Domestic Tourism Resumes In NCR+ Bubble Under New GCQ, Staycations & Other Activities Allowed

Staycations within NCR+ resume under new GCQ

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Given the alarming rise of COVID-19 cases in the last few days, Metro Manila and the provinces nearby such as Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal (NCR+) have been placed under a stricter General Community Quarantine (GCQ) from 22nd March until 4th April. The new quarantine includes restrictions on travel, but if you live within what is now called the NCR+ bubble and have planned for a staycation within the area, you can still proceed with your booking. 

This is because staycations and other activities are still allowed, as long as your itinerary is within the NCR+. So folks from Metro Manila, for example, can still enjoy a weekend getaway to Tagaytay, and residents of Laguna can still book accommodations within the National Capital Region (NCR).

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Only hotels with certificates from DOT accept staycationers

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The Peninsula Manila is one of the hotels that have been certified and allowed to operate during the new GCQ
Image credit: The Peninsula Manila

In booking hotels, take note that only establishments with the “Certificate of Authority to Operate as Staycation” from the Department of Tourism (DOT) are allowed to operate. Popular hotels such as Grand Hyatt Hotel, Okada Manila Hotel, EDSA Shangri-La Manila, Solaire Resort, and The Peninsula Manila, to name a few, are some of the hotels that are open for staycations.

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Leisure travel not allowed to and from the NCR+

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Travel to Boracay Island is only possible if you are not from the NCR+ region
Image credit: Boracay Island, Philippines

However, going to and from the NCR+ for leisure won’t be allowed. If you’ve been looking forward to your Boracay or Baguio trip, for example, and live in Metro Manila, you need to cancel your flights, unfortunately.

Travelling for medical purposes, such as to the Philippine General Hospital, is allowed.
Image credit: Zenji89

Only essential travels are allowed at the moment when going to and from the Greater Manila Area. These travels include travelling for medical, humanitarian, and government purposes, crossing borders for work or business, driving to the airport to travel abroad, and going home (especially for Overseas Filipino Workers).

Open-air venues such as Rizal Park have revised their opening hours
Image credit: patrickroque01

Aside from these travel restrictions, gatherings such as weddings, baptisms, and funeral services, within the NCR+ are also not allowed. Visiting public sites such as cinemas, arcades, museums, libraries, and driving schools is also prohibited, but open-air attractions such as Rizal Park remain open, with revised opening hours during this GCQ.

Nikkei Nama Bar in BGC, for example, offers al fresco dining
Image credit: Nikkei Nama Bar

If you want to catch up with your friends in restaurants, eating al fresco or outdoors is allowed but indoor dining is not allowed. 

When going out, you also need to observe the 10PM-5AM curfew. And if you have kids, take note that those below 18 years old cannot go outside to exercise under the stricter, two-week GCQ. 

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Staycations are allowed in NCR+ under the new GCQ

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Movement within Metro Manila and nearby provinces, fortunately, aren’t entirely restricted under the new GCQ. But while we’re still allowed to have our vacations, let’s all still be careful in going outdoors and travel only if we really need to. 

Also check out:

• 8 unique staycation houses & rooms in Tagaytay
• BLOC Camp Site in Laguna offers tiny cube houses
• 10 bike shops in Metro Manila

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Cover image adapted from: The Peninsula Manila