Celebrities talk about their favorite vacation spots

Although the job of celebrities typically involves a lot of traveling, rarely do they actually get to stay put and enjoy the places they go to.

So, whenever they get the slightest of openings in their busy schedule—preferably during summer—they seize the chance to take a much-needed breather from the show biz grind, and wind down in their dream destinations.

In this forum, Inquirer Entertainment asked some stars about their favorite vacation spots, where they went this summer, and where they hope to go next.

Katrina Halili in El Nido, Palawan

KATRINA HALILI

I am from El Nido, Palawan, but I will never get tired of the place. It really is beautiful—the scenery is breathtaking and the place not too commercialized. When you go to Boracay, for instance, it’s as if you’re in a city—there are lots of people … If you want to party, Boracay is for you. But if you want somewhere more chill and with a nice ambience, El Nido is the place to go.

I don’t travel much, but now that I’m older, I’m starting to think of places I can see—Paris, France, and the Maldives.

Kris Bernal in Malaysia

KRIS BERNAL

This summer, I spent three days in Langkawi, Malaysia. I wanted to swim and partake in summer activities with my friends.

Benjamin Alves in Tokyo, Japan

BENJAMIN ALVES

I want to travel this time. Our drama series, “Pinulot Ka Lang sa Lupa,” had just ended, and I asked for a bit of a time-off. I chose Singapore and Japan. I got to attend Coldplay’s concert in Tokyo, because I had taping and wasn’t able to catch the band play in Manila.

LJ REYES

I make it a point to go to the beach in the summer. But so far, my most memorable vacation was in Japan and the United States, because my son Aki really enjoyed himself there.

JANINE GUTIERREZ

I’m going to Boracay in May with my friends. Also, the taping for my show, “Day Off,” is usually out of town, so I feel like we get to have minivacations every week.

GABBI GARCIA

One of my favorite destinations is Guam. My trip there was memorable, because I’m a beach person, and there were beaches everywhere. And I loved the people and the vibe. Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, is nice, too.

My dream is to go to Hawaii. I want to visit Waikiki Beach and try surfing.

JOROSS GAMBOA

We plan to spend some time in Tali Beach, Batangas, where my family has a resort. So, we might as well enjoy it!

Glaiza de Castro in Osaka, Japan

GLAIZA DE CASTRO

We don’t normally do grand vacations. But this year, for my mom’s birthday, I took her to Japan as a surprise gift. I prepared and planned ahead for the trip—I booked our flights one year ago. It was my first adventure abroad with my family. My father, on the other hand, was so excited he packed his things before anyone else did.

Michael V in Hawaii

MICHAEL V

This year, we went to Hawaii. Then, we’ll head to California to clean our house there (laughs). I was with my family, and I was able to relax with them.

MEG IMPERIAL

My parents are from Bicol—my father is from Legazpi City, Albay; my mother, from Naga City, Camarines Sur. And a favorite of mine in that region are the Caramoan Islands. You can go island-hopping and do sports, like wall-climbing.

While I don’t consider myself a beach person, I make sure it’s more secluded and not too crowded. I’ve been to Boracay, but I feel like I’d enjoy Palawan more. I also want to visit Baler, Aurora.

I’m a late bloomer when it comes to traveling, so I hope to go out more, especially out of the country. This month, I’m going to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I also want to see Japan.