Travel is the name of a modern disease which became rampant in the mid-fifties and is still spreading. The disease – its scientific name is travelitis furiosus - is carried by a germ called prosperity.

~George Mikes

We reach the last leg of our journey up North and we still have some places to visit before we head home. It’s an inspiring weekend and fun adventure ’till the very end.

Check out our Vigan – Laoag – Pagudpud – Ilocos Itinerary as well as our First Day Adventures in Vigan & Laoag and 2nd Day Beach Bumming at Blue Lagoon and other tourist spots of Ilocos.

3rd Day : All our bags are packed now and ready to go… but wait… we can’t leave just like that!

After breakfast, we headed off to the local market to check out authentic Ilocano specialties, from bagnet to tupig to Sukang Iloko, to longganisa. Mind you our weight doubled these past days with the yummy dishes prepared by our generous hosts. And we still have a few take outs from them.

Not included in our itinerary was a  visit to the church of Sta. Monica or also known as Sarrat Church in the town of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. It’s only a few minutes away from Vintar where we stayed, so we grab the chance to drop by.

It’s an old Baroque church in a beautifully arranged red bricks. Further reconstructions were made when the former Philippine President Marcos’ daughter, Irene Marcos, choose the church to be a venue of her fairytale wedding to Gregorio Araneta in 1983. Sarrat Church holds the record of the longest  church aisle in the Philippines.

The ruins of a torture chamber can still be seen at the site of the church. In the torture chamber are 2 enormous brick-covered pillars. Filipinos accused of subversion and other major crimes were said to have been hanged from these pillars during the Spanish colonial period.

Our next stop is Batac, Ilocos Norte to visit Marcos Museum and Mausoleum.

Picture taking isn’t allowed at Marcos Mausoleum where the glass-entombed, preserved corpse of ousted President Ferdinand Marcos can be found. He died in exile in Hawaii in 1989 but this dictator is well-loved by his hometown.

Beside the Mausoleum is Marcos Museum where the former President’s  military awards, plate number, photos, and his work desk are displayed for viewing.

We found colorful graffiti just outside the museum. Impressive, perfect for a background!

We had the chance to catch the photo exhibit happening  not too far from the Mausoleum. Photo collection and memorabilia are displayed on wall with great pride. The newspaper which announces that former President Marcos topped the bar exams and with a score no one in history has ever beaten yet, we were in awe. The first couple’s photos of their younger years were also displayed. Former first lady, Imelda Marcos exudes elegance even at a young age.

Did I mention we have Ferdinand and Imelda joined our group?

Of course we can’t leave Batac City without sampling the authentic Ilocos Empanada. Ohhh, tastes heavenly.

We continued with the long drive to Juan Luna Shrine. The Shrine is the ancestral home of artist and world-renowned painter, Juan Luna (1857 – 1899). It was close when we went there, but we are lucky enough that the curator seen us surveying the area. He let us in and happily gave us a tour in the two-storey house. The restored house is now open to the public after it was converted into a mini museum which showcases various memorabilia and Luna’s works of art. A reproduction of his greatest masterpiece, the Spolarium, hangs on the wall, won a gold medal in 1884.

Interesting point is the genealogy which connects Imelda Marcos to Juan Luna’s ancestors.

We didn’t stay long for we still have to drop by Vigan before heading to Manila. The long journey gave us a free time for an afternoon nap.

Then there was Viva Vigan Festival. Some of the roads were close for the celebration. It is the grandest cultural activity in the North. Crisologo Museum was closed. We decided to have lunch first at the restaurant in Calle Crisologo then we’re off to Baluarte.

Not just a zoo, Baluarte is an interactive wildlife sanctuary and facility, with the breathtaking view of its dominating scenic boulders amidst trees and greens. Some addition I recognized from my 2006 visit is a camel ride, where you can actually sit on it and take photos. A huge dinosaur by the Baluarte signage and Butterfly Garden. There were colorful parrots on display too.

Baluarte is an 80 hectares of gently rolling terrains, hills and mountain sides, the structures of facilities and amenities, its phases of construction is in its best possible realistic and natural habitat for good and sound animal care. It is open to the public and admission is FREE. It is the home of Governor Chavit Singson.

