Two years after being unable to hug each other due to Covid-19. Jowa and I are finally reunited. If you don’t know, jowa must work in korea Left shortly after the first lockdown of 2020 was lifted.
Once foreigners were allowed to visit the philippines, jowa immediately booked the flight and let me not plan or do anything, just do it.
Two years is definitely a long break and I can’t imagine how many of our kababayas can be away from their loved ones for so many years without seeing them, it’s been an emotional roller coaster. But the best part is always the reunion.
I actually didn’t expect him to visit so soon (April 2022), but I’ll take it because I miss him so much, it’s already distressing to the point where we’re all getting really frustrated. Traveling is still not as easy as it was post-pandemic, but now the world also desperately needs travelers, and we can do what we can.
Requirements for foreigners traveling to the Philippines
As early as April 2022, foreigners who want to visit the Philippines as tourists need to ensure the following:
- $75,000 worth of Covid-19 insurance.
- RT-PCR was performed 48 hours before arrival.
- Vaccination Card or World Health Organization Immunization Card.
- and fill up a health certificate form details your travel itinerary and immunization details.
However, at the time of writing (June 1, 2022), it has become easier to visit the Philippines, and instead of RT-PCR tests, antigen tests taken 24 hours before flight are acceptable.
However, the requirements for your country of origin may vary, so be sure to check the details. Some countries will still require you to stay in an isolation facility and undergo RT-PCR testing upon arrival.
Finally the beach!
It’s been two years, but it feels like forever, not having to leave home for me is just draining my life. I asked jowa and I to go to the beach, even if it was just nearby Metro Manila.
When I was looking for a beach near Metro Manila, I stumbled upon Yohan Beach Resort. It’s just a three-and-a-half hour drive via the new NLEX highway.
Yohan Beach
We had a small room with only one bed, no table and chairs, but a balcony and a hot shower. It’s nice but small, not what I expected, but the bed is queen size and a small TV with Netflix so it will do. All we want is to be together and have easy access to sun, sand and sea, that’s all that matters.
Food was ok for the price and service was good for a company of 4 but for a couple it might be too much.
The beach area is really nice and clean, lots of boats docked but not dirty nor ugly, they look really well cared for.
When we got there, the beach was wavy and great for surfing, but sadly there were no surfboards available. The water was nice and clean, no bad smells or anything.
On weekend nights, there are BBQ and fire dance entertainment by the sea. People can light bonfires and camp on the beach.
Youhan is near Anawangin Cove and Capones Island, you can actually take a boat from there.
