Vigan
Sta. Maria Church
Bantay Church and Bell Tower
Sarrat Church
Paoay Church
Cape Bojeador
Bangui Windmills
Saud Beach
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Racing With Time In ILOCANDIA - in pictures
Prerequisite : http://loydtraveltrail.blogspot.com/2009/08/conquer-ilocos-region-for-two-days.html
Racing With Time In ILOCANDIA
Prerequisite : http://loydtraveltrail.blogspot.com/2009/08/conquer-ilocos-region-for-two-days.html
Visited Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte for 2N/2D – that is, from Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur up to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte – using local transport. Tiresome and at the same time, amazing! This is how me and my best friend Elmer managed the trip and ourselves.
Night 1 – Arrival in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Our Cebu Pacific flight from Manila arrived at 7:00pm in Laoag City. From the airport we took a jeepney to the town proper. Had a very light dinner while waiting for the 8:00 pm Partas bus trip to Vigan. Actually, you can take any ordinary bus going to Vigan but Partas bus will take you there much much faster.
At 11:00 pm, we arrived Vigan town and walked to Granpa’s Inn. Checked in at P900 for twin-sharing guest room. Had dinner at Café Leona then walked along Crisologo Street and had some photoshoot before retiring.
Tip: To take great pictures of you and Vigan on the background, be at the Crisologo Street at night from 10:00 pm onwards or in the morning before 7:00 am. It is during this time that you can take photos of the Heritage Village clear of tourists.
Day 1 – Heritage Sites Tour
As early as 6:00 am, we had just coffee, had a short walk down Crisologo Street, some photoshoot, then headed to the main road to catch a bus going to Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. It took an hour to get there. What’s in Sta. Maria anyway? It is where the La Asuncion de la Ñuestra Señora Church, a World Heritage Site and a National Landmark, is located.
At 8:00 am, an hour after some wonderful photos of the Sta. Maria Church were taken, we’re on the road again to go back to Bantay, Ilocos Sur – again, to take photos of the famous Bantay church and bell tower.
Photo shoot here and there, up and down the bell tower, it took us some 30 minutes until it was time to go back to Vigan for the free breakfast at Grandpa’s Inn.
By 10:00 am, after traversing Sta. Maria, Bantay, and Vigan – all in Ilocos Sur, we were now ready for our next destination – Ilocos Norte.
Again, via Partas Bus we’re on the road to Laoag. By 1:00 pm , we arrived and checked-in at Texicano Hotel. Had Lunch at the hotel then off we took a jeepney to Sarrat – a small but rich town famous for its antiques, beautiful museum and the homes where former president of the Philippines, Ferdinand E. Marcos, was born. We had some photos in and out of the equally famous Sta. Monica Church.
An hour later we went back to Laoag and took a jeep to Batac, which is synonymous to Sarrat – where the Marcos mausoleum is located. The museum was closed that time so we were not able to see the body of Ferdinand Marcos sealed in a glass casket.
It was hot and Elmer and I were already exhausted – so we decided to head straight to Paoay and spent some time to rest and dine and admire the Saint Agustine Church – another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Night 2 – Laoag City By Night
By 6:00 pm, we’re back to Laoag and took a little rest. Then back on the streets to find a nice restaurant and bar to get some food and drinks. Mostly, restaurants were closed at 10:00pm so we had no choice but to go back to the hotel and retire.
Day 2 – Northern Luzon Exposure
By 7:00 am we already had breakfast at Jolibee and took a jeep to Burgos – where we will hike up the hill to find Cape Bojeador – the tallest lighthouse in the Philippines. It took us about an hour to reach the site and another half-hour to trek the hill to reach the lighthouse. Up there was a spectacular 360-degree view of Ilocos Norte’s nearby towns and of the South China Sea. Going down the main road took a little less than 30 minutes, I guess.
At 11:00am we’re off to Bangui – where the Bangui Windmills are located. These are wind turbines on-shore facing the South China Sea and considered to be the biggest in Southeast Asia, and primary source of electricity in Ilocos Norte.
Shortly after some photos of awesome windmills, we’re on the road again to Pagudpud – our final Ilocos Norte destination. Starving and exhausted, the nearest canteen we found at the Pagudpud Town Plaza became our supreme refuge. Since it was already 1:00 pm – and our flight back to Manila was 7:00 pm, we decided to spend the whole afternoon in Saud Beach. Our original plan to go to Kabigan Falls, Patapat Viaduct and Blue Lagoon beach was discarded.
