A "perfect sanctuary" for that wandering soul. This line might be underrated for what I have seen and felt. Arrived in the town of Santiago at about 530pm,of where to stop, I didn't know. Nor where to ride nor walk towards Vitalis. Bearing my Google Maps with me, the conductor's ears might have been red to be constantly reminded of dropping me off at any highway near Vitalis. 20 minutes more, as I got dropped off at the Plaza of Santiago, was told to get a tricycle. Couldn’t believe it is accessible. With an agreed fare of P30, the driver took me to that place I am looking forward to go to and catch that sunset. And there. Eureka! The sun is still setting. I introduced myself to the counter and the staff happily assisted me to a table in the veranda on the beach. Nestled my stuff in their luggage room and left with me, the Empanadas of Vigan. Walking, I knew the sands are smooth enough, though not as light as Pagudpud’s. Strolling on the beach with the waves engulfing the sands, it is indeed inviting to surf. Oh I would love to dive in. But first thing’s first, I see the structures I was looking for. The white walls with blue roofs dazzled into my eyes which seems to be a Mykonos-Santorini type on the other side of the resort. I asked the staff of what that place is. She then said it is the Villas of Vitalis. Exclusive. Yes it is, but they offered me to check the place out. How could I ever resist? For a place like that? I have come to make ends meet. She said there is a scheduled shuttle service and I was thinking that it would take an hour. To my surprise, they are just waiting for my “go signal”. A Hi-Ace van is already in front of the resort ready to pick me up. Wow. Am I that "exclusive" again? Thank You Lord! You have graced me enough for my travels and all throughout my life. All I can do is to tell everyone that HE is there. The road to the villa may not be that well paved yet but they are working on it. Probably months after I publish this, it is already furnished. The white walls are drawing closer, couldn’t believe I am here already. With the sun setting in the horizon, I was introduced to another staff who will guide me to the parts of the villa. Nel, a fresh graduate smiled towards me then introduced himself. It was only today that the guests checked out. The only day for the swampy days they had. Yes, fully booked. And I won’t be thinking twice why it is. The first thing marked my attention was their chapel. But wait, I know the sun is getting down so I have to see the other side of the villas, the walls, stairs, paints, all so new. I am in another dimension. Am I really still in Ilocos? As I go down the stairs and walked in the middle of the white walls, a pool with blue tiles overlooking the sea. Inspiring. The exclusivity. How this is built, I am again in awe. I am in love with the serenity of what this villas has captured my heart. My journey didn’t end here, I have yet to see other parts of the villas, apparently they have other rooms with yet again, whitish walls and blue tops. I think I am in Smurfsville or better yet, Santorini. Captivating Santorini. I felt dark being around in this perfect white villa. And now, the time is right for the chapel to be entered. It was as if the heavens fell down on me. Great for weddings. Perfect but expensive. But it is one thing that sets apart from any other establishments. The lavishness, exclusivity, anonymity… superb. A 10! Let’s just give them a chance on finishing their constructions. I know this will be great! Past 7pm when I went back to the resort, assisted by Nel, I sat on the resort bench again, watching people walk back and forth, thanking God and looking at the villas all lighted up with blue, yellow and red. Magnificent. I am ready to go back to Manila. Check their website: http://www.vitalisresort.com/
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I arrived past 6pm at Laoag Terminal. Carrying a backpack, shoulder bag and lots of plastic bags of souvenirs and food from Pagudud (Empanada). Haggard, I was planning to take a nap and check the city out at night. But my nap turned to a decent 10-hour sleep in my very own rented bed. I woke up feeling refreshed then ate breakfast and hit the shower again. I packed my bags again then went out to explore the city. As I was surveying the capitol, a tricycle driver approached me offering a tour, Kuya Rico, veteran tour guide since 2002. Nothing exemplary with their capitol. White columns and a life size picture of the Marcos Family. Hiring a guide wasn’t really my plan. I have read that you can just do the city tour by yourself. But Kuya Rico made me realize how a burden will it be for me to commute with bags with me. So I agreed to have a tour with him within and out of town for P600.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- St. Williams Cathedral and the Sinking Bell TowerI am lucky to set foot in Laoag on a Sunday. I heard an Ilokano mass again. But I couldn’t understand mostly of what they were saying. So I roamed around as the people gained and went to their candle room instead. Obviously old, the candle holders are the witness of times. The candles they sold was the recycled ones. To me, it doesn’t matter as long as it’s helping the church. Just across the street of the church is the sinking bell tower. They said the entrance (caged now) could fit a horse carriage but now, only my feet can. There must be a sinkhole underneath which makes it sink gradually. We may never know now but I hope I still live to that time where the rationale arises. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- City Hall. Tobacco Monopoly. Laoag Plaza/CapitolThe minute I saw their building I then asked Kuya Rico, “Kuya, ano yan?” which he replied, “City Mall po” amazed, I said, “Ang ganda naman ng Mall nyo, what time po yan magbubukas?” Kuya Rico then answered, “Mga alas otso po, kaso walang pasok ngayon” troubled, I wondered why a mall will be closed, as we went closer, I saw a Provincial logo the told myself that it is a City Hall. Built in a baroque-like structure, I became impressed of how they sustained the exteriors. Curious of that so-called Monopoly, I thought it was a building, little did I know that it is a bigger version of a chess piece situated in front of Laoag’s Plaza. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fort Ilocandia Resort and Beach.Being at FIR, I thought I would just walk around the garden, thanks to Kuya Rico, they let me go inside of the Casino and other grounds. A flower-like chandelier will never get out of sight upon entering the doors. As the concierge smile at you while you go beyond, a natural-lit café will swoon your heart in the middle of the hotel as you step in the glass floors with fishes underneath. A man-made waterfall will hasten your inner peace as the pianist serenade you. Impressive. On the walls are portraits, frames of the late President Marcos and his meetings with the Chinese Officials. Of how he promoted the culture and arts in the country. I couldn’t seem to neglect the Chinese translations in most of the hotels facilities, brochures and attractions. One told me that the place might be shared by Chinese Businessmen. My fascination with the resort hotel/casino couldn’t get any better as I walked my way out in the back. I traveled time as I saw the buildings composed of bricks which gave it a European feel. “Sarah ang Munting Princesa” or “Cedie” ang peg? Too bad I didn’t wear a dress to suit the place. The fountain, the security and the feel. Yeah, I was in a different dimension. I couldn’t go further since I know that I have been abusing the powers of my guide. Nevertheless, I must see of what the other side of the resort is. Kuya Rico and I went out of FIR as soon as I was done with the photos. Kuya Rico led me to a public beach. A typical dark sand beach but with massive waves again. This is ideal for surfing I must say. Is it time to learn how to surf? But then, time is shy so it is better to take a video of it. He said that this beach is connected to Saud in Pagudpud. Oh! The West Philippine Sea! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Malacañang Ti Amianan and Paoay LakeOne said the Philippine President has a privilege to build his own Malacañang in his hometown. Well I believe the former president chose well enough. Facing Paoay Lake, the Malacañang of the North was the abode of the late President Marcos’ family. A well-preserved wooden house, with four-poster beds for their children, a larger than life Master’s Bedroom with a walking closet for Imelda and a closet in the hallway for Ferdinand. A president’s room equipped with books. And for the other rooms, the late President’s achievements, writings, structural developments. Oh the sweet life. I reckon there are hundreds if not dozens of tourists go here. And just for a fee of P30, you may feel how it is being in the “Malacañang”. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Church of San Agustin/ Paoay Church and Bell Tower.Another one ticked off from my bucket list! UNESCO Heritage Sites are something I am looking forward to see. And I didn’t know that I would find one in Paoay. All I know is the church is posted in our P500 bill. Hungry, I just took a deep breath seeing the church and went first to La Herencia Café, a café owned by many doctors and businessmen right in front of the church. I have heard that it is a commendable café but it takes one to know one, eh? I was lucky enough that the table next to the window with a view of the church was vacant. Actually, that room was vacant, it was past 2pm though. I ordered their best seller, a combination of Ilocandia and Pinakbet Pizza, eating it beside the window just looking at people go here and there in the vast fields and in the church. Families, lovers, friends bring life to what the church was then. A witness to everything in between across the lifetime. After our late lunch, I saw an ice cream box, asked about the flavors in it and surprised that it has dragon fruit. Creamy, sweet and with seeds, that must be he dragon fruit. I am ready to walk through the church. Indeed the church’s exterior is marvelous, something that will make you feel warmth with the love of architecture. The brilliancy of how it was built especially the details of it. Beautiful. What amazed me more was the sides of it. I felt like I was in Cambodia’s ruins. The walls are like temples. Old. Strong. Stoned. Seeing the other side of it, the Bell Tower, reminds me of its functionality. Of how gigantic it was, I only have yet to hear its call for Christianity. From afar, I hear a sound. A sound with trumpets and drums, I asked Kuya Rico if there is an event going on, he said that it is a music for funerals. A lament. An old tradition where musical instruments played while sending the body to the cemetery. Wow. In this modern age, I have witnessed another olden Filipino tradition. I am proud to be one. My curiosity led me to other dimensions, needless to say, other unknown atypical places. I saw a garden beyond the bell tower, and from there I saw a blooming garden. A part of it may be used as a retreat area. Across the street, I wad drawn to a house. One said it is a haunted house. I didn’t go further since my time is short since I’ll be going to Batac and must arrive in Vigan before dawn. A trip in this town made me feel a blast from the past. Somewhere worth going for. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Batac. Marcos Mausoleum.Laoag being one of the most politically willed/driven city, it houses a rich history and culture. I know there are a lot of places to go to in Batac but I opted to go to the Mausoleum alone. Why? I had that determination to see the mummified Marcos. There were two houses in the tourist site, one for the Museum and the other for the Mausoleum. The latter was free of charge to which I followed the others and went inside. Thee room was black, with flowers surrounding him. He was like sleeping beauty, with a glass box as his bed. He had his medal of honor. A symbol of the Philippine Republic hangs above him in the ceiling. I am now in front of the late President Marcos. One said his guard was one of his PSG, he talked to me anonymously “Itim na siya nung bago pa siya from Hawaii. Four years din siya doon bago siya nalipat dito. Every 10 years, may pumupunta dito galin Egypt para I preserve siya” weird. The facts just streamed in. One said if he is not on viewing time, he will be placed under the ground to be put under a very low temperature (to which I couldn’t specify). No cameras. No videos. No selfies. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was timely that I arrived in Vigan at about 530pm. The sun is already setting. To myself, it was just a familiar town and what I was looking for was another UNESCO HERITAGE Site, Calle Crisologo. Other than that, I vowed myself to walking tours and surprises. What happened after that is beyond any surprises. SYQUIA MANSION Woke up at about 8am and ate breakfast in bed. I had a good night sleep. The sky was gloomy but I am geared up for another day in paradise. Washed and fixed my stuff for check out since I know I’ll be leaving in the afternoon, I told the staff to buy me some Longganisa and Bagnet while I tour the city. One of the staff gave me a map to which I saw Syquia Mansion to be nearer than any other Museums. A little more over 9am, I arrived at the museum and was greeted by a man. Apparently there is a group from a hotel doing a tour, I paid an entrance fee and joined them instead. From artifacts and wooden floors to ancient boxes and italian and china wares. But what startled my eye was their veranda, an open lobby in the middle of the second floor. As we go to the kitchen, we met the late President Elpidio Quirino’s grandson and even had a picture with him. Lucky I must say. The guide, Ate Fe said that he is staying here for days just like in the olden times and the man I saw in the ground floor is their fourth generation “aliping-sagigilid”. Interesting. The group then left and I stayed for a while to just look at the stuff once again. After which, I asked her of where to go next and made me decide to get lunch.
Hidden Garden and Restaurant. From the Mansion, I took a tricycle to the Hidden Garden Restaurant since I reckoned that a few would go there before lunch time. I though correctly, I have time to explore the garden first and picked a seat then ordered my lunch. Bagnet Sisig with KBL and Iced Tea for lunch. Vigan’s Best. Apparently my sister is also having lunch in Korea (competed cross fit) while waiting for her plane back home. So it was like eating out with my sister virtually. The staff are entertaining and accommodating, a restaurant must-have. I then went to the washroom and asked the lady on the bench if she is lining up. She said that it’s okay for me to go first and as I went inside the CR, oh the gardens. Relaxed. I am sitting in my throne with a glass wall with a garden-like exterior in front of me. Now that is soothing. Was I in a spa? As I went out, the staff offered me to tour the place once again, but the second I saw the house near the foot walk, I asked of the owner, of who he/she is, the staff replied that it was the lady I was talking to a while ago. He introduced me to her and we shared stories. The humbleness and passion from her I cannot even replicate. How I wish to have that sense of vision and humbleness. A world-renowned entrepreneur, she and her family gained awards. And I am so lucky to have met her. I told her that my time is short and will be back to Manila later, so she recommended me somewhere I must go while I am here. Of where that place is, you are yet to discover. An honor to meet you Ma'am Flores! VIGAN HOTEL I made a deal with the tricycle driver, Kuya to send me to Arcellana Inn. It was a P30 fare which made me think that it will be away from the Crisologo Street. I then told Kuya to help me look for other hotels just somewhere near the famed street. It wasn’t only once, twice nor thrice did we hopped on and