Saying Goodbye to an Alma Mater

I would have continued enumerating my Marisian highlights as what I have previously posted, but then I have a changed of heart.

It would be so fun to share more stories on how our speech lab gives me the creeps or the mysterious happenings during camping inside the campus.  The gossips and food shared on the red table that is not really red.  Or on how it never occurred to me why that space on the third floor of the library building is called Admin Bldg.  I could go on but then the inevitable point came where I needed to move out of that zone.  Yes, graduating.       

UCB - United Chrysolite Babes and Bugoys

In as much as most kids these days just can't wait to grow up and be a kolehiya, they don't really know what it is like to be a grown up.  They think they know - being a grown up means you have to be responsible.  Being a grown up you have to make decisions.  Being a grown up is just plain boring.

Saying goodbye to Stella Maris was bittersweet.  High school was so much fun.  Well for me it was.  High school meant I'm in that point where I can plan for my future but still remain childish.  I could joke around with my teachers and not be scared being graded while doing so ( I think!).  I have discovered that treating your teacher as some sort of a friend than a witch is much better for my learning.

Graduation could mean a lot of things for anybody  It was the culmination of all your hard work.  If it was enough for you to enter the world of collegiate.  It also means that you have to pass certain points to get into your preferred course.  It means you have to march on that stage with your head held high while your parents vigorously clap their hands knowing you have yet made a milestone in their plan for your future.  Graduation means you are almost ready to be an adult.

But for me graduation was something else, it was saying goodbye to all the 139 faces I see everyday for the past 12 years.  It was giving more space on the red table so somebody else could form friendships there.  It was returning all books so somebody else could learn from it too and perhaps doodle a little on the edges.  It was dancing one last time on the dirt covered ground for our field demo.  Pockets of good memories that could be a good topic when you meet up with old friends in the future.  That is just for me, I don't know what other 139 memories my classmates have in their pockets.

One thing is for certain though, we have one common memory that I am pretty sure that we will never ever forget.  Our graduation song.  You see, in Stella Maris we don't just adapt any inspiring song to be sung during our graduation rites, we make them.  So here is our graduation song, well just the lyrics, which sometimes I find myself singing while in the shower.

A Graduate's Farewell

by: Carnelian Class'96-'97

Look at us

See what we have become 

Feel our pride and happiness

See how far we have gone

We have reached the end of the path

Here lies the crossroads of life

Another adventure is about to begin

But do we have to say goodbye?

When the roads are too many

And we're too confused to choose

There is his rod to aid

And keep our pace

And wherever these roads roads lead

However far

Forget me not my friend as you and I

Reach our lives farthest star

Everybody bidding goodbye

Going ahead with their own journey

But I love you my dear friend

And before you leave

I have something to say

Through the blowing winds of time

We will leave nothing behind

(some lines missing...sorry)

Look at us..see what we have become   

And the song still rings truth.  We may have all went our separate ways but a Marisian will always be a brother or a sister to the rest of the Marisian community.  So I guess it will never be a goodbye, maybe its just a see-you-later thing.

The Marisian Life

It's funny how you sometimes do pieces of writing about little things that reminds you of a colorful childhood and it ended up being shared... like a lot?  It's overwhelmingly scary.  But in a good way...I think. I write stuff and after I think it is decent enough to reread for later I throw it into the cyber void hoping that nobody will find it.  (I'm weird that way).

Anyway!  To continue my celebration of my coral year as an acceptable human being, this is my last piece on the place I have spent 12 years of my life outside my home.  My second home - Stella Maris.

My prep Class Picture - Section Butterball

When I posted the previous piece, a lot of my friends and classmates commented on what they miss about Stella, so I'm compiling my top 20 and it is probably the same thing as most of the Marisian readers.

Grade 1 Cosmos (The Talisay tree behind is the only tree that doesn't have "til-as" - yes because it has no leaves and its probably dead already)

1.  Buying a ruler from the cashier is a very daunting task.  It was in 2nd grade, when an activity requires a ruler and I left mine at home.  But since I will be needing it in the afternoon I still have time to get one without going home.  P.S. I don't know how to get home because I take a carpool so going home is not in the list of my options.  So during recess I rushed to the cashier's office and bought a ruler or at least tried buying.
                                Me: "Ms. Teves tag-ilan ang ruler?"
                                Ms. Teves: "Walang tag-ilan dito!" (and bangs her window)
     second attempt (lunch break):  
                                Me: "Ms. Teves, may ruler po kayo?"
                                Ms. Teves: "Meron.  Ilan?"
                                Me: " Isa lang po.  Tag-ilan?" (bang! the window closed again)
So what seems to be the problem???  Maybe Ms. Teves doesn't like me.  I ended up asking my classmate to buy one for me instead.

