Northern Escapade 2 - Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

It was an early day for us on the 2nd day of our Northern Escapade. As there were 12 of us at that time, it took us until 9:30am to finish all our morning rituals.

Feeling upbeat, we stopped at the arch welcoming us to the Province of Ilocos Norte. Apparently, everybody knows that this presents another photo-op for us. We literally took our photos in the middle of the highway. This is also where we had our first group jumpshot.

The 1st Jump Shot of the Group

In the town of Badoc, we decided to go to the Juan Luna Shrine. As the name of the place implies, it is a reproduction of the former house of one of the Philippines’ foremost painters. Entrance is free, you only have to sign the guestbook and a guide will cordially accompany you throughout your stay. From the highway, you will just have to take a left turn to the town center and then take a right turn to the street where the shrine is located.

Old pictures of Juan Luna, mementos from the history including replicas of his famous paintings such as the Spoliarium (“not Spolarium”), “El Pacto de Sangre” and the controversial “Parisian Life” complement the upper and lower floors of the place. Many consider the Spoliarium as the most important painting done by a Filipino.

Parisian Life

Thereafter, we proceeded to the town of Batac. As we wait for the mausoleum of President Ferdinand Marcos to open, we went straight to the Empanadahan on the other side of the bridge near the entrance of the mansion of the Marcoses. We really enjoyed their “empanada” and kwek-kwek much less, the sukang iloco that comes with it. We are on thrift mode at that time as we only spent P35.00 each for lunch.

Yummy Empanada

Wow

Let's eat

After getting nourished, we then made our way to the mansion of the Marcoses. Aside from the mausoleum of the late strongman, there is also a museum containing various pictures and memorabilia reflecting the more than 20-year rule of President Marcos. Again, entrance at the mausoleum, as well as at the museum is free.

Immaculate Conception Parish







Plate Nos.

#8 - as member of the House of Representative
#7 - as member of the Senate
#3 - as Senate President
#1 - as President of the Republic of the Philippines

From there, we went to the nearby town of Paoay to visit the famous St. Augustine Church (Paoay Church). This architectural marvel has been declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site and has long been regarded as one of the treasures of Ilocandia.

Paoay Church

Peek-a-boo

Movie Scene?

Located just in front of the church is the Herencia Café. It is the place regarded by many as the first to introduce the Pinakbet Pizza commercially. It really tasted very good. The distinct taste of the famous Pinakbet made it very Filipino. Their Longganisa Pizza is likewise a must-try. If the Pinakbet Pizza is their version of “Veggie’s Pizza”, the latter is the “Meat-Lover’s”, so to speak.

Longganisa Pizza

Pinakbet Pizza



Bugnay Wine

Since we paid more or less P60.00 each for the great meal, including the soda, the food is certainly cheaper when compared to the fancy Pizza Restaurants of Metro Manila.

We then went straight to the “Malacañang iti Amianan”. This former presidential mansion which has an overlooking view of Paoay Lake served as the official residence of President Ferdinand Marcos everytime he visits Ilocandia. It is surprising that the former President and the former First Lady had separate rooms. Moreso, FM’s located on the ground floor while that of Madame Imelda’s on the second floor.

Malacanang of the North

Time for another Jump Shot!!!

FM's Bed

"Welcome to my House"

A short drive thereafter, we arrived at the Fort Ilocandia, touted as the only 5-star hotel up north. Photo-ops beckon in each nook and cranny of the hotel. Although it was already my 4th time to visit the place, its façade, landscape and interior still has that aura that will make you travel back in time.

My Hunny

On the Second Floor of the Hotel is a Casino


Chasing Deers?

Fountain at the back of the Hotel

Hiyaa!!! Tigidig tigidig!

EJ, including us kids-at-heart even had the chance to play at the playground on the other side of the road. We also watched the beautiful sunset on the beach at the Western side of the hotel where people rent cottages to either while away time, enjoy the sea, or just bond with families and friends.

Yipee! Kids at heart


The Park's version of a Hanging Bridge

Kamehame Wave

Jump Shot! Even EJ participated

We all of us feeling tired and hungry after a long day, we had dinner at the Bamboo Bistro, a restobar in Laoag City located along the highway leading to Pagudpud.

To cap the night away, we sang to our hearts’ delight while Ariel strummed the guitar at the terrace of the house (located in front of a University/College) of Tita Vangie who was more than gracious to accommodate us for the second night in a row.

Northern Escapade 1 - Vigan, Ilocos Sur

For our Summer Trip this year, the Guyz and Gals decided to go up north to Ilocandia.

Our initial itinerary for this 4day/4night trip is to go all the way to and spend the 1st day and night in Pagudpud, the 2nd to be devoted within the confines of Laoag City, the 3rd in the City of Vigan, while the 4th would be allotted for extra time and land travel. I believe that this timetable means the trip will be less stressful, especially for the driver, as you are already travelling your way back to Manila while you are enjoying the sites of Ilocandia. Hence, you should be guided by this principle in every trip that you shall make.

Putting it in matters of distance, while Pagudpud is more or less 570kms from Manila, Vigan City is a lot nearer at 407kms. Hence, you’ll have a shorter trip on your way home. However, since my bestfriend Doc will only join us on our 3rd day, we decided to alter our schedule.

From our office in Makati, I had to go through the hassle of the usual Friday night rush hour on my way home to Quezon City where my Hunny and I are to meet my bestfriend Ganie. We left QC at 9:00pm and arrived at our home in Ramos, Tarlac at around 10:45pm. Not bad at all considering that it’s Friday.

