Planning to go to the Philippines on holiday with friends!

Hi everyone!

I'm a Filipino who was raised in the UK but I can still speak Tagalog (but can't type it well, so do pardon the nosebleeds for some of you).

I am planning to go to the Philippines with my friends next year, but was wondering if any of you have certain suggestions of places to visit that gives that "wow" factor of the Philippines.

We are planning to arrive on the 2nd Jan 2026 and leave 20th Jan 2026 and one of the biggest highlights that we want to go to is the Sinulog festival in Cebu on the 18th Jan!

Bit worried as I don't speak cebuano, but hoping I'll be able to get by hahaha! Another one of the places we would want to try visiting would be Siargao island for some fun nightlife and also for the beach activities.

In essence, it'd be nice to hear some ideas as to things such as natural wonders, cultural things that you can only experience in the Philippines and so forth.

As an added bonus, but completely understand if no one can help with this, would you recommend some delicious vegetarian (no egg, but milk is okay) Filipino dishes? I had warned my friends that this might not be the trip for food exploration, but I would like for them to still enjoy some authentic and tasty Filipino foods.

If you guys need any more info, please do let me know!