For someone who is Ilocano, I haven’t really gone to Ilocos
and see the wonderful tourist attractions it has to offer. I’ve been around Visayas but I
haven’t really gone up north (except for our province in Isabela and Nueva
Vizcaya).
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| Calle Crisologo |
Since my sister came home for a vacation, my brother planned
for us to go on a road trip up north to explore the sights of Ilocos.
My brother rented a van that can fit all of us (11 people)
and we were on our way. First stop, Vigan.
Vigan is known for its old world charm, it’s a place where
it seems like time stood still since its architecture still reflects the
Spanish era of the Philippines.
We checked in at Vigan Plaza Hotel which was the perfect
location as it was right on Calle Crisologo, the famed street in Vigan.
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| Vigan Plaza Hotel |
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| Vigan Plaza Hotel |
The hotel definitely has a vintage feel, with wood floors and furniture,
and old Spanish tiles.
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| Interiors of Vigan Plaza Hotel |
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| I love Spanish tiles |
Although a little tired from the long
journey, we weren’t able to settle in completely as we had to start some sightseeing and do some tourist
activities already.
As advised by my brother, we rented 3 tricycles (for each family) that will take us around. First we visited the weaving center and see how these intricate weaved products are traditionally made.
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| Weaving Center |
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| Souvenirs |
Ofcourse we wouldn't leave empty handed right? The center sells products at a factory price (since the weaved products are made there) and products range from knick knack souvenirs to bags and items for the home.
Next, we went to see how the traditional burnay jars (mud jars) are made. For a fee, you can also experience making one so both my nephews tried it. Word of caution, make sure you're not wearing white (even shoes) as you may get stains.
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| Jars ready to be sold |
The last stop of the day was the Bantay Bell tower before
heading back to our hotel to freshen up and get ready for dinner.
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| Saint Agustine Parish Church or Bantay Church |
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| Bantay Bell Tower |
For dinner, we decided on Café Leona, which is a famed local
restaurant in Vigan. We ordered their specialties and I wanted to
try Vigan’s famous longganisa.
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| Vigan Plaza Hotel |
After dinner we headed out to explore Calle Crisologo. It
was a beautifully night, spoiled by a little rain but was clear again after an
hour or so. There were a lot of people walking around its cobble stone streets,
there are open souvenir shops to get your shopping fix and people taking selfies here and
there to capture the night.
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| Calle Crisologo |
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| Calle Crisologo |
The next morning, I woke up early so that I can take pictures
at Calle Crisologo. I thought I will be the only one there during that time but
around 5:15AM, there were already people there (not as much as last night)
walking around and taking pictures. So much for having the street to myself (note: make sure to go earlier, probably 4:30 AM???)
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| Mornings at Calle Crisologo |
We had a hearty
breakfast at Vigan Plaza’s restaurant called Bigaa (I liked the
interiors, although it was a little modern for the overall look of the hotel), and again, I
had to get my Vigan longganisa fix once more (coupled with sukang iloko, totally delicious!).
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| Vigan Plaza Hotel |
After breakfast, we packed our stuff and started our journey again, this time to reach the beach of Pagudpud. On route to Pagudpud, we stopped by the different
tourist attractions of Ilocos.
First was Paoay church. Just like Vigan, Paoay church is considered as a Unesco
World heritage site. Its beautiful architecture is really something to be
admired.
Just make sure to be respectful as this is a place of worship, no loud talking or disturbing the parishioners having their quiet time.
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| Paoay Church |
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| Paoay Church |
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| Paoay Church |
After Paoay Church (and getting some Vigan empanada and a lot of chicacorn from nearby souvenir shops), we were on our way again, this time going to the Malacanang of the North in Laoag.
I could just imagine the place during its hey day, with beautiful and opulent fixtures and grand balls being held there. Still, the place somehow still retains its old world charm and beautiful paintings and wood work.
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| Gorgeous figurines inside the building |
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Beautiful scenery outside of the building |
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| Malacanang of the North |
After going around, we needed a much needed refreshment break which included drinking some coconut juice (fresh out of the coconut) and ice cold water.
Next was checking out the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. There's a little bit (around 200 - 300 meters) of a hike going to where the lighthouse is but the views are well worth it. Better bring some water an umbrella or a hat if you do decide to walk. If not, there are tricycles that you can ride going up and back down.
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| Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in the background |
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| Incredible views from the lighthouse |
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| Cape Bojeador Lighthouse |
It was a very hot day and after that hike, all I wanted to do is drink water with a ton of ice (or just chew on ice) and stay inside the van for air-conditioning.
But before we could reach our destination which was Pagudpud, we still had 1 more stop, and that was the windmills (wind turbines to be exact) of Bangui.
As we approached, we were already greeted by these giants slowly turning and capturing the wind. The kids in particular were particularly excited to see these giants jotting out in the horizon.
It was a hot day, but I didn't mind the heat, all I can think of it was a beautiful day and I'm spending the day with my family. Plus, I really had to make sure I get as much pictures for my file and for Instagram purposes as well. Like they say, "it didn't happen if its not on Instagram", hahaha.
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| Windmills at Bangui |
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| Windmills at Bangui |
After all the pictures were already taken, and it was already lunch time, we hurried to destination so that we can relax and unwind at the beach of Pagudpud.
Once we saw the arch, we were already excited to change in our swimwear and take a dip.
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| Welcome to Pagudpud |
Again, thanks to Agoda.com, we booked our accommodations at Casa Consuelo. The family owned resort is the farthest which makes it idyllic and quiet. The resort has their own beachfront (although some parts are rocky) and a pool if the beach is not your thing.
