Pagudpud, the farthest top point of Region 1, has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines. It is by far my most enjoyable beach experience. It’s so calm, there isn’t any noise pollution. Ilocos is a progressive province but you will still be surprised how they have maintained the rural-kind of life, Ilocanos are already in bed by 9pm! It is fun to go to Ilocos, there are actually lots of good places around which would make your 12 hour drive worthwhile.

What I liked about Ilocos is that the roads are fully cemented and super clean. Ilocos is actually famous for their clean roads. I wish we have that here in Manila.

What to see:

When you say Pagudpud beach, you are likely referring to Saud Beach. White sands, clear water and sky, and a good view of the Bangui Windmills, whew!

It was a relaxing view you could just lie on a hammock and sleep under a vast number of coconut trees, sheesh it was so refreshing.

If beaches are normally aqua-blue, this Blue Lagoon is deep-blue in color. You will like its clean sea-bed and safe waters where you can swim.

Kayak and Banana Boat rides are some of the activities you might want to try there.

Kabigan Falls – Semi-trekking activity that you wouldn’t want to miss on your trip. It is a 2km walk passing three streams of cold water.

You have to pay 25/person for the tour guide which will guide you to the falls. It’s a cheap amount to maintain the Kabigan Trek site. They actually pick up the trash while walking plus they are very friendly: D the walk was worth it.

By the end of the trail, you would see the Kabigan falls which was beautiful. It’s not that grand but the water was so clear and it was freezing cold. It was like water from the fridge. The pressure from the falls was just right. You can stay right at the bottom to have a water massage but be sure you know how to swim. It was quite deep.

Bangui Windmills or the ‘Wind Farm” – it is one of Ilocos’ main source of energy. And a good scenery as well just like Sweden’s windmills. I wish we have a load of that view here. It’s a good alternative natural energy source.

It consists of 15 wind turbines, each one is 70 meters high (roughly equivalent to a 23 storey building), each blade is 41 meters long (just 9 meters shy of a Olympic sized pool)

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse – Built on 1892. This lights the bend that marks the northwestern corner of the Island of Luzon, separating it from the South China Sea and the Babuyan Channel.

It is still working and its very old architecture was well preserved. It was quite tiring to go up the light house but the view was simply breathtaking.

During our trip, we missed the Patapat Viaduct and National Park where Batanes could actually be seen on a bright sunny day!

How to get there:

I would suggest getting there by a private vehicle. There are places that are not accessible by public transportation. They’ll just drop you to the nearest point and you have to walk. I had my Ilocos experience during a company outing so we rented a mini-bus that toured us around.

But you can get there by bus and plane (Laoag City).

Bus that has Pagudpud Trip:

Florida Bus Line (Sampaloc near España)

Maria De Leon (at the Dapitan side of UST)

Partas Bus Line (Quezon Ave)

Where to stay:

We stayed at Polaris Beach Resort which is actually very clean and has a videoke machine at the dining area. It wasn’t the best there but if you’re on a budget, I’d recommend this resort because it’s decently clean and comfy. I didn’t like their cooking though.

Budget for resort costs around Php3,000.00 – Php 4,500.00 each room for 4-6 persons.

Be sure to bring your sun block, shades, umbrella or hat. It was really hot there on that summer day!

When we hear Pagsanjan, you would likely be reminded of the Pagsanjan Falls. But do you know that aside from the typical boat ride, you can access the beautiful falls by land? August of last year, we had a very tiring but equally memorable Pagsanjan adventure. Thanks to my friend Miss Gemma Sajise for giving us pointers and our itinerary.

Factual Tidbits:

Pagsanjan Falls is not exactly located at Pagsanjan but in Cavinti.

It’s indigenous name is Magdapio Falls which is named after a legend of two brothers that asked the gods for water.

Magnifico, the internationally acclaimed movie (a movie that made me cry, apart from The Lion King) was shot in this town.

Magdapio Falls has a staggering height of 90meters.

Lakwatsera’s Tip:

Put your stuff in a waterproof backpack.
Waterproof your phones, cameras, clothes, and everything that shouldn’t get wet.
Be prepared to get wet!
I recommend slippers or hiking shoes. There are muddy surfaces and you are definitely going to get wet.

Bring water and eat breakfast.