Our day is coming to an end, we made a stop at Barangay Pagburnayan to witness Pottery Making. Burnay means earthen pot. Too bad, it is holiday in Vigan and there were no one in the jar factory to show us the potter’s tool. We did roam around though to our hearts content and check out some huge and broken jars.

We went back to Calle Crisologo to do last minute shopping. We have free time to scour for goods, bargains and Vigan’s best souvenirs. Oh, we did drop by at the town’s market too, to buy the most coveted chichacorn in various flavours, sweet and spicy, cheese, garlic, etc.

At half past 6 in the evening, we left Vigan, fortunately not in a calesa. We stop over at Pangasinan for dinner and safely landed in Manila by 3 in the morning.

To wrap it up, it was a long, three days journey, but it was all worth it. We were able to meet new friends, discover new places, experience the North side of the Philippines, been welcomed warmly by our hosts and Ilocanos we met along the way.

For More Photos, visit :

Weekend Haven Album
Group Shots by Charlone Ibanez
Lakbay Nikkitaa  by Ferdinand Teves
Northern Escape by RL Bernardo

Viva Ilocos!

An Invitation to Join NORTHERN ESCAPE 2010!

A Budget Trip to:  Laoag – Ilocos – Pagudpud – Vigan

Date: April 30, 2010 – May 4, 2010

3 Days Itinerary:

April 30, 2010

2200H meeting/assembly time Shell, Ayala cor Edsa
0700H ETA Vigan

Day 1/ May 01, 2010
Food Inclusion (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

•    Quirino Bridge in Bantay
•    St. Augustine Church and Bell Tower
•    St. Paul Cathedral
•    Calle Crisologo (Old Houses Vigan)
•    Marcos Mausoleum
•    Batac Empanada
•    Paoay Church
•    Malacanan of the North
•    Fort Ilocandia
•    Sinking Bell Tower, Laoag
•    Vintar Ilocos Norte

Day 2 / May 02, 2010
Food Inclusion ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner )

•    Bangui Windmills
•    Ilocos – Cagayan Boundary Canopy
•    Paraiso ni Anton
•    Patapat Viaduct
•    Maira-ira Cove (Blue Lagoon) -Lunch
•    Kapurpurawan rock
•    Burgos Lighthouse
•    Pasuquin Bakery (Maker of Biscocho)

Day 3 / May 03, 2010
Food Inclusion (Breakfast)

•    Badoc – Juan Luna Shrine
•    Chavit Singson’s Baluarte
•    Fr. Jose Burgos Museum
•    Pagburnayan (Vigan Jar Factory)
•    Crisologo Museum
•    Marcia’s Royal Bibingka

ETD Vigan: May 3, 3PM
ETA Manila: May 4, 12MN

Budget / Expense : P3,500 / person
Inclusions : Food, Van Rental, Accommodation, Entrance/Misc Fees

To Bring:

Swimwear
Camera with (batteries & memory cards
Small pillow to make yourself comfortable during the whole trip.

Van is airconditioned FB L300, fronting seats (jeep style), so you might want to bring advil or bonamine, if you get easily nauseated from long travels.

No. of Guests : Max 15 / open to everyone

For more information, visit Facebook Event or drop me a message.

Al Ain, literally means The Eye or The Spring is the fourth largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With a population of 421,948 (2005 estimate), Al Ain is dubbed the Garden City of the UAE. It is located in Abu Dhabi (emirate), directly adjacent to the border with Oman. The freeways connecting Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and Dubai form a geographic triangle in the center of the country, each city roughly 150 kilometers from the other two. Ref: wikipedia

Me and my two friends with a new acquaintance, Farhan braved the summer heat off to the outskirts of Dubai. We had a long holiday and what better way to spend the weekend than to plan a getaway.

At 8 AM on March 2008, we gather ourselves for a  much needed break. Our new acquaintance will drive for us.

As we passed by Sheikh Zayed Road, our eyes were caught by these beautiful creatures. Fabulous Peacocks showcasing their gorgeous feathers. Around 50 of them roaming freely around Sheikh Mohammad Palace.

