
What did you love about this summer adventure?
I loved this summer adventure because of the lovely weather. I was also able to experience cherry blossoms once again after eight years, and ate lots of ramen!
What were the highlights for you?
My highlight was going to Yoyogi Park and experiencing the cherry blossoms once again. It was truly magical!
What tip would you give for someone who wants to do the same thing?
Plan your trip ahead of time. You’ll get good deals on flights and accommodations. Research all the places and restaurants you would like to visit and get a reservation.
Plan your itinerary per day so that you have a guide to follow when you are traveling.
Lastly, wear a pair of comfortable shoes because you’ll walk a lot.
Dr. Aivee Teo — medical director of The Aivee Clinic
Where did you go?
Our family explored the vibrant city of London, UK, visiting iconic landmarks and charming neighborhoods.
Who did you go with?
I traveled with my husband, Dr. Z, and our children, Kenz, Kenzo, and Keli, creating cherished memories together. We also met with my niece, Alexa Andanar, who is studying at the London School of Economics.
What did you love about this summer adventure?
We loved immersing ourselves in London’s rich history and cultural offerings, from visiting iconic landmarks like the London Eye, Tower Bridge and Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral among others to hidden gems. We also enjoyed spending quality time with the kids, trying the delicious diverse food, the British favorite fish and chips, and trying their famous high tea. Indulging in street food added to the experience. We had the incredible experience of watching a live football match in Liverpool, adding a thrilling sports element to our trip.
What were the highlights for you?
One highlight was exploring the vibrant West End theaters and experiencing live performances, including catching the last few days of the iconic “Plaza Suite” romcom play, starring real-life partners Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker, as well as the funny and entertaining “Book of Mormon.” Such performances left a lasting impression on us. We also enjoyed crossing the historic Tower Bridge and soaking in the breathtaking views of the River Thames and the city skyline, which was another memorable highlight of our London adventure.
What tip would you give to someone who wants to do the same thing?
I recommend exploring quaint and charming neighborhoods like Notting Hill, visiting iconic sites, try the street food in Borough Market and Portobello Road Market, do a school tour of Oxford and Cambridge, watch a live football game, and catch a play at the West End. Additionally, consider taking a leisurely stroll along the Millennial Bridge and eating at the restaurants at The Shard for the breathtaking views of the cityscape.
