Blogs from Ilocos, Philippines, Asia
February 24th 2012
After a long 6 hour 140km ride from La Union we arrived in Vigan. At first I wasnt sure, its seemed like most other Cities in the Philippines, full of noisy tricycles and confusing road systems! but after looking around the Old Town that changed. Calla Crisologo is the main road running through Old Vigan and only horsedrawn Callesas are allowed. Its just like stepping back 150 years! just very old Colonial houses and cobbled streets. Also many old merchant houses to visit, the best of which was Syquia Masion, full of 19th Century funiture and artifacts. Also great was the local food, many small Caranderias selling local specialities like Vigan longannisa, empanada and Aroz Caldo. Found a good simple guesthouse, The Riverside, fan room with TV and wifi for just 600php.... read more
February 24th 2012
A very long hot 9 hours ride from Vigan to Pagudpud, and we got lost along the way which didnt help! Also visted Paoay Church, President Ferinand Marcos's mausoleum and the Bangui Windmills! so by the time we arrived we were completely knackered! Luckily we happened upon Britanya Resort which had nice AC rooms with wifi just behind the beach at 800php. Then we went for a quick stroll to the beach and wooooo its a bit like Boracay without the people and twice as picturesque! Very beautiful beach and so remote that hardly any other visitors! Amazing white sand and crystal clear bue water! Quite easily the most beautiful beach I have seen so far in the Philppines! Just as well as it took 3 days and 500km on a crazy motorbike to get here! ... read more
January 20th 2012
Firstly, seeing Hollywood actors Jeremy Renner and Rachel Weisz on the way to the airport was such an amazing random chance to happen! They were filming a part of their upcoming movie ‘Bourne Legacy’; now I know what starstruck means. Anyway, I was to travel out of town with a group of colleagues, most of whom have been my constant travel buddies - Janet, Martin, Wendell, Mae Ann, Joel, Erlyn, Muy, and Aly. Joel was supposed to be in a different airline but he missed his flight and had to buy new tickets so he’s now flying with us! The flight was eventually delayed for almost one and a half hours; jinx? (*I’m just teasing Joel.hahaha) Our supposed 19:05 flight was rescheduled to 20:30. At the Laoag Airport, we were pleasantly surprised to find a free ... read more
December 15th 2011
We’ve been in the Philippines for just over a fortnight but haven’t yet sampled much local food. Tonight’s the night. We place our orders—adobo for me, some juicy-sounding ribs for Duncan, and a starter of eggs in a garlic and chili sauce (for my benefit—I’ve got a cold). We rehash our day as we wait for our food. A horse and cart ride around the city to see the sights: a giant gingerbread church and its belltower; a pottery factory on the outskirts of town; and, just as a happenstance, a lunchtime exodus of teenagers pouring out of the high school. At dusk, we strolled up Calle Crisologo, the beautifully preserved street with stone paving and colonial-era architecture that earns Vigan its UNESCO world heritage status. Our starter arrives and I dig in, carving up one ... read more
November 12th 2011
Today we leave Ilocos Sur to head back to Manila. But before we do, Gina (an attorney) wanted to sit in on a preliminary court hearing as an observer. So Joel, Uncle Cid, and I had time to visit yet another nearby town Vigan – considered to have the most preserved evidence of Spanish colonial architecture. As we arrived in Vigan, I realized that I already had packed my camera for the anticipated departure. So I had to rely on my cell phone to take pictures. We walked around its town proper and found a section lined with centuries-old buildings with its streets very narrow barely able to accommodate today's modern vehicles. It is an extreme contrast to the the congested traffic plagued streets a mere block away. We then head back to Cabugao where Dioci ... read more
November 7th 2011
After spending a day with my high school buddies catching up & planning our Boracay trip, Rene & Eric dropped me off to my cousin's (Joel) whom I have not seen since he was 7 or 8 years young which was over 30 years ago. It was 2 AM by the time I got to his house and finally met in person his wife Gina whom I had been corresponding with the previous 2 months planning out trips for my stay. Joel and I briefly exchanged our past memories but had to prepare for our road trip in just a few hours. So I cleaned up and packed 1 bag for the road. The weather has been rainy since noon on my first day in Manila. It continued to rain as Joel, his wife Gina, and ... read more
November 7th 2011
The next morning, my uncle named Cid took a leisure walk and ended up at the town's market. Here we sampled some of the desserts I remember eating while growing up. Then we headed back to the house for yet after another feast for breakfast. After that, we headed on a sightseeing road trip to visit the following towns – Burgos, Laoag, Paoay, Batac, & Curimao. Uncle Cid reminded me that old relatives of mine have relocated to Burgos. Those folks hold a special place of my childhood memories. So I was ecstatic to visit them. One problem though - we have no clue to their actual location as I have lost contact with them for over 30 years, One thing that is an advantage to us is that Burgos is such a close knit town ... read more
August 4th 2011
Northern Philippines includes the Ilocos Region : Ilocos Norte with its capital in Laoag City, and Ilocos Sur with its capital in the historic town of Vigan. Locals are collectively called Ilocanos or Ilokanos. And their cuisine is distinctly Ilocano in that it represents and integrates in every dish the major Ilocano trait of frugality and industry. Vegetarian Delights: Sinigang na Malaga, Dinengdeng, Poqui-Poqui, Pinakbet Malaga is a kind of fish. In Vigan's Kusina Felecitas Restaurant in Grandpa's Inn, it is cooked in broth soured by a tropical fruit, santol which is native to a few southeast asian countries like the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Borneo. Called Sinigang na Malaga (Fish Cooked In Sour Broth), this sour soupy dish is garnished with vegetables such as stringbeans and kangkong, our local water spinach. J... read more