Visitors are only allowed to make a U-turn at the Palace ground so I have those snapshots taken inside our car. These eye-candies are amazing, I wanted to take one home.

We were back on the road in no time, and traveled for about 2 hours going to Al Ain. There were hardly any vehicles on the highway connecting Dubai to Al Ain, that made our trip a breeze.

Al Ain is famous for its roundabouts. The roundabout intersections are distinct to almost every corner.

Our first stop was Al Ain Oasis. Located between Main souq area downtown and Al Ain Street. This is home to the thousands of date palms and known for its largest underground irrigation system. There are also old building ruins along the way which they plan to restore.

We decided to visit Al Ain Zoo. It was all our first time to be there and I did enjoy our animal encounters. Moreover, Farhan, was like a kid craving for more to see. I was in awe to see rhinoceros and storks, among others.

We left Al Ain Zoo around 11 am and seek our way to Jebel Hafeet. It is located between a desert and its magnificent sand dunes to the west and the jagged and impressive Hajar Mountains. Jebel Hafeet is the second tallest mountain in the United Arab Emirates (1350 m).

The road going up is steep zigzag slope. We passed by Green Mubazzarah Park, which has a stretch of hilly mountains covered by grasses. The three view decks of Jebel Hafeet offers equally beautiful, spectacular views. Each has a parking area. There is an isolated hotel halfway, the Mercure Hafeet, with its panoramic view, I still find it an odd location. Who prefers to stay there?

There is a construction at the top of Jebel Hafeet. Farhan said it was a palace of the crowned prince. Hmmm, impressive but quite dangerous. Ever heard of landslides?

Basking in the sun’s glory at noon is not a good idea. The best time to go for viewing  pleasure is just before sunset or hit the road before dawn. Looking down, dark and hazy clouds were covering most of the great views of the mountains and sand dunes.

After the short visit, we headed to Al Ain Mall to for a late lunch. The newly opened Dubai Outlet Mall is on the way, so we dropped by to take a peek of what’s in store before heading home. We were done at 5 pm.

Tips: Its best to go during winter, naturally not on a summer’s scorching heat. Not much to see from up there, except for a visual treat of sand dunes and patches of greens.

Zoobic Safari is the only Tiger Safari located in the heart of Zoobic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines. A 25-hectare land full of diverse exotic animals.

I remember I was going through a rough week of work overload, so when my balikbayan Aunt & her husband invited me to join them to a road trip in Subic, I didn’t think twice and meet them early the following day.

We fetch my grandparents, 2 cousins and my Uncle’s girlfriend. My aunt’s husband on the wheels. At 6 o’ clock in the morning we were cruising the road going north.

At half past 8, we made a stop at Shell Station in NLEX Bulacan to have breakfast. We just ordered coffee from Jollibee since were still full from the bread & spam we ate inside the car.

We then continued our journey to Subic. No one knew the current way going to Subic, so we had to rely on signages.

Directions going there:

We passed through North Luzon Expressway and took the exit at Dau going to SCTEX (Subic – Clark – Tarlac Expressway). This is by far, the most  convenient and efficient way to go to Subic Bay Freeport, Central Techno Park in Tarlac and Special Economic Zone in Zambales and Pampanga. The four lane road and the country’s longest expressway is worth bragging.

We passed through quite a number of toll gates, I lost count on how much the total toll fees cost.

We just followed the long and winding road, and voila, welcome to Subic.

Be aware though that driving in this area is under the compelling traffic rules of America. Do not even attempt to try Manila driving here or you’ll have tons of violations before you get your butt back to where you came from. =P

The signage going to Zoobic Safari are not much of a help inside Subic. The quest to finding it is quite challenging. We were told to just follow the signage which was supposed to be just few meters away or should be in every block. Mind you, there were times that we think we’re lost inside the forest, because we can’t find the next signage. Where to go? Left, Right, Up, back?

Finally, we found the entrance of Zoobic Safari at past 10 AM.

