Ang Dakilang Lakwatsera: July 2009

Monday, July 27, 2009

Exploring Ilocos Region: Pangasinan

The last day of our backpacking trip across Ilocos Region was spent in Pangasinan. Pangasinan is the southernmost province in the region and the nearest to Manila.

As I have mentioned in my previous post, we stayed overnight in Lingayen, the provincial capital of Pangasinan. After breakfast, we went to the Lingayen War Memorial and the historical Lingayen Beach which played an important role during the second world war.

Lingayen Beach (taken by me on June 26, 2007)

Lingayen War Memorial (taken by Lor on June 26, 2007)

After this, we decided to go to Bolinao on the northwestern tip of Pangasinan. Bolinao is famous for its beautiful and virgin beaches. We were actually choosing between Bolinao and Hundred Islands, but because we needed one whole day to fully explore Hundred Islands, we decided to go with Bolinao. From Lingayen, we rode the bus to Alaminos, and from Alaminos, we rode another bus to Bolinao. The first thing we did when we got to Bolinao is to have lunch and then we visited the nearby St. James Parish.

St. James Parish (taken by Lor on June 26, 2007)

After this, we rented a tricycle for the whole afternoon and our driver took us to the Enchanted Cave, Bolinao Lighthouse and the beautiful Patar Beach. By the time we got near the beach, it was already raining hard but that did not stop us from enjoying beautiful Bolinao. The rain actually made this trip more memorable. At around 7pm, we left Patar Beach and took the long tricycle ride back to the town center. At 9pm, we rode the Five Star Bus in Bolinao back to Manila.

Entrance to the Enchanted Cave (taken by Lor on June 26, 2007)

Clear water inside the Enchanted Cave (taken by Lor on June 26, 2007)

Our tricycle (taken by Lor on June 26, 2007)

Bolinao Lighthouse (taken by me on June 26, 2007)

Patar Beach (taken by me on June 26, 2007)

2 years ago, we did not know anything about Bolinao, and neither did we know that it would it be one of the famous destinations in Pangasinan now. Looking back, I am thankful to have seen this place before commercialism spoils it. But I am praying that day won't come.

Access from Manila: Buses such as the Five Star Bus, Dagupan Bus, Victory Liner, Philippine Rabbit takes the Manila-Bolinao route daily. Travel time is around 6 hours.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Exploring Ilocos Region: La Union

Day 3 of our Ilocos Region trip was spent in La Union. As I have mentioned in my previous post, we stayed at Se-Bay resort which is right in front of the surfing beach of San Juan so we thought we will be able to try surfing. But to our disappointment, there were no waves! So we just decided to check out early and explore San Fernando, the capital of La Union.

San Juan surfing beach (taken by me on June 25, 2007)

We rode the jeepney from San Juan to San Fernando. (travel time is around 15- 30minutes) In San Fernando, we visited the famous Ma-cho temple. You can have a good view of the city and the beach from the temple.

Macho temple (taken by Lor on June 25, 2007)

Macho temple view (taken by me on June 25, 2007)

After Macho Temple, we went looking for the famous basi wine because my companions needed it for their thesis. So we rode the bus to Bauang and transferred to a jeep which took us to Naguilan which is famous for basi. Basi wine is made from sugarcane and is kept in basi jars until they are ready to drink.

Basi jars (taken by Lor on June 25, 2007)

After Naguilan, we proceeded to the town of Agoo and visited the famous Agoo Basilica . This church is one of the most beautiful churches in La Union and its nearby Agoo Miracle Site is believed to be where Mother Mary appeared to a little girl. From Agoo Basilica, you still have to ride a tricycle and hike for around 30 minutes to reach the apparition site.

Agoo Basilica (taken by Lor on June 25, 2007)

Agoo Basilica Marker (taken by Lor on June 25, 2007)

Agoo Miracle Site (taken by Lor on June 25, 2007)

After Agoo, we proceeded to Pangasinan, our last stop in our Ilocos Region exploration. We did not book an accomodation beforehand, so we asked the help of the people from the Department of Tourism in La Union, and they told us we can stay at the Hotel and Restaurant Management building of Pangasinan State University in Lingayen, Pangasinan. It was the cheapest airconditioned room we could get (900 pesos for 4 people) so we decided to take it. We rode the bus from Agoo to Dagupan, the capital of Pangasinan. From Dagupan, we then took a jeepney to Lingayen. The room offered to us was surprisingly good for its price, but the only catch is we were the only ones in the whole building and maybe the whole campus. Call me coward but because of this, I couldn't sleep the whole night. haha!

So there you have it, our third day in the Ilocos Region. My next post will be about our exploration of Pangasinan.