By 3:00 pm we were on our foot heading back to Laoag City. By 5:00pm we are at the Laoag International Airport. Exhausting as it be, it was a relief when we finally head back to Manila.
I wonder if Elmer would come and join me again in my next trip very much like this, he he he.
Visited Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte for 2N/2D – that is, from Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur up to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte – using local transport. Tiresome and at the same time, amazing! This is how me and my best friend Elmer managed the trip and ourselves.
Night 1 – Arrival in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Our Cebu Pacific flight from Manila arrived at 7:00pm in Laoag City. From the airport we took a jeepney to the town proper. Had a very light dinner while waiting for the 8:00 pm Partas bus trip to Vigan. Actually, you can take any ordinary bus going to Vigan but Partas bus will take you there much much faster.
At 11:00 pm, we arrived Vigan town and walked to Granpa’s Inn. Checked in at P900 for twin-sharing guest room. Had dinner at Café Leona then walked along Crisologo Street and had some photoshoot before retiring.
Tip: To take great pictures of you and Vigan on the background, be at the Crisologo Street at night from 10:00 pm onwards or in the morning before 7:00 am. It is during this time that you can take photos of the Heritage Village clear of tourists.
Day 1 – Heritage Sites Tour
As early as 6:00 am, we had just coffee, had a short walk down Crisologo Street, some photoshoot, then headed to the main road to catch a bus going to Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. It took an hour to get there. What’s in Sta. Maria anyway? It is where the La Asuncion de la Ñuestra Señora Church, a World Heritage Site and a National Landmark, is located.
At 8:00 am, an hour after some wonderful photos of the Sta. Maria Church were taken, we’re on the road again to go back to Bantay, Ilocos Sur – again, to take photos of the famous Bantay church and bell tower.
Photo shoot here and there, up and down the bell tower, it took us some 30 minutes until it was time to go back to Vigan for the free breakfast at Grandpa’s Inn.
By 10:00 am, after traversing Sta. Maria, Bantay, and Vigan – all in Ilocos Sur, we were now ready for our next destination – Ilocos Norte.
Again, via Partas Bus we’re on the road to Laoag. By 1:00 pm , we arrived and checked-in at Texicano Hotel. Had Lunch at the hotel then off we took a jeepney to Sarrat – a small but rich town famous for its antiques, beautiful museum and the homes where former president of the Philippines, Ferdinand E. Marcos, was born. We had some photos in and out of the equally famous Sta. Monica Church.
An hour later we went back to Laoag and took a jeep to Batac, which is synonymous to Sarrat – where the Marcos mausoleum is located. The museum was closed that time so we were not able to see the body of Ferdinand Marcos sealed in a glass casket.
It was hot and Elmer and I were already exhausted – so we decided to head straight to Paoay and spent some time to rest and dine and admire the Saint Agustine Church – another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Night 2 – Laoag City By Night
By 6:00 pm, we’re back to Laoag and took a little rest. Then back on the streets to find a nice restaurant and bar to get some food and drinks. Mostly, restaurants were closed at 10:00pm so we had no choice but to go back to the hotel and retire.
Day 2 – Northern Luzon Exposure
By 7:00 am we already had breakfast at Jolibee and took a jeep to Burgos – where we will hike up the hill to find Cape Bojeador – the tallest lighthouse in the Philippines. It took us about an hour to reach the site and another half-hour to trek the hill to reach the lighthouse. Up there was a spectacular 360-degree view of Ilocos Norte’s nearby towns and of the South China Sea. Going down the main road took a little less than 30 minutes, I guess.
At 11:00am we’re off to Bangui – where the Bangui Windmills are located. These are wind turbines on-shore facing the South China Sea and considered to be the biggest in Southeast Asia, and primary source of electricity in Ilocos Norte.
Shortly after some photos of awesome windmills, we’re on the road again to Pagudpud – our final Ilocos Norte destination. Starving and exhausted, the nearest canteen we found at the Pagudpud Town Plaza became our supreme refuge. Since it was already 1:00 pm – and our flight back to Manila was 7:00 pm, we decided to spend the whole afternoon in Saud Beach. Our original plan to go to Kabigan Falls, Patapat Viaduct and Blue Lagoon beach was discarded.
