14 Activities in the Philippines to Make Mother’s Day Extra Special

Since Filipinos have very close family ties, our affinities for family members are regularly celebrated. We have National Siblings’ Day, Grandparents’ Day, Father’s Day, and of course, the oh-so-important Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day in the Philippines is that one time in a year when we acknowledge the sacrifices that our mothers made for us ever since they brought us to this world. Going through nine months of morning sickness, and the agonising delivery is no joke. 

We always make this day special for our moms, so if you still don’t have any idea what to do for your main woman, let us help you! Do away from the usual flowers and chocolates and make an extra effort this year.

Also read: Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas You Can Buy Online Under ₱1,500

Celebrate Mother’s Day in the Philippines with these activities

1. Take her out for a Mother’s Day buffet

A way to your mom’s heart is through her stomach! What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than a feast? She has been cooking all year long so it’s about time you treat her out. Avoid fancy restaurants because your mom might just complain about how expensive the dishes are. Save the hassle and opt for a buffet instead! 

Also read: 10 Restaurants in Manila for a Special Mother’s Day Celebration

2. Pamper your mom with a day at the spa

No mom can resist a relaxing day at the spa. Treat her to a mani-pedi, a different hairstyle, a massage, and a sauna to give her that well-deserved rest. Massage packages are usually available for moms during this special day. After the spa treat, I am sure she will be more than happy to return to her hardworking duties as a mom.

Also read: 10 Spa & Massage Places in Manila to Destress

3. Go on a shopping spree!

Shopping is any woman’s ecstasy. I know this sounds expensive, but it is your mom we are talking about! Besides, there are several stores that offer special discounts as a Mother’s Day treat. And, you don’t really have to bring her to high-end malls. She might just fancy a day in Divisoria, just as long as she spends it with you! However, keep in mind that Mother’s Day in the Philippines will be very busy in most malls, so pack a lot of patience.

Also read: 10 Biggest Malls in the Philippines for Your Shopping Fix

4. Take her to the big screen!

Watching movies is a good way to bond with the whole family on Mother’s Day, especially in the Philippines. But since this is her special day, have your mom select the movie that she wants! Whether you like the movie or not, she will surely appreciate it if you watch it with her. And if you don’t like the movie, at least hold the cringe and smile for her, yeah?

5. Connect with her through music

If your mom is musically inclined, then take her to a concert! Most of the time, classic divas hold concerts during the Mother’s Day weekend in the Philippines. We heard that Zsa Zsa Padilla and her daughter Zia have a concert somewhere! Just be prepared when your mother gets all sentimental singing to her favourite hits of long ago. 

You can also take her to a few posh bars around the metro. There has been a resurgence of jazz bars recently. If her tastes mellowed out, we’re sure that bands would love to play her requests.

Also read: Jazzela Music Lounge Promises Good Food and Music for a Tasteful Weekend

6. Book her a hotel room for a staycation

If you have the means, book your mom a cosy staycation. A lot of times, hotels have staycation packages for moms on this day, which include pampering at the spa, pool access, and a fancy suite. Yes, it will cost a bit more but seeing her happy face will make it all worth it. For top staycations in the Philippines, do check out TripZilla STAYS.

Also read: 10 Airbnbs in the Philippines That Will Remind You of Foreign Countries

7. Have a day at the beach

Head on to the nearby beach for some fun under the sun. Your mom will definitely enjoy some beach activities and an invigorating dip while doing it with the people that matter to her the most. For this day, choosing a beach that is not so crowded will be a challenge because, after all, Mother’s Day falls on a Sunday. 

Spend a bit for a more exclusive beach resort. Take your pick from any of these stunning beach getaways in the Philippines.

Also read: 12 Airbnb & Vacation Rentals in Bataan for a Road Trip Near Manila

8. Give her a Mother’s Day free-access card

This card will entitle the bearer to drag you wherever she wants to go and whatever she wants to do! Be prepared for activities that your mom would love and you’d have to cooperate! Just make sure to look excited when she reveals the thing that she wants to do with you. Who knows, you might even enjoy it.