2.  The pseudo artist.  Still in 2nd grade, it was a Thursday and our teacher informed us that we will be drawing  our favorite animal the next day, so we need to bring our drawing materials.  The ever prepared me did more than that.  I asked my Tatay to draw me a rabbit which of course I submitted the following day.  My teacher was so impressed so she posted "my" drawing on the best drawing board along with two other drawings.  Not only that, since she was so impressed she entered me to this inter-section drawing competition.  I was so mortified.  During the contest I was sweating profusely and the the thought of drawing stick people during the contest was just plain embarrassing.  So what should I do???  I fainted. The end. 

3.  The Bell.  I can't remember what grade level I was then, but there was this thing that everybody does when the bell rings during recess or lunch break.  Nope, we don't break dance, we did the opposite.  We freeze.  Whatever you are doing, when the bell rings you just have to stop.  It was weird but everybody in the school did it.  It was funny.  I could imagine those who were drinking from fountain when the bell rings.

4.  Toilet particulars.  I have developed an early hint of OCD when it comes to comfort rooms.  I must say it all started when I was introduced to the elementary CR.  It was dark, dank and dingy.  The triple D.  And it stinks like big time.  I wonder why.  And so, I have used my "tall-ish" feature and sneaked into the high school CR when I needed to tinkle. One time, during recess, I slipped into the high school CR when the bell rang, I did my business hurriedly inside the cubicle and ran outside.  And I noticed that some of the people were giving me funny looks while some sniggered.  When I reached the line I realized that my skirt accidentally got inserted in my ruffled knickers. Yes.  Red-face moment.

5.  Jeepers cleaners.  A section is divided into 5 groups that are assigned to clean the classroom at the end of the day.  Whoever is the leader will be a powerful individual.  I think, the cleaner leader and the class president almost have the same power.  You know why?  You have the power to report a classmate to the teacher.  Whoever escapes cleaning will be punished.  That's how serious cleaning is in Stella is. :)   I was so dedicated in cleaning that in 6th grade, I volunteered to clean the classroom during lunch break.  During lunch breaks all classrooms are closed/locked but since our classroom was at the newly added wing to the school and our teachers stayed during the break, we can go up there and clean.  Unfortunately for us, the janitor saw us and reported us to the prefect.  I cried so hard when we were sent to the office of the school's Prefect.  It was my first time but not the last.  As punishment, we swept the hallway floor from entrance to the canteen.  Traumatic.

6.  The Talisay tree.  The school ground is surrounded by big Talisay trees.  And each tree has this concrete bench around it.  It serves as a hangout place for everybody.  But there are two or three particular Talisay trees that breed the most hideous "til-as" ever.  When it gets in contact with your skin it is crazy itchy.   I have only loved those kind of trees when I reached high school.  The two trees fronting the high school building are the best places to copy assignments and people watch.

7.  Cheering grandslam.  We never won.  No matter how cute our cheer leaders were.  Or no matter how loud we were.  No matter how funny our cheers were.  We just can't have the title of a winning batch.  This is probably a curse.  Curse of the Che Che Bole.

8.  The short cut.  When an additional wing was built at back of the existing elementary building, a short cut was made so you don't have to go down just to go to the next building.  Rumor has it that a white lady guards that pathway.  That's why I never pass that short cut alone because I sort of believe it.  Or maybe because I'm just a scaredy cat.

9. Chit or Cheat or Cheet.  I will never know the correct spelling.  This is the money we used during special events in school a.k.a. Sportsfest and Foundation day.  Its one of the events in school I usually look forward to because I don't get to wear my uniform and we can buy junk foods that are usually sold outside the school.  But we don't use the real money, we change it into this sort of play money thing.  We call it "chit/cheat/cheet" I don't know where the term originated.