By 3:00 pm we were on our foot heading back to Laoag City. By 5:00pm we are at the Laoag International Airport. Exhausting as it be, it was a relief when we finally head back to Manila.
I wonder if Elmer would come and join me again in my next trip very much like this, he he he.
CAPTIVATING CATANDUANES - In Pictures
Aerial view of Virac, Catanduanes
Arriving at the airport
Virac Port
A river off Virac
An old church off Virac
Luyang Cave
River near Luyang Cave
Twin Rock Resort
Sea Breeze Restaurant
Virac Cathedral
Bato Church
Puraran Beach Resort
Maribina Falls
CAPTIVATING CATANDUANES - The Untold Story
My visit to Virac may be one of my most unforgettable. This is why.
The Virac Agenda:
Tuesday - our first day in Virac with my friend Marie. From the airport, the hotel service was waiting and we headed straight to Catanduanes Midtown Hotel where we had prior reservations. It is a mid-range hotel with spacious rooms and friendly staff. Shortly after lunch, we arranged our tour from the hotel reception for P1,500. For the whole afternoon we were able to go around and visited Luyang Cave in San Pedro, strolled along a nice river and old small church after Virac (I was not able to get their proper names), the Virac town proper itself – cathedral, capitol, and plaza. We were able to go to Twin Rock Resort which we found the location so superb that we booked a room to stay for the next day til our flight back to Manila on Thursday. We had a little tour of the place and gone swimming before going back to Virac town proper. Along the way we stopped by an old church in a place they call Antipolo – realizing that even in the remotest town Catanduanes you will find significant pieces of history, culture and religion.
We had dinner after the tour at the Sea Breeze Resturant, one of the few good restaurants in Virac a few blocks away from Midtown Inn and located at the pier.
Wednesday – we packed out things and as planned, transferred to Twin Rocks Resort. To get to Twin Rock, we have to hire a tricycle from the town and for P100. We planned to go to Puraran Beach that day and with the help of the resort’s nice receptionist we were able to use the Governor’s car and his driver to give us the tour to the north part of the island – for P1500 – not bad for a whole day’s use.
First stop – Bato Church. This very old church with unique architecture stood fronting the ocean. Perhaps that’s why it is the most popular church in Catanduanes.
Next – Puraran Beach. It took us some two hours or more to reach the place due to rugged road with some parts still under construction. We were the only visitor at the beach that day. We spent hours swimming and enjoying the waves and the white sand.
Next stop – Maribina Falls. This is the most accessible of the falls in Catanduanes and almost all locals come here to dive and swim and enjoy the clean and cool water coming from waterfalls. We joined them and likewise had fun swimming.
Going back to Virac – we headed again to Sea Breeze to have an early dinner (we only had biscuits and water for lunch – he he he) and waited until the sun went down. Then went back to Twin rocks and enjoyed the amenities and ambience. We concluded the day with a nice whole body massage courtesy of the nice receptionist. Yes! She was also our therapist that night. Multi-tasking, huh!)
Thursday – time to go back to Manila. The hotel service took us to the airport for free. We checked-in our luggages and waited for the plane to arrive. We thought the flight was just delayed after waiting for an hour until the ground flight attendant announced that the plane cannot land because of poor weather condition (it rained the night before and today was just very cloudy and zero visibility on the runway). This is how it is in Catanduanes indeed! Be prepared!
To the passengers’ bewilderment, some got irked and most, fuming (including us) the airline gound crews were not able to provide any help but to ask us to wait until Saturday for the next flight. HA HA HA
Of course that would not be possible. We have work the following day so we needed to think of another plan – much of the Amazing Race wasn’t it? With a little presence of mind – we headed fast to the Pier and fortunate to be carried by a ferry going to Tabaco, Albay. From there we went to Legazpi City to catch the soonest next available flight to Manila.
What a Catanduanes adventure! Will I be back for more? Of course!
