Backpacking through Ilocos

13 bayans. 4 modes of transportation. 8 new friends. Miles and miles on foot. And thousands of new memories and experiences.

This is the Amazing Race Region I series!

To satiate our craving for adventure, Ken (Gen's bro), Gen and I hopped on a plane to Laoag one rainy evening here in Manila and got lost in a 3-day sunshiny escape in Ilocos.

Sleeping bag: Texicano Hotel
Upon landing, we took a tricycle into the city and asked the driver for the cheapest hotel there is. He directed us to Texicano. Fair enough, it was pretty cheap for P300 per head per night. We each got our own bed, the room had an aircon and TV and the shower had hot water. All we could ask for.


DAY 1
Plan was to go around the neighboring bayans around Laoag. These bayans surround Laoag and can be reached either via jeepney or tricycle. Be wary of trike drivers though. Some will charge you higher seeing that you are tourists. Negotiate for the fixed rate per head in that area.

LAOAG

Sinking Bell Church
It does sink, so says its marker. Reminded me of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.



St. William Church
Ilocos is home to some of the oldest and most beautiful churches in the Philippines. These churches date back to the Spanish period and were preserved as battles were scarce up north.




Capitol

Fort Ilocandia
Pretending to have stayed here. Yeesss. It's that expensive. Cheapest must have been P5k per night. Nonetheless, it's its own li'l haven up north.



BACARRA


SARRAT

Fabian Ver's House

Church

Convent Ruins

Marcos birthplace


VINTAR


SAN NICOLAS


PAOAY


BATAC

Church

Empanadahan
Ilocos' delicacy. They really add in the color orange. It's a hodge podge of veggies and meat with egg. Tastes good. I vaguely remember that they sell this in SM MoA and is called Okoy, have to check though.


Marcos Museum
This is one of the reasons why I'll be going back to Ilocos, if his remains are still lying there that is. Wasn't able to see Marcos' preserved body since it closes by 4.




DAY 2
From Laoag, we move further north - on the trail to Pagudpud.

BURGOS - Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
So here's the thing, since apparently we're roughing it out, we took the bus. Now the Lighthouse is situated on the mountain top, so we had no choice but to climb up the paved path 15 minutes long.. OR we trek it up through the woods for 5. We chose 5. With our heavy packs and steep unpaved uphill trail, it's a good thing I wore my Veja sneakers.

BANGUI - Windmills
Far from Holland, but amazing structure up close.

Plus, Bangui's Church. By this time, we joined our 8 new friends and hitched a ride to Pagudpud.



PAGUDPUD

Patapat Bridge
Difficult structure to build since it curves according to the outer edges of the mountain. Aka French Riviera of the North, it's the only bridge which connects Ilocos and Cagayan Valley. You can still see the footbridge below.


Pannzian Resort
No decent photo for this one. Aside from Tina and Owen's group (thank you so much again guys!), there were no other guests. The sand wasn't sparkling white and talc like as I've heard, but if you want to find that little piece of jewel in Pagudpud, you should head for Saud beach instead. Perhaps next time I can see this treasure myself.

Kabigan Falls
If it weren't for Owen's prodding, we would have missed this breathtaking view completely.

Trek to the falls was a good 30 minutes, plus another 30 for the trek back. Crossing running water, almost lost my havaianas.

Only photo we have of our 8 new friends.



DAY 3
Heading down south to Vigan. And finally to Manila!

BADOC - Juan Luna Shrine

BANTAY

VIGAN

Crisologo House
The Crisologo family was quite influential in Vigan since they were rich and later on ran for politics.


Syquia Mansion
Now this house was really something - quite grandeur - had 2 living rooms where one is for VIPs, a peephole to see visitors, a sort of bank room where the gold are kept and weighed, stables leading back to the front door so the carriage can stop right in front of the staircase. This was actually the house of President Quirino's wife and belonged to the Syquia family. It once was named the Quirino Mansion as a tribute to the President but the Syquia family was apparently the righteous owners. The caretaker was very well informed mind you. Sometimes, he relates, he can sense the spirits of the owners roaming around the house. Shiver.


Pottery making

Then, it was back to Manila for us. Partas bus became our refuge for 10 hours and before we knew it, the sun no longer shone and we nestled back into our homes respectively.

Til our next adventure!