off to inns, hotels and transient houses. I told Kuya to take me to Vigan Hotel as our last search. He said that the hotel is expensive, maybe because of the name but determined, we went there to check it out. An ancient house, I told myself. Then I went inside to inquire. I hurried myself to the reception area and asked if there is an available fan room for a solo backpacker, a dormitory type would be good too. Luckily, there was an available room for P395. To my relief, I went outside to pay Kuya, picked my bags up and told Kuya to recommend this place to any other travelers. Went back to the receptionist and checked in at about 6pm the was assisted to my room. The stairs going to the second floor was rustic, don’t be too scared of the mirror right after you land the second floor. My room was just near the lobby, the staff opened the door and as I saw the room with two beds, a fan and a television, I asked him “Kuya, diba solo fan room yung kinuha ko? Ba’t dalawang beds?” he then replied “Oo po, pareho lang po, pero kung gusto mo po na isa lang yung bed, meron din po” I then said, “Same lang po ba yung rate?” the time he daid yes, simply said that I’ll take this room. A simple yet large room, similar to our room at home, all wooden, with the window overlooking the vintage streets. Yes, I am indeed in Vigan. I washed immediately and put my bags on the other bed. It was already near 7pm when I went out for a walk. It seems that everything is so near. A walking distance. A perfect choice. Crisologo Museum. A trip to Vigan won’t be complete without going to Crisologo Museum, after all, why is the street named after him? My journey in this museum is just like any other. But how they value their family by posting their pictures on the walls make them proud as a Crisologo. Hotel Luna. "I have only an hour" told myself. I bought empanada from Enciang’s and Iren’s and went to this Hotel. I should have not come here if not for Ms. Gloria’s (owner of HGR) recommendation. I was only expecting to see the lobby and some of the portraits in the common room. Less did I expect to see more than the usual. I approached the entrance and went directly towards the reception area. I inquired a bit and told them how I found out about the place. They then told me to wait for a while since they are going to let somebody guide me. My eyes were drawn to the canvas of the portraits in the lobby. Such authenticity it possess. My feet carried me to the restaurant of both the left and right rooms from the hallway and as expected, a Modern Spanish interior grazed the walls and furniture of the rooms. The guide named Aldrin, greeted me and said to wait for a while because he’ll get the passkey first. Unconsciously, amazed in every detail I am seeing, he popped out in a whim in front of me. He led me to outside of the main building and was amazed since the two-story building I saw earlier from the outside, became a four-story full of rooms with a pool inside. He opened one of the rooms near the pool. “Is it okay to go in?” he said it is okay. The sheets are clean, the mattress is comfortable, the lighting is well-maintained and there is a hair dryer. Inside the bathroom lies a shower and a clean toilet. I give it a 9 since it can be scary to those who are claustrophobic. I though it was the end of my tour, not until he asked me to go up the stairs. The stairs… with pots on the walls and lamps. I can only imagine how dreamy it is at night. On the second floor, the wall is decorated with a 3-dimensional staircase with a church, a Vigan of character perhaps. I haven’t thought of asking him about the meaning of it since I was awed with what is in front of me. Just the mere vision of the pool and the clean four-story building with its lavish exteriors and details. This is one hotel one cannot miss if you have the luxury of time and money in Vigan. I saw a Museum Guided Tour Schedule and I know it is not available today but oh boy was I really lucky that I was given this exclusive tour! From Ben Cab to Juan Luna to Damien to endless authentic portraits, sculptures, artworks and all sorts of it. I had this privilege in being in the Governor’s VIP room where Ming Dynasty vases, altars, Sarimanok and other century old pieces came to life. The room is chilled to preserve what was underneath and still, I am in awe of what I am seeing. I couldn’t help but ask of who the owner of this luxurius establishment, he simply said, the Governor of Ilocos Sur owns this. He collects pieces and some of them put in auction. What made my heart flutter was the dedication of the collection of each piece, the details of every room mustered into home. Making your stay more relaxing. Every bit of details in this hotel has been well thought of. Thanks to Aldrin, a fresh graduate who dreams of becoming a staff in the Department of Tourism, all praises to you and your staff. I left the hotel not with a heavy heart but another eye opened, to art and the attitude to appreciate everything that is well-composed of. I went back to the hotel to get my stuff as it is already nearly 4pm and I need to get to Vitalis before the sun sets. Got my Longanisa and Bagnet with me, I thanked the staff and Vigan for everything they offered. I know this is not the last time to visit Vigan. Vintage. Perfect. Structured. Well-Designed. That is Vigan. Well, a part of it.
