Ilocandia Adventures - (Part 3 - Vigan City)

VIGAN CITY

Vigan City is known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial and Asian architecture. As per UNESCO, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. The city I longed to visit and experience a blast from the past. It surely is one of the unique places in the Philippines.

How I got there:

From Pagudpud, we asked our guide if there is a bus that directly goes to Vigan from Pagudpud since originally, we plan on going back to Laoag and the go to Vigan from there. Our guide said there is but it is a bus going to Baguio City and will just pass by Vigan. He kindly waited with us for the bus until we were able to catch one. It is purely luck to catch one early, we waited for nearly an hour. Our guide does have a contact from somewhere up north and said that there is a bus going our way. The journey takes about 3-4 hours.

A hotel built like it was in the Spanish era but in modern times.

The things I did and the places I went to:

We arrived around 1 o'clock in the afternoon in Vigan and asked the trike driver to take us to a place where we can eat Vigan food. He took us to a carenderia but it is somehow crowded so it seems like it is a popular place to go. Our main goal to is to go to Calle Crisologo where the heritage are is. Only kalesas are allowed to pass through the entire strip due to the preserved cobblestone path and the entire street has European influenced architecture. We didn't spend a night of sleep at Vigan because our flight schedule is tomorrow evening so we need to be in Laoag by tomorrow. It was also 1PM that time and the museums where still close as they will reopen at around 1:30PM. We just decided to walk to Calle Crisologo so to see the buildings that we will pass by as they are as interesting as the ones in Calle Crisologo. There are a lot of souvenir stores located at Calle Crisologo so you have lots to choose from. After that we, went to the Baluarte - Vigan's Zoo. We took a package so that we can have our pictures taken with 5 of their show animals. The package is Php500 and you will have 5 different animals to get selfies with. We didn't have time to go to the museums as it was around 4PM or 5PM that we were at the zoo. They have deers walking around freely and they were white deers. I have heard that Café Uno is a must visit place if you are in Vigan so to kill time, we hang out there and order their carrot cake and my, it was delicious! Vigan is also known for their dancing fountain and that was one of the things we need to witness. It occurs every night at 7PM at their plaza. I recommend you to see it for yourself to see how amazing it was.

Kalesa @ Calle Crisologo

McDonald's @ Vigan City - Combining old and new.

Cafe Uno's carrot cake. Yum!

Vigan's Dancing Fountain lights

What I want you to know:

1. There is a kalesa tour that can take you to their spots for Php150-Php300. Just ask about it and don't forget to check the places covered by the tour, if it sounds like a great deal then take it.
2. There is a bus going that comes from Manila to stop over Vigan and goes to Laoag at night. We were able to catch one at around 9:30PM. Be sure to ask by the time you arrive in Vigan if there is one that day if in case that you don't plan on staying for the night.

Feel free to ask me questions! Leave me a message :)

Ilocandia Adventures - (Part 2 - Pagudpud)

PAGUDPUD

Pagudpud is a fourth class municipality and a coastal resort town of Ilocos Norte province, in the northern Ilocos Region of the Philippines. It is the countryside tour I recommend you do while you're in Ilocos Norte.

How I got there:

I have researched to take a bus or van bound for Claveria Cagayan, as it will pass by the town of Pagudpud, which is the last town before reaching Claveria Cagayan. Travel time is 1.5-2 hours. Fare is about Php70 (as of this writing; may change the without prior notice). Tell the driver/conductor to drop you off at Baduang Market. The bus that we rode though was for Pagudpud not for Claveria Cagayan but we still asked to be dropped off Baduang Market still.

Where I stayed:

Our tricycle guide/driver brought us to Northridge Beach Resort as we have not booked in advance because we originally plan on not staying overnight at Pagudpud. The room was fair and it was Php1000 good for two people. It was located at Saud beach so it was a good location. We were able to walk by the shore and was even able to visit the different resorts there though most of them were closed early in the morning.

For a list of accommodations, please check this page.