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| View of the shore from Casa Consuelo |
Since we arrived past lunch already, we were starving and the first thing we did was eat a very late lunch. We were also in a hurry because we wanted to catch some sun at the beach and make the most of our day.
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| View of Casa Consuelo from the beach |
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| View of the property from our Cabana |
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| View of the beach |
After eating, we hurriedly went to what they call as Blue Lagoon, a public beach in Pagudpud. The water was warm and clear, and we had a lot of fun taking underwater pictures of each other.
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| Swimming |
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| Swimming at Blue Lagoon |
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| Blue Lagoon Pagudpud Ilocos Norte Philippines |
The area of Blue Lagoon is filled with small hotels and the night life seems to be starting already (good thing we were located at the far end to have some peace and quiet).
As the sun came down, we decided to go back to our resort and take a dip instead in the pool and have some beer to cap the night.
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| Relaxing poolside at Casa Consuelo |
The next day, I woke up early (when I travel, for some reason, even though I sleep late, I still wake up early), to catch the sunrise. Going to the beach, I already saw my sister taking pictures.
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| Sunrise in Pagudpud |
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| Sunrise with the Dos Hermanos islands in the background |
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| Selfie time |
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| Waiting for breakfast |
It was a nice morning bonding, all of us were out taking pictures and enjoying the morning. After breakfast, what else to do? Take more pictures!
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| Casa Consuelo's beach front |
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| Beautiful day at the beach |
We walked around the shoreline from Casa Consuelo and we were advised that we can actually walk to the Dos Hermanos islands during low tide. We were close to the islets but we weren't able to go. We instead just took more pictures.
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| Modeling |
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| Strolling by the beach |
After taking pictures, what now? Take a dip in the pool and lounge around ofcourse!
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| Lounging around our cabana |
To end our Ilocos journey, we went to Patapat viaduct and took in the incredible view of the West Philippine sea coupled with clear skies.
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| Patapat viaduct |
Next and last stop of our Northern Adventure is Baguio. Before heading to Baguio, my brother (who is our designated driver) said we'll stop over for the night somewhere over La Union because the drive from Pagudpud to Baguio would be too far and too long. While on route, we searched for possible options and found Villa Estrella.
It was already around 9PM when we reached our accommodations for the night and everyone was already tired (especially my brother who has been driving non-stop for that long). While everyone headed to their rooms, I decided to have a night cap and hang-out at their restaurant and enjoy a beer and look at the waves.
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| Night cap |
Villa Estrella's room are big (this is probably an understatement) with a lot of storage space. Also, the property is right beside the beach so you can have a gorgeous view of the sea while having breakfast.
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| Clear skies ahead |
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| View of the property |
After breakfast, we hurried back into the van and drove off to what we call the City of Pines or the Summer Capital of the Philippines, which is Baguio city.
We reached the city by lunch time and the 1st agenda would be lunch. We tried the Mile Hi Diner for some Pizza and Burgers.
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| Mile Hi Diner |
From the heat of the beach, it was a nice change with the cool temperature. I like that we didn't really have to worry about perspiring while we were wondering around and exploring the city.
Since we were already at Camp John Hay, we parked and found a spot where we could take some nice family photos (which includes jump shots and wacky pics).
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| Jump! |
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| View of the tall Pine trees |
Good thing cameras are digital nowadays because if not, we would have used a ton of film by now with all the pictures.
Next stop is a classic, Mines View Park. True the park has seen better days and its overrun by a million people, locals and tourists alike, but hey, we still stopped by for some pictures and souvenirs. Note, if this was me, I would skip this already since there's really not much to see and do.
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| Plants and flowers being sold at Mines View Park |
And speaking of souvenirs, would we forget the famous Ube of Good Shepherd? For a Sunday, I was quite surprised that there was no line at all, literally! While my sister was busy buying, I stopped by their coffee shop to try their Alamid (Asian palm civet in English) coffee. Basically the coffee beans is collected from the poop of the Alamid who eats the coffee cherries. Sounds interesting?
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| Waiting for my coffee at Good Shepherd |
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| My Alamid coffee |
After coffee, we drove off to our accommodations, Azalea residences. The hotel is nice and airy with a big open plan design thanks to its Atrium.
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| Azalea Residences Atrium |
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| Cloudy day in Baguio |
Since we were on the road much of the time, and used up all our baon for the trip, leaving the parents and the kids behind, us adults went to SM Baguio to grab some supplies.
As expected from any other SM, it was literally crawling with people. Who can blame them, there's only 1 mall so far and with the mall culture of the Philippines, and its a weekend, we should have known better.
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| View from SM Baguio |
We got back just in time for our last family dinner for this trip. Then it was time to celebrate with some drinks (we have a bottle of Johnnie Walker black all along the trip).
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| Cheers to a successful Northern trip |
No one really woke up early the next day but instead slept in a little late (probably getting caught up with sleep with all the travelling we've been doing for the last 5 days). After a hearty buffet breakfast, it was time to get dressed, pack-up and head back home to Manila.
Last stop before Manila was to visit The Mansion. A Baguio trip wouldn't be complete without stopping over here and getting your picture taken. Outside, there are vendors selling different items and who wouldn't want to try the strawberry taho.
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| The Mansion |
This was a jam-packed long weekend. In 5 days we were able to do a lot of things, and visit a lot of sights up North. I've been wanting to do this trip for a long time with friends but I'm happy that I was able to do it with my family.
With this trip, now I'm inspired to do more road trips and visit different parts of Luzon. You'll definitely read about it here. Til' next time!
Follow me on Instagram at @cjsohot
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