Ilocos... A Gem Of The North

We're all geared up! We decided to join the rest of Cavite National High School (CNHS) alumni batch 69 to their Ilocandia Tour. We left Cavite around 9pm and brace ourselves for the 8hr long drive. Ilocos here we go! The batch decided to have their 1st stopover in La Nuestra Señora de La Asuncion Parish Church in Ilocos Sur. We arrived their at around 4am, and just in time for the first mass. It was a very big church and was situated on a very high ground. I estimated that you need to ascend more than 80 steps before you reach the actual church. The church was old but really is a marvelous structure. I learned that it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List last 1993. After mass, we head-on to our next stop - Vigan.

As we arrived Vigan, everyone was hungry so we had breakfast in Café Floresita. We had the famous Vigan Longganiza with fried egg and garlic rice. The longganiza was so good, specially when you dip it in spicy Sukang Iloco. After the hearty meal, we strolled along the streets of Vigan. When you're here, it seems like you are in another time in the Spanish era. All roads and houses are old fashioned and well preserved. Soon, we reached the Syquia Mansion Museum, which was said to be the ancestral home of former president Elpidio Quirino. The house was big but really antique. All the furniture seem like from a hispanic time.

After the mansion, we had time to go to the local shops for pasalubongs and souvenirs. We also took the time to ride the kalesa to rendezvous with the rest of the group to have lunch in Café Leona, just along Crisologo St. We had set lunch prepared for us comprised of bagnet, pinakbet, vigan longganiza, fish fillet and some desserts. Then, after the hearty lunch, we head back to the bus and be on our way to Ilocos Norte.

Our next stop is on Sitio Remedios in Ilocos Norte. It is one of the most serene resorts in the area. Here, we are going to have dinner with the rest of the group. The resort was very exquisite! Instead of rooms though, they offer villas ranging from Php4000 - Php12,000 depending on size. Their gardens were beautiful, situated with several fountains and lush flora and fauna. What makes it even better is that they have their own beach and pool. There was also small chapel in the middle which indicated that it was also a good venue for weddings. According to the administrator, they want to maintain the serenity of the place, that's why they have prohibited use of televisions, videoke, and video games in the area. They told us that they want the customers to maximize the experience with nature and have ultimate relaxation. Not long after, we had our dinner of grilled fish, pork higado, poqui-poqui, lato salad, and bagnet. After dinner, we proceed to Java Hotel to rest and get ready for the activities for the next day.

It's day two, our first activity for the day is head out in the Marcos Museum. Here, we get to see several paraphernalia that were use during the Marcos era. It was also in this place were the remains of the former president was recently held for the viewing of his fellow Ilocanos. Next, we head out to Marcos Clan house, also known as the 'Malacañang of the North'. This house served as the 2nd malacañang during Marcos' reign as president. Like most of the houses in Ilocos, this one is old fashoined-spanish style. But it was splendid, and with a view of a large lake in the balcony. Inside there was also a mini museum for some of Marcos' belongings.

Then, we headed out further north to the famous Bangui Windmills. To be able to see the series of aligned windmills along a wavy coastline was an astonishing site! It was said the the windmills bring a large percentage of electrical power in the area for the benefit of its constituents. Finally, we headed out to one of the most favorite destinations in the Philippines, - Pagudpod. Here, it was pure enjoyment! With fine white sands and crystal clear water, it was beach heaven! Before calling it a day, we went to a famous restaurant called La Preciosa. Here, we had a buffet meal of Crispy Chicken, Beef Tenderloin, Lengua, Warek-warek, & Seafood Palabok. The food was so good and it was a perfect way to end the day!

It was our last day for the trip. After having breakfast in the hotel, we went to Paoay Church, one of the most famous church in the Philippines. Then, we also visited a the barangay of San Nicolas, where their main livelihood is pottery. We were able to see live pottery making of one of the local folks in the area. This was our last stop and now head back to the hotel and freshen up for our long way home.

It was a really great experience here in Ilocos. The combination cultural and natural destinations is truly sights to behold. One thing's for sure, I will definitely go back! For all those who wish to have a great vacation, the Ilocos trip is very recommended.



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