10.  The first time I fell in love.  No!  Not with a boy! I fell in love with books.  Who knew about love during elementary days?!  I haven't discovered comb at that time yet.  Books just took me to places.  That was the time when I wanted to be as adventurous as Nancy Drew or have a twin like Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield.  And this affair with the books have flourished until now and I think my friends still think I earmark the parts of "the birds and the bees."

So I have to cut the list short and make another post.  Like Harry Potter, Hunger Games and even Twilight have to cut their final chapter into two movies.  It's not because I wanted more attention (you think?!) but the post is too long already and I'm probably boring you.  So, off to the next page!

How I Survived Chinese School

It was 1986 while the Philippines was still singing the theme song for People's Power, my parents realized that having me ran around the entire day will only bring more scabs on my knees and nothing else.  So they have decided to enroll me to this good school that could probably give me the right education I need and be a productive citizen in the future - a Chinese School.

Me and my kababata Miss J

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My First Almost Hala Bira!

It has been discussed a hundred times in school and more during family dinners even the news features it during January but I never get to experienced it until this year - 2014.  In the Philippines, January holds one of the most prestigious festival in the country.  This festival is in honor of the child Jesus or commonly known as the Sto. Nino.  Most provinces in Visayas celebrate this feast on a Sunday of January.

The festival's highlight is when the Sto. Nino is brought out from the convent into the Main Church and the tribal dance parade.  Plenty of the locals flock the church to witness the Sto. Nino and to have the chance to touch the statue for healing powers.  It was believed that if you touched the statue you will be healed with any illnesses.

Luckily, I have relatives to take us to the church and take part in the ceremony.  After a short ride from Boracay pier, we were fetched by my cousin to go straight to Ibajay.  That is my father's hometown and where the Ati-Atihan will take place.  Before you get confuse, Ati-Atihan in Aklan is celebrated on different Sundays depending on the town.  It is common knowledge that Ati-Atihan is on January 15 but this is only in the city of Kalibo Aklan.  For Ibajay, it is on the 3rd Sunday of January.  We were there on the day before the festival so just in time that the Sto. Nino will be brought out of the convent.


We arrived at the church around 11 am.  This is usually the time the Sto. Nino will be carried to the Church from the Convent.  The church ground was teeming with locals and tourists who are all dancing in the drum beats of the bands who are basically circling the church.  It was loud, hot and sticky but the atmosphere is just amazing.  Everybody was dancing and smiling.  Some people were already smeared with "uling." It is a ground charcoal wet with water and is used as make-up during the festival.  While me and my husband were looking too clean, a lot of passers-by smeared us with "uling."  My husband got more uling on his face than I did.  To think he was taller than most average Filipinos there, people reached out to put some uling on his face.  Well, good for him. 

When the Sto. Nino was carried out, people followed it inside the church, my cousin told me we should get inside and hopefully touch the statue.  The throng of people inside the church was just too overwhelming.  We were pushed in every direction.  Good thing no stampede happened and I was not trampled over (which I was already thinking might happen during the entire course of being pushed inside the church).  We were able to go near the Nino.  I whispered a simple prayer when I received the shirt my husband threw to touch the statue.  I haven't done this before but it won't hurt if I believe.

 

 Unfortunately we were not able to stay longer as our flight going back to Manila was on the same day.  Perhaps another year to witness the tribal dance and yes get to know my relatives in Ibajay more.  Maybe the next time I come back my wish will already be granted and I'll get the chance to do the "sad-sad" and sing "hala bira!" 

 

Fun Under the Boracay Sun

Today was one sweaty day.  After a tedious house hunting, smooth shifting and finally settling in, I was able to do more of my regular chores now.  One of which was doing some bank visits, so I have to venture the desert heat.  And it was absolutely torturous.  Good thing though it was windy and I have my handy umbrella to keep me shaded.  The warm wind and the scorching sun reminded me of our short getaway to the island where the party runs 24 hours - yes, it is Philippine's very own Boracay.

