Been there, Loved that (Place)

 We all fell in love with Ethan Hawke (Jesse) and Julie Delpy (Celine) in the movie Before Sunrise?how these two perfect strangers met by chance on the train from Budapest to Vienna, spent the day together and got connected so intimately over the course of a single day. We all might be wondering what was this special force or energy that bonds these two people strongly? The answer is simple: Love.  

A unique holiday is celebrated each year on the 14th of February. Lovers throughout the world celebrate this day with their loved ones, expressing their love in an extra special way. For some couples, sending love letters and giving flowers and gifts are considered traditions that express their love for one another, but for some, a more intimate gestures are de riguer.  More and more couples are now embarking on a fun, exciting and far-flung odyssey of traveling?experiencing and exploring the city, dining in a local restaurant and spending the whole day together trying out different activities. Here are some couples and their favorite destinations they have been to that will forever be remembered.

 Vince Rodriguez & NiÑa Corpuz

 How can you not enjoy a country where men wear skirts? We visited Scotland in 2005, in an attempt to get as far north from London as we could. Our first stop was the capital, Edinburgh. I had previously fallen in love with this city after attending The Edinburgh Fringe, one of the world?s largest art festivals. Street performers, musicians, comedians, dance troupes, and other artists staged their events throughout the city, with the historic Edinburgh Castle as a backdrop.  From Edinburgh, we took a bus north to the Scottish Highlands, stopping at Inverness, a jump-off point for visiting what could be Scotland?s most famous body of water, Loch Ness. There?s nothing much to “do” here ? if by “doing” you mean shopping. The Highlands, however, is perfect if you want to experience the outdoors without roughing it. You can walk through the countryside and visit historic castle ruins, or you can just sit back and appreciate the stunning landscape.   

For our next trip, we are thinking about going to Kathmandu, Nepal. My husband has been there thrice, two times with the Philippine Everest Team when they climbed Mt. Everest. He insists that he needs me to go there and that I will love it ? his selling points are the cheap Indian jewelry and even cheaper Pashminas. While we won?t be roughing it, he says I?ll still have to imbibe some “backpacker spirit.” We?ll see if I can conquer that “Everest.”

Tiger  Garrido & Issa Litton-Garrido

 Guam, USA will always be a special place for me and Tiger. That?s where we fell in love with each other all over again. It?s normal for couples to go through rough patches and really, without the challenges, life would be boring. Sometimes all it takes is a trip somewhere to rediscover each other - while having fun at the beach or racing around on jetskis. We definitely want to go to Europe next or maybe Greece. We have yet to celebrate our honeymoon!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
 Kris Lacaba & Kit Kwe

 We really had fun on the last trip we took together. We went to Kuala Lumpur to visit some friends and take a break from the grind. What made it really memorable was meeting new friends from the Malaysian arts and writing scene, reconnecting with old ones over sumptuous food, and making a side trip to Melaka on a whim. We had a blast roughing it , lugging our backpacks around and trying to cover as much ground as we could using just a map, so much that sometimes it felt like we doing an “Amazing Race” of  sports. We both like culturally-rich places with heritage architecture, and spicy cuisine–all of which we found in Malaysia. We?re dreaming of going to so many places but our top choices would be: Turkey, Prague, Morroco and Egypt. 

Greg Villalon & Tessa Nieto 

We will never forget our trip to Racha Island in Thailand last October 2006. This was a very special trip because we celebrated our tenth year anniversary together as a couple. We discovered this resort though a travel agency in Singpore. We were told that in Racha Island , the ocean is crystal clear, the sand like powder , the cabanas big and modern , the amenities first class and the food excellent. We both love the beach and fancy resorts so this was the perfect way to celebrate ten wonderful years together! I highly recommned this place for couples who want to go on a honeymoon, celebrate an anniversary, or just visit a super romantic destination. A must-see! We want to go to Paris for our honeymoon  this coming March- another romantic place which we will surely enjoy together.

Jiggy & Marnie Manicad

Our favorite destination would be Eskaya Beach Resort in Panglao, Bohol. This world class resort has its own private beachfront and has only 15 well-apointed villas which accounts for its privacy. Perfect for honeymooners! The villa we stayed in had its own inifinity pool facing the sea, jacuzzi and open garden shower. Though this resort is sprawling there weren?t much people around which is perfect for good quality time with each other. Service was impeccable! Next destination: Spain!