Northbound : Pangasinan getaways

Beach. Food. Love. Life.

Pangasinan is around 4 hour drive from Manila. Take up NLEX and SCTEX to reach this big province that bridges the way to far north provinces like Baguio, La Union, and Ilocos etc. You can take the Camiling way or the usual highway to Baguio to reach this place.

When I think of Pangasinan, I think of these things: Food trip, Bangus, Puto (rice cake), and Beaches. One of the famous restaurants and personally recommended are Matutina’s and Kuya Max. But to tell you my story what I really enjoyed in Pangasinan are two particular beaches, the one in Lingayen and the other in Bolinao.

Lingayen Gulf is relatively shorter distanced than Bolinao. It’s around 4.5hr drive straight from Manila. We stayed in a place called El Puerto Marina. The resort was very welcoming. It has cottage rooms and cemented rooms both fully air-conditioned with television. Activities are fishing, kayaking, pool, badminton, billiards, ATV, and of course swimming. There’s an available pool if you don’t want to swim in the beach. Besides, the beach is another 300m walk from the resort. When you reach the beach front, large nipa huts are awaiting rooted in the fine light brown sand of Lingayen Gulf. Winds are a breeze and waves are gentler compared to beaches on the farther north. Food and cold beer are also served in the resort. If you want to relax and veer away with the hustles of the city and the parties I recommend this place.

Another beautiful but far place to go to in Pangasinan is the Puerto del Sol in Bolinao. You’ll know you’re in Bolinao if you see welcome signs of lighthouses. This resort is around 450km away from Manila. The resort has rustic designs ranging from Spanish to Italian architectural taste. There are also activity place such as darts, billiards and kayaking. The beach is not so great but don’t worry because there’s a big pool if you don’t like to swim on the beach. With not so much to talk about, you will enjoy the serene atmosphere thru eating plenty of bangus dishes, take lovely sunset photos and relax with the nature inspired ambiance of the place.

Northbound : Ilocos Tour

Sinking Bell tower in Laoag

What will you do or perhaps where will you go if there is a long weekend, you have money to spare, and company to bring? I’d say, go up north. Go to the farthest northwestern part of Luzon. Land travel to Ilocos Norte is about 12hours straight and there are buses namely Farinas that goes there on a regular basis. There are also flights to Laoag for 40mins for about Php3-Php4k per trip. If you’re up to it, drive your own car to explore most of the wonderful sightings in the Ilocos region.

It is usually advisable to leave Manila very early in the morning so the passengers (poor driver) can enjoy the sleep and come arrival will appreciate the beauty of Ilocos better. Ilocos bound is just a straight driving, mostly follow the highway and you’ll be on track. Take NLEX and SCTEX going to Tarlac. Exit in Tarlac then bound to where Baguio is. In about five to six hours you’ll be in La Union and in another 3-4 hours you’ll reach Vigan.

First stop in Ilocos is Vigan. Vigan is rustic, rich in heritage, and an amazing city. I’ll leave the details of Vigan in the Wikipedia website. Vigan is where you’ll see the cobbled-stone street of “Calle Crisologo”. There you’ll see a lot of souvenir shops ranging from antique sculptures, mugs, hats, shirts, wood sets, and their famous longganisa, chichacorn, sukang iloco (vinegar) and bagnet. Bring a couple of thousands for your family souvenir, because for sure you won’t be able to resist the charms of the local sellers here. You can also ride the kalesa (horse ride) @ around Php300 for a historical tour around Vigan city. This may take you around 1 – 2 hours depending on your trigger happy fingers allotted for photo ops.


After which, if you get hungry try to eat at the famous “Café Leona” just located near the Max restaurant in the center of the plaza. Try their Bagnet, pinakbet and their pizzas. Though I haven’t tried, I’ve heard that breakfast in “Coffee break in Vigan” is also a delight just along Calle Crisologo.  Hotels are also available within the vicinity that ranges from Php1,200 to Php5,000.

Now we carry on to Laoag, which is another 2 ½ hour drive from Vigan. You definitely won’t miss it because of the big sign welcoming tourists and locals warmly in the vicinity of Laoag city. If you’d arrive at night, stop over at the fluorescent lit sinking bell tower just about 600m from the sign of Laoag. Bring your tripod and take photos of the one of the wonders of the Philippines.

Where to stay in Laoag, Java hotel is the most popular place to stay in. Rates are slightly higher compared to other provincial hotel rates starting at Php2, 500 for Java’s deluxe room. There is cable TV, air-condition, and the food is good. Stroll around the city of Laoag at night and people will be mostly travelling by tricycles. Try the Ilocos empanada at Dap-ayan just around the corner in front of the plaza. Dine in saramsam” where pizza and pasta recipes done by Ilocanos will make you want some more @ very affordable prices. Then have your photo ops of the Museo, the plaza and other churches within the city.