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Davao's Burger Trail

Before grilled burger patties came into the scene of Davao's gastronomic crowd, we were all contented with what Mcdonald's and Jollibee's burger offered.  It was nothing sensational.  That's why I don't usually order those burgers just because I don't like the taste plus the rumors that those patties were made from cultured organisms. 

copied from foodnetwork.com

Then entered Space Burger, first taste of those grilled burgers just made me fall in love with beef in a weird way.  Way back, when you want good burgers, Space Burger is the place to go.

copied from franphil.com

                                          
 Over the years, burger joints opened and tried to compete with the "grilled" patties.  Before I left Davao for Abu Dhabi, Brother's Burger opened.  I was working for an American company and my all American boss just can't stop gushing about the steak burger of Brother's Burger.  To quote "it's exactly how American burgers should taste." 

copied from yahoo images

I think had his lunch there 2-3 times a week since it opened.  It's amazing he didn't get a a coronary with all those beef juices running into his veins.  Curious that I was, I decided to give it a go.  Since it recently opened the waiting time for the burger took an hour before you get what you have ordered.  For me, it was just too bland for my liking.

By 2012, another burger fever hit Davao and that is Gino's Burger.  I should give it to Gino's their patties are absolutely huge.  It was forgettable.  Then on my recent home coming, another burger joint was suggested by my brother.  It was advertised everywhere and I think they have 2 branches in Davao City.  One is along Quirino avenue and one is along Quimpo Boulevard near SM City Davao. 

So, one lunch break, I convinced my brother to sneak out for lunch to try the burger.  The venue is exactly what the name of the joint- backyard.  Plastic tables with the basic condiments as centerpiece.  They have a weekly promos so when were there the price for the fries were 50% off.  We ordered the Cheesy Bacon Burger and BB Philly Cheese Steak Burger.  We also ordered Jalapeno poppers as side.

The Menu - you can actually customize it!

The verdict:  on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest, it was an 8.  The burger was good, especially the buns with black sesame on top.  They even buttered it lightly inside.  It was just messy to eat.  So if you are planning to impress a girl on a date this is definitely not the place.  The Jalapeno popper is a letdown.  I was expecting a whole jalapeno stuffed with cheese then fried, but instead it was just a cheese fritter with bits of jalapeno inside.  But all in all it was good.  For the menu of Backyard Burger click here.

Tips on ordering...have it cooked medium well...as my brother say it ...it just gives you all the right juice to complete the burger.

Razon's Halo-Halo in Davao

Summer in the Philippines means beach, bikini and big servings of halo-halo. 

                  

Halo-halo in vernacular means "mix."  This famous snack is exactly what it is called.  It is a mix of different texture of fruits, beans, pinipig topped with shaved ice and evaporated milk.  And if you feel like tipping the weighing scale more, a scoop or two of ice cream.  This is Philippine's version of Singapore's ice kachang.

                                  


On my last trip home, I keep hearing rumors that the recently opened Razon's in Gaisano Mall boasts the best halo-halo in the Philippines.  I have only tried a few halo-halo in my life since I'm not a big fan of the beans in it.  It is the basic ingredient of the halo-halo.  And if I have the choice, I would take that out from my glass.  That is also the reason why I keep on coming back to Aling Froping's in MTS in Davao since I can customized my halo-halo.  Like I could choose whatever will be "mixed" inside my glass.

So one rainy afternoon, we finally had the chance to test this so called "best halo-halo in the Philippines."  The shop at the 4th level of Gaisano Mall was small.  Small tables are cramped on the available space.  In fairness, the place is always packed.  Maybe because it could only accommodate a small crowd. 

Anyway, we ordered three halo-halo which costs Php 50.00 each.  I must say, it was not difficult to dig in.  The ice was incredibly smooth.  It was simply presented topped with two slices of leche flan to sweeten it up.  But my praise of this halo-halo stops there.  I was a bit disappointed that, there's not much fruit and beans (even if i don't like it) underneath all those glorious ice.  The ube jam was not even visible. 

All in all, the halo-halo was just "blah."  I would have enjoyed more Chowking's halo-halo than that from Razon's.  Even if it was loaded with lots of gelatin and beans, still I would be scooping a lot of contents.

 

The NAIA Hurdle

It has been more than a month since my last post.

Sorry about that.

To continue the chronicle of traveling to UAE, the second challenge would be conquering the Ninoy Aquino International Airport jungle.  I'm sorry to say, this airport is worst than Divisoria,  At least in divisoria a lot of good stuff to buy and eat.

NAIA or the Ninoy Aquino International Airport or Terminal serves as the hub for international airlines except the flag carrier.  Most of the airlines are cramped inside this old building.  If you are a first timer traveler the place will totally keep you disoriented.  I myself will never get used to the chaos inside this airport.  A small tip, if you will be flying Etihad Airlines, their check-in counter will be on the right side.  If you will be flying Gulf Air their counter will be on the far left once you enter the building.
 