The things I did and the places I went to:

From a blog, I was able to get in contact with Kuya Rene at 09208532047 (his number may have changed) for the tour. The tour is actually separated per package where South Pagudpud tour and North Pagudpud tour costs Php600 each. The easiest way to go visiting the tourist spots in Pagudpud and the surrounding towns is through a trike/tricycle tour. The locations are really far away from each other. If you are on a big group, I recommend you rent a van. We took both the North and South tour from our guide which would amount to Php1,200. Because my travel buddy was sick, we opt not to go to Kabigan Falls as we have to walk there for like 30 minutes and so Kuya Rene offered the tour to us for Php1,000.

Here are some of the places we went to:

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Bangui Windfarm and Windmills

Patapat Viaduct

Blue Lagoon

Maira-ira Beach Resort

Patapat Viaduct

Agua Grande Park

Mama Mary's Grotto - Paraiso ni Anton

Overlooking the Blue Lagoon

Hannah's Resort at the Blue Lagoon

A cottage at the Blue Lagoon

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Bangui Windmills

What I want you to know:

1. Bring change cash with you as this is a typical Philippine town that ATMs are not readily available.
2. I got some stomachache during my stay there but there were no drugstores near and towns close very early in provinces so be ready with your medicine kit for your trip. No worries, I survived that night of stomach cramps. 

Please check out the next entry for my last stop, Vigan City! 

Click here for my Laoag City adventure.

Ilocandia Adventures - (Part 1 - Laoag City)

Ilocandia is the term given to the traditional homeland of the Ilocano people.

From the original western strip of Northern Luzon (now known as the Region 1 or Ilocos Region), Ilocandia has spread throughout the Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, and some parts of Central Luzon.

Being in the Visayas, I have long heard of Vigan which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it few Hispanic towns left in the Philippines where its structures have remained intact, and is well known for its cobblestone streets and a unique architecture that fuses Philippine and Oriental building designs and construction, with colonial European architecture. It makes me want to go there so that I will have the experience to go back in time to the Spanish era. I was able to find a great seat sale that will allow me to and so I did! I came traveling with my friend/office mate that time so it was a lesser burden when it comes to expenses.

LAOG CITY

Laoag City is our jump-off point. The city is the province's political, commercial, and industrial hub and the location of the Ilocos Region's only commercial airport, the Laoag International Airport.

How I got there:

You can get to Laoag City from Manila in two ways -  by land or by air.  Taking the land route gives you a travel time of 10-13 hours. We are pressed for time so taking the plane is the best and time-saving option. The flight is about 45 minutes to an hour.

 CebuPacific and Philippine Airlines have routes there.

Where I stayed:

My friend and I stayed at Texicano Hotel. Texicano is ‘a bit old’. Yes, it’s not winning awards for, well, anything, but this is still a popular backpacker selection. As long as you don't expect much then it is good for a night's stay. We actually stayed her for two nights - the night we arrived from our flight from Manila and the night we arrived from Vigan city (check details about what happened).

*prices may change prior notice

For more a list of LAOAG ACCOMMODATION: Cheap Lodges, Pension Houses, Resorts and Luxury Hotels, visit this page.

The things I did and the places I went to:

The airport is in Laoag City so we decided to tour Laoag on our last day there. At least, we won't fret much on catching our flight. Flights to Laoag are usually at night time so when we arrived in Manila, we had to stay the night there and we stayed at Texicano Hotel. We were hungry by the time we arrived and the hotel has a restaurant but we opt to check if there are still places open that we can eat. We were lucky to find one, a Kampampangan restaurant in Laoag - Ravanden's. I haven't tried authentic Kampampangan dish so I can't compare it to anything else but it was satisfying. We went back to the hotel after as we had to be early the next day to catch the bus going to Pagudpud.

Inside Ravanden's

By the time we got back from Vigan, we stayed at Texicano Hotel once more. The kuya that we contacted for the Pagudpud tour referred his cousin for the trike tour in Laoag. We paid Php600 for the entire tour. By the next day, he was already waiting outside of the hotel. We were pressed for time as we had a flight schedule at 7PM bound for Manila so I asked  kuya driver if we can cover the places and be done by 5PM. He said that it can be done so and so we checked out of the hotel and brought our things with us during the tour. We first asked him to take us somewhere to eat and somehow requested that it should offer their dishes because we would like to try them. He took us I think to his favorite carenderia and it was what we need. I ordered Dinakdakan,  which is a twist to the regular grilled pork – it’s pork belly plus liver plus ears, covered in pig’s brain , and Sinanglaw, a dish made of the pig’s internal organs, whose broth is flavored by the pig’s bile. Those may sound gross but they were tasty. I am adventurous with food so I wasn't afraid of trying out locals' dishes. After that, we started our tour. Here are the places we went to:

Marcos Museum and Mausoleum

Paoay Church

Paoay Lake

Malacañang of the North

Museo Ilocos Norte

Fort Ilocandia Resort

St. William's Church And Laoag Sinking Bell Tower

La Paz Sand Dunes

The 4x4 experience that we had at the La Paz Sand dunes was awesome. It is a must try if you are in Laoag. It was not part of our tour package but our tour guide/driver agreed to take us there and wait for us. For a group of 4, the ride costs about Php2500 including  the sand boarding experience. But we were just a group of 2 but we were offered Php1500 for half an hour without sand boarding. It was an awesome deal for us so we took it and it was a really fun and exciting ride for us! I enjoyed it very much!

Laoag Sinking Bell Tower

St. William's Church

Paoay Church

Malacañang of the North

Fort Ilocandia Resort

A fountain inside Fort Ilocandia

Museo Ilocos Norte

Dinakdakan

Sinanglaw

What I want you to know:

1. Flights are usually at night, so better make the necessary arrangements with your late check in with the hotel of your choice and of your itinerary.
2. It will never hurt to ask and maybe you can get a good deal with that ;)
3. I had trouble with sand going inside my shoes at the sand dunes, I never expected to get of the 4x4 to take pictures and such so better put on the proper footwear and depends on the time you go there - sun glasses if you can.
4. Bring change with you as there are corresponding fees for museums which varies from Php30-Php120.

Check out my Pagudpud adventure on my next post!

A Look Back: Boracay

Boracay, the famous beach destination in the Philippines which is a go-to place for tourists who loves to party and chill. Most people go there during summer and that this location usually held beach events where local artists gather and do beach sports sponsored by certain companies in the Philippines. Now, what is an introvert like me doing in a place like this? A place flocked with people both foreign and local?

Well, there is a story to that one. I wanted to visit Boracay and see for myself why people talk about this "paradise". But within my bucket lists, it is not top priority. I didn't even planned on going there that time. I went there on the summer of 2013 and yes that was 3 years ago so apologies if I can't remember how much I spent there or how I went there.

The beach front full of tourists

My workmates wanted to go to Boracay and as they say the more the merrier so they convinced me in joining. I was really declining on joining but they convinced me otherwise. I just thought to take advantage of the opportunity as I may not be able to go there for the next years or maybe not at all. I am comfortable with my two workmates so I told myself that I am okay in going there with them.

How I got there:

We went to Boracay via Iloilo City.  What I remember is that, we were unable to go there via Kalibo or Caticlan as there were no more flights available because it was March and it was summer. Yes, it was Peak Season that time. I've researched the latest information on how to get there so that it will be much more accurate. Here are the ways you could get to paradise:

The ferry port

Iloilo to Caticlan

Take a bus from Tagbac Bus Terminal in Iloilo to Caticlan and then take the ferry across as described below. Both AC and non-AC buses run the route and cost (as of July 2016) ₱350. All buses pass through Kalibo and may only have a sign on the front for Kalibo, be sure to confirm the same bus goes through to Caticlan or you may have to change buses. The bus route takes approximately 6 hours. Private vans may also be hired to run the route. Vans that can fit up to 12 passengers may try to get passenger's at the port, near the airport, and from near the Tagbac Bus Terminal. Jeepneys can take you from the port or airport to the Tagbac Bus Terminal. You may have to change between Jeepney routes, but drivers should be able to direct you.

Caticlan to Boracay

Whether you go by plane or by boat, you will pass through the small town of Malay on the "mainland" of Panay island. Outrigger boats or "bancas" leave every few minutes from Caticlan's jetty port. After exiting the Caticlan Airport, find the tricycle stand to the right, past the various resort offerings. A tricycle and boat for two people from Caticlan Airport to the Boracay jetty is ₱150. Just the boat from the Caticlan Jetty to the Boracay Jetter will cost you ₱25 in addition to the following Environmental and Terminal fees. Tourists also have to pay a terminal fee of ₱100 and an environmental fee of ₱75.