PLAZA BURGOS AND THE EMPANADAHAN After the dancing lights and sound show, I walked my way to Plaza Burgos to taste Vigan’s famed Empanada. A stretch of those food kiosks near the basketball court where you can dive in to your crave for Empanada. I sat and ordered a couple of it paired with Mountain Dew, heaven isn’t it? Yeah it was. A local’s paradise. Sitting on a bench with people playing, chatting and eating, I looked around and thought of what Vigan is. A small city with fondest memories. Safe? Maybe. The government is supporting the sites and the architectural designs of the structures nearby yields a Spanish-like façade. As I walked again, I see a miniature replica of the Modern Seven Wonders of the World UNESCO Sites. Dark, I told myself to go back tomorrow. Everything is dim-lit. It must be time to go back to Calle Crisologo and find something new to chew on. CATHEDRAL AND CALLE CRISOLOGO
It was a Sunday and I would love to hear mass but their last mass in the cathedral is 6pm. I didn’t want to barge so I walked my way around the church and took some pictures. Both the Cathedral and Bell tower is magnificent, highly maintained with the appropriate lighting. I then explored to Calle Crisologo, where I walked to this famed street, a flashback of the time long gone but never forgotten. Kalesa has a parking area and it is the only vehicle to step in Crisologo Street. Tourists walk here and there, some renting a Kalesa for P150 an hour. As for me, I just told the “kutsero” to allow me to take pictures with his carriage. For free. Well thanks a lot Kuya. I go in and out to one store from the other, looking for something of surprise, and yes, apart from the Cordillera Inn, that is a hotel in the said street, I saw a funeral house. Would you look at that?! Peculiar. As I walked to the end, restaurants, café and souvenir shops are everywhere. The lamp posts on the streets gave it a romantic and Spanish-like ambiance and though there were a lot of people walking, I didn’t feel anything strange. It is somewhere worth staying a week for. I went out of the street since the dancing lights show will start in a few in Plaza SalcedoIt was a Sunday and I would love to hear mass but their last mass in the cathedral is 6pm. I didn’t want to barge so I walked my way around the church and took some pictures. Both the Cathedral and Bell tower is magnificent, highly maintained with the appropriate lighting. I then explored to Calle Crisologo, where I walked to this famed street, a flashback of the time long gone but never forgotten. Kalesa has a parking area and it is the only vehicle to step in Crisologo Street. Tourists walk here and there, some renting a Kalesa for P150 an hour. As for me, I just told the “kutsero” to allow me to take pictures with his carriage. For free. Well thanks a lot Kuya. I go in and out to one store from the other, looking for something of surprise, and yes, apart from the Cordillera Inn, that is a hotel in the said street, I saw a funeral house. Would you look at that?! Peculiar. As I walked to the end, restaurants, café and souvenir shops are everywhere. The lamp posts on the streets gave it a romantic and Spanish-like ambiance and though there were a lot of people walking, I didn’t feel anything strange. It is somewhere worth staying a week for. I went out of the street since the dancing lights show will start in a few in Plaza Salcedo. My training in Baguio ended a little past 7pm and walked to SM to get my bag. I checked the terminal’s schedule bound for Pagudpud but there was none, they advised me to go to Laoag first and wait for the bus from Manila bound for Pagudpud. I chose to get the second to the last trip for tonight at 10pm and told the crew that I’ll leave my bags to buy dinner somewhere else. There are stores who can watch over your stuff for a fee (P20), but since I am on a budget, I asked the crew to watch over it… for free.
I went back from my dinner at Pizza Volante with some take outs on hand then hopped in the bus. I slept as soon as I got my ticket, I’ve sensed some stop overs made but opted to sleep in my window seat. Then at about 3am, the conductor said that we are already in Laoag and a few minutes over, landed in Laoag’s Partas Terminal. So apparently my 6-hour bus ride from Baguio and another 2 hour bus ride from Laoag to Pagudpud was another pain in the butt. “No Pain. No Gain.” A saying I can never argue with. As I woke up at nearly 6am then saw the windmills far from my window, I couldn’t help but smile. Pinched my arms to tell myself that one of the places I’ve been dreaming to travel is right in front of me. An hour after, we arrived at Partas Terminal. The gloominess didn’t startle me, a nipa hut (more like Batanes-like) greeted me. I saw a sign in front of it, “Ayuyang” Restaurant. A girl, daughter of the owner greeted me and said that it is closed for the weekends but she said I can stay for a while and use the CR. I told my guide, Angel that I would just wait in the hut for him. At about 730am, Angel arrived with his tricycle and my journey to Northern and Southern Pagudpud began. I was asked by my guide if where to go first. I let him decide of the itinerary since I don’t have any idea of where to go first. The sky is