The Virac Agenda:
Tuesday - our first day in Virac with my friend Marie. From the airport, the hotel service was waiting and we headed straight to Catanduanes Midtown Hotel where we had prior reservations. It is a mid-range hotel with spacious rooms and friendly staff. Shortly after lunch, we arranged our tour from the hotel reception for P1,500. For the whole afternoon we were able to go around and visited Luyang Cave in San Pedro, strolled along a nice river and old small church after Virac (I was not able to get their proper names), the Virac town proper itself – cathedral, capitol, and plaza. We were able to go to Twin Rock Resort which we found the location so superb that we booked a room to stay for the next day til our flight back to Manila on Thursday. We had a little tour of the place and gone swimming before going back to Virac town proper. Along the way we stopped by an old church in a place they call Antipolo – realizing that even in the remotest town Catanduanes you will find significant pieces of history, culture and religion.
We had dinner after the tour at the Sea Breeze Resturant, one of the few good restaurants in Virac a few blocks away from Midtown Inn and located at the pier.
Wednesday – we packed out things and as planned, transferred to Twin Rocks Resort. To get to Twin Rock, we have to hire a tricycle from the town and for P100. We planned to go to Puraran Beach that day and with the help of the resort’s nice receptionist we were able to use the Governor’s car and his driver to give us the tour to the north part of the island – for P1500 – not bad for a whole day’s use.
First stop – Bato Church. This very old church with unique architecture stood fronting the ocean. Perhaps that’s why it is the most popular church in Catanduanes.
Next – Puraran Beach. It took us some two hours or more to reach the place due to rugged road with some parts still under construction. We were the only visitor at the beach that day. We spent hours swimming and enjoying the waves and the white sand.
Next stop – Maribina Falls. This is the most accessible of the falls in Catanduanes and almost all locals come here to dive and swim and enjoy the clean and cool water coming from waterfalls. We joined them and likewise had fun swimming.
Going back to Virac – we headed again to Sea Breeze to have an early dinner (we only had biscuits and water for lunch – he he he) and waited until the sun went down. Then went back to Twin rocks and enjoyed the amenities and ambience. We concluded the day with a nice whole body massage courtesy of the nice receptionist. Yes! She was also our therapist that night. Multi-tasking, huh!)
Thursday – time to go back to Manila. The hotel service took us to the airport for free. We checked-in our luggages and waited for the plane to arrive. We thought the flight was just delayed after waiting for an hour until the ground flight attendant announced that the plane cannot land because of poor weather condition (it rained the night before and today was just very cloudy and zero visibility on the runway). This is how it is in Catanduanes indeed! Be prepared!
To the passengers’ bewilderment, some got irked and most, fuming (including us) the airline gound crews were not able to provide any help but to ask us to wait until Saturday for the next flight. HA HA HA
Of course that would not be possible. We have work the following day so we needed to think of another plan – much of the Amazing Race wasn’t it? With a little presence of mind – we headed fast to the Pier and fortunate to be carried by a ferry going to Tabaco, Albay. From there we went to Legazpi City to catch the soonest next available flight to Manila.
What a Catanduanes adventure! Will I be back for more? Of course!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
CAPTIVATING CATANDUANES - Intro
A two-day trip to Catanduanes is enough to visit most of the island’s beautiful spots. However, since the province is one of the most frequently hit by typhoons, always prepare for the unexpected – prolonged stay due to cancellation of flights, rain even during summer, or simply be enchanted of its beauty that you would want to extend your vacation to visit more of the island’s attractions.
Airfare to Virac via Cebu Pacific is an all-time cheap (as low as P888 one way). It usually takes 45 minutes to one hour to get you from Manila to Virac. Make sure to take a window seat to get a glimpse of the island’s lush greenery from above before the plane lands.
Gettting around Virac is very convenient. Tricycles will take to and around the town proper for only P7.
Accomodation is also not a problem. Virac has quite a list of hotels and inns depending on your preferences and budget. Catanduanes Midtown Inn, located right in the town proper, costs P1,200.00 for twin sharing – WIFI available. While a twin-sharing guest room at the Twin Rock Resort costs P1,500.00, along the beach and with a serene view of the ocean.
Travel Around the Philippines on a Budget
The Philippines is a wondrous place full of vivid, diverse cultures and fascinating people. Traveling around the country doesn't need to be expensive. Here's how I enjoy a local adventure while spending a reasonable amount of money.
Airline:
Always check the local airlines’ websites for promotional airfare (I was able to buy P56.00 round-trip ticket to Cebu last December 2008). Never mind if you are booking 3 to 6 months ahead of your planned trip. Not only you saved on the airfare, it maximizes your time to spend for vacation.