Suggested itinerary (from Miss Gemma)
ITINERARY
0500 Take bus to Sta. Cruz
0730 ETA Sta. Cruz, take jeep to Cavinti
0830 At Cavinti, take tricycle to Cavinti Eco Park, Brgy. Tibatib
0900 ETA Eco Park, register
0930 Start trek to Nakulo Falls and viewdecks
1000 Proceed to steel ladder rappel
1030 ETA Madgapio Falls; proceed to raft through falls
1130 Proceed to Pagsanjan by boat
1215 ETA Pagsanjan / Lunch
1330 Head back to bus terminal in Sta. Cruz
1430 ETD Green Star bus for Buendia or HM Transport for Cubao
1500 Back in Manila

We met at around 6:00 in the morning in Cubao to get a bus ride going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. It was a 2-hour travel from that point. Upon arriving at the last station, we took a jeepney going to Cavinti. What I liked most about Laguna are the people. They are very polite and kind. I can’t help but notice it. They’ll always smile at you and offer you directions very kindly.

Upon arriving at Cavinti, we had a short walk (the jeepney driver said to save money we can just walk because it’s not too far) around 5kms with around 25-degree slope. Haha. You would want to ride a tricycle if you’re not used to walking.

Finally, we arrived at the Cavinti Eco Park. We paid Php500.00 each which includes a one way- rappel going to the falls, then a balsa ride to the falls then boat ride going home. They have different charges for the local and foreign tourists, and a Cavintinian enjoys a much lower price. A boat ride back and forth costs Php800.00 each but was quite worth it. The boat was maneuvered manually by the bankeros.

The hike was a blast! Despite the fact that it was very tiring, it was still very much enjoyable. From the hike trail, you’ll be going up the mountain, then from there, you can see the Nakulo Falls (named from the word “kulo”  which means boil. It‘s not boiling hot but it looks like it‘s boiling big time). Plus the view, OMG, again I was embraced by nature with the animals freely moving around (don’t worry they won’t harm you).  Then, when you are ready, you’ll go down by ladder rappel. It’s very safe so you don’t have to worry.  You’ll be rappeling twice then go down on a 75-degree slope ladder (just an estimate)  and it has 672 steel ladder steps, it’s kind of a long way down!

After going down, whew! Your  efforts are very well paid off. The Magdapio Falls is very beautiful. My fatigue vanished the moment I saw the falls. We had a balsa ride that is pulled going inside the falls. there is a mini cave inside where you can swim.   I just want to say again, that the people there are very kind and trustworthy. They even held the gadgets and money of the tourists while they explored a bit. Plus all of them were slash photographers. They could operate any kind of cameras that the tourists brought! Haha! Of all the places that I’ve been too, I could say that I love the Pagsanjeños the most.

We were asked to lay our stomach at the balsa while passing through the falls, it was an instant massage, it stinged a bit but it was relaxing.

We went back by the traditional banca ride to complete our Pagsanjan experience. The rapids is very quiet, surrounded by mountains and some mini falls.

The funny thing is that when we got to the drop off point, there was no water at the bathrooms so we bathed at the river! Haha.. While some were doing their laundry, we were there washing ourselves. Haha! And a horse was bathing around too! Good thing we were farther upstream from where the horse was! Hahaha!

Our lunch was recommended by the tricycle driver. It was at a restaurant that served the authentic Laguna Binalot meal.

Overall, it was very good way to spend a weekend and a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of life in the metro..

Probably the most influential culture in the Philippines is the Spanish. They have stayed here in the Philippines for more than 300 years and our country was even named after King Philip II of Spain. It was a mixture of beauty and pain for the hardships that was experienced by our ancestors that I remember when I saw the town of Vigan.  I was warped back through time the moment I stepped at Calle Crisologo, the most preserved area in the town.  I saw everything in Sepia.

Vigan, the Capital of Ilocos Sur is around 8-12 hours drive from Manila. It was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since it has the most Hispanic towns here in the Philippines. It’s cobblestone finish and the fusion of Philippine and Spanish and European architecture plus the preserved religious and civic relics are some of what makes the beauty of Vigan.

Vigan – A Testimony of True Love

Do you sometimes imagine that you were a girl from the 18th century, so refined and pure, and then a guy who likes you writes you a letter, then visits you at home and then you talk, you laugh covering your mouth…then the love so true will be separated by something like war and social status and then you wait in vain… Haha…Well, you don’t have to imagine these clichés because I’m gonna share to you these true love stories:

The first Filipino heroine was from Ilocos Sur. Gabriela Silang is a mestiza (has Spanish blood) that was married to an Ilocano governor, Diego Silang but was later assassinated because of his pursuits to fight for freedom. Which made Gabriela lead what her husband has started. She fought for LOVE and freedom.

Weren’t you surprised that Vigan has survived the Japanese Occupation during World War II? Before the Japanese’ withdrawal in the Philippines, they were tasked to destroy the zones they used. The night before they left, they have strategically placed numerous tanks of gasoline and bombs. Apparently, a Japanese military officer had an affair with an Ilocano woman and bore a child. We all know that Japanese have abused women but these military officer chose to take care his wife and child in secret. He asked the procurator of Vigan seminary that time to take care of his family. The procurator agreed but asked something in return. He asked the officer to leave the town without burning it. Reason is, the townspeople will seek revenge on his family. Thus, the Japanese retrieved and leaving no marks of destruction.