Since we had to wait for Angel, our rendezvous with the Guyz/Gals at the 7-11 convenience store in Paniqui was moved to 1:00AM. Good thing, we were kept awake by the many stories of my loving mother.

Then off the Guyz/Gals go. (Oliver & Bette, Ganie, Ariel & Mitch, Jeric & Myra, Angel & Bibing(Angel’s Sister), Belinda & Eric, and the very lovable EJ. Abner and Jen, will meet us in Laoag as they still were scheduled to be on-duty for Saturday.

Our 1st stop is the Paraiso ni Juan in Narvacan. What the heck, all of my passengers are deep asleep whereas I was already driving for more than 6 hours since we left Paniqui. So I just parked on the road and went to dig in for my requested chicken sandwich prepared by Eric.
Paraiso ni Juan is famous for being one of the spots where the late FPJ shot his legendary “Ang Panday”. The place really is a beach where people have their picnic, and during low tide, one can cross the boulders serving as a bridge to the grotto located at the end.

South China Sea

Huge

Grotto

After leaving our things at the house of Tita Vangie (Jen's Aunt) in San Juan, Ilocos Sur, we proceeded back to Vigan and had lunch at the Grandpa’s Inn and Restaurant in Vigan courtesy of Tita Vangie.

In the afternoon, we went to visit the "Baluarte", which is actually within the confines of the mansion of Ilocos Sur's most influential son, Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson. The place is really akin to a zoo, though in my opinion, it is better maintained than the rest.

For a minimal fee, you get to see different kinds of birds like cockatoos, lories, cockatiels, and an ostrich. There is also a camel (maybe the only one in the Philippines), on which you can ride and take your pictures. Lots of miniature horses, and of course, flocks of sheep and deer roaming around. One of the attractions of the place is a booth on the second floor where you can take pictures with a baby tiger and a python, of course for a fee.

"You can reach me by Caravan..."

Laki ng Birdie

Wad mo 'to tatadat ha...

Fierce

There are also stalls outside selling the delicious “tinubong”, “calamay”, and other ilocos favorites such as chichacorn.

Hey Bambi

Our next stop is the "pagburnayan". As the name implies, it is here where the best clay pots and jars ("burnays") of the north are made.

Diggin' in

Pots...anyone?

Got dirt?

Manong (sowee I forgot your name...mea culpa) was very accommodating and made an instant demonstration on how to make a jar. He was able to mold a bare puddle of mud into a very beautiful and elegant jar. Manong was likewise able to make intricate designs on the jar by simply using a tiny piece of wood.

great hands

awesome

Patrick Swayze wannabe

Finished Product

Our final stop for the day is the Hidden Garden. This is a place where you can find lots of plants and even buy them for a lesser price. We first toured their impressive Garden, and being a green thumb, I bought 2 seedlings of Bottle Palms for P50 each.

Plants...where are the Zombies?

Carabao Topiary....Guyito, is that you?

We then had dinner at their Lilong & Lilang Coffee Shop. The food is somewhat pricey but it was worth it. We had a feast of their dinengdeng, grilled chicken, bagnet, KBL (kamatis, bagoong and lasona) and our all-time favorite “warek-warek”. Their native halo-halo is a must-try for those who have a sweet tooth like me.

Halo Halo


Warek-Warek



KBL


The Guyz/Gals with the Owner of the Hidden Garden

With our tummys full, we finally proceeded to the house of Tita Vangie in San Juan, Ilocos Sur (more or less 30 minutes from Vigan) where we are to spend the first night of our Northern Escapade that has just “Vigan”.

Calle Crisologo

Father and Son

Crisologo at Night

Other notable tourist sites in Ilocos Sur, which unfortunately we failed to visit, include the Vigan City Heritage Mansion (Village), Crisologo Musuem, St. Paul Cathedral, Syquia Mansion, and Villa Angela in Vigan. The Bantay Church and Bell Tower in nearby Bantay Town. The Baroque Church in Sta. Maria (declared a World Heritage Site) and Pinsal Falls in Sta. Maria. The Padre Burgos Museum, as well as, the Magsingal Musuem will give you a piece of Philippine history.

Of course, all these are more than enough reasons for us to go back to this part of Ilocandia.

Our Video Won!

THE 2ND SONY ANNUAL WEDDING VIDEO COMPETITION GRAND PRIZE WINNER from RSVP VIDEO PRODUCTION on Vimeo.

Hunny

Meet my Hunny...she may not be perfect....but we are just perfect for each other. For me...she is love...and love...and love...and love...iloveyouverymuch Hun.

SiR Zoilo's Good News

I received a phonecall one lazy afternoon in April....to my surprise, it was my former professor in Math during my High School days, Mr. Zoilo Briones. He blurted out..."iho may goodnews ako sa 'yo...ikakasal na ako at kukunin kitang abay." So i said yes...definitely sir basta ikaw.

Yesterday...i took a leave from the office...pack my bags to Tarlac...with Hunny and my Bestfriend Abner who by the way is an Anesthesiologist. "Veil sponsor ako...cord sponsor si Doc...Sadly,Doc lost his mobile phone on his way to our house in QC. So he borrowed my phone saying that he's going to text his Mahal...Ais...whose based down south. The funny thing about that was that he texted the wrong person...instead of her GF...he texted my officemate Ice...hahaha...and he even called her "Mahal". So funny indeed for him to do that.

Now back to the wedding...we were late...at least we made it...walk down the aisle...but Doc and I were the last members of the entourage to arrive hahaha...mga walanghiyang istudyante....pa-importante. :)

The wedding went well...i see the happiness in the eyes of my professor...including his bride. I just wish that they be happy together for the rest of their lives. And for me...that's the most important "good news" that i long to hear from them.