“Remember that happiness is a way of travel – not a destination.– Roy M. Goodman

Manila is a busy, hectic place! Unfortunately, this congestion generates hazy and polluted air and, as a result, we try to take day trips and mini-vacations to regional beaches and resorts within a few hours drive from Manila. These trips give our daughter (and us) much needed fresh air and helps us recharge our batteries and regain our sanity, which necessary to survive life in Manila. There are a remarkable number of rather good hotels, resorts and beaches within a two hour drive from Manila. As an aid to other fellow Manila-based expats or families visiting the Philippines, I will work to post details about the resorts we visit to provide a rundown of each destination – with their pros and cons – and the level of child-friendliness and adult-friendliness of each venue (as parents need the mini-break to fun for themselves too!)