not that clear yet, I prayed harder. He said that mostly, tour agencies go to the beach first then rinse off to the falls, he decided to go to Kabigan Falls first. A Saturday, I expected some tourists with me but it turned out to be my sole sanctuary. NORTHERN PAGUDPUD TOUR KABIGAN FALLS It was mandatory to have a guide with a standard rate of P100 as a guide fee and an entrance fee of P10. I was about to be guided by one of the elders but he was shy so he let me pair with Ate Cielo, a very jolly and middle aged young looking woman. Drizzles come and go but we were determined to trek. Again, our pacing was faster making it only a half hour hike. It didn’t even feel like a rough trek since the fields were vast with rivers and streams greeting us. A bamboo bridge then serves as a link to the other side of the river on our way to the falls. Ate Cielo said that the guides are helping hand in hand to clean and develop the environment. She even boasted that Pagudpud is very livable that you can just leave your house opened, unattended yet no one will steal something from your house (except from the chickens, they’ll eat your food alive). However, since there are a lot of tourists in town, the cost of living is higher. No discounts for the locales. As I saw Kabigan Falls, I felt the sense of serenity. Ate Cielo was kind enough not to disrupt my meditation. I was encapsulated in a rainforest with a somewhat 50-ish feet waterfall in front of me. For an hour of hopping, walking, sitting and just plain feeling the mist on my skin, that long ride since yesterday paid off. It was indeed a must stop-over in Pagudpud. Ate Cielo insisted to dive in the waters, yet I didn’t since I didn’t get any decent sleep and I have to go to other places. We returned after that quick retreat to which I smiled since one of the paths we took was a little bit like the Shire from Lord of the Rings, or was it an illusion. Halfway back, tourists flocked in. Thank God. Now I am ready for the next stop. Patapat Viaduct. Viaduct. How can a viaduct be of a tourist spot? A long, winding bridge facing the West Philippine Sea? The waves smashing the rocks underneath its sturdy surface. I can confidently say that the materials put here was exceptional. I can never deny how one of the viaducts of the Marcos Highway still stand now. Paraiso ni Anton. Paradise. That’s what a “Paraiso” stands for in Tagalog. But how does a spring water coming out from a rocked wall be of substance? They say you’ll get healed just by drinking or bathing in it. And yes, I did both. Refreshing though. An altar rests above a somewhat five feet staircase. Across it is a wrecked lodge. An old office of the former President Marcos’ secretary, Anton Raquisa. I got hooked by watching the ruined building first rather than the “Paraiso”. Mesmerize of the ruins, I told my guide if it is allowable to go there. I didn’t realize that I would get to see the other side of the viaduct and another glimpse of the West Philippine Sea. I must say, another breathe of fresh air. I am amazed how people didn’t get to be here, of how its fate is, it must be kept to a minimum. Timmantang Rock. Kuya Angel stopped over and told me to hop out. Well, I see a beach and mountains. I soon realized I was between a bell-shaped rock and a lady-like mountain. Maraira Beach/Blue Lagoon. Moreover a little half an hour later, I set foot in the infamous beach of Pagudpud. Tagged as the Boracay of the North, Marai-ira Beach or for some, the Blue Lagoon has gone a log way. Flocked with homestays and inns for tourists, there is that one resort that grazes the land, Hannah’s. A vast property and still on their development stage for another area of the Lagoon. As I walked through the beach, I couldn’t help but compare it to Boracay, blue waters, good weather, people and the sands? The sands is not that finer but it is one escape suited for those who don’t have time to travel to Visayas. But I didn’t go there to swim. I went there to see everything. So I walked and did selfies. Which made my guide lead me to another spot. Dos Hermanos Islands. Kuya Angel said that the islands are the sons of Timmantang Rock (male) and Bantay Abot Cave (female). Apparently I do not believe in everything he says. But as I walked towards the shore, with mangroves giving us a shed or two, I could not resist feeling an inner peace. An area stripped away from the populated shore of the famous resorts in the Mara-ira Beach, I have found solace just seeing the twin islands from afar. Exhausted, yes I was, I told Kuya Angel to just sit for a while under the mangrove tree and tried to interview him. Later I found out that he was the one who guided a famed news anchor last 2014 of Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho. I swear I didn’t know it. He humbly told me that it was his older brother, Arnel who was famous. A 27-year old juggler of being a tricycle driver, diver, farmer and tour guide, I can feel his love for his town. He won’t replace it with any other possessions. Bantay Abot Cave. I had my sought after rest when we decided to hop out to this cave. Since the tide is high, a few people only dared to go in the cave. And I was one of the few. The waves were massive, hitting the walls of