Next on our itinerary, which we allocated a whole day for, were Cape Bojeador light house, Kapurpurawan rock formation, Bangui wind mills, and Paoay church. All the ones listed are farther north bound except for the Paoay church. The light house is a 30min drive from Java hotel, then another 20mins to Kapurpurawan rock formation. Last 30-40mins to Bangui windmills to see one of the World heritage sites here in North Luzon.

Everything is amazing. The rock formation and the wind mills are almost surreal. It is so grand and majestic from nature to man made. Being there is a treat.

Kapurpurawan rock formation

 After taking many photos of the places we’ve been, we went back to Paoay which is south bound of Laoag. It’s a 1 ½ drive from Bangui windmills, but feast yourself to the delightful sightings of Paoay church @ sunset and delicious menu of Herencia restaurant just in front of the church. We were lucky enough that there were no tourists / visitors that were roaming that much in the area.

Bangui windmills

Paoay Church

 After our late lunch we tried to see the sand dune but unfortunately, will be more fun if you’re in a group. So what we did, we just visited the Malacanang of the north wherein Marcos has lived with his family during the vacations of his presidency. It closes at 4pm but we’re fortunate that the guard let us in after 5pm and captured the majestic sunset on the house.

Last stop, last day Pagudpud bound. This is one of the last towns of the North. It is a 13 hour straight drive to Manila. We just visited the Patapat viaduct before sunset for our safety (there were no street lamps, curvy road). We almost regretted that we did not stopped by in the blue lagoon, but our place in Saud beach resort was also as good from the stories that I’ve heard. Rates ranges from Php3,000 per night, food are also served and a visual treat of rich blues and creamy white sand sits in front of you.

Patapat Viaduct

During my first visit, I went to Marcos palace in Batac. It’s a town after Laoag wherein you’ll see his works, his wardrobe, writings and especially his preserved body. It’s a Php50 entrance fee where you’ll taste a bit of Philippine history. 

My Ilocos trip will always delight me and will always be treasured. This is one of my trips where I saw so much beauty in the Philippines. It is one way of celebrating your vacation, be of relaxation and rekindling of one self. I'd truly say that, it is more fun in the Philippines.

Marcos Palace in Batac

Angono Rizal : Art and Food

Nemiranda's House

Angono Rizal is home to a number of artists, great food, and festivities. It also was a home to me when I was a kid. It was just on the recent years that I have appreciated my hometown. I would talk about my recent trip here to the famous, talk of the town art gallery and restaurant, Balaw Balaw.

Balaw Balaw Facade

Balaw Balaw is known as a specialty restaurant and an art gallery as well. The place is rustic, cozy, air-cooled and very antique. Many forms of art decorate the whole place. Colorful masks made from paper mache, large  sculptures of various religious personalities and different concepts and styles of paintings creates an artistic atmosphere where you may say that Filipino artists especially in Angono are undeniably talented.

Sculpture in Balaw Balaw

Sculpture in Balaw Balaw

Balaw Balaw Menu

Not to forget that Balaw Balaw is a specialty restaurant not just an art place or simply a work of art. Balaw Balaw is known for its exotic Filipino dishes. There are food made from frog legs, bayawak (monitor lizard), and snake. If you're not into these kinds of dishes, normal Filipino foods are also being served. Food are served w/ true Filipino ambiance, on banana leaves, and palayoks (clay pots). My recommendations are sinampalukang manok (chicken in a tamarind soup), Halabos (buttered shrimps), and bicol express (pork with extracts of coconut milk spiced with red and green hot pepper). Taste surpasses and justifies the price, normal dishes costs at an average of Php250.

Ensaladang Mangga & Halabos

Nemiranda's Gallery & Restaurant

Right around the corner, another famous art gallery / house now converted to a restaurant owned by Nemiranda greets us with the higantes (giants) on their front gate. These higantes are used during the higante festival on the 3rd week of November. I admire how Nemiranda designed his house/place thru his art. Walls and posts screams his artistic sculptures. He has his own gallery which displays his craft in painting. The entrance is converted to a restaurant called the Atelier Cafe. Food served are also somewhat exotic. Price and ambiance are no different with Balaw Balaw. It's a just a matter of choice on where to eat in these "artistic" restaurants.

Higante

Atelier Cafe

Atelier Cafe's K Shop

Nemiranda exhibit

Inside Nemiranda exhibit

"Small" Higantes

I bet that there are a dozen or more places to see aside from these art galleries in Angono. The well known Thunderbird resort is also found in the area. The place itself is very rural. Weather is humid but the winds are fresh and the whole atmosphere is very laid back. This place will always be a part of me. The place known as "Arts capital of the Philippines".

