The trip began on the evening of April 27, Friday, at around 9. The group met in Cubao and immediately boarded the vans that will bring them to Ilocos.

 

The drive was 8 hours long and as expected, the group arrived in Quirino Bridge for photo-ops at around 6 in the morning, just in time to catch the sunrise hovering over Ilocos. It was a really nice view, seeing the tall mountains on the sides where the sun peeked and the clean water flowing under the bridge, which reflected the sun rays that gives a beautiful color to it.

 

The group enjoyed the short stay at Quirino Bridge, taking chances of the sunrise to get good shots from their cameras. Afterwards, the group went back to the road to visit the San Augustine Bell Tower and the St. Augustine Parish, Church of Bantay, also known as Sanctuario de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad. This church houses the Miraculous Image of Apo Caridad, canonically recognized by the Vatican as the Patroness of Ilokandia. The San Augustine Bell Tower can also be found near the St. Augustine Church.

 

Built in 1591, the San Augustine Bell Tower sits on the left side of the church and served as the belfry and watch tower of the town. Approximately less than 50 steps of stairs from the foot of the tower, this magnificent architecture built with red bricks is easy enough to climb. Upon entering the tower, the group ascended to the second level, a small room with high windows that overlooks the town nearby. Then another old, wooden stairs leads to the belfry. The bell at the center of the room is big enough that probably two people must pull the rope to ring the bell. There are also small bells hanging on the windows that surround the big one.

 

As everyone are getting tired and hungry from the long hours of travel, the group proceeded to Vigan to taste the good food of the place. At Kusina Felicitas, a delectable breakfast consisting of their famous Vigan Longganisa, eggs and, cups of hot chocolate and brewed coffee were served.

 

The group happily indulged in the tasteful dishes that can only be found in Ilocos. Bon Apetite!The group rested for a while, having the chance to walk around the place where old vintage houses surround the cafe. White and brown houses with terraces, windows made of wood and capiz shells and thick wooden doors are everywhere! It was a fascinating experience to see the places where the Spaniards and the Filipinos (known then as Indios) lived before.

 

Next stop was the Chavit Singson’s Baluarte. The place, covered in dry sand and dust, is where animals are taken care of. It’s more like a zoo: wandering ostriches and horses, butterflies and snakes in sanctuaries, and other animals can be found in the Baluarte. There were also life-size statues of dinosaurs that make good backgrounds for photos. The summer was definitely evident during the tour. The scorching heat of the sun was felt as noon was fast approaching. Still, everyone enjoyed the scenery in the Baluarte. Some even had an opportunity to see a real tiger – only, he was sleeping.

 

Lunchtime was getting closer as the group take a tour on three different locations in Vigan: The Pagburnayan (Vigan Jar Factory). Crisologo Museum and the Syquia Mansion.

 

The Pagburnayan, which means “a place were Burnay is made” is in Vigan City. It is where clays are handcrafted into jars with intricate designs. The group was able to observe how a burnay is made by the skillful hand of the jar maker. Some got the experience of holding the clay and turning the Potter’s table (not Harry’s, but the jar maker’s) where the clay is placed.

 

The Crisologo Museum, a century-old-mansion-turned-museum, is found at the Liberation Boulevard in Vigan. It houses the memorabilia of the late Floro S. Crisologo and his clan. F.S. Crisologo was a congressman in the city, authoring laws that created the University of Northern Philippines, and established the Social Security System that the whole country benefits from up to this date.

 

Lastly, the Syquia Mansion was the house of the former President Elpidio Quirino. Originally owned by his wife, Doña Alicia Quirino, this mansion houses the extensive collection of President Quirino’s memorabilia. The whole house including the furniture, the old chairs and tables, the kitchen utensils, the garden, as well as the narrow pathway at the window-side (where the Servidoras were expected to pass and stay; they were not allowed to pass by the Sala) are well-maintained, remaining as how it was years ago. The Sy Kia is the original surname of Doña Alicia’s family as her ancestor was a Chinese. Her descendants later on hispanized their surname and changed it into Syquia.

 

Everyone was excited to have lunch in Vigan. The group was allowed to tour the famous cobble-stoned Calle Crisologo where most of the souvenir shops are located. Souvenirs differ from T-shirts (I love Vigan) to keychains, as well as small Calesa figures that are available for locals and foreigners alike. There was also a parade at that time, several Calesa were carrying huts with colorful flowers. What a feast for the eyes!

 

After lunch, the group traveled from Vigan to Batac City, where the Marcos Museum and Photo Gallery are located. The museum contains loads of memorabilia of the late President Ferdinand Marcos, including things that his wife, Imelda, owned. From hats to shoes, from papers to trophies, even aTerno that Imelda used to wear are available for public viewing. Photos of Pres. Marcos and Imelda are also in the gallery. And of course, the late President’s remains are found in his mausoleum (though some are not sure if it is really the remains of the late President). The eyes are the only way one can remember being here as cameras are not allowed inside the place.

 

One of the most awaited stops in this tour is the visit to the Paoay Church or the Church of San Agustin. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this baroque church is very magnificent; its famous buttresses on the sides and the back are so enormous one can be assured that the church can withstand any natural disaster. The church was closed at that time as it was just around 2 or 3 in the afternoon. But the facade itself is enough to see how beautiful this church is. A photo shot from this place can definitely make a good postcard.

 

If one is looking for an adventure, the Paoay Lake and Sand Dunes will definitely give the thrill! If the roller coaster weren’t enough, wait till you try the 4×4 Jeep ride going up, down and around the sand dunes! It was a very hair-raising experience as the passengers rode and shouted in excitement.

 

After the adventurous Paoay Lake and Sand Dunes, the group went to the Malacañang of the North, another place made famous by the Marcoses. Known to the Ilocanos as Malacañang ti Amianan, this was the residence of the Marcoses at the time of their patriarch, the late President Ferdinand Marcos’ reign. This is where the former first family stayed whenever they are in Ilocos. After the late President’s death, the house was turned into a museum.

 

The group also made a short visit to the Sinking Bell Tower and St. William Cathedral in Laoag before going to Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte.

 

The group called it a day, stopping over at Bangui Market to experience the Ilocos’ famous Empanada before arriving at Saud for their first overnight stay in Ilocos.