Siquijor Island has emerged as the fastest growing destination for attracting international travelers visiting the Philippines, according to digital travel platform Agoda. The travel platform’s New Horizons list further reveals Bohol to be the top trending destination for Filipino domestic travelers and Hanoi, Vietnam to be emerging among Filipinos traveling abroad.

Agoda’s New Horizons ranking, which is released annually, compares the accommodation booking ranks of the two previous years to identify the highest climbers in both domestic and international travel.

Siquijor Island is a hidden gem located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines with growing appeal for international travelers, particularly from China, South Korea, the United States, Australia, and Germany. Known for its mystical reputation, pristine beaches and lush natural beauty, the island sets itself apart from its more widely known counterparts like Boracay, Siargao and Palawan. Travelers can experience the island’s unique healing therapies and local shamanic practices, including during the annual Healing Festival held during Holy Week, or enjoy its many white sand beaches, dramatic sunset views, enchanting caves and waterfalls, and breathtaking coral reefs and marine life.

Meanwhile Bohol, also located in the Central Visayas region, is gaining popularity among domestic travelers. Known for its stunning natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and unique wildlife, Bohol offers a blend of adventure and relaxation. Travelers can marvel at the iconic landscape of the Chocolate Hills, enjoy the beaches in Panglao, cruise along the Loboc River, and encounter the island’s tarsiers, one of the world’s smallest primates.

For Filipino travelers traveling abroad, Hanoi is rising in popularity. With the first direct air route between Vietnam and Philippines launched earlier this year as well as increased flight routes between Manila and Hanoi, Filipinos can enjoy increased connectivity when traveling to Vietnam. Hanoi’s historic landmarks, colonial architecture and thriving food scene offers a unique blend of the traditional and modern. Rising interest from Filipino travelers offers a positive uptick for tourism in Hanoi following the floods and typhoons in Northern Vietnam this year.

Michael Hwang, Country Director Philippines at Agoda said, “The rising popularity of Siquijor and Bohol opens up new horizons for travelers to experience the charm of the Philippines’ lesser-known destinations. Agoda is proud to support efforts to promote these secondary destinations. It’s exciting to also see Filipino travelers showing more interest in Hanoi, especially with the increased flight connectivity in Vietnam. Wherever their journey takes them in 2025, Agoda is committed to helping travelers see the world for less.”

Looking at the top emerging destinations for Asian travelers combined, it is Shanghai that tops the New Horizons list. The Chinese metropolis is followed by Jeju (South Korea), Paris (France), Nha Trang (Vietnam), and Fukuoka (Japan).   Travelers preparing for their travel plans for 2025 are encouraged to check out Agoda’s great value deals on over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities and experiences that are available on the platform.

We have cows, yes, but steak isn’t a Pinoy staple food. We’re more bound to use those beef cuts for nilaga (boil), or kaldereta or menudo than grill/pan-fry/broil them. And so yeah… grabbing steaks isn’t a “usual” activity of many, and so it’s also not that easy for many of us to discern not-bad yet not-too-expensive steak houses.

@outragemag Out on an #LGBT date? @escobarsphilippines means pila and waiting = affordable #steak ♬ original sound – outragemag

Here’s a kicker: Too many vloggers recommend this or that place, claiming this or that’s the best (in the Philippines, or the world, or… ever). And yet they end up obfuscating our choice because too many of them were fed for free, or were paid to say good things even if what they ate is s.h.i.t.

And so here we are, checking Escobar’s in Quezon City.

And let’s be blunt here.

1. The branch we went to was small (after checking another one that was similarly small). So expect a queue… a long queue when you get there, particularly during peak hours (which would be basically when you need to eat). You can actually pre-order stuff, but anything ordered will still only be prepared when you’re already seated.
2. Ambiance? This is a busy place – e.g. singing a “happy birthday” for a client in one table actually ends up as a singalong for the entire venue. And so this place isn’t ideal for romantic dates or something… more for families (that’s if you can get a table for a big party), or tropa, or to eat out with someone you’ve already been involved with for some time (that is, not necessarily in need to pa-cute in a private space anymore).
3. The staff’s “present”. I dropped a fork, and before I can say “ate”, a replacement was provided. But then again this is to be expected since the place is quite small; meaning, too, that while the staff do not mean to be intrusive, they’re everywhere all the time.
4. The food, the food… is not bad. Salad sells for ₱210, but you really just get pepino, kamatis, olives, and carrots. At least fresh. And the vinaigrette is tasty. The pasta is similarly malasa, and you can tell na di tinipid sa sahog. As for the steaks, they’re well-seasoned (thankfully). And considering that some of them sell for around ₱500 lang, they’re actually not (too) thin. If you don’t want to be served with pre-slices steak pala, inform the staff when you order (I personally abhor when the mantika of sliced steak starts to ‘sleep’ na since grasa isn’t yummy for me).

Babalikan? Yeah, why not. But for those who’d visit, habaan ang pasensiya. Muni-muni rin: Is this steak worth wasting my time in the queue? Only you can answer that after assessing if tiis-pila is worth at Escobar’s.

