From Vigan, Ilocos Sur...
First stop was Vigan, Ilocos Sur because for some reason we were late at the bus terminal and the only available bus was up to Vigan only. Looking back, I'm sure glad we were late for I've seen so many wonderful things in Vigan. I hope I could spend more time to visit them all.
Calle Crisologo. Keeping the age-old architechture alive and the souvenirs galore!
Mansion Syquia. I was told that this was given to President Quirino by the last Emperor (~ of China?). Sidenote: I also shook hands with the grandson of the president and brother of Ms. Cory Quirino! Now that's one in a BILLION event! Very Nice!
Pottery. The place where they make "Burnay." Also used for fermentation. Here's the carabao who presses the clay to make them softer.
Padre Burgos House. The place where one of Jose Rizal's teachers was born and lived
Baluarte. A wildlife sanctuary owned and maintained by Gov. Chavit Singson afaik; lots of well-maintained animals; Very nice! I loved the butterfly farm!
Some of the scenic spots in Vigan, Ilocos Sur
- Camposanto Chapel - our first stop!
- Plaza Burgos
- Vigan Cathedral
- Plaza Salcedo
- Crisologo Museum
- Our Lady of Charity Shrine + St. Augustine Church + Bell Tower
- Cafe Uno - great lunch! great place! cool place!
- Hidden Garden - green plants; nice stop over for a quick meal too!
Notes:
Almost all of the places mentioned above can be reached by walking as they are near each other. However, Baluarte and Hidden Garden needed some vehicular intervention. :)
And Now From Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte...
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Some of the scenic spots in the North
Kabigan Falls. The 30-45 minute hike is worth the wait. It was such a wonder to see something so breath-taking. You just can't simply put into words how to describe Mother Nature's wonders.
Some other wonderful places to go to:
- Paraiso Ni Anton - a grotto with refreshing water source. cold-as-ref water source
- Patapat Viaduct - the big bridge-link project between towns
- Agua Grande - a place to take a refreshing and cold dip
- Blue Lagoon Beach - it's blue from afar, and fine white sand in proximity. i recommend more time for more enjoyment
- Bantay Abot Cave - the great natural "donut" on the shoreline
- Timmangtang Rock - the rock formations (Bantay Abot Cave included)
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Some of the scenic spots in the South
Bangui Windmills. Wind power!!!
Nuff said, they were HUGE!!! A magnificent man-made structure for the windy region of Ilocos. Eco-friendly structures that's making a difference...
Burgos Lighthouse. I was told that its light can be seen kilometers away from the rock where it stands. Again, another, man-made structure with a purpose.
Another wonderful place to go to:
- Kapurpurawan (White Rock Formation) - an isolated area with powdery white rock formations. We were lucky to have been given the chance to visit as it's a place not-to-go-to during the rainy season. A place not for the Acrophobiacs, like me.
Notes:
A special trip may be arranged with the use of a tricycle (a motorized three-wheeled vehicle) which would cost PhP600, each, for North and South trips.
Here's the contact number of our driver:
Lenzer Javier
(+63) 906-8185735
And our booking contact to places:
Ms. Me-An
(+63) 919-3078803