After the long queue, you will present your passport and ticket.  Again, this information will be very helpful for those who will be traveling internationally for the first time.   Be aware that you will be paying for a travel tax.  Some tickets already included the charge.  Check your ticket prior to checking in so you don't have to go back and forth to different counters.  If its not included in your ticket, you can pay the amount of Php 1,670.00 to the Philippine Tourism Authority counter.  This is near the main entrance of the airport. After checking in, you can now go straight to the immigration counter.

You will be surprised to see the long queue in every counter.  As much as I hate to admit this, most immigration officer in this airport can be "sneaky" be very careful in answering questions and providing necessary documents to support your travel.  There are horror stories experienced by Filipinos who have shelled out money just to have that stamp on their passport.  I was lucky the first time I traveled from this airport.  The same goes for my parents and brother.  However, a friend and some other acquaintance had to give these officers money just to board the darn plane.  Shame on those people who rob fellow Filipinos of money.  Shame on them.

Lastly, it is safe to say that if you have proper documentation in your travel, you don't have to worry.  If the conversation  between you and the IO is heading to the "asking-for-money" situation, ask for their name and report it.  I would gladly take their name and have them dismissed.  I don't have that power, but I am so willing to help to get rid of those people. 

By the way, the flight from Manila to Abu Dhabi takes about 8 hours.  Once you land of the zaby, follow the signage for the immigration counter (or better yet follow the crowd, you don't have to look crazy panicky)  before lining up at the immigration counter to have your passport stamped, go to the eye scan room.  This is the room on the far right of the immigration counter row.  This is only applicable for first timers entering UAE.  For the seasoned traveler of UAE no need to do the scanning all over again.

Abu Dhabi Visa for Philippine Passport Holder

I have been pretty up to my neck for a couple of weeks and haven't got the time to post something relevant.  And since I'm not really in the mood to work right now, might as well pour it all out where no one gets hurt.

I think I have already posted similar topic on this blog or on the other blog.  Anyway, this is a fresh take on how to apply for visit visa for Philippine passport holder.

With the recent move of the Philippine government, spearheaded by Vice President Binay, changes in Ninoy Aquino International Airport is being implemented.  Actually this is long overdue.  Immigration officers or even airline staffs connived to make this subtle robbery of Filipinos who want to try their luck abroad. It is shameful, I don't want to start with what the people I personally know have gone thru just to make it outside the country.

Hopefully this overhaul of manpower will be beneficial to everyone planning to to go over the greener side of the fence.

Back on the process, rules and procedures often change here in Abu Dhabi.  Especially with applying for visit visa and tourist visa.  My parents are coming over (because they miss me!) as well as my brother.  While asking around on what to do and how to apply for their visa I learned the difference between visit visa and tourist visa.  I was planning to apply for tourist visa for my parents and brother since they will be coming in as tourists.

So we went to the typing center right next to Abu Dhabi Naturalization & Residence Directorate (ADNRD) to apply.  What you need to bring:
      - Passport copy of the person you wish to sponsor
      - Passport size ID picture of the person to be sponsored
      - Your passport copy
      - Salary certificate in Arabic
      - Employment Contract
      - Residence visa copy
      - Residence Contract copy

Turned out, we can apply visa just for my parents.  For my parents we can sponsor them under visit visa.  As for my brother we have to apply for a tourist visa.  Per UAE ruling, only parents, wife and children can be sponsored by any expatriate with a basic salary more than AED 4,000.00.  We spent AED 570.00 for the visit visa per parent.  Plus a deposit of AED1,000.00 and health insurance of AED 40.00.  This deposit will be returned once the visitor, in my case my parents, leave the country.  Thr tourist visa we just visited one travel agency and applied for a tourist visa at a cost of AED 800.00 without deposit.  Alhtough some travel agents will require a deposit ranging from AED 5000-7000.  Also, refundable once the tourist leaves the coutrny.  Visa application will only take 3-5 days.  This visa should be used within 60 days after issuance and holder is allowed to stay in the country for 30 days.