It was burning hot outside.I know its not good to visit the zoo in this time of the year because it just adds up to the animals’ burden. Who would want to entertain people at this weather, right?

Entrance Fee is P395 per pax which is valid for a visit at Zoobic Park, Serpentarium, Rodent World, Aeta’s Trail, MuZooeum, Tiger Safari Ride, Savannah and more.

We had a close encounter with tigers, ostrich, Ferret, Camels and lots of  crocodiles. I can’t remember all the animals we’ve seen, but most of them were resting. The place looked dull during Summer.

We hopped into a Safari Jeep for tiger feeding. Our guide said that earlier that morning, one tiger even bite the tire of one of their jeepneys. And the passengers have to wait inside for at least an hour before getting off the ride.

We enjoyed the Aeta’s tribal dance. Very talented, I must say.

We also had a good view of how many arsenals are scattered within the area.

Here is our random photos. Enjoy!

We were stinking by the time we  finished the tour at half past 1 PM and headed to Chowking for lunch.

We were back in Manila early and spent the rest of the day at my Aunt’s & Uncle’s condo.

Family Weekend is priceless.

Bohol is a paradise Island in Visayas Region, a Philippine destination famous for Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers, pristine beaches and more.

When Cebu Pacific published a seat sale to Tagbilaran in 2006, it was a chance we don’t want to missed. I scoured the net to research for places to see beyond the rustic charm of Bohol and came up with our customized itinerary.

Itinerary

24-Aug    Arrival to Tagbilaran
0430   Domestic Airport. Check In.
0620   ETD Mla to Tagbilaran   |  Terminal Fee: 200
0740   ETA Tagbilaran
0800   Tagbilaran Adventure
*** hire car/multicab for the tagbilaran trip
*** Explore Sandugo/Blood Compact, Baclayon Church, Largest snake in captivity
*** Chocolate Hills, Man-made forest
*** Lunch at Loboc River Cruise, Hanging Bridge
*** Dauis Church, Hinagdanan Cave
1700   Check in at  Bohol Diver Resort
*** Arrange for Whale & Dolphin Watching/Island hopping for next day

25-Aug    Whale Watching/Island Hopping/Snorkeling
0500    Balicasag/Pamilacan Island / Puntod Island

26-Aug    Hotel Check out
0600    Swimming in Alona Beach
0800    Breakfast
1100    Check-out from hotel
*** Hire tricycle to Tagbilaran
*** Drop by Bohol Bee Farm
1200    Check-in Tagbilaran
1400    Wander around Tagbilaran and Pasalubong Shopping

27-Aug    Fly back to Manila
0600    ETD  Tagbilaran  to Manila
0810    ETA Manila

Day 1 - Welcome to Tagbilaran City

Our first flight with Cebu Pacific turned out fun and on time. We were served with light snacks and were entertained with games. We arrived in Bohol at half past 6 in a sunny morning. Just outside Tagbilaran Airport were a line up of private and public transport offering a ride to the city.

We canvassed among the vehicle owners about their packages for city tour. We have a long list of places to see the whole day before settling in at Panglao beach at noon. They were friendly and earnest in entertaining our queries. We came in agreement with Mang Allan and we have the whole multicab all by ourselves. A private cab is almost of the same rate but we find it more exciting to tour the countryside with the little red shuttle.

Our first stop was Sandugo (Blood Compact) Shrine, a monument built to commemorate the first treaty made by Spanish explorer, Miguel Lopez De Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna to seal their friendship through tribal tradition.

We didn’t stay long, and headed forward to Baclayon Church, one of the oldest church in the Philippines. Next to it is a small museum which houses old artifacts and religious collections.

Just a few minutes away, between rough road and off to the woods, we were welcomed  with the biggest surprise of the day, Bohol’s largest snake in captivity at a mini-zoo in Alburquerque. The living python, Prony, weighs 300 kg and measures 23 feet. We were too late to witness its feeding time, where I heard a piglet was served lunch a la carte.

We don’t want to meddle with Prony’s siesta though,  so we just visited it’s friends, owls, eagles and more. The animal sanctuary houses other rescued and rehabilitated animals and different bird species.

