Planning a fun weekend getaway with the whole barkada? Here's a guide for you

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Weekend is the best time for us to bond with friends and test our creativity in planning a fun getaway with them.

For those having a hard time coming up with fresh and fun activities, worry no more because we got you covered on how you can create new memories with your barkada.

Staycation at the metro or renting vacation houses

If you want a convenient yet memorable bonding experience with your friends, consider having a staycation by booking a hotel in the metro or renting vacation/beach houses in nearby provinces.

Beach houses are usually located in coastal areas like Zambales, Cavite, Batangas, and La Union. Nature lodges are mostly situated in Rizal and Laguna.

You can book your next hotel staycation or rent a vacation house through their websites or at third party online travel websites like Agoda, Booking.com or Airbnb.

Go local in travel

As travel restrictions have been eased, now is the right time for barkadas to explore the natural beauty of the Philippines from its world-famous beaches to forests and mountains with breath-taking natural attractions.

If your friends want the typical beach life with an urban feeling, the most prominent choices are Boracay, Siargao, Puerto Galera, and La Union. For those who want to enjoy the calmness of the sea, spend a night at the quiet beaches in Zambales, Aurora or Palawan.

Appreciate the beauty of nature by visiting the Masungi Georeserve in Rizal or go as far as Sagada in Northern Luzon. You and your barkada can also opt to experience the wide variety of hot springs in Laguna and climb mountains at Dona Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan.

Going local for your next travel destination with the barkada will not only forge lasting memories within your cherished circle but also support the continuing recovery of the country's tourism sector, particularly in buying locally-made products that help bring livelihood to fellow Filipinos.

Creating memories with your friends is just a click away so don't forget to bring your digital essentials and positive attitude to capture your happy moments. Who knows, your barkada travel vlog can be the next hit video on social media!

Movie screening or series binge-watching

With the growth of online subscription streaming platforms, barkadas can easily enjoy binge-watching their favorite series or catch the latest movie that will surely be the topic of discussion all day or all night long.

For barkadas who are into American series or films, check out The Gray Man and Stranger Things Season 4 on Netflix, the sports-comedy Ted Lasso streaming on Apple TV, and the upcoming Game of Thrones spin-off House of the Dragon available on HBO GO.

If you prefer Korean dramas, Netflix has a wide variety of choices from old favorites such as Descendants of the Sun to currently trending light-hearted legal comedy series Extraordinary Attorney Woo. Other new K-dramas like Today's Webtoon and variety shows like Running Man are also available on streaming platform Viu.

To level up your binge-watching bonding experience, set up a portable projector to flash the latest movie or series on a clear wall while you and your friends are either crying, shaking in fear, sweating with excitement, or laughing out loud together.

Dine out and indulge in delectable dishes

Food is the greatest ingredient that binds us with our friends, so start exploring hole-in-the-wall restaurants where your palates will be satisfied and enjoy each other's company while dining.

From new restaurants such as Café Fleur and Deo Gracias to old time favorites like Toyo Eatery and Hapag, these are perfect places for your big or small barkada to laugh about your memories while filling in your stomach with good food.

For friends seeking adventure in their food choices or looking for Instagram-worthy restaurants, explore the likes of Rustic Mornings by Isabelo in Marikina, The Frazzled Cook in Quezon City, Shaka Café in Taguig, and Tablo Kitchen and Café also in Quezon City.

Bonding over a sumptuous feast is undeniably the best part of every occasion with friends, paired with funny exchanges and meaningful anecdotes about life.

All these activities with your barkada are made more memorable with the iconic Filipino beer brand —San Miguel Pale Pilsen.

The flagship beer brand has forged many friendships over the years and has become part of our unforgettable memories across generations, true to its tagline of "Sarap Laging Kasama."

Now is the right time to plan your perfect weekend getaway! Grab your favorite San Miguel Pale Pilsen now in the nearest supermarkets, groceries, convenience stores, and sari-sari stores nationwide.

You can also order it online via SMBDelivers at www.smbdelivers.com.