By plane

There are two airports located near to the island of Boracay.

• Caticlan or Godofredo P. Ramos Airport
• Only relatively small aircraft can land at this airport. Airlines with flights to and from Caticlan are: Cebu Pacific Air from Manila and Cebu, Philippine Airlines and SkyJet from Manila only. From Caticlan airport you can either take a tricycle (₱50 fixed price for airport tricycle, or ₱10 per passenger if you walk out to the main road and catch the shared ride on a tricycle passing by) or walk (10 minutes) to Caticlan Jetty Port. If you are not comfortable on small planes (or with rough landings), you should consider flying into and out of the larger Kalibo Airport.
• Kalibo International Airport
•  Compared to Caticlan's airport, the Kalibo Airport runway is able to land larger aircraft such as Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s. However, it is further from Caticlan's jetty port which is 80 minutes away.

There are minivans, vans, coasters and buses that serve travelers between Kalibo International Airport and Caticlan Jetty Port.

By road and ferry (RoRo)

The "Nautical Highway" is a combination of overland highways and roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) vessels that allows you to bring your vehicle to Panay Island and visit key cities like Kalibo. Taking your car all the way to Boracay, though, isn't possible.

Public transport also operates on this same route and is the most cost-effective way of traveling between Manila and Boracay. Assuming good connections, the total journey time is around 12 hours.

The easiest way of arranging this is to book a van in Manila by contacting private operators. This will enable you to book a straight trip from Manila to Caticlan at the cost of ₱1200, more or less. Their group operates several passenger vans which can load 10-14 or 15-18 persons. You book the trip exclusively or share with fellow travellers.

There are one or two ferries per day direct from Batangas Port to Caticlan Port, which eliminates the long sea and road journey from Batangas to Roxas.

he more challenging (but slightly cheaper) do-it-yourself version goes as follows:

The easiest way would be to book a straight trip that allows you to purchase just one ticket from Cubao terminal to Caticlan Port. The cost is between ₱1000-1200.

But if you really want to save money, you can also commute from Cubao bus terminal station (near Alimall). There is really no difference except for the fact that you need to purchase ticket/s in every stop.

Cubao-Batangas Best leave 07:00-08:00 so you arrive in Batangas Port before 22:00.

Batangas-Calapan the trip takes 2 hours via cargo ship or an hour to one hour and a half via Supercat. Do not purchase tickets for the Calapan to Roxas Van as this can either be a scam or you end up squeezed in one van along with several other passengers with tickets.

Disclaimer: The information above is from Wiki Travel. To know more details, please click here to be redirected to the website.

Inside the ferry terminal

Where I stayed:

I remember very well where we stayed. It was budget friendly and is located within Station 2 where restaurants and parties took places. It was Bonzai Beach Resort. They have 2 types of rooms. The bamboo veranda and main building rooms where the rooms are concrete. We stayed at the concrete room and we are satisfied with the place. For more info, check out their website here. 

Just at the back is where Bonzai Beach is

Boracay Regency Hotel sign

7 Stones Hotel - located on the other side of the island

Still part of the Boracay Regency Hotel

The things I did and the places I went to:

Unfortunately, I didn't get to do the activities that Boracay is famous for - snorkling, scuba diving, island hopping/boat tours, kite boarding, skim boarding, ATV, parasailing, etc. Well, so happens that my travel buddies are more on the party side. So we just partied at Club Paraw and did some videoke and beers for those nights we were there. As for me, I had fun but I may have preferred staying by the beach and just relax (introvert problems). We did get to stroll along White Beach but I appreciated the sand when we went to Station 1. There are less establishments there and fewer hotels and people. It really is milk-ish white and unbelievably soft. We also visited the Virgin Mary's Grotto.  

The grotto

The fire dancer

Beachhut Bar Menu (2013)

Overall, it was still an experience I can't forget. I'm glad I went there. There could be a lot that have changed after all, it was 3 years ago. I would still recommend you going to Boracay. It has a beautiful beach front and has the parties that you could only hope for.