Also, to avoid any problems for relatives or friends visiting UAE, they should have an affidavit of support sent by the person who they will be visiting here in UAE.  This document can be taken from the Philippine Embassy.  You have to fill up a form and attach your passport copy, passport copy of the sponsored person.  Since, its my husband who sponsored my parents we also included our red ribbon-marriage certificate and my passport copy.  The affidavit will take one week to process and will cost AED 100 per person.  Once we got the documents, we sent it to the Philippines through FedEx (Shameless plugging).

Next on my list of things to do is just plan their stay here.

 

Dahilayan: Be One with the Clouds

Mindanao, will continue to amaze me.  Besides the white sand beaches, exotic flora and fauna, and the wild adventures that you can explore and enjoy in this southern island, there are still places that could still take your breath away. 

Who would have thought that you could be one with the clouds?  This is what we have discovered in Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich Bukidnon.

 

Before, we went home for our 2012 vacation, the venue for the family bonding was a big head ache.  We argued every proposed country, island and even the venue.  I’ve heard of this place in Bukidnon that is gaining popularity for adventure seekers.  Not that we are thrill addicts, but who knows what I’ll find.  Luckily I did find something – Dahilayan Garden Resort.  The price unlike the other candidate for our venue is way cheaper by 50% and we get to cook our own food or order if we don’t feel like doing anything.

I emailed the resort and received a response immediately.  Negotiations for the booking date and payment terms were done.  The thing about the resort, they are closed on Mondays.  The date we chose falls on a Monday till Wednesday (check out day) since Wednesday is already booked. I pleaded (convincingly) to make exemptions.  And again, I was lucky and they give, we could check in on Monday.

 

The road trip:  Since the resort is located in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, a municipality one hour drive away from the city of Cagayan de Oro, we have to leave the house as early as 7 a.m. to be able to reach the place around noon.  The check in time is 1:00 pm.  We set off around 7:00 am but grumbling tummies are hard to ignore, we have to make pit stops along the way to refuel our guts.  Unfortunately, the weather as well as the road was not cooperative.  Sporadic raining worsen the status of the road.  So we have to drive slowly.  When we reached Manolo Fortich we were already ecstatic that was around 4:30 pm. Imagine the time we have travelled since 7:00 am.  There were no signs or billboards that point to the direction of the resort. 

We stopped at a gasoline station and asked for direction.  Turned out, Dahilayan is a suburb very far from the town proper.  We took the left turn right next to a Petrol Station and drove straight.  After 15 minutes of drive, we passed a small community then what followed was an endless stretch of pineapple plantation.  But we drove forward.  Then we saw it.  Not the resort, but the road sign that Dahilayan Resort is 15km more.  We sort of got excited already.  At last we are near the resort.  Once we got out of the plantation we drove through another community/barangay and we were informed that another 10 km before the resort.  So we drove on.  We passed this trail where it appears like it is going to nowhere.  It was pretty scary.  I was beginning to get scared.  We are very far from the urbanized area already.  Anyway, after a few more kilometers, we finally reached the gate of the resort.  It was huge.  And when we saw the house we are renting, all those negative thoughts I have during the entire drive vanished.  A little bit.

 

We spend two glorious days in Dahilayan and both days rained especially on the second day.  So we didn’t get the chance to explore the place.  But we are perfectly cocooned in our little rest house.  The view and the weather were perfect. 

If another chance to go back there, I think and I guess the rest of my family will just have to say “pass.”

Romancing Pagudpud (page 2)

The night before, we could have had a perfect night if after a quick stroll we sat at the shore and enjoy the cool wind and the soothing sound of the waves.  Unfortunately, the beckoning the bed is much louder than the waves.  We ended sleeping early for the continuation of the last leg of our Ilocos Amazing Race.  We woke up around 7 a.m. and began packing (again!).  Despite the fact that we are only carrying backpacks, the packing and unpacking thing is the most tiring part of the traveling.

Anyway, we had breakfast by the sea and waited for Kuya Ronald for the South Tour.  He arrive around 8a.m. and started with the tour.  Our first was the boudnary signage of Pagudpud.  We had a our picture taken right at the middle of the road.  Kuya Ronald was on engaging tour guide.  He took our pictures and even recommended poses and jump shots.

Next stop is the Bangui Windmills.  I know it's not your usual tourist spot stops.  Particularly for international tourist.  But the sight of the white windmills turning to produce energy was just beautiful to look at.  We did more pictures there.  Then he took us to the viewing deck of the windmills where souvenir s are sold in the area.  a small replica of the windmill costs from Php 30.00 to 50.00.