Some other Fun Facts

Vigan was named by Juan de Salcedo, a Spanish explorer after a plant that is abundant in the area. The plant was called by the Ilocanos biga-a.

Father Jose Burgos, one of the GOMBURZA or the Martyr Priests of Cavite was born in Vigan. Together with Father Gomez and Father Zamorra, there were falsely accused of sedition and garroted at Bagumbayan.

President Elpidio Quirino, the sixth president of the Philippines is also a native of Vigan,.

Ilocos was one of the provinces that first resistend Spanish colonization.

What to see in Vigan:

Chavit’s Baluarte – Chavit Singson’s Zoo that is open for everybody! Too bad the lion was living on a cage with the tigers.
Check out his site :   http://www.chavitsingson.net/baluarte/

Pagburnayan- where you can see the actuall process of making Burnay Jar an export-quality product of locos.

Plaza Burgos – A landmark tribute to the Vigan martyr priest, Father Jose P. Burgos.  Festivals usually took place in the Plaza and where you can eat the sumptous Vigan Empanada.

Calle Crisologo and the rest of the mestizo district – offers a wonderful glimpse into the Philippines’ colonial past. The ancestral houses were mostly built by Chinese traders using a mixture of local, Asian and Spanish architectural styles. My personal favorite

Syquia Mansion – Houses the memorabilia of Pres. Elpidio Quirino

St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral – Built by Augustinians around 1790 and features a unique design intended to minimize earthquake damage; a style that came to be known as "earthquake baroque". Look out for the brass communion handrails forged in China. The eight-sided bell tower is just south of the cathedral.

Plaza Salcedo west of the cathedral features a 17th Century monument to Juan de Salcedo, and was also the site where Gabriela Silang was hanged to death.

The Ayala Museum – was the home of Father Jose Burgos now showcases Ilocano artifacts, weapons, kitchen utensils, basketry, costumes, jewelry and some relics of the Burgos family. Beside the museum is the Ilocos Sur Provincial Jail, also the site where the Philippines first Ilocano president, the late Pres. Elpidio Quirino, was born.

Gastronomic Delights:

Vigan longganisa (pork sausage),  famous for its strong garlic taste.
Bagnet (air-dried, deep-fried pork),  if you have tasted Lechon de Leche, Bagnet is way better. It’s crunchy feeling and flavor makes it so yummy especially when dipped in vinegar.
Royal Bibingka – made of cassava unlike the usual rice cake.

Vigan Empanadas – an equivalent of the Mexican Taco only that Empanadas are deep-friend and has an egg. The meat inside was the famous and very yummy Vigan Longganisa
Chichacorn
Basi – Sugarcane based wine
Pinakbet – a famous Ilocano vegetable dish served with either fish or meat in Bagoong.

I can tell you. I have tasted all of it and you’re gonna love everything! Now that I am writing it, I felt a sudden craving of those foods.

Though I’m not much of an alcohol fan but the Basi tastes good.

Tips and Tricks:

To cook Vigan Longganisa, you have to cook it first in water, wait until it dries then place a little oil.

Tour the place in a horse-drawn carriage or Kalesa (500.00Php each Kalesa and can carry 3-4 persons it will tour you around the different places of interest in Vigan)

Ask for discounts! Ilocanos are well known for being thrifty so it’s ok if you adapt that culture. Hehe.

Be friendly and courteous. Ilocanos are very friendly and very easy to talk with. Smile is the key

I am an Ilocana myself (but from Pangasinan) so I’m gonna give you a few Ilocano greetings:
Good day to all of you- “Naimbag nga aldaw yo amin”
Good evening – “Naimbag nga rabii”
Thank you – “Agyaman ak”

an elder woman is called Manang and Manong if elder guy.

a younger person is affectionately called Adeng.

I personally feel attached to Vigan because of it’s antiquity, and history. My love for vintage items makes me love it more!

Lakwatsera Vigan Facts:

My parents partially named me after Gabriela Silang (Carla Gabriela) and I am a big fan of her.
I share the same birthday with the late Pres. Elpidio Quirino.

If you want to escape your busy life for a while,  go to Anawangin- an undeveloped paradise where you can relax and pretend that you are part of the LOST drama series (without the dharma initiative). haha!

Not so far away from San Antonio Zambales, is the Anawangin Cove.  The island grows a lot of pine trees and is covered with white sand which is part debris from Mt. Pinatubo. The beach is not really that safe because of the high current on the island.