Accommodation:
Book for a hotel room at least a month before your planned trip. Choose a standard or economy hotel like a pension house (P400-P600/night) because it is very affordable, convenient and a great place to meet other travelers. However, because of its popularity among backpackers, the rooms fill up quickly.
Food and Drinks:
Bring your own food (easy-to-cook noodles, 3-in-1 coffee in sachets, crackers, etc.) or eat at food stalls, most popularly known as ihaw-ihaw or turo-turo (one complete meal costs as low as P50). They are basically everywhere and safe when you visit Bohol, Davao, Cebu or Cagayan de Oro. But be careful when choosing a place to eat -- the hygiene and the way they prepare the food is not always good for your stomach. Check the food before buying.
Local Transport:
Consider asking the hotel staff or visiting the local Tourism Office where you can find cheap transport and how much it should cost. This way you will avoid locals from tricking you. Instead of using arranged transport with taxis or private cars, I recommend that you take the local transport, like the jeepney or minicab (smaller version of the jeepney). If you plan on moving around in a city you should also consider using a habal-habal (motorbike), or a healthier alternative – walking!
Shopping:
Shopping at the local markets is often cheaper than the huge malls. Bargaining is the key to cheap shopping. But before you do that, I recommend that you stroll around to compare prices. It's sometimes hard to know what things should cost if it's your first time. You can't bargain for something when you even don't know if it's cheap/expensive.
Tours:
Visiting some attractions? If I were you, I would skip the package tours and rent a habal-habal (P300–P500) or minicab (P1,000-P1,500) for a day. It's cheaper and you get to see the things you want to see in your own pace. For free information on history and sights, ask the hotel staff, visit the local Tourism Office, or a fellow traveler. Otherwise, you can print the information, even the map, out from the internet. A couple of print-outs are cheaper and lightweight than a book. Practical when you're on-the-go!
Airline:
Always check the local airlines’ websites for promotional airfare (I was able to buy P56.00 round-trip ticket to Cebu last December 2008). Never mind if you are booking 3 to 6 months ahead of your planned trip. Not only you saved on the airfare, it maximizes your time to spend for vacation.
Accommodation:
Book for a hotel room at least a month before your planned trip. Choose a standard or economy hotel like a pension house (P400-P600/night) because it is very affordable, convenient and a great place to meet other travelers. However, because of its popularity among backpackers, the rooms fill up quickly.
Food and Drinks:
Bring your own food (easy-to-cook noodles, 3-in-1 coffee in sachets, crackers, etc.) or eat at food stalls, most popularly known as ihaw-ihaw or turo-turo (one complete meal costs as low as P50). They are basically everywhere and safe when you visit Bohol, Davao, Cebu or Cagayan de Oro. But be careful when choosing a place to eat -- the hygiene and the way they prepare the food is not always good for your stomach. Check the food before buying.
Local Transport:
Consider asking the hotel staff or visiting the local Tourism Office where you can find cheap transport and how much it should cost. This way you will avoid locals from tricking you. Instead of using arranged transport with taxis or private cars, I recommend that you take the local transport, like the jeepney or minicab (smaller version of the jeepney). If you plan on moving around in a city you should also consider using a habal-habal (motorbike), or a healthier alternative – walking!
Shopping:
Shopping at the local markets is often cheaper than the huge malls. Bargaining is the key to cheap shopping. But before you do that, I recommend that you stroll around to compare prices. It's sometimes hard to know what things should cost if it's your first time. You can't bargain for something when you even don't know if it's cheap/expensive.
Tours:
Visiting some attractions? If I were you, I would skip the package tours and rent a habal-habal (P300–P500) or minicab (P1,000-P1,500) for a day. It's cheaper and you get to see the things you want to see in your own pace. For free information on history and sights, ask the hotel staff, visit the local Tourism Office, or a fellow traveler. Otherwise, you can print the information, even the map, out from the internet. A couple of print-outs are cheaper and lightweight than a book. Practical when you're on-the-go!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Conquer Ilocos Region For Two Days
In only 2 nights / 2 days I have created my own version of the Amazing Race in Ilocos. Could you imagine yourself visiting (and enduring) two provinces and nine towns in 2 days? Here is what I did. Alongside with my best friend Elmer, we had what we call the test of endurance as we traverse the Ilocos Region. See map and itenerary below. 
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