Touring Pagudpud Ilocos Norte

Last April 2010, our group established a tour to the Northernmost part of the Philippines to discover its famous pristine beaches. We then stayed at Hannah's beach resort for 4 days and 3 nights. Our stay in Hannah’s Beach resort includes the tour to different point of interest in the town which cost P2500 using service van of the hotel (updated 2012 price for the tour is 3000-3500). As per my research, you can also tour Pagudpud via trike divided into two parts, the South and North bound tour. The tour will cost you 600 pesos per tricycle per bound, so if you want to explore both bound be prepared to pay 1200pesos per tricycle, quite cheaper than what some hotel offers. South bound tour includes the famous Bangui windmills, Kapurpurawan rock and Cape Bojeador lighthouse while north bound tour includes Kabigan falls, Patapat viaduct, Paraiso ni Anton, Timangtang rock, and Bantay Abot Cave. 

First on our line-up is the tour at Timangtang rock and Bantay Abot Cave since it’s already along our way. Locals say that Timangtang and Bantay Abot are called “The Lover’s Rock”. The story behind these two rocks goes like this, Timangtang rock is like the prodigal part of the Bantay Abot Cave. He once left the cave for some adventure but get stuck few kilometers away from the cave. This sad rock is now looking at the cave, longing to fill that hole (Bantay Abot Cave) he created when he left, longing to come back but he can’t, even if he is so near. Quite interesting mythical story, isn’t it?! 

Bantay Abot Cave

Shipwreck along patapat viaduct

Off to our next destination is the Kabigan falls located in Barangay Balaoi. The van dropped us to the registration area and paid 20 pesos for the entrance and 100 for the guide fee. Before you reach the falls, you need to trek almost 1 and half kilometer flat surface for 30 to 40 minutes. While walking, you will enjoy the picturesque scenery including the Farmville-like rice field, luxuriant trees, and clear cold water of the stony river. 

 

After some walking, chit-chatting, crossing rivers, climbing friendly hill, and helping hands, at last we have reached the 100 feet tall falls with its roaring sound and fresh water falls. Make sure to bring extra clothes if you want to swim on the basin of the falls for there are changing rooms in the area. We stayed at the falls for an hour enjoying the water, swimming at the basin, and cam whoring then need to go back to the drop off point for our next destination. 

Because we only have limited time we drop by and spare only few minutes to Paraiso ni Anton and patapat viaduct. Patapat viaduct is a long stretch of concrete elevated road constructed along winding and rocky headlands of the northernmost roadway section. Amazing engineering in Ilocos Norte.

Our next destination was the famous Bangui windmills. Just a few meters behind the windmills is our drop off point near the souvenir stalls, then we excitedly head to the beach and greeted by gusts of hot and strong wind. Even the beach is rumbling with waves due to the overflowing wind fitted to create electricity, we  enjoyed staring on these turbines. These 20 sets of huge turbines facing the South China Sea provide 40% of the power requirements of Ilocos Norte. Been there was so overwhelming, we are so awed by the Bangui windmills which are neatly lined up, feels like you're in other country but it's here in our homeland. Our group really had a great time seeing these magnificent humongous turbines especially when the sun kissed the seabed with all the multicolored reflection in the sky, it’s so priceless.

 Before darkness falls, we then finished our tour to Cape Bojeador lighthouse which is 120 years old already patrolling on top of the Vigia de Nagparitan Hill in Burgos Ilocos Norte. Keep eyeing from the enemies since March 30, 1892 of civilization. The whole structure is made of bricks, complemented by decorative grill works and woodcarvings. It’s a weird and creepy feeling while walking on the aisle and climbing upstairs but once at the top the view was breathtaking. 

Touring Ilocos Norte was so magnificent, the province boasts a lot from historical places, discovering culture, nooks for adventures, nature tripping, fine beaches and friendly locals which is excellent for families and groups on the lookout for hideout away from the hustle and bustle of city streets. All in our tour was so memorable, enjoyed and worthy. We can't wait to visit the province soon!

