Charmaine AchaWhen the BER month starts, it’s already Christmas in the Philippines! How many of you are guilty of daydreaming about building a snowman or frolicking in the snow during this time of the year? Don’t worry, I’m guilty of this too! While we may never get real snow in the country, it’s time to prep up your winter clothes because you are about to discover places in the Philippines where you can experience a cold, white Christmas.
Also read: 9 Philippine Destinations to Spend Your Christmas Vacations
1. Christmas Village, Baguio City
Image credit: Baguio Country Club Christmas Village
The summer capital of the Philippines has now turned into a winter wonderland! The much raved Baguio Country Club Christmas Village has once again opened its doors to the young and the young at heart this yuletide season. Showcasing different Christmas trees, miniature houses, snowmen figures, superheroes, Disney characters and artificial snow, this attraction will truly make your Christmas magical.
Entrance fees are PHP 100 for adults, PHP 40 for 4–12 years old and free for 3 years old and below. Please be advised that the village follows a strict dress code; slippers (regardless of brand) are not allowed. Food, drinks and pets are also prohibited. Follow these guidelines to avoid any inconvenience. The Christmas Village is open until January 3, 2016 so you still have time to plan your visit!
2. Snow World, Star City
Image credit: Carlo Lorenzo
If you don’t want to travel far, you can go to Star City’s Snow World to enjoy another kind of winter fun. Featuring spectacular ice sculptures, colourful displays and the biggest snow slide in the country, Snow World will surely give you a day to remember!
Even though coats are provided, the temperature inside is still freezing, so it pays to pile on layers of thick clothing. Do note that gadgets are not allowed so you might not be able to take sefies or document your activities inside. On top of PHP 65 which is the general admission to Star City, you will have to pay for PHP 150 to enter the Snow World, but if you purchase the ride-all-you-can ticket, you will get a special discount.
3. Trails to Antarctica, Manila Ocean Park
Image credit: Manila Ocean Park
Get close encounters with penguins and learn about the frozen continent of Antarctica at Manila Ocean Park’s Trails to Antarctica: The Penguin Quest. Proud to be the first penguin park in the Philippines, this special attraction gives you an icy adventure you will never experience anywhere in the country. Enjoy their exciting Slide O’ Fun, interactive Penguin Exhibit and freezing Snow Village!
The Trails to Antarctica is open from Monday to Friday, 10am to 8pm; weekends and holidays from 9am to 8pm. Check Manila Ocean Park’s packages first because entrance fees may vary from time to time depending on the season.
Also read: 8 Reasons Why Christmas is More Fun in the Philippines
4-7. SM Malls
SM Supermalls is the largest chain of shopping malls in the Philippines. I could not think of any major city that doesn’t have SM. Can you?
If you fancy being Kim Yuna (Korea) or Michael Christian Martinez (Philippines), go to these SM malls and experience ice skating yourself. It’ll be absolutely fun. For first timers, expect to fall and stumble several times, but don’t give up! You’ll get the balance and ice skating skill in no time!
Mall of Asia, Pasay
Image credit: Roberto Verzo
Location: Main Mall, Ground Level, Ocean Drive Side, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
Megamall, Mandaluyong
Image credit: smskatingrink.com
Location: 5th Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City
Southmall, Las Piñas
Image credit: smskatingrink.com
Location: 2nd Level, Beside SM Foodcourt, SM Southmall, Las Pinas City
Seaside City, Cebu
Image credit: smseaside.com
Location: South Road Properties, Cebu City, Cebu
Note: SM Seaside City is expected to open on November 27, 2015
8. Imperial ICE BAR, Taguig
Image credit: Imperial ICE BAR
If you want to party the night away in a cold, freezing setting, this club’s for you. The Imperial ICE BAR features a room with everything made out of ice, from the chairs and tables to the shot glasses. There could be no other bar cooler than this!
Don’t worry about your party attire because you will be provided with winter jacket and gloves before you enter the actual ice bar. It is open from Monday to Thursday, 9pm to 4am, and from Friday to Saturday, 9pm to 5:30am.
Location: The Fort Strip, 5th Avenue Corner 26th Street, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
Also read: 12 Philippine Destinations for Your 2015 Year-End Vacations
Do you know any other icy cold places in the Philippines that didn’t make it to this list? Share them in the comment box below.
