As we usher in 2025, it’s time to plan how to make the most of the year’s holidays. With strategic leave filing, you can turn regular weekends into long ones and maximize your time for rest, travel, and family bonding. Here’s a breakdown of 2025’s holidays, along with tips on when to file your leave and the best times to travel.
2025 public holidays overview
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The 2025 calendar is packed with opportunities to enjoy extended breaks. Here’s a quick look at the official public holidays:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1
- Eid al-Fitr: Monday, March 31
- Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor): Saturday, April 19
- Maundy Thursday: Thursday, April 17
- Good Friday: Friday, April 18
- Labor Day: Thursday, May 1
- Eid al-Adha: Friday, June 6
- Independence Day: Thursday, June 12
- National Heroes Day: Monday, August 25
- All Saints’ Day: Saturday, November 1
- Bonifacio Day: Sunday, November 30
- Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25
- Rizal Day: Tuesday, December 30
- New Year’s Eve: Wednesday, December 31
With proper planning, you can stretch these holidays into mini-vacations.
Key long weekends | 2025 holidays
Several holidays naturally align with weekends or can be extended with minimal leave days:
- Holy Week (April 17-20): Good Friday (April 18) is a public holiday. Take leave on April 17 (Thursday) to enjoy a 4-day weekend.
- Labor Day (May 1): File leave on Friday, May 2, and enjoy a 4-day weekend.
- Independence Day (June 12): File a leave of Friday, June 13 to enjoy a 4-day weekend
National Heroes Day (August 25): A Monday holiday perfect for a 3-day weekend getaway.
- Christmas and New Year’s Stretch (December 25, 2025 – January 1, 2026): With Christmas Day on a Thursday and Rizal Day on a Tuesday, you can file leave on December 26 (Friday), December 29 (Monday), and December 31 (Wednesday) to enjoy a full 11-day holiday spree.
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Best times for traveling
Here are some ideal periods for travel based on the holiday schedule:
- April: The Holy Week break is perfect for summer travel. Domestic destinations like Palawan or Boracay shine, but Southeast Asia also offers excellent options.
- June: With both Independence Day and Eid al-Adha holidays, mid-year is great for international travel. Europe’s summer season is in full swing, and you can explore iconic cities like Paris or Rome.
- August: National Heroes Day provides a chance to enjoy the tail end of summer. Consider nearby beach resorts or mountain retreats.
- December: The Christmas season is magical for travel. Whether it’s a snowy adventure in Canada or a festive European Christmas market tour, this time of year is perfect for creating unforgettable memories.
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Tips for filing leave
- Plan Early: Secure your leave as soon as possible, especially for popular holidays like Holy Week and Christmas. This ensures your plans won’t be disrupted by last-minute work commitments.
- Coordinate with Colleagues: Avoid overlapping leave requests within your team to maintain harmony at work.
- Consider Off-Peak Travel: For a more budget-friendly trip, consider traveling just before or after the holiday rush.
2025 offers a wealth of opportunities to relax and explore. By planning your leaves strategically, you can enjoy long weekends, embark on memorable travels, and make the most of the year’s holidays. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach escape, a cultural immersion, or quality time with loved ones, the key is to plan ahead. Happy holiday planning!