the cave. One must walk on the rocky walls to reach the orifice of it. I was already halfway to the cave when waves splashed down on us. I was lucky not to be carried by the waters that strong. Funny though, Kuya Angel was more concerned of my phone, he immediately wiped it out and turned it off. (I would be surprised if he has some rice with him to dry it up). Then came the orifice, an open cave I presume. Unlikely, I usually do spelunking in closed caves but this is different. The opening resembles like a door in a Hindu Ville and the walls… eroded by the waves, created a Grand Canyon-ish wall. It was a cliff. And under it are the shark-like waves. Ready to swallow me whole. Overlooking it is the Blue Lagoon, and from there, another recollection began. How blessed I am to see the wonderful creations of God. And the beauty of the Philippines, my country must not be hidden nor forsaken. I then realized how little I know in life. How I went to only a few of the places and how many places yet to discover. I am, in the northwestern most tip of the Philippine map. The one I saw from a plane coming from Hong Kong two years ago. Once curious. And now, I am proud that I have come here, alone. Southern Pagudpud Tour Saud Beach. I haven’t rinsed yet from the splash of the waves from the cave. I had one request and that is to wash. Anywhere. Somewhere accessible. So we headed to this beach called Saud. Nothing impressive. Just a plain semi-white sand beach with cottages but what differs it from the others is, the view of the windmills. The windmills! But it is just so far from me. Town Tour. Mostly the town tour is just any town tour. A picture of the park, shell (obviously, Pagudpud is also a coastal town), Pagudpud Arch. We had lunch at a small “carenderia” where I had Bagnet for the first time. I told him that it was more of a Crispy Deep Fried Pork, one he didn’t argue. It was not in our itinerary but I saw a sign going to Bangui Church, a modernly painted church but with rustic interiors and gardens. Bangui Windmills and Beach. Going to both Saud and Bangui are long rides. I even slept for half an hour in the tricycle. Angel said that it is cheaper to buy souvenirs here compared to other shops. He was right though, so even though I didn’t plan to buy one, I bought several of it. An array of humongous white windmills right in front of me! Yeah I took selfies here, there and everywhere! But one thing I didn’t expect to see was the character of the rocks and pebbles on the beach. Dark, smooth and as you go closer to the beach, the sizes get smaller. The waves may also make the cut as a surfing spot. Well that’s enough to satisfy my craving. On to the next stop. Kapurpurawan Rock. Little did I know that I would see a bunch of new bathes of windmills spurting all around my way to Kapurpurawan. I even say the ever famous, Johnny Moon café of Laoag but was closed. We parked the tricycle and walked our way to the Rock. Along the way, I was curious why a statue of a man with an alligator under him was there, it was some sort of an epic I’ve read before, “Bi-ag ni Lam-ang”, to which my guide confirmed. He said that it was in that spot where he battled the alligator. The area was once flocked with gators but none for now. I see now the Kapurpurawan Rock, a part of it flawless, a part with smudges and stains but surrounded by the windmills in the hills, waves on the shore and crater-like open shore. I am lucky enough to have talked with the Province’s Tourism Officers. Apparently there have been a lot of movie shoots done in Ilocos Norte. Impressive. And as for the rock? A part of it must not be reached by people to preserve its flawlessness. Once a bigger gem than now, the government must take measures. When in that area, leave not without tasting the Empanada. One for the books! And tummy! Trust me. I know. Cape Bojeador. I fancy lighthouses. And this one, though was discouraged because of a lot of tourist going in, is one thing that capped my day off. Luckily it is closer to Laoag making my expected fare cheaper. Over all? Pagudpud can be similar to Batanes. I may not have visited the latter, but I think the feels is alike. Nature driven and everything else beyond.
Insane? Might be. For a female solo backpacker coming from Negros? Technically, sanity is one last resort. Personally, after my first official solo backpacking in Palawan, I felt the fire burning in traveling. This time, all the way up north of the Philippine Archipelago (please put Batanes aside). So how did I come to think of going to the Northern Region of Luzon? Well, have you ever imagined watching television and suddenly you want to be that person or you just want to go to that place but end up daydreaming? The idea came to me in a whim while I sat in the window seat coming from a vacation in Hong Kong with my sister 2 years ago. The pilot announced that we are already in the Philippine territory and I just looked out with clear blue skies and saw of what seems like to be in the map. The curves of the northwest landmass of the Philippines made me curious of what that province is. Then came the Cagayan Valley, following it is the Cordilleran Region (to which I traveled some parts of it last year) and yes… the Metro.
