Lipa City listed among 60 Dream Holidays Around the World

Lipa City makes it among 60 dream vacation spots worldwide as listed in a heavy coffee table book, weighing over 1 kilogram, published recently.

The 464-page book, 60 Dream Holidays Around the World by Philippine Star travel writer, Christine Dayrit, was launched December 15 at the Cultural Center of Lipa City downtown. The afternoon was a vibrant gathering among culture, arts, and travel enthusiasts from in and out of town.

60 Dream Holidays Around the World carries 60 personal travel stories from the author’s decades of adventures, bringing readers to explore places like the Maldives, Galapagos, Petra, Cappadocia, and the Pyramids of Giza for unique experiences.

Readers also get views of Patagonia’s towering peaks, Iguazu Falls’ roaring waters, the painter’s corner of Argentina, the edge of Antarctica, the family’s hometown of Capiz. The essays were first published in Philippine Star, where Ms. Dayrit has been a columnist since 2000.

Lipa City’s tourism campaign, #EatPrayLoveLipa, is featured in the book. In a brief talk, Ms. Dayrit described her travel experience in Lipa as holistic, an enriching journey centered on eating, strolling, and praying.

“I never get tired coming back for more,” she said. 

The author, who runs a weekly travel column in her newspaper’s lifestyle section, spoke about savoring local cuisine, leisurely walking through the city, and visiting the historic San Sebastián Cathedral, a beloved spiritual and cultural landmark.

She emphasized how Lipa City offers travelers a unique blend of faith, heritage, warmth, and leisure, making it an ideal destination for soulful and memorable experiences.

Not to mention the cool weather that permeates the old town throughout the year. Lipa is known for its relatively cool weather compared to other Philippine cities, thanks to its higher elevation, over 1,000 feet and protection by nearby mountains, Malarayat and Macolod. For the most part, the city is wrapped in cool breeze, especially towards the last quarter of the year, making it a comfortable place to live. Lipa’s elevation is next only to Tagaytay’s, which is between 2,000 to 2300 feet. Not uncommon are foggy mornings and sweater-ready afternoons and evenings. 

The book launch was organized by the Lipa City Tourism Council, headed by Joel U. Peña, in partnership with the Lipa City Tourism Office, headed by Aylene G. Acorda. In a welcome speech, Lipa City Mayor Eric Africa thanked the author for counting on the city as a dream travel destination.

Acorda said the city continues efforts to promote Lipa as a meaningful travel destination.

Dayrit said she hopes that her book will inspire readers to wander, to wonder, and to create their own perfect moments. “Through travel, I share my heart, my curiosity, and my joy with the world—and with those I love,” she said.

Food and refreshments were sponsored by Mikabelle’s Kitchen by Marites Humarang, Lomi King, and Ijo Bakery, courtesy of Big Ben, adding a flavorful local touch to the celebration.

(To order a copy of 60 Dream Holidays Around the World, please call Shar at 0922-8986749).