As always, we prioritize saving money when travelling, that's why we, along with our friends, JR and France (see post here), decided on joining a tour offered by France's high school friend.
The tour was scheduled during the first long weekend of June (10-12) and we decided to be picked up on Caltex, Mindanao Ave. where most travel agencies pick up their clients. By 12 AM, we were off to travel to the north!
From left to right: Jem, JR, and France (Team Likod and Team Laging Late HAHA)
After eating, we stayed at the nearby church and park to rest our tired bums.
We met Jungoo and his owner while they were resting at the park. He was very friendly and adored being petted!
We were called back to the van after 10 minutes and on we went for another hour until we finally reached Vigan City! Due to our tight schedule, we weren't able to take a picture of their welcome arch and we headed straight to RG Jar Factory, one of the three Pagburnayan still active in the country.
Burnay is a type of earthenware which was molded from clay. It's pretty much the same as terracotta however, there are claims that burnays are sturdier than the latter. It was reported that the first burnays were used for tea drinking, container for various spices and condiments, storage of wine, etc. these days, jars created come in different size and forms. There are even fountains and huge vases displayed in the factory.
The highlight of the trip however, was that you can experience molding your own jar or whatever form of pottery you want to make for free! The people inside the factory will also guide you all throughout the process of making one. If you want, you can also purchase various earthenware at a reasonable price.
Before heading off to our next destination, we, of course, had our little kodakan session!
We were ushered back to our van so we could visit our next destination, Baluarte!
Baluarte is owned by Governor Chavit Singson and it pretty much turned into a tourist destination here in Ilocos. I remembered having visited this place back in 2009 and the place was really devoid of people, nowadays you even have to fall in line just to get to see other animals up close!
Well hello there, kuyang naka-red HAHA
Baluarte is a sort-off zoo which caters to wide variety of animals. There are tigers, lions, kangaroos, deers (yes, even deers!), and many others. From what I have experienced, back in 2009 and last April 2017 (when I went with my family), entrance is for free. However, if you want to ride the tram on their open field, you'll have to pay a minimal fee. You can also have close encounters with the animals and have your pictures taken. Of course, this also comes with a price.
Anyway, we headed straight up to where most people are going and discovered Singson's sort-off trophy room.
Taken in front of the Safari Gallery. Overlooking the rest of the Ilocos Region.
The place houses the taxidermied animals of (we assumed) Singson's hunts while he was overseas. There are pictures of him taken beside the animals when they were hunted. It might seem amazing and all but if you think about it, it's basically a cemetery with bodies displayed out of their coffins (yes, I did not enjoy my stay here).
After touring Baluarte and buying souvenirs at the numerous store in front of the entrance, we headed back to our van.
We then began our long travel to the northern part of Ilocos!
Our first stop up north, Paoay Church!
Taken and Edited by Jem Roxas (nuxx)
The Saint Augustine Church, commonly known as Paoay Church, is one of the oldest churches here in the country. The church was built on 1694 and construction was completed on 1710. The church was famous for the large buttresses located on each side of the building. It was reported that it was designed as such as an answer to the Philippines being located at the ring of fire.
The church was also declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the government back in 1973, likewise, it was also announced as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After our lunch, of course, it's kodakan time!
After enduring the scorching heat of the sun, we headed back to our van to start our trip to our next destination, Malacañang of the North.
This place was the residence of former president Ferdinand Marcos and his family during his tenure. It was built on 1977 by the PTA (Philippine Tourism Authority) for Marcos' 60th birthday and it since then served as the place of their residence during their visit in Ilocos.
It was ordered to be redesigned and turned into a tourist attraction by his daughter Imee Marcos in 2010 and has since then became a public domain for it being considered a national park.
Paoay Sand Dunes (image grabbed from here)
I have to be honest here, since we were so cut-out from our budget, we were not able to ride a 4x4 to enjoy the sand dunes, much more see it in person! HAHA Anyway, the rates are pretty standard whichever provider you visit. One 4x4 rental will cost PHP 2,500.00 and the ride is already good for 5 people. So yep, that's PHP 500 per person. Aside from the 4x4 ride, you also get to enjoy unlimited sand boarding.
I remember seeing and playing on this sand dune back in 2009. The place really looks like a desert! My step-dad brought us to a place where the sand dune is easily accessible without the need to ride a 4x4. Too back I couldn't remember where it was and that our tour guide brought us straight to a rental place.
Anyhoo, we waited for our companions to finish their round and I think it lasted for more than 30 minutes. I think their trip was cut short because of the sudden down pour of the rain. When they got back, we immediately took off to our designated accommodations.
Our group was assigned to stay at Momies' Homestay in Laoag City. The place felt homey and reminded me of the motels featured on various American TV shows.
For our dinner, we were fetched by our driver-slash-tour-guide and dropped off at a Tapsilugan somewhere in Laoag City proper. It was located near the bus terminals of buses traveling from Manila (Espana) to Laoag. We got back to our lodging sometime at 10 in the evening where we watched a movie while taking shots hehe.
We slept past 11 because we still have plenty of stuff to do the following day ;)
Stay tuned for the second part of my blog post about our trip to Ilocos Region!
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