Escobar’s – with the bar visited located at 42 Sgt. Esguerra Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila – is open from 10AM to 12AM. For more information, visit their website (https://escobarsphilippines.com/).

Digital travel platform Agoda has announced its list of the most affordable holiday destinations for the end-of-year holidays. Travelers seeking budget-friendly accommodation options for Christmas and New Year’s Eve have many destinations in Asia to choose from, with Subic being the most affordable destination in the Philippines with an average room rate of 5,046.69 PHP per night.

Hat Yai, Thailand, leads the list as the most affordable on average in Asia with an average room rate of 2,699.39 PHP per night, making it the top choice for cost-conscious travelers in late December. Following closely are Surakarta, Indonesia, and Varanasi, India, with rates of 2,758.08 PHP and 2,875.44 PHP per night, respectively. These destinations provide a mix of cultural experiences and scenic beauty, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Michael Hwang, Country Director, the Philippines, at Agoda said: “The holiday season brings joy, cherished moments with friends and family, and the spirit of exploration. It’s also a time when expenses can quickly accumulate, making budget considerations crucial for travelers. At Agoda, we take pride in offering great prices, ensuring that with affordable flights, accommodations, and experiences, there’s more room in the budget for Christmas presents.”

To compile the Cheapest Destinations ranking, Agoda looked at the room rates of the ten most popular cities in each of the nine analyzed markets. Since the rank is based on averages, deal hunters are likely to find even lower rates in these and other destinations on Agoda.

The nine destinations are:

• Hat Yai, Thailand (Average room rate: 2,699.39 PHP)
  Whether it’s the holiday season or not, Hat Yai once again takes the crown in Agoda’s Cheapest Destination ranking.  The lively Southern Thailand city, known for its markets and delicious street food, comes alive during the holiday season with festive decorations and local celebrations. The Kim Yong Market is the perfect place for some last-minute Christmas shopping, with unique gifts and a lively atmosphere.
• Surakarta, Indonesia (Average room rate: 2,758.08 PHP)
  Also known as Solo, Surakarta offers a rich cultural experience with its traditional Javanese arts and crafts. The city is home to the stunning Keraton Surakarta and the popular Pasar Gede market. During the holidays, visitors can enjoy traditional performances and local delicacies, making it an ideal destination for a culturally immersive end-of-year celebration.
• Varanasi, India (Average room rate: 2,875.44 PHP)
  Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world, provides a spiritual and cultural journey. The Ganges River, with its famous ghats, offers a serene setting for reflection and celebration. As the year draws to a close, the city is adorned with lights and festivities, offering a unique blend of spirituality and year-end celebrations.
• Dalat, Vietnam (Average room rate: 3,638.31 PHP)
  Once again, Dalat is the most budget-friendly tourist destination in Vietnam. As Christmas and New Year’s Eve approach, Dalat transforms into a festive haven, with twinkling lights and joyful celebrations, creating an enchanting backdrop for unforgettable holiday memories. December typically brings cooler mountain air, ideal for an unforgettable end-of-year vibe.
• Miri, Malaysia (Average room rate: 3,814.36 PHP)
  Known mostly for its natural beauty, Miri might not be the first destination that springs to mind for a Christmas holiday. However, the city on the northern coast of Sarawak, in the island of Borneo boasts cultural diversity and offers a relaxing holiday experience. After exploring the Niah Caves or enjoying time at the beach, visitors can take in the Christmas decorations that light up Miri Times Square. 
• Subic, the Philippines (Average room rate: 5,046.69 PHP)
  Subic, with its sun-kissed shores and adventurous spirit, is a tropical paradise for the holidays. Christmas is an extended festive season in the Philippines, and Subic comes alive with its family-friendly attractions and vibrant local markets, providing a joyful setting for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations by the sea.
• Taitung, Taiwan (Average room rate: 5,868.25 PHP)
  Budget-savvy visitors or domestic travelers wishing to escape the big cities during the year-end holidays are best off in Taitung. Known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich indigenous culture, Taitung is located on the easternmost part of Taiwan and is the first to witness the island’s sunrise, making it a popular spot for New Year’s celebrations. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular as a year-end destination, with several large-scale music festivals starting in November, attracting many visitors from afar.
• Nagoya, Japan (Average room rate: 6,396.39 PHP)
  Nagoya, a city rich in history and modern attractions, offers a unique holiday experience. Visitors can explore the Nagoya Castle and the bustling Sakae district while enjoying Nagoya’s popular and delicious cuisine Hitsumabushi (grilled eel) and Miso Katsu (pork seasoned with miso). The city’s winter illuminations and festive markets create a magical atmosphere, perfect for celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
• Yeosu-si, South Korea (Average room rate: 7,511.36 PHP)
  Yeosu, a coastal city known for its beautiful scenery and maritime culture, offers a serene holiday escape. Visitors can explore nature on Odongdo Island or the admire the city landscape from a Yeosu Maritime Cable Car. The city is an ideal destination for holiday celebrations, with immersive experiences such as the La Terrace Winter Village theme park offering a magical Christmas atmosphere.

Agoda’s offerings include over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in a single booking. Ideal for a carefree end-of-year holiday.