I used to go to the Philippines every year. My mum and dad have a family house in Batangas, which is about two hours south of Manila, so we used to go there every Christmas. It’s such a special time over there and to go over and get to experience the warm weather, as well as spend a lot of time with family, was a big part of our lives growing up. The last time I went there was probably four years ago now, as it’s quite hard with my schedule. I’m thinking of going this summer to see some of my family there. I want to go to Cagayan de Oro in the south and reconnect with the place where I was born. I also want to visit the many islands I haven’t visited yet – it’s going to be a busy trip but I’m very excited.
I like to go between November and February. It’s probably the best weather for cooling off at night, but the sun’s always out and the beaches are nice. The Philippines has more than 7,000 islands, so you’ll never be short of things to do – from scuba diving and caving to cliff diving. It caters for everyone.
One place I would recommend is Siargao. It’s very good for diving. Cebu and Boracay are also amazing diving spots and I know a lot of the tourists from Australia and New Zealand visit El Nido on Palawan island. I think you also have to experience Manila, which is such a hectic, vibrant city and very different to London. It’s chaotic but if you know where you’re going and the right people, you will definitely get looked after.
Taal Volcano – which is active – is particularly special to me and definitely worth a visit. You can even hit golf balls into the lake in the volcano, which is quite a cool idea. The Banaue rice terraces are also quite spectacular and especially beautiful. They go on for such a long way and are an amazing sight to see – if you you get a chance to go there, definitely do.
Marcus Smith wears the Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional Powermatic 80; tissotwatches.com
Eleanor Pryor is a London-based horology writer and editor
