Luang Prabang

With no direct flight from Manila, the travel schedule to Laos isn't great, but still do-able in a very long 3 day weekend.  Great trip other than the red eye back to Manila on Tuesday morning.  Was able to do some touristing in town, a 50km bike ride and visit the famed waterfalls just outside of town. 

49hrs in HK

Popped over for a delightful weekend in Hong Kong.  It was 60 degrees and sunny and perfect for hiking on Lamma Island Saturday and doing the Dragonback trail on Sunday.  Sprinkle in some good food, IPAs and street scenes and it was a pretty solid 49 hour escape from Manila.   

El Nido

A bit belated, but..... the day after getting back from Baguio I finally made it to El Nido.  I visiting friend was a good push to finally make it there after 3.5 years in the Philippines.  Unfortunately,  gale force winds on day 1 and 2 forced the coast guard to ground all boats, so we were stranded on the beach for 2 days (real hardship).  Luckily the 3rd day, we the ban was lifted and we were able to negotiate a boat for a modified island hopping trip before heading to the airport.