Think you’ve seen everything Siargao and Boracay have to offer? Think again! This summer, travel lovers and content creators Laureen Uy and Maki Santos set out on their dream summer adventures to rediscover two of the Philippines’ most iconic vacation spots.
But let’s get real: planning a dream summer trip isn’t always a breeze. Budgeting, racing for the best deals on flights and hotels, and even scrambling for cash when splitting bills with friends can get stressful. For many, it’s the hassle that holds them back from achieving their dream summer.
Luckily, Laureen and Maki have found a way to skip the stress and go straight to the fun. From hidden dining gems to unique activities and the best sunset views, both creators have put together itineraries all booked and paid for with GCash, proving that even the most iconic destinations still have surprises to offer when everything’s made seamless.
Stay at the Center and Explore Beyond in Boracay
Boracay has always been special to Maki. But this time, her itinerary was all about going beyond the usual spots the island is known for and finding its best-kept secrets. She started her trip by checking in at the Four Points by Sheraton, right in the heart of Boracay.
With her L.A.P. (Location, Aesthetic, Price) strategy, she prioritized finding a hotel in a central location, a stunning design, and affordability, made even easier with GGives, a feature on the GCash app that lets users pay for things that usually feel too expensive – like hotel bookings for a trip – and pay for them in easy installments, with no down payment needed!
“I’ve always been the planner in the group… There’s a special kind of joy in watching my friends soak up the moment, knowing I helped bring it all together,” Maki explains.
Her journey to finding Boracay’s best-kept secrets took her paraw sailing to catch amazing views of the island on a traditional local sailboat made of wood and bamboo, an exhilarating adventure in Mainland Adventures Boracay, and even a Helicopter Ride to see the island from above. These activities can be paid for online with GCash via platforms such as Klook, so that everything is ready and raring to go at the destination.
Between activities, she also tried out new dining spots like Gyukatsu for melt-in-your-mouth Japanese beef, Mai Tai for island-inspired drinks, and Maze Wrap for a variety of Mediterranean wraps and rice meals.
“What makes the experience even better is how seamless everything is with GCash. From booking activities to paying for meals, one tap and I’m all set!” Maki adds.
Food Hop and Island Hop in Siargao
Over in Siargao, Laureen Uy’s dream summer experience is one that embraces the spontaneity that comes with being able to travel with her besties! On a foodie-focused girls’ trip that balanced local flavor and scenic adventure, Laureen’s itinerary is the perfect guide for anyone heading to Siargao this summer.
Her first stop on her local restaurant hop was to enjoy a feast fresh from the sea at Cev, famous for their kinilaw and ceviche, before heading to Roots for some European flare, and Mondayyy’s Cafe, an all-day breakfast spot and one of Siargao’s newcomers to its exciting cafe scene. Every restaurant accepts QR payments via GCash, so every transaction is fast and seamless.
But this escape to Siargao wasn’t just about food. Laureen’s all-girls crew also set sail for a scenic island-hopping trip to Mam-on Island and Corregidor Island, taking in breathtaking views and topping it all off with a traditional boodle feast. It’s the perfect itinerary for anyone who’s craving an island adventure with friends.
Another trip highlight for Laureen is enjoying a chill sunset session at Kanaloa Beach, complete with bonfires, kayaking, and beachside drinks.
“Hotel bookings, activities, shopping, and eating on the island? All check! Even down to travel insurance, just to make sure we’re protected from any unexpected hurdles, GCash has GInsure Travel Protect. At every point of planning from paying online, to scanning to pay with their merchants, and buying all my essentials, my summers are forever changed for the better,” Laureen excitedly shares.
Plan Your Dream Summer with GCash
Whether you’re a meticulous planner or a spontaneous adventurer, one thing’s clear from Laureen and Maki’s trips: GCash is the way to pay for your dream summer. From booking hotels and buying insurance, to dining out, and joining activities, GCash made everything easier so they could focus on what really matters: rediscovering the magic of their favorite places.
Feeling so G to make your dream summer happen? Now’s your chance! Until May 18, send in your video entries to join GCash’s dream summer giveaway for a chance to win a trip for 2 to Boracay, complete with flights and accommodations courtesy of GCash!