>>>>>>>> Admin Aey <<<<<<<<

Pagudpud Blue lagoon

1st day of April 2010 when our group headed the northernmost tip of Luzon, Pagudpud Ilocos Norte which is the continuation of our Ilocos Province exploration. As some locals say from a folk tale the name "Pagudpud" came from group of peddlers got tired from selling wares and once mentioned "Pagud na ako, pudpud na rin ang tsinelas ko," (I'm so tired and my slipper is worn out!). But behind the folk tale is a sprawling, scenic town and pristine beaches always ready to flaunt its beauty to all visitors. Because of its popularity our group decided to explore this treasure of the North. We took the 8pm schedule of pink Florida bus (500php) in Sampaloc Manila (+632-7314473) and endured the 11 hours land travel. Upon arrival at Florida bus terminal (7am), we then rode a trike that cost us 50per head up to Hannah’s beach resort. It’s quite pricey because terminal is far from the beach and with slightly slope road. We arrived 7 in the morning in the beach area of Blue lagoon and checked-in at Hannah’s Beach resort. Pagudpud Ilocos Norte is well known for having some of the best beaches in the Philippines. Its shore is divided into two pristine beaches Blue Lagoon and Saud. Most tourists and blogs prefer Blue lagoon because of its more fine white sand, friendly waves for beginner/surfers, breath taking scenery, and less crowd. Likewise, Hannah’s beach resort is a resort with complete amenities like family rooms, dormitory rooms, infinity swimming pool, restaurant, ballroom place, mini gym, etc. Other facilities include speedboat, jetski, kayak, pedal boat, rubber boat, banana boat, surf boats, ATV and playground. Since we’re a group of 7, we availed their dormitory room for 8 which costs us 600 per head per night (Updated price for 2012 is 1200 per head during peak season). There are also nipa huts on the beach area that can be rented for a day for a cheap price, if you want to have a bit of shade or a place to store clothes and food.

Hannah's swimming pool

Other resorts in Pagudpud that you may want to check are the following:

Polaris beach resort

Villa del Mar 

Imelda Benemerito-Llanes

+639212958196

Elizabeth Benemerito

+639198995673

June and Carol Beach resort

Marvin:  +639175471270; +639196405630       

Jun: +639205740136 ; +639175486331       

Arnel: +09214847746, (077)-676-0183

Kapuluan Vista resort

+639209522528 or +63920 928-5273 

Saud Beach resort

+639175195495 ; +63918 5533073

Terra Rika beach resort

077 676 1559 | 077 676 1790 | 077 772 1845 (TELEFAX) | +63 918 937 1752

After arranging our things in our room, we took our lunch at Hannah’s restaurant because we can’t find any affordable eateries outside the resort. Expect the food to be pricey because it’s inside the resort though they also offer “paluto” style but with service charge. After our lunch we explored the blue lagoon and scout some place where we can eat our dinner and found out that there are houses that offer “paluto” for some extra cost. “Paluto” style is where you will provide all the ingredients needed for a certain dish and the owner of the house will be in-charge of the cooking. Just make sure that you will instruct them well on the way of cooking you want for your dish to enjoy the outcome. 

 Blue lagoon in Pagudpud is a U-shape stretch of beach which is so inviting by its turquoise water, fine white sand, cool sea breeze, and relaxing sound of the ocean waves.  The serenity of the beach makes you relax and suited for those who prefer a less crowded venue for swimming and beach bumming. The unique beauty of Pagudpud beach pulled us to enjoy the clear waters, the playful waves, the Greenery Mountains, the sea breeze, walking around the shore, conversation with friends and amazing sunset that made us shout, THIS IS LIFE!

For online reservation and additional info please check Hannah's website: www.hannahsbeachresort.com/


>>>>>> Admin Aey <<<<<<<<

Ilocos Sur Exploration

On December 2009 our group spend our Christmas for Laoag-Vigan tour. Our mission is to see the famous places in Ilocos Sur first while experiencing the joy of roadtrip. We decided to divide the whole Ilocos Region into two time visit so we can enjoy every place without hurrying and chasing time. To get to Vigan City from Manila, you can get a bus or take a plane all the way to Laoag City and take a bus ride to Vigan. But for backpackers like us, we took 10 hours travel via Farinas Deluxe Bus from Sampaloc Manila to Laoag. Other bus companies with route to Laoag are Maria De Leon RCJ Trans, GV Florida & Partas. Upon our arrival at Laoag City the driver of Palazzo de Laoag we're already there to fetch us and bring us to the hotel (we booked the hotel as early as 1st week of December). Palazzo de Laoag was our choice because of their swimming pool and good amenities.  Some of their amenities include:

fully air-conditioned room with
cable-wired television
room service ( 6 am - 12 midnight )
hot & cold shower
24 hrs. security
local telephone