Our hot day was just beginning, so we took off to see the hanging bridge and the famous tarsier. On the way, we reserved our lunch at Loboc River Cruise. We also made a stop at  a small store where the owner showed us his captive endangered tarsiers.   This smallest primate is endemic to the Philippines. In there, we were able to get up close and really close to these species. I know these tiny friends being nocturnal bordering to suicidal are really sensitive to camera flashes and human interaction. So when the owner put it on our shoulders for photo ops, we felt guilty.

Not far behind, we get to cross a hanging bridge made of woven bamboos, we didn’t get to the other side though, just halfway to indulge in the scenic view of loboc river.

We get on board the shuttle again and continued our journey to a long and winding road. We passed through the beautiful  Loboc – Bilar man-made forest. It’s a 2 km. stretch of asphalt road set in between towering mahogany trees. The temperature suddenly drops inside this rain forest.

Over the hilly town of Carmen in Bgy. Buenos Aires is where we found one of world’s famous tourist attraction and truly nature’s wonder, Chocolate Hills of Bohol. Named as such, because the 1,776 rolling hills covered with green grass turn brown during summer.

The view deck can be reached by foot through the long stairs up.  The Chocolate Hills complex provide a panoramic view of 50 square km. expanse of  the breathtaking chocolate kisses, errr… hills. There’s one for every sweet tooth.

With the temperature rising and a stomach screaming out for food, we didn’t stay long at the view deck. We’re back on the road to indulge in an authentic  buffet lunch feast.

We were just in time for the next floating restaurant to go on cruise. Later on, we were busy clamoring for buffet with other tourists on board. For P 250 per person, we get to enjoy fresh coconut juice, grilled sea foods, fried chicken and more. Nothing fancy though, but cruising on the still waters of Loboc river, satisfy one’s craving. Live music performance by native boholanos. Some added attractions are playing kids, swinging from tree branches, jumping and swimming through the sides of the restaurant’s raft.

Nearing the cruise end were a display of Busay’s cascading waterfalls. Some tourists can’t help but plunged into the deep green waters.

Going back on land, we marvel with the caged tarsiers for a moment before hitting the road again. We passed through a century-old balete tree, which at night, will probably give a creepy feel to any passer-by.

Nearby  we saw a blood compact monument. This is where the actual Sandugo was performed between Legazpi & Sikatuna.

Further ahead, we crossed the long  floating bridge that connects Bohol to Panglao Island. The bridge look as if it spreads out into the deep blue sea and unto some secret hideaway.

We dropped by Dauis Church and admire its  Spanish architecture. The intricate painting on the ceiling is just one of the amazing features of this old church. The other one is the miraculous well at the foot of the altar which is said to possess healing power. We noticed a short line of people waiting for their turn to hold at least a bottle of water from the mysterious well.We offered a short prayer of thanks before leaving the place.

The shortest and easiest spelunking I’ve  the chance to explore was at Hinagdanan Cave. A convenient stair was built going down the karst cave that lead to a mystical lagoon. Various formation of stalactites and stalagmites glisten to a glaring sunlight from the cave’s opening. Some dare to dip into the cold waters.

Our next stop was the octagonal structure, Panglao Watch Tower, one of the tallest of its kind in the country. The ground was transformed into a small park where the dilapidated tower embraces an ocean view. Our driver was supposed to arranged  for us a boat for the next day but we weren’t decided yet, so we only took the boatman’s number.

Prior to leaving Manila, we have arranged our accommodation at Bohol Diver’s Resort. Our superior room was splendid with a beach front view.  We were trapped for awhile when heavy rain started falling.

Just in time for sunset, we stroll along Alona Beach. some boatmen bid us their rate on whale watching / dolphin watching and island hopping for the next day. We decided for the best deal of course.

To summarize, we were both captivated with Bohol’s charm and an excellent display of visual thrills. It’s something we Filipinos can truly be proud of. The warmth of boholanos let us feel at home. Nice tropical weather plays perfectly for the beach lovers.

Follow me at our 2nd day adventure in Bohol: Dolphin Watching and Balicasag Island Tour!