It’s been around five months since quarantine started—and that also means it’s been around five months since we’ve last been on a leisure trip. Summer, aka vacation season, was unfortunately spent all at home for us. With the uncertainty of the current pandemic situation, we don’t know how much longer we’d be staying indoors either. However, a lot of us seem to have resigned to the thought that we won’t be able to travel until the end of the year (and maybe even beyond).

Being stuck at home truly sucks, especially for those who have been used to being on the go. As someone who loves traveling, I miss seeing the beautiful sceneries and landscapes of different places—especially around the Philippines.

Thankfully, there are a lot of local movies that have perfectly packaged the traveling experience with interesting stories that will have you hooked. If you’re having a serious case of wanderlust right now, you might want to click “play” on these films which let you see the local sights and sceneries vicariously through its characters and stories.

That Thing Called Tadhana

Where do broken hearts go? Sagada, ma’am, Sagada. At least, that’s what this 2014 indie rom-com hit taught us. Starring JM De Guzman and Angelica Panganiban, “That Thing Called Tadhana” made it big in the box office for showcasing the wondrous sights while also delivering lessons on finding one’s self, dealing with heartbreak and rising from your failures.

Watch on iWant.

Baler

The title says it all. This 2008 film, which stars Jericho Rosales and Anne Curtis, is among the classics when it comes to local movies that showcase the country’s picturesque sights. Its story follows the “Romeo and Juliet”-like situation of a rebel commander’s daughter and Spanish-Filipino soldier during the historic Siege of Baler.

Sakaling Hindi Makarating

If you’re in the mood to “visit” more than just one place in one go, you might want to follow the story of Alessandra de Rossi’s character as she tries to uncover the identity of a mysterious person sending her postcards in this 2016 indie drama film.

With this adventure-like premise, “Sakaling Hindi Makarating” takes you to Marinduque, Batanes, Ilocos, Zamboanga and Siquijor. Not only do you get to “see” these five places’ sceneries, but you also get a sneak peek of their culture throughout the film.

K’na, the Dreamweaver

First released as an entry for the 2014 Cinemalaya, “K’na, the Dreamweaver” is an interesting film by Ida Anita Del Mundo which tackles the culture and tradition of T’bolis. It is set in South Cotabato, and among the sights it takes us to is the beautiful Lake Sebu.

Full film from TBA Studios above.

Siargao

The country’s surfing capital is the center of this romance story between two characters on a mission to escape—one from his problems in the city, and the other from a painful heartbreak.

Watch on iWant.

Donsol

Love whale sharks? This film written and directed by Adolfo Alix Jr. will bring the gentle giants as well as its scenic residence in Donsol to your screen.

Everyday I Love You

If you’re looking for something a little bit on the mainstream side, the Liza Soberano-Enrique Gil film “Everyday I Love You” might be the one you need in your must-watch list. It shows you the amazing city of Bacolod, whose lush greenery, Spanish Era buildings and the European-inspired attraction called The Ruins will make you wonder if you’re still actually in the country.