Next stop is Cape Bojeador or the Burgos lighthouse.  Set atop a hill that overlooks the wild waters of South China Sea.  It was the oldest lighthouse in the country and it certainly have that colonial feel.

After that, Kuya Ronald helped us chase after a bus going to Laoag since we are planning to get back to Manila the same day because we have a flight on the following day.

We payed Kuya Ronald Php 600.00 plus tip because he was pretty engaging and talks a lot. we will definitely promote his TOURCYCLE venture.

Ronald Ramos
+639216769525
Tourcycle Pagudpud

more pictures here ...

Romancing Pagudpud (page 1)

Basking in too much culture and history can be overwhelming, good thing our last stop for our Ilocos trip was one of Philippine's honeymoon destination.  You have probably heard of Boracay, Pearl Farm, Puerto Galero and Palawan but you rarely hear about Pagudpud.

Located at the northern part of the Ilocos region, Pagudpud is blessed with so many beautiful sights to visit, especially their beaches.  Pagudpud is a 2-hour bus ride from Laoag.  The bus terminal was just a walking distance from the hotel were staying in Laoag.  We planned to leave early from Laoag to maximize our trip in Pagudpud.  The drivers committed to leave around 8:00 am, unfortunatley it left around 9:00 a.m.  By the way, the bus was a non-airconditioned one, which totally sucks since it was so hot but it only costs around Php 60.00 per head, so we have no choice but to deal with the humidity.

We arrived in Pagudpud around 11 a.m. since the bus has so many stopovers.  While we were contemplating which resort we will be staying one tricyle driver, Kuya Ronald, approached us and offered his tour services.  The price was Php 600.00 for the north tour and another Php 600.00 for the south tour.  It was reasonable enough based on the forums I have read, the price is average rate.  So we closed the deal and have him take us to the resort.

We chose Jun and Carols resort.  The driver warned us that the beach is far from the resort, so when we arrived I asked if we could check the rooms and what is the inclusion of the rate.  The room was quite small for Php 1800 with wifi, but the sad part is we have to walk some 10 minutes to splash into the cerulean blue waters.  So our driver, Kuya Ronald, drove us to Casa Victoria.  there were only 6 rooms in the resort and an additional rooms are being constructed.  We were informed that a room will be available by 2:00 pm.  We checked the place and it was realy really good.  Big and spacious plus there's wifi and the bathroom is uber clean for a price same as Jun and Carol's.  And we checked out their beach front..ohh la la la!!!  It was absolute heaven.

We had our lunch at the resort and waited for our tour to start.  Unfortunately, Kuya Ronald has to attend some sort of a meeting with tricicyle driver association something, so we will be toured around by his nephew.

Here is our North Tour pit stops:

Kabigan Falls

The walk going to the falls is, I'm sorry to say, is around 30 minutes.  So better wear hiking shoes because you'll be passing through rough roads.  The tour guide cost around Php 5.00 per head.  Each group will be guided by the locals who are wearing green shirts with their name on it.  Warning though, they will be asking for tips.  When I say tip, its not the usual Php 10-50 tip.  Manang Leonila asked for a minimum of Php 100.00.  So be ready.


Patapat Viaduct

Paraiso ni Anton

This natural spring, is just right next to the road.  What makes it really beautfiul is that you can't trace where its coming from.

Blue Lagoon

Bantay Abot Cave

Unfortunately for us, the weather was not on our side.  It rained.  Heavily.  It was a downpour. We took shelter from the waiting sheds in the area.  We went back to the resort when the rain temporarily stopped.  Luckily, no rain in the resort area.  My husband decided to test the water of Pagudpud, while I enjoyed the view and the beautiful sunset.

When the moon came up, we decided to check out the rest of the area where we could have our dinner.  We went to another resort for dinner.  There is only one resort which I think gives that romantic honeymoon dinner by the sea and that is at Evangeline's.  I didn't bring any camera so sad to say, I can't post for that moment.  Plenty of foreigners dined at the restaurant.  It was pretty romantic.  At the moment, we actually felt like we are in a vacation.  After a quick stroll by the beach after dinner, we hit the sack for the South Tour.

more pictures here ...