As another set of my vacation leave renews, I have to consume my remaining leave for 2015. Thus, booked an advanced flight to Manila. Of how everything went and how much I spent, I have yet to unravel it here. Day 1. July 7, 2016 0400. Woke up and Packed Bags to Silay Airport. P7 for Jeepney fare to North Terminal. P15 Bus fare to Silay Shuttle Area. P100 tricycle fare to Silay Airport. 0530. Airport bound. Checked In. Boarded. P200 Terminal fee. 0545. Early Departure of the plane (Thanks CebuPac) 0700. NAIA bound. Lined Up Airport Bus to EDSA. P20 0800. Jeep to Aseana. P10 1100. Aseana to MoA EcoJeep. P7. Mineral Water P8 1200. MoA run arounds. 1400. Jeep to Baclaran P7 1500. Baclaran to Aseana. P7 1530. Aseana to EDSA. P7 1600. EDSA Taft LRT to Pedro Gil Station then walked to Robinson’s Place Manila. P13 1700. Starbucks with Bibo. P150 1800. LRT to TAFT to Cubao. P60 1900. Jeep to Eastwood then Dinner at Johnny Rockets (Prepaid c/o Ensogo) . P10 TOTAL ==========P621.00========== Day 2. July 8, 2016 0030. Uber to 5 star Bus Terminal. P80 0100. To Pangasinan (Urdaneta). P240 0400. Tricycle to Manaoag. P100 0700. Pasalubong. P130 0800. Bus to Baguio. P80 1000. Mineral Water at SM Baguio. P20 1200. Massage with Shower. P450 1300. Taxi to BBCCC (Training). P60 2000. Dinner at Volante Restaurant. P100 2200. Bus to Laoag. P350 TOTAL ==========P1,610.00========== Day 3. July 9, 2016. 0400. Bus from Laoag to Pagudpud. P90 0700. Start of North and South Pagudpud tour with Kuya Angel. 0800. Kabigan Falls Entrance + Guide c/o Ate Cielo. P110 0900. Patapat Viaduct. Paraiso ni Anton. Old office of Anton 1030. Blue Lagoon/Mara-Ira Beach. Timmantang Rock. Dos Hermanos Islets. 1130. Bantay Abot Cave. 1230. Saud Beach. Shower. 1300. Bagnet Lunch with Kuya Angel. P180 1400. Pagudpud Arch and Shell. Bangui Church. Bangui Windmills. 1500. Kapurpurawan Rock. 1600. Empanada at Kapurpurawan. P50 x 2 = P100 1700. Souvenirs and Tour Fee of Kuya Angel. P130 + P900 1730. Bus from Burgos to Laoag. P80 1900. Bus terminal to Texicano. P20 1910. Texicano Check In. P350 TOTAL ==========P1960.00========== Day 4. July 10, 2016 0700. Woke up. Breakfast and Walked around the Capitol Grounds. 0900. Start of Tricycle Tour for Laoag c/o Kuya Rico. P600 0930. St. Williams Cathedral. Candles. P20 1000. Entrance Fee to Ilocos Norte Museum. P50 1200. Entrance Fee to Malacañang ti Amianan. P30 1400. La Herencia’s Pinakbet and Ilocano Pizza. P450 1330. Mango, DragonFruit, Choco Icecream @ Paoay. P25 1500. Marcos Mausoleum. 1600. Bus to Vigan. P80 1730. Tricycle to Vigan Hotel. P30 1745. Vigan Hotel Check In. P395 2100. Empanada + Mt. Dew @ Plaza Burgos. P50 2200. Java Chip Frappe + Choccolate Cake @ Café Uno. P100 + P90 2330. Back to Hotel. TOTAL ==========P1920.00========== Day 5. July 11, 2016 0700. Wake up and Breakfast. 0900. Walked to Syquia Mansion. P30 1100. To Hidden Garden and Lunch. P180 1300. Tricycle and Entrance to Crisologo Mansion. P20 + P30 1400. Walked to Calle Crisologo then bought empanada at Enciang and Irene’s. P35 (2) 1430. Hotel Luna. 1530. Back to Hotel Luna. Checked out from Vigan Hotel. Tricycle to Terminal Partas. P20 1620. Bus to Santiago. P80 1730. Santiago bound. Tricycle to Vitalis Resort. P30 2130. Bus back to Manila. P520 TOTAL ==========P980.00========== Day 6. July 12, 2016. 0400. Uber from Sampaloc to Condo. P100 0500. Early breakfast at 7-eleven. P40 0630. LRT then MRT to Mandaluyong (Boni). P40 0730. Chill at Erma’s Condo. 1000. Uber to Eastwood. P100 1130. Uber MiCara to Mandaluyong. P130 1200. MRT to EDSA then Jeep to Pedro Gil. P30 1330. Dropped of stuff at condo and washed out. P50 1430. Bus to SM Las Piñas. P35 1530. Met up with Adikz 1730. Back to Pasay with Adikz c/o Bibo and Cesar. 1830. MRT to Ayala. P13 1900. Bought Beep card for BGC Bus then off to Taguig. P100 2030. BGC Hi-Strip and SM Aura. 2100. Uber from SM Aura to MRT Ayala. P230 2130. MRT Ayala to North Edsa c/o BEEP 2200. Met up with Allan. 2330. Bus from North Edsa to Pasay. P30 2400. Taxi to Condo. P100 TOTAL ==========P998.00========== Day 7. July 13, 2016. 0600. Breakfast. Check out. Taxi to NAIA. P130. 0700. Check In. Terminal fee. Excess Baggage. P600 0900. Boarding. 1100. Silay Airport. 1200. Shuttle van to house. P150 TOTAL ==========P880.00========== OVERALL EXPENSE: P8969.00 So there you have it folks! Just an overview of my budget and itinerary of my Northern Luzon Adventure. I'll be making a detailed post for every destination I went to in the Ecstatic Northern Luzon. |