10 Long Weekends in the Philippines in 2023

The new year is here! As travellers, we have one priority: planning our future trips and long-weekend getaways. Now that most countries have finally relaxed their COVID-19 restrictions, we’re looking forward to a full year of travel next year. Start planning your vacations early with TripZilla’s annual calendar and cheat sheet of long weekends in the Philippines in 2023. 

Also read: 12 Affordable Beaches Near Manila for Long Weekends & Quick Getaways

Regular holidays and special non-working days in 2023

On 23 Aug 2022, Malacañang Palace released Proclamation No. 42 to officially declare the holidays and non-working days in 2023. Next year, Filipinos can look forward to 10 regular holidays, seven special non-working days, and two additional special non-working day.

The Malacañang Palace on 11 Nov 2022 also updated the list of regular and special non-working holidays, adjusting the occasions to promote “holiday economics.” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. moved Araw ng Kagitingan from 9 Apr to 10 Apr, and Bonifacio Day from 30 Nov to 27 Nov.

“There is a need to adjust these holidays pursuant to the principle of holiday economics wherein a longer weekend will help encourage domestic travel and increase tourism expenditures in the country,” read President Marcos Jr.’s Proclamation No. 90.

All Souls’ Day, which is a special working day in 2022, has been declared an additional special non-working day. According to the announcement, the new non-working day was added to “strengthen family ties by providing more time for the traditional All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day activities, as well as promote domestic tourism.”              

The official dates of national holidays for the observance of Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha have yet to be announced. Expect the national holidays to be declared by Malacañang after the dates of these Islam holidays have been finalised in accordance with the Islamic calendar, lunar calendar, or Islamic astronomical calculations.

Make it 10 long weekends in 2023 by taking three leave days

Travellers, you know as well as we do that we have to make the most of every little break available. Luckily, quite a few of the regular holidays and special non-working days fall on a Monday or a Friday. So, you’ll only have to take one leave day from work to enjoy 10 long weekends in 2023. That means 10 weekend breaks to go to the beach — or anywhere you want, really.

Here, we’ve put together a little cheat sheet for all the upcoming potential long weekends in the Philippines, plus the best dates for vacation leaves next year. It’s best to secure those leaves early, after all!

Also read: 5 Reasons You Should File for a Vacation Leave

Long weekends in the Philippines 2023

Scratching your head for vacation ideas for the upcoming long weekends in the Philippines in 2023? Beach getaways are always a barkada favourite, but conquering the Philippines’ scenic mountains is just as fun of an experience. Sometimes, it’s not even about going somewhere far; a luxury staycation within the metro might be all you need to reset and rejuvenate. 

Also read: 18 Fun Things to Do in Makati CBD on Weekends

Honestly, we can’t quite believe 2023 is here — but that won’t keep us from planning our holiday travels, anyway. Stay tuned. We’ll keep you posted on great travel deals and seat sales so you can maximise all the long weekends in the Philippines in 2023 for your much-deserved break. Happy travels!

Celia Grace Nachura and Danielle Uy

There are very few things Celia won’t do for a good story, but her favourite ones always involve the beach, animals, or any type of outdoor activity. She’s been writing for as long as she can remember, and can usually be found typing away at home with her cute dogs at her feet. Away from work, she spends most of her time trying out every hobby she can get her hands on, from running to crocheting to baking (she’s pretty okay at most things that don't involve cooking).