Access Manila to La Union:
Take the bus to Laoag or Vigan and get off at La Union. (around 5-6 hours)

Access La Union to Lingayen:
Take the bus to Dagupan then catch the jeep or bus to Lingayen. (around 2-3 hours)

Access Manila to Lingayen:
Buses such as Dagupan Bus Lines, Five Star Bus Lines, Autobus take the Manila-Dagupan route. (around 4-5 hours) From Dagupan, take the jeep or bus to Lingayen. (around 30 minutes to 1 hour)

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Exploring Ilocos Region: Ilocos Sur

Day 2 of our Ilocos Region trip took us to Ilocos Sur. From Laoag, we rode the bus to Vigan City, the capital of Ilocos Sur. The historic town of Vigan is declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has preserved its old Hispanic architecture very well.

Since this is actually a thesis research trip for my companions, our first stop is a salt-making facility on the outskirts of Vigan which they needed for their thesis. After that, we proceeded to Baluarte which is the home of the former governor of Ilocos Sur, Chavit Singson. This place has its own private zoo which can be accessed for free.

Baluarte (taken by me on June 24, 2007)

Then, we had our lunch in Cafe Leona in Mena Crisologo St., Vigan City. We were served with local signature dishes such as bagnet, Vigan longganisa, etc. We spent 680pesos for 4 people which might be OK for some, but not so okay for budget conscious travelers like us (haha call us stingy or what).

Vigan Longganisa (taken by Lor on June 24, 2007)

Pakbet (taken by Lor on June 24, 2007)

Bagnet (taken by Lor on June 24, 2007)

After this, we proceeded to exploring Vigan City by kalesa (horse-driven carriage). A kalesa ride costs 150pesos per hour (as of 2007) and will take you around the city of Vigan. The kalesa took us to Bantay Church, Crisologo Museum, Padre Burgos House and the famous and often photographed Calle Crisologo. Our last stop was the pagbuburnay or pottery making. Here, we were shown how jars were made from clay.

Calle Crisologo (taken by me on June 24, 2007)

Origin of the name Vigan (taken by me on June 24, 2007)

Bantay Church (taken by me on June 24, 2007)

Bantay Belfry (taken by me on June 24, 2007)

Pagbuburnay (taken by me on June 24, 2007)

Before we left Vigan, we stopped by Vigan Cathedral in the town square. Then off we went to our next stop, La Union. We rode the Partas air-conditioned bus from Vigan to San Juan, La Union where we spent the night. The ride from Vigan to La Union is very scenic especially around the Solvec Point area. We left Vigan at around 5:30 - 6pm so we were able to catch the gorgeous sunset from our bus.

Vigan Cathedral (taken by me on June 24, 2007)

Sunset at Solvec Point (taken by me on June 24, 2007)

After around 3 hours, we reached San Juan, La Union. At that time, we did not have a place to stay yet, so we asked some people around to recommend a nice accommodation. They told us to go to Se-Bay. We actually did not like the place but because it was already getting late, we had not choice but to stay here. The only good part about this resort is that it is located right in front of the famous surfing beach of San Juan. So it is nice for day trips but I do not recommend this place for overnight trips.

Access Laoag to Vigan:
Buses and minivans leave regularly for Vigan. Travel time is around 2 hours.

Access Manila to Vigan:
Buses such as Partas, Viron Transit, Dominion Bus Lines take the Manila-Vigan route daily. Travel time is around 6-8 hours.

Access Vigan to San Juan, La Union:
Ride the buses bound for Manila and get off at San Juan, La Union. Travel time is around 3 hours.

Access Manila to San Juan, La Union:
Ride the buses bound for Vigan or Laoag and get off at San Juan, La Union. Travel time is around 5-6 hours.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Exploring Ilocos Region: Ilocos Norte

I went with my friend, Lor and her thesismates MJ and JV in their thesis research/backpacking adventure to the Ilocos Region - one of the northermost regions of the Philippines. We only had 4 days so we only spent a day in each of the 4 provinces of the region (Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan). Our first stop: the northernmost province of Ilocos Norte. Ilocos Norte is famous for being the hometown of the former president Ferdinand Marcos. It is also known for its beautiful beaches such as Pagudpod and picturesque sceneries.

We took the night bus of Farinas Transit from Manila and arrived at Laoag, the capital of Ilocos Norte around 8am the next day. We were lucky my friend Lor knew someone from Laoag and he was kind enough to lend us his car for the whole day. So after eating our breakfast, we headed to the historical Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Paoay Church (taken by Lor on June 23, 2007)

Paoay Church Marker (taken by me on June 23, 2007)

Paoay Church Painting in Malacanang of the North (taken by me on June 23, 2007)

After Paoay Church, we headed to the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Batac. This museum is where memorablias of the former president Ferdinand Marcos can be seen. But the main attraction of this place is mausoleum which houses the presevered body of the former president. Kinda creepy if you ask me. Take note that you cannot take pictures inside the mausoleum.

