Wanderlust: October 2014

We flew to Laoag at night as it was the only available flight in the region. So, our first escapade was the morning after and we decided to start at Vigan. As my friends and I love heritage tours, we knew right then we're gonna enjoy this first day in Ilocos. We left the hotel in Laoag at 7am and arrived in Vigan at around 830am. It was a 82km drive and fare is around 137pesos.

Once in Vigan, we started to walk near the plaza where the church is. Took some pictures and headed off to the near Burgos Museum. The museum boasts of the old pictures of Vigan Church way, way back in time. Don't expect much of it though as it is not really that well maintained.

St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral

Then we hired a tricycle for our Vigan tour. First stop was Bantay Church and just a little walk from it was the Bell tower which was a magnificent sight. There is a photographer that you can hire in there just like in Cagsawa Ruins in Bicol. We did hire one and we were happy with the pictures so we gave the photographer 200pesos.

Bantay Church

Bell Tower

Here are some of the photos taken by Kuya:

Then we head off to pottery making at Pagburnayan.

and the carabao gets all the hardwork

Next stop, was the Hidden Garden to try the dragon fruit shake but unfortunately at that time it was not available. Good thing the food was great so it was not a disappointment.

Some of the plants at the Hidden Garden:

But one thing that caught our eye is what they call the "Sarimanok". It was my first time to see one so I was totally amazed. It was such a nice sight.

Then we went to Chavit Singson's Baluarte. It's like his mini zoo. He loves animals so much, that he put up this place to show and share to people his passion for it.

Next stop was the Syquia Mansion, the home of the former President Elpidio Quirino. It's called Syquia as it is actually the ancestral home of her wife Alicia Syquia. Nice thing about this Mansion is there is a tour guide that acts as the host of the house. He was able to provide some anecdotes, history and a little something about the family.

After Syquia Mansion, Kuya took us to Crisologo's House. We did not take much pictures there as the place was chaotic. It wanted to show all of Crisologo but fails to leave a mark, but this is just me saying. Or I think, I expected to have a guide who would tell more stories about his life, the story behind the pictures just like in the Syquia Mansion.

Collection of Hats in the Crisologo House

The last leg of the tour, Kuya dropped us at Calle Crisologo. This is where the old houses are lined up. It was still a nice sight but I just wished they removed all modern structures to it as it disrupts the view.Most of the ground floors in those houses are turned to stores and restaurant. This is also where you can buy pasalubong.

After all the walking and picture taking, we decided to head off to Cafe Leona for our merienda. I think we ordered pizza, pasta and Iced tea. It was great and the price is not too expensive, just right for the budget.

After our Vigan Trip yesterday, we expect more adventures for the 2nd day as we will be going extreme. We're going to try out Sandboarding and the 4X4 ride in the Sand Dunes. So we woke up around 4am just so we can arrive in the Sanddunes at 6am. We don't want to get burned from the sun as the sand gets hotter around 9am and chances are we might not be able to enjoy the sandboarding. It was indeed a good plan, the experience was exhilirating. The ride itself was a rollercoaster. We were screaming and laughing.

Tip:When you're going down the dunes, don't resist the gravity just go with it and have fun. Chances are when you put too much pressure on the bars, you're gonna hurt your arms. Just always maintain a tight grip to the bars during the ride.

Sandboarding was fun too though we could not make it in the standing position. The sitting position is just easy as you just let your board go down the dune. Good thing it was not windy at the time when we did the sandboarding, read from other blogs they literally eat sand. I tried it three times and gave up, the ride down is great but the climbing back is tiring. I kept on dragging my weight to the top (lol).

Next stop was the Paoay Church. I've been longing to see this place since the first time I went to Ilocos in 2007. I just have this thing with old churches, it takes me back to time. I love that they don't paint the exterior as it adds age to it. And age spans history, wisdom and knowledge.

View of the Church from the Garden

Next stop was the Malacanang of the North or the Malacañang Ti Amianan . The office was big and almost everything in there have this "Imeldific". At the back of the building is the Paoay lake which according to Kuya is said to have a sinkhole, don't know if this is true though.

Paoay Lake

Then we head off to our last stop in Paoay, in Fort Ilocandia, one of the best hotels in the region. We just had our picture taken in the signage and the front of the hotel. There is not much to see in here so I wonder why my friend recommended me to drop at this place.

Kuya guide then brought us to Batac, where the Former President Marcos is still laid. It was creepy inside as the light is dim and the background music is like one of those you hear in the suspense or horror film.

marker at Marcos Mausoleum

Then we head out to try the Batac empanada as recommended by Kuya. If you get to this area, you must try their empanadas. They have variety of choices for the fillings, they have eggs, longganisa

We head back to Laoag for our lunch. This time we tried the Eagle's Nest. It's the restaurant of the famous Java hotel. The restaurant is nice except for the fact that it is located at the back of the gas station. We literally ate our hearts out as we tried the Ilocano dishes. All were stand out except for the dinuguang chicharon. We did not like it as there is an after taste and the smell. Anyway, we had our stomachs filled as we head on to Pagudpud for the rest of the afternoon.

Next stop was the Cape Boreador in Burgos, Ilocos Sur.

Then right after it, we dropped by at the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. There is an option where you can walk or ride a horse going to the formation but we preferred to walk as the area is windy. There, after 15mins of walking in the scorching sun, the great white rock stands proudly at its throne. Umbrellas cannot stand a chance in the strong winds, better wear longsleeves and don't forget to bring hat and scarf for that extra protection.

the hole is big that we actually fit in there

The next stop- Bangui windmills. Those are really big, I think it scared me a bit staying under its blades. Wind in this area is so strong, it can literally blew you away. Wear your shades all the time as the sand gets to your eyes.

Arriving at Pagudpud. Kuya asked us to get off the van and take jumpshots at this signage. It was fun playing patintero with all the vehicles passing. The local kids served us lookouts.