Swimming pool

Garden

Videoke

Billiards

We availed 2 standard rooms for only 3000 pesos per night and 2500 for City tour package using their service van. We really enjoyed their pool because we’re the only guest on that date maybe because people are celebrating Christmas at home. Other hotels that you can find in Laoag are as follows:

Java Hotel                           (+6377) 770-5996, 771-5102

Northview Hotel                   +63 77 773 1689

La Elliana                            (077) 771 4876 ‎

Hotel Tiffany                       (077) 30000-53, (077) 770-355

UKL Ever Hotel                     +63 (077) 772-2771

We spend our Noche Buena on the hotel’s poolside with delicious foods from Red Ribbon & Shakey’s that we bought upon arrival in Laoag. It’s an unexplainable happiness once you eat with your friends under bright stars during Christmas Eve. After eating we proceed to our room for our exchange gift. After some chit-chat, we opened our gifts simultaneously while the room was filled with joy, laughter and happiness.

On our 2^nd day in Laoag, December 25 we decided to travel 2 hours to Vigan just to see Calle Crisologo. We rode Partas Bus and get off at VIgan City. Calle Crisologo or Crisologo St. is a 4-block street with cobblestone pavement lined with souvenirs and antique shops. No vehicles are allowed (only calesas) on the street except for the intersections. So if you’re going to take a nice photo of the street, make sure there are no cars, scooters, motorcycles passing through the intersections. We’re really amazed by the old houses simply by just staring at them. 

Afterwards, it’s time to go to Baluarte, the home and mini zoo of Chavit Singson. We took a calesa ride from Calle Crisologo to Baluarte. This calesa ride is a special package that will tour you to tourist’s spots in Vigan for 200 pesos/hour. Baluarte is so spacious and full of animals and we’ve got chance to take a picture with Chavit’s tiger and chimpanzee. Other places that we visit in Vigan are St. Augustine Belfry which is made of full bricks that’s been used during wartime, St. Augustine Church, Burnayan or pottery in Vigan and Hidden garden. After all the tour we return to Calle Crisologo to see old houses at night and got dinner at Max’s just across Calle Crisologo.

On our 3^rd day in Laoag City, we avail the Sightseeing tour of Palazzo de laoag to tour some historical site in the city including the magnificent Paoay church which is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. This Church is made of rock and corals and really an amazing structure. Next is the Marcos Mausoleum where the body of former President Marcos laid to rest. Taking pictures is prohibited that’s why Cameras and any other video recording device are not allowed inside the Mausoleum. Next we visited was the Malacanang of the North which is the official residence of former President Ferdinand Marcos and his family whenever they are in Ilocos. Next stop was the Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino which is the only 5-star deluxe resort hotel in northern Philippines with superb facilities like swimming pools, beach volleyball, archery, paintball, kayak, tennis, ATV, horse riding and many other recreations. Last stop was at William church and sinking bell tower.  They say that it is sinking because a person on horseback ride is able to enter doors of the tower in the old days but now a person has to stoop to get through the entrance. After our sightseeing tour we passed by the market to buy some pasalubong and we bought Bagnet, tupig, Vigan langgonisa, dried fish and empanada.

I must say that our Ilocos Sur tour was really a blast. We’ve got the chance to discover not only beautiful places but historical and rich in culture. ‘Twas really a fun-filled adventure of discovering new places with people so dear to me and for sure we will go back to this wonderful province, the heart of Ilocandia, Ilocos Sur!

Dear blog,

Sorry for abandoning you for more than a month because of my business trip / vacation to MY and SG. I'll promise to go back to you as soon as I started writing again and finished constructing travel articles to Boracay, Bohol, Sagada-Banaue, Laoag, Vigan, Pagudpud, Cebu-bantayan island, etc. This is it!

