Thousands of flowers have once again painted Baguio City on its annual Panagbenga Festival. The highlight and the grandest among the month-long series of events was held last February 28 – March 1, 2009.

Panagbenga, is a local (Ilocano) term which means “season of blossoming.” Because of its cold weather, Baguio is renowned for its spectacular blooms that are sold around the Philippines and are sometimes exported abroad.

The Grand Street Parade (Feb 28) featured street dances from students in Baguio and other sponsored groups. Most of the performers I have seen were kids and they were really good. The costumes were very beautiful, and some are even came dressed as a flowers.

The Grand Float Parade, the most awaited and most celebrated Panagbenga event was held last Sunday, March 1, 2009 at around 8am. It showcased like 20 floats with different themes and dressed up with lots and lots of flowers!

The street dancers interpreted one particular song- the Panagbenga theme song that gave me ear worms. I can still hear it!(Tenenen tenenen tenenen.. ahaha.) it sounded happy anyway.   oh gosh. earworms! i can’t resist humming the tune!!!

Some local celebrities also joined the parade which made the crowd cheer louder.

I think this year’s celebration must have been the grandest. reason is, aside from Panagbenga, Baguio is also celebrating its 100th year of inauguration as a city.

Just to give you some tips,  it’s better to arrive a day earlier so that you can come early to the parade and have a very good view especially if you are into photography. Also, tour around the city. Baguio has a lot of interesting places to go to.

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.

I ‘ve been going to different places ever since I was a month old. My parents love the beach and seeing places which I think influenced me.  So after a lot of trips I have been through I have learned the art of traveling light. Especially when commuting or in a jam-packed car situation.

Being away from home, of course we would always want the comfort of having everything you need. So I got a few tips for you.

• Always bring your camera with you. There’s no souvenir could ever compare to the memories captured. Priceless.
• Don’t be shy to ask for help. Or sometimes it’s not the shyness factor that makes us hesitate. Of course we have to value our safety. Well, if that’s the case, ask the guards, police or barangay officer.
• Be courteous to the people you meet on your trip.  If there comes a time that you might actually need their help, they would happily assist you. Or if buying pasalubongs, sometimes smiling does the trick to avail discounts. Beam and you will remember how enjoyable your trip would be.
• Keep your valuables where you can see them.
• Bring cash unless you are sure that those cards can help you survive the rural. Better yet if possible check if they are serviceable.
• Pack your bag at least 2 days before you travel. to have enough time to check if you forgot something. better yet create a list of what to bring.
• If camping, clean your camp area before you leave.

Backpacking Tips and What to Bring

• Separate Dry or After Bath  hygiene products from the ones which will likely get wet.



• Put your shampoo, conditioner liquid soap etc, in small containers.  Can be bought at leading Skin Care Stores or if you have containers from hotels, you can use them.  As much as possible, let’s minimize using sachets because it’s one of causes of clogged drainage.
• First Aid. Alright. I think this is the most taken for granted item.  Most of us doesn’t care if they have first aid and most of them are guys. Just pack a few cotton balls and Iodine solution, some paracetamol etc.,  This common ailments could be the most annoying show-stopper ever.
• A very small sewing kit. It’s not like you can buy clothes right away in case you got your clothes got damaged right?
• Your Bath bag should dry up fast. We don’t want to bring wet items.
• Bring a reusable bag with you. Help minimize the use of plastic bags by bringing your bag to hold your pasalubongs. This could also be used to separate your used clothes from the clean ones.



• I am very much thematic and I always love to accessorize! Bringing accessories would seem very impractical haha but we could always squeeze a little space for our necessity(haha is it not?). Try buying a small medicine organizers that can hold at least 3 pairs of earrings, necklace, etc.,
• The must haves.  Shades, a hat or umbrella,  a fan (during summer),  sun block, something to cover toilet seats like the one I love to buy at Watsons (Plush Toilet seat cover Php22.00 /5pcs),  Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer and a flashlight.
• Organize your things according to frequency of use. What I usually do is that I bring with me a handy bag that holds everything that I use a lot. Then I got another bag which holds my clothes, bath kit, First Aid, sewing kit, etc.,
• Separate food from clothes. (for obvious reasons).

Bring the stuffs that you need plus a little something extra (in a very small amout) would help you to have a worry-free trip.