Wax replica of Ferdinand Marcos (taken by JV on June 23, 2007)

Then, we headed out to the Malacanang of the North in Paoay. Take note that even if Paoay Church is named after this place, it is located in Laoag and not in Paoay. The Malacanang of the North was the official residence of the former president whenever they were around the area and was eventually turned into a museum. This place also has a beautiful view of Paoay Lake. Entrance fee is 20pesos and it is open from 9am to 5pm daily.

Malacanang of the North (taken by Lor on June 23, 2007)

Paoay Lake (taken by Lor on June 23, 2007)

After Paoay, we went back to Laoag to have our lunch and visited some of the famous sites in Laoag such as the Sinking Bell Tower, Laoag Church, Tobacco Monument and the Town Plaza.

Sinking Bell Tower: only half of the entrance remains (taken by me on June 23, 2007)

Then off we went to the highlight of the day - the scenic roadtrip from Laoag to Pagudpod. Do not sleep on the way because you will miss out the beautiful view. We stopped by the lovely Cape Bojeador and the Bangui Windmills before reaching the serene beaches of Pagudpod.

Cape Bojeador (taken by me on June 23, 2007)

Cape Bojeador's Amazing View (taken by me on June 23, 2007)

Bangui Windmills (taken by me on June 23, 2007)

Pagudpod (taken by me on June 23, 2007)

We just took a quick dip in Pagudpod and headed back to Laoag just in time for dinner. We had the famous Ilocos Empanada (yum!) and ate it in our hotel - La Elliana Hotel (Contact Number: +63777714876/+6377771-6008; Addres: Brg. 5 cor Alban Ave. Rizal St. Laoag City). I highly recommend this inn because it is cheap and very clean.

So there you have it, our first day in the Ilocos Region. Next stop: Ilocos Sur .

Access from Manila: Buses such as Farinas, Autobus, Maria de Leon, Partas take the Manila-Laoag route daily. Travel time is around 9-10 hours.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Seoul!!!

2 years ago around this time, I went with my sister and her officemates to Seoul. I was addicted to Korean dramas and k-pop during that time so I was really really excited to visit this city.

Our first day in Seoul was spent touring around the city. We rode the hop in hop off Seoul Downtown Tour Bus which basically took us around the famous places in Seoul. A one-day pass costs around 10000won. We boarded in Gwanghwamun and went down in Namdaemun, Myeong Dong, Namsan Seoul Tower, Namsangol Hanok, Blue House and Dongdaemun. There were actually more than 30 stops, but because of the limited time, we only went down to these 6 places.

Namdaemun Gate (taken by my sister's friend on July 13, 2007)

Namdaemun Market (taken by my sister's friend on July 13, 2007)

Food in Namdaemun (taken by my sister's friend on July 13, 2007)

Lunch in Namdaemun (taken by me on July 13, 2007)

Seoul Tower (taken by my sister's friend on July 13, 2007)

Gwanghwamun (taken by me on July 13, 2007)

Blue House (taken by my sister's friend on July 13, 2007)

Seoul Downtown Tour Bus Route (taken by me on July 13, 2007)

The next day we went to Lotte World (a famous theme park) and then proceeded to 63 Building to see Seoul at night from its observatory deck. You can also see Seoul from the Namsan Seoul Tower but we chose this building because my sister was a big fan of the Korean series My Girl, and some scenes from My Girl were shot here. But I am not complaining because the view from the building is great! Entrance fee is 7000won and the observatory deck is open from 10am to 12mn (last admission is 11pm).

Lotte World Castle (taken by me on July 14, 2007)

Lotte World Ice Skating Rink (taken by me on July 14, 2007)

Seoul at night from 63 Building Observatory Deck
(taken by my sister's friend on July 14, 2007)

Our last full day in South Korea was spent in Nami Island. Ok why Nami Island? Well, this time, my sister's friend was a big fan of the Korean drama Winter Sonata and some of the famous scenes from this drama were shot here (sounds familiar?). Since this place is located outside of Seoul, we took the bus from Seoul to Chuncheon and went down at Gapyeong Bus Terminal Station. From Gapyeong Bus Terminal Station, we took a taxi to the port where we boarded the ferry which took us to Nami Island.

Inside Nami Island (taken by my sister's friend on July 15, 2007)

Nami Island Icecream (taken by me on July 15, 2007)

We headed home the next day. Even if we only spent 4 days in Seoul and adminttedly had not explored it completely, I still fell in love with this city. I just love the energy (shops are open til 5am!!!) and food (kimchi and bibimbap!!!). I wish I could go back to Seoul again.