Love and Care,

Admin Aey!

Exploding like Dynamite: Chili Cheese Sticks

As we all know cheese sticks are our favorite snack both kids and kids at heart. Cheese sticks are elongated cheese wrapped in lumpia wrapper and deep fried. Mostly, it is served as an appetizer to restaurants matched with mayo-ketchup or mustard. Last week I discovered this kind of cheese stick but with a twist, on a cable channel’s cooking show, introducing Chili Cheese Sticks. Cheese sticks wrapped in Green Finger Chilies then wrapped in Lumpia wrapper & deep fried. It looks so yummy and zesty so I decided to create some with my own aioli-ketchup sauce. So here’s how:

Ingredients:

7 pcs.                                   Green Finger Chili

1 pc.                                    Beaten Egg

1 cup                                    bread crumbs or flour seasoned with salt &  

                                            pepper

7 pcs.                                   Lumpia wrapper

1 & ½ (sulit pack)                  block cheddar cheese

1/8 cup                                water for sealing

1 cup                                    Oil for deep frying or pan frying

Aioli sauce:

3 spoonful                            mayonnaise

1 spoonful                            ketchup

1 clove                                 garlic slice into bits

Procedure:

1.       Wash the Finger Chillies.

2.       Using a rubber or plastic hand gloves (to avoid the heat of chilies on your skin), slice the chili vertically from top to the tip, leaving enough space from the head. Then another slice horizontally at the top but not in full cut, enough space to remove the seeds. 

 

3.       Scrape the seeds. If you want milder chilies, remove the vein that line inside the flesh. 

4.       Stuffed the chilies with cheese. 

5.       Dip the stuffed chilies on beaten egg  (I used flat bowl so I can coat the chilies evenly)

6.       Lay flat the stuffed chili on Lumpia wrapper folding one end then roll it over keeping the head on one end. Seal the wide end with small amount of water.

7.       Dip again the wrap in the beaten egg and coat evenly.

8.       Dip the wrap on seasoned bread crumbs.

9.       Heat the oil for frying. You can choose if you want it pan fried or deep fried

10.   Fry the wrap until golden brown.

11.   Set aside and dab it to tissue paper to absorb excess oil.

12.   For the Aioli sauce. Mixed in a bowl, mayonnaise, ketchup and bits of garlic. Season it with salt & pepper.

13.   Serve and enjoy. Happy eating!

>>>>>>>>Admin Aey<<<<<<<<

A day of heritage & culture at Nayong Pilipino Clark

After our joyous experience seeing gigantic balloons soared high in the 17^th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta we decided to take a side trip to Nayong Pilipino Clark, since we finished early at the show. We all know that Nayong Pilipino is in Pasay where we took field trips during our elementary days, but yes you read it right a new Nayong Pilipino was built and re-opened year 2007 in Clark Field Pampanga. Entrance fee is 50 pesos for adults and 30 for children, and if you’re bringing your car 20 pesos is for parking fee. The park is open daily from 8am to 6pm. Shuttle service for park goers are also available at the Clark Freeport Zone main gate near SM Clark.

Nayong Pilipino features replicas of Philippine tourist landmarks, cultural heritage, and museums. It showcases our rich heritage and culture all in one place. Some of the replicas are Emilio Aguinaldo’s house, Jose Rizal’s house, Barasoain church and Spanish type plaza. 

Aguinaldo House

Barasoain Church Replica

Chinese Bridge

There are Aeta Village, Ifugao Hut, kalinga Village, Nipa hut lodges and cottages that can be rented for a picnic spree. We’re lucky that day because we also got the chance to witness the park’s cultural shows and presentations. On first set of performance, we were serenaded by rondalla band tuning up with classical songs followed by folk dances. The Nayong Pilipino Dance Troupe performs traditional Filipino dances accompanied by the live rondalla band. As we saw this group of performers, we reminisced our elementary and high school days during Phil Days performing different folk dances such as Cariñosa, Tinikling, Singkil, Pandanggo sa ilaw, Sayaw sa sombrero, Bulaklakan, and a lot more. The dancers were great on their Baro’t saya and barong costumes while having their great performance. After their set, they invited viewers to try dancing the tinikling and one foreign tourist enjoyed it.