9. Travel somewhere she hasn’t been to before

Probably the most expensive on the list, but will definitely create a huge impact! Any mom dreams of travelling with her family, so much more on Mother’s Day. If you can afford, book your mom an international flight to nearby destinations such as Singapore, Hong Kong or Thailand. Trust me, if you do some planning, trips to these countries are not as expensive as you think.

You can even explore the furthest reaches of the Philippines! Batanes, for example, has some of the most breathtaking landscapes that could rival European countries. How about Antique, a hidden gem just beside Boracay? Sulu is also another option to consider when touring the Philippines. You don’t have to leave the archipelago; the motherland is gorgeous enough to explore!

Also read: 14 Cheap Asian Destinations for First Time Travellers

10. Go on an adventure with her

Just because your mom is already of a certain age, doesn’t mean she no longer likes an exhilarating activity. Take her on an adventure and she might even surprise you. Go ziplining, paragliding, trekking, ATV riding, paintballing, or any activity that you think your mom might enjoy doing. Take that title for the most extreme celebration for Mother’s Day in the Philippines!

Also read: UCM Adventure Park Lets You Ride ATVs, Camp Out, and Enjoy Thrilling Rides

11. Take a nature walk

For a more active Mother’s Day in the Philippines, revelling in Mother Nature’s gifts is also an option. Spending months inside the four corners of the house (or office) will get drab quickly. So why not ask mom out to spend some time surrounded by lush open areas and mighty trees in public parks? 

It is literally a deep breath of fresh air, which you could also use yourself. The only thing that you’ll spend in a public park is carbon dioxide and precious time with your mom. Trust us, this simplicity will mean a lot to you and your mom.

Also read: 13 Nature Parks in Metro Manila for Chill Day Trips

12. Spend time with the fur babies

Fur moms, this is also your day! Because, really, could you imagine your fur babies without you feeding them or maybe letting their hair grow out? Fortunately, there are plenty of activities around the metro for your cats and dogs. 

From active parks to cafes dedicated to their diets, Mother’s Day in the Philippines is very pet-friendly. Your pets would definitely love to spend quality time with you and this is your chance to appreciate them back.

Also read: 15 Most Adorable Pet Cafes and Restaurants in and Near Manila

13. Attend Sunday service

Since it falls on a Sunday, churches are usually packed every Mother’s Day in the Philippines. We figure that for Roman Catholic families, mom would definitely appreciate it if the whole family could hear homily together. It’s also time to show that eternal gratitude to the higher power for providing you with such a wonderful person in your life. May God shine His face upon you and your mother on this blessed day!

Also read: 10 Stunning Churches in the Philippines Every Pinoy Must Visit

14. Go through a heritage tour

Learning something new about a place or simply exploring is always a worthwhile time for anyone. So why not go on a heritage tour? Aside from being a unique activity for Mother’s Day in the Philippines, it is also a bonding experience for the entire family. Make sure to take photos of the family in the many posh heritage buildings you might encounter. We promise they’ll make excellent portraits inside your house.

Also read: 14 Heritage Tours in Manila that Should Be Under Your Travel Radar

BONUS: Create a special day for her at home!

A lot of moms would just want to stay at home and bond with family. If this is the case, create a special day for her right inside your home wherein she doesn’t have to do her usual routine. Start by serving her breakfast in bed, cleaning the house, marathoning her favourite shows and movies, and giving her lots of hugs and kisses! Inexpensive yet very effective.

Also read: Why Your Mom is the Best Travel Buddy You Could Ever Have

There you go! These are just some ideas that you can do during Mother’s Day in the Phillipines. The key here is to be creative, always consider what your mom’s interests and hobbies are, and spend the day with her! Your mom has been really working hard, she deserves this.