I have seen the island for the first time last year May3-4 2008 together with several friends of mine. I was actually amazed by what I saw.  The pine trees grew perfectly well and that it was surrounded by mountains, which made it look as if you are being embraced by Mother Nature. Anawangin is one of God’s most beautiful creations and needs to be taken care of.  Apparently, the island wasn’t safe from the garbage not just from the campers staying on the island but also from the garbage that drifted from other seaside’s as well. Some areas there were covered with wastes. It made me sad and when the boatmen saw me taking pictures of it they said to me that it will be soon cleaned (hopefully) and that it came from other beaches as well, since the current is very high in that area the wastes ended up there.

I am promoting the beauty of the island so much because it is God’s gift for everybody to see. But it is also our responsibility to take care of that gift.

How to get to Anawangin:

From a Victory Liner Station (Sampaloc or Caloocan Terminal) ride a bus going to Sta Cruz or Iba. Fair is around Php250.00

Go down to San Antonio Town Proper. From there you can ride a tricycle that can get you to Anawangin. Php30.00

There are 2 ways to get to Anawangin: By boat or by hiking. You can ask the tricycle to bring you on the place where you can ride the boat or start the hike.

As for our case, we rode a boat going to Anawangin and the back and forth together with trip to Capones and Camara Island cost 800.00Php – Php900.00 each. Maximum of four on one boat.

Upon arriving at the island, you have to pay Php50.00 to the island caretaker. Which gives you privilege to use the water pump and the comfort rooms.

To go back, just ride a bus going to Olongapo from where you rode the tricycle. Then ride a bus going to Manila at Victory Liner terminal in front of Chowking.

What to Bring:

Tent or Hammock. – be sure that you bring something where you can sleep. it is an undeveloped island. No electricity. Very very low to no signal, no internet (haha).

Flashlight

Fire starter – unless of course you are well skilled to produce fire from sticks and rocks!

Food and Water – Yes. You have to bring your food. There are no markets there on the island. But the care taker provides some necessities that you might want to buy:

• 1.5L Softdrinks – 70.00
• 8×12x4in ice – 80.00
• Purified Water (1 jug)- 200.00
• Charcoal – 40.00
• Firewood – 200.00

Cooking Set and Pocket knife

Lakwatsera Essentials – click

Your own glass plate and cutlery set – so that we can minimize out waste contribution. The glass as much as possible is well-suited with hot or cold liquids.

Trash bag – so that you can bring your waste and properly dispose it on the main island.

Lock for your tents. Always keep your things secured.

Mosquito repellent.

TIPS and Must-dos:

Travel Light. Bring the necessities. As much as possible put everything in one back pack.

If you are to bring meat (poultry or pork or beef), Boil it first in water and salt or spice it up (whatever you want) and then put it on the freezer. This naturally preserves the meat.

Reserve tickets as early as possible and arrive at the station at least an hour before the departure. Sometimes those people who have brought their tickets end up standing because there are some undisciplined chance passengers that may took your seat. Even if you have a ticket (how crap could they be).

Bring a bandana. Bandana is one a useful tool in case of bone and muscle accidents. Plus if in case it gets cold. 80% heat loss of the body comes out from the head. It will help you from getting cold.

Keep your areas clean to avoid insect swarm your areas.

Swim near the shore. sometimes the current is very high and the water is very deep.

Tour around the island. there are lots of places you can find very interesting.

After camping make sure that you fire is gone and put a marker so that people won’t accidentally step on it.

Make sure you leave no waste on your camp area.

Lakwatsera Estimate Budget:  Php2,000.00

The Schedule is up and everybody is going! Wee!

For me, this will be my first time! nyahaha…

To survive Panagbenga…  let’s see..  I’ve never been to Baguio for quite some time now…

• Know the Schedule of the events you don’t want to miss.
• Plan your itinerary.
• If Commuting check out Bus Schedules and be sure to reserve your tickets if the bus company allows it (Victory Liner does!).
• Wear your colorful shirts and pair it up with your most comfy shoes.
• Bring your Umbrella and check the weather at PAGASA
• I’ve heard from a friend that it’s freezing in Baguio so might as well bring jacket or poncho to warm you up.
• Keep your bags secured and safe.  It’s going to be crowded. be carefree without sacrificing the safety of you stuff.
• Arrive at the event earlier than the said schedule to get the best places to view the parade.
• If you are coming to Baguio for the first time, better check out the places of interests too

Anyway here are the schedules of events this coming Panagbenga 2009.

Right Click -> View Image to see the sched

Color Coding legend: Green – Lakwatsera’s Pick

Blue – Main Events

Yellow – Minor Events

Red – Not yet Confirmed

For bus schedules, check out  http://www.victoryliner.com/

rates ranges from Php400.00 – Php450.00