We really enjoyed our visit and it was a fun side trip because we've got the chance to enhance our remembrance of the rich historical traditions & cultures of our motherland. 

 

For reservations, inquiries you can call Nayong Pilipino at these numbers:

Clark office (045) 4361718 / (+63) 916-6850997 (+63) 949-7681893

Pasay Office (02) 832-3767

Or just visit their site at www.nayonsaclark.com

17th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta : where everything flies

As we all know February is month of love where people become romantic and spend some extra sweet quality time with their special someone or loved ones. Couple, family and friends hunt for some things to do, places to see or events to witness and festivals are some of the ideal hang-out. Some of these festivals include Pamulinawen in Laoag, Suman festival in Baler Aurora, Candle festival in Jaro Ilo-ilo, Panagbenga in Baguio, and a lot more.  But here is an extraordinary outdoor experience that surely you will loved. It is The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta where “Everything flies”. It is an annual tournament of balloonist from various countries and it features aero sport shows, kite flying, games, exhibitions and many more. It’s a four days event happens every February at Clark Field Angeles Pampanga. 

As our group wanted to celebrate Hearts Month, we decided to have a pre-Valentines date witnessing big balloons soar thousands of feet high. We were able to attend the 3^rd day which is Saturday, February 11. My friends decided to stay at our home a night before and without sleep we left Manila 2 in the morning. (Just a tip, if you wanted to have a convenient parking slot near the entrance and good viewing spot you should be at the venue 4 in the morning and also to avoid long lines in entrance and ticketing booths. But for us, we booked our tickets 1 week ahead in SM TicketNet outlets: Mall of Asia, SM Makati, SM Bicutan, SM Southmall, etc. for only 200 + 20 pesos for the handling fee) We arrived at Clark 4 in the morning and the queue to the parking area, as well as the main entrance of the show area was very long but you’ll feel that everyone’s excited for the show. Around 5:30 in the morning remote controlled AeroLED aircrafts started to fly in the sky, a go signal that the show will start in a few minutes. 

remote-controlled AeroLED

When the clock ticked at exactly 6 in the morning, a sky jumper was seen in the sky carrying a Philippine flag while Philippine National Anthem played in the airways. It was an extraordinary feeling of proudness; and yes this is our homeland! 

Moments later participants started to set-up their balloons on the open ground, and we we’re so amazed on how hot air balloons were unloaded from the trucks, unfolded to the ground, get inflated, burst with fire and finally bloom in the sky. After a few minutes, the beautiful blue sky was filled with multicolor of varied sizes & designs flying big balloons. It was a wonderful and very child-like feeling like we’re back on our childhood days playing and capturing these gigantic balloons. Some of our favorites are the Daisy, Ice cream, Cake and Panda. 

The festival also features a number of events in skydiving, flag jumps, micro light and rocketry demonstrations, helicopter flying exhibitions, freestyle aerobatics, precision maneuvers, light airplane balloon bursting, ultra-light flying formation and bomb dropping, kite-making and choreographed Kite-Flying. After enjoying the balloons, we roam around the field to capture photos of AFP’s armored & military vehicles, weapons, assault rifles, gigantic air/warcrafts, and skydiving outfits.

Sky Diver formation

Since we finished early at the show, we decided to have a side trip at Nayong Pilipino Clark and took our lunch at the famous Aling Lucing’s Sisig and Susie’s pasalubong; tibok-tibok as their specialty which I will blog on my next entry.

Getting the chance to witness this kind of fiesta was really fulfilling and fun-filled not only because of the Big balloons but the chance of spending early Valentines with my friends, no one can replace the memories, experience, and the bonding where everything flies!!! 

Directions to Clark Pampanga:

Getting to the Clark Special Economic Zone by car, take the North Luzon Expressway from Manila and exit at Dau, Mabalacat. Take a left turn towards Angeles City and right turn into Clark. On entering the main gate, proceed along Roxas highway and the Balloon Fiesta will be to your right. Car trips usually take about an hour and a half to two hours from Manila.