Hongkong Getaway

Bell Tower

Marco Polo Gateway Room

I was very fortunate to be rewarded with an all expense paid trip to Hongkong. It was a four day trip, and when we were looking at the itinerary we thought that it wasn’t going to be as fun as we thought but we were proved wrong. We were in a group of 15 people coming from mixed groups. We were able to mingle with them and eventually enjoyed ourselves in the tours and especially the meals and night life. Call it the rich and famous life, we were in a luxurious hotel Marco Polo in Kowloon and we did not eat in your average Chinese restaurant. We enjoyed the meals from day 1 to day 4 and the eating experience is close to fine dining. Much fun ensues during the night life, as we went fine clubbing. Of course, it will not be complete without the shopping. Shops were actually everywhere you turn your head, from the cheapest unbranded store to most lavish designer brands.

Outside Marco Polo Gateway

Marco Polo in Kowloon if I would say, is the most convenient place / island in Hongkong. Most of the sought after shops / brands are located within the area. Food or restaurants are also found almost everywhere. These stores and restaurant are found inside and as well as outside the malls. Though, some say that stores and food here are pricier compared to Hongkong island. Transportation is also not a problem. There are 3 main transportation system I know of in Hongkong. First is the MTR (Train) which is the 

Citygate outlet mall

cheapest and fastest means of transpo if you're going island hopping. Ready your, Hongkong dollars, your change and your coins for most payments here are in absolute monetary value. Though money changers and "bill breakers" are located mostly inside the train stations. The two transportation are taxi and bus ride. I suggest you try the double decker bus and the trams just for the experience and fun. 

Ngong Ping Mountain Top

On our first day of arrival, we went straight to Citygate Outlet store to eat in Federal Place. It was lunch time, and the weather is very hot and sticky, though I believe Philippines is more humid. We ate peking duck, some dumplings and shanghai lumpia as called in the Philippines. After the lunch, we window shopped in the area and planned to go to Ngong Ping cable car. This is the cable car that will bring you to the big buddha located in the mountains. The view is spectacular. You will see the gigantic Hongkong aiport from above while the cool winds breezes you inside the cable car. 

Below the steps to Budhha

Buddha with Swastika Symbol

After the very tiring walks and steps, we chilled down and was brought down back to citygate outlet mall. We went to the hotel to refresh and prepare for our sumptuous eat-all-you can japanese food. I forgot to take the name of the restaurant but I can still remember the food it offered us, from it's fresh seafoods to the aromatic grilled beef and chicken. The place is very small, but is filled with locals and foreigners such as us. It was located in a building that you'll ride an narrow elevator to reach the restaurant. You will be choose from a number of menus with categories. Food will be brought to you one after another. I can't forget the experience. It was a pleasure. It was delightful. It was satisfying. 

Seafood platter

Ladies Market

We went to shop in the ladies market. It was like the ukay-ukay in Baguio or in Divisoria but has more branded shops. Shops were opened until 12midnight. People are literally found everywhere in the streets, it was really busy. There are street performers; stalls selling magazines, shirts, bags to souvenirs; restaurants and many more. If you're a shopaholic, you will definitely enjoy this place. Designer and branded clothes have big discounts on them. Bulk buying is also encourage to have more discounts. This place is a treasure. A haven for shopping addicts and people like me who is on a budget. 

The second morning comes and we just went around kowloon and enjoy the Hongkong diverse culture. We were told that we'll be having lunch in one of the most recognized chinese restaurants in Hongkong. Yung kee greeted us with delicious chinese dishes. I just found it weird, water in Hongkong seems to be an expensive necessity. They don't offer tap water, you have to buy water from them. We ordered evian as our drink, tried it for experience and found out that it no differs with any bottled water except for the elegant premium glass bottle packaging. 

Painted Street Signs

We rode the MTR going back to the hotel and went to the Avenue of stars in Kowloon. The area is filled with street performers, people who want to ride the star ferry and all the rest who just want to enjoy the scenic urban landscape of Hongkong. 

Fine clubbing @ SOSO

We rested and dressed up for our fine dining and fine clubbing experience. We had our dinner in Le Fauchon near the hotel. We had steak that oozes tenderness and juiciness and fine wines from france. We went straight to SOSO club, and got drunk and partied our night away.

Ocean Adventure

We spent our last day of stay in ocean park adventure. I love rides. If I would compare this to our Enchanted Kingdon or our very own star city; ours will be minuscule. Ocean adventure is huge and even requires you to ride a cable car or a train to go to the other side of the island. I recommend that you participate on all the rides, but be mindful if you have heart ailments and the likes.

The flash in Ocean Adventure

Busy street of Kowloon

We had the time of our lives. We got a chance to live a life of the Rich and Famous. We worked hard, but played harder. It won’t stop there. Success will find its way for the dreamers, but will always be given to those who work hard on it.

Bye Hongkong - Outside Marco Polo Gateway