A Look Back at My First Plane Trip: Baguio City

I didn't have the privilege of riding on an airplane until I got work. I still remember my first trip and the excitement I felt to finally be able to ride one. I wasn't alone that time. I  was with my two workmates and my mother for that trip. We went to Baguio City during that time. Yes, the summer capital of the Philippines because of the cold weather and it is a city at the top of the mountains. As a first timer, I actually didn't plan or research on the place because  I didn't know I have to or even the idea of doing so. I was with a workmate that has been there before so I was just relying on her with our itineraries. I can't remember much as to how much we spent but I'll try to remember it as much as I can.

 'Kakainin' sold in the streets

These are sold at the market

How I got there:

It was a promo fare from Cebu Pacific  that we were able to bag seats for a cheap price. I think it was PHP200 for the round trip ticket. There is no direct flight to Baguio City. There was once but they had to stop as the visibility to land air crafts was a problem. From Cebu City, we have to fly to Manila and get to Baguio City from there. I remember we took a bus from Cubao at the Victory Liner terminal. The travel time from Baguio to Manila is 6-8 hours. There are different bus types you can choose from for your comfort and convenience. I have checked with Victory Liner website and found this:

Departure	Fare	Bus Type
05:00 AM	₱445.00	Regular Aircon

12:20 PM	₱750.00	First Class
09:00 PM	₱445.00	Regular Aircon
04:00 AM	₱445.00	Regular Aircon

I am not sure if their website is updated but you can check it out it here.

You can book tickets online too on their website.

Some of the pasalubongs you can buy

Where I stayed:

This is the one thing I can't forget about the trip and that is the place where we stayed - La Brea Inn. The inn is situated in Session Road where you could find places to eat and shop and is just a walking distance from some of the tourist spots in the city. It was a very accessible place and it was convenient for our group. It was also affordable to us I really like the place. I can't remember how much we paid exactly but the room we had was good for a group of 3-4 or more as there were 3 queen size beds. Our room was not air-conditioned but it has hot/cold showers. I don't even think getting an air-conditioned room is necessary as the atmosphere in Baguio is cold.

Horses and ponies at the Wright Park

The things I did and the places I went to:

Baguio City was famous for being a set location of most romantic movies shown in the Philippines. I was able to see it for myself and that would be the Burnham Lake located within Burnham Park. We road on those row boats that had different designs on them, some are shaped like a swan and some have dolphins. We also rented some bicycles and did some biking around the park. We wanted to go to the Botanical Gardens but we didn't make it as it was already closed by the time we finished our biking. And what is Baguio without the strawberries?  The Strawberry Farm is one of the must go to place when you are in Baguio as that is the only place in the Philippines that I know that grows strawberries. You can pick your own strawberries for a certain fee and you will be given a basket to put the fruits in. That time though was not strawberry season so we just purchased then from vendors that were already picked by farmers.

Strawberries pre-picked by farmers

The strawberry farm

 We also went to the Mine's View Park that can show you how beautiful the mountains are surrounding the city and get to mingle with Saint Bernard's! I so wanted to hold one as that is my favorite dog in the world. It was so awesome and they are huge!hen we stopped over at the Wright Park ride or take pictures with the horses. then we took a quick stop at The Mansion which again we were not able to enter as we lacked the time. We also went to Lady of Lourdes Grotto where we have to climb a flight of stairs to pay homage to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is also where we find native Ifugaos display their craft which is available for sale.

The Awwww-dorable Saint Bernard

Vendors for souvenir purchases

Those are places that I remembered going. To get some more ideas, this link will give you more information as to what other places you can go to while in Baguio City.

Lady of Lourdes Grotto

Ifugaos and their products

What I want you to know:

1. Because of the long ride to get to Baguio City, you may want to take sleeper buses that allows you to lay down and get a good rest during travel. It could be pricey but if you are in a shoe string budget, I suggest that you bring a comfy neck pillow with you.
2. It could get pretty cold at night in Baguio so don't forget to bring those jackets or whatever it is that can warm you up.

That's mostly what I remember with my trip. There were still places I wasn't able to visit so it will help for you to research those and that the links helps. Hit me up if you have any questions!