August 2, 2013. Friday. It was around 03:30PM when we arrived at the Mactan Cebu International Airport. I was travelling with Crisly, Berna and Cary going up North of the Philippines. We were able to get into the terminal hassle free. Thanks to Cebu Pacific web check in capability, no need to queue on the check-in counter.
Berna (busy), i, Cary, and Crisly inside the Cebu Pacific Airbus.
Shortly after few chats, we realized the Airbus has already landed at the Diosdado Macapagal (Clark) International Airport. Yes! The excursion had just started and we were all set to conquer the Northern Luzon. It was first timer for everyone to set foot at Clark. Excitement had flown through everyone's smiley faces.
Pose outside Clark Airport with Crisly while waiting for the travel agent.
It was already around 0700 PM when the group was fetched by our tour guides - Jojit and his cuz (from Parana Travel & Tours). With them was Daddy Bucks who came all the way from Manila to join the escapade.
Off to a road trip starting from the smooth ride along SLEX to a bumpy trans along Tarlac. Enjoying the view from my window, we passed by Hacienda Luisita - a sugar cane plantation owned by the Cojuancos. We had our first stop over an hour after at Tarlac City. Everyone was hungry that we immediately dine at Slice and Dice inside Metro Town Mall.
(L-R) Crisly, Bernadeth, me, Cary, and daddy Bucks at Slice and Dice.
Can't help but amazed with how cute Tarlac's tricyles are..
All aboard to a long and bumpy journey to the North. There were only 5 of us in a Toyota Hi-Ace van so we had the luxury of space to recline and sleep. From Tarlac to Santa Ilocos Sur (our first destination) it was roughly a 6-hour drive.
We had our second stop over at the Shell Rosario La Union. Here we saw many tourist stopping over. Travelers were usually bound to Baguio or Ilocos. It was around 10PM, i took advantage of the clean bathroom that Shell had to offer. I was able to brush my teeth and wash my face. Cool! Felt fresh at last.
La Union Gas station...
Thirty minutes after, we were off to a road trip again. Taking advantage of the luxury of space in the car, i lay down on the seat. The rhythmic clatter of seams seemed to disturb me at first but, my body retired at last and i fell asleep.
The whining of the tires and Kuya Jojit's (guide/driver) loud voice awakened me. Finally! we were in Ilocos Sur - on to our first spot - the Bangaoang - Santa Bridge (for details see other post)
The very clean rest room...
The whining of the tires and Kuya Jojit's (guide/driver) loud voice awakened me. Finally! we were in Ilocos Sur - on to our first spot - the Bangaoang - Santa Bridge (for details see other post)
It was still so dark (around 4AM) when we arrived so we decided to just sit back and relax until the sun would rise. Out of curiosity, i stepped out of the car and Geez!!! it was freaking cold. The breeze of the air from the sea countered by the flow of the air from the hills relinquished my body. I went back in the car, put my bonnet on and changed my outfit. Then, we were set for a photo shoot!
No idea what i was trying to achieve in here. haha
Finally! the sun had risen.
By 6AM, we left Bangaoang Bridge and traveled a 15-minute smooth ride to the Town of Bantay, Ilocos Sur where our next spot is situated - the Bantay Bell Tower (for details, see other post)
We were mesmerized by the scenic view of the towns of Bantay and Vigan while on the viewing deck of the Tower. It was great. But soon after we bid farewell to the magnificent Bell tower to continue our journey to the North. next stop, the world famous - VIGAN CITY!
It was around 7AM, just around 200 meters away from the Bantay Bell Tower, we were greeted by a beautifully positioned road arch with a sign 'Welcome to Vigan City'. Excitement risen when we finally set foot to Vigan. Just short minute ride from the arch, is a haven of foodies and botanists. Yes! it is a Garden Restaurant where one can dine to savor Ilocos's best Vigan Longganisa while enjoying the bewitching flowers and greenish bonsai hidden in the lavish trees. It was truly a surfeited feeling that the 'Hidden Garden' had offered. (for details, see other post)
With stomach full and eyes amazed, we headed to our next destination - BALUARTE. Just a 15 minute ride from the Hidden garden is Ilocos Sur's famous private Zoo owned by Gov. Chavit Singson. This 80-hectare Baluarte ni Singson is home to number of animals like Tigers, Ponies, Serpents, etc. Admission is free(for details, see other post).
It was already around 8:00 in the morning and the sun was striking that i couldn't enjoy the place anymore. It was literally hot. Anyway, didn't mind much as just a week ago i was at Dusit Zoo in Bangkok. We just had a group pic and we're all set to our next destination.
Around 08:45 after a short ride (10 min) we arrived at the Crisologo Musem in Vigan City. This is just a few meters away from the famous Calle Crisologo in Vigan. Here we were able to get a crash course in History of Vigan and Ilocos. Antiques were displayed all over the house turned museum. (for details, see other post).
Another 7 min ride and it was already around 09:30AM when we got to our next spot. The renown Pottery Making of Vigan - Burnayan Pottery. Here one could actually make his own pot out of clay but i preferred not to as it would be a hassle to clean up after. We only observed how the locals in 10 minutes was able to transform a soil to a beautifully molded pot! Slow clap. He was so good! The rhythm was perfect so as the pot. (for details, see other post).
Time check, 10:00 in the morning and oh! we were able to visit 5 tourist. We'd conquered the Ilocos Sur Region!
The adventure continues as the 4 wheels started to whine again. Oh another bumpy ride off to the Northern Ilocos Region.
To be conitnued on my next blog entry...
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