Casa Rica Hotel in Vigan

Casa Rica Hotel is an ancestral house converted into a boutique hotel. It has ten rooms only making it a relaxing haven for tourists.

Laoag Renzo Hotel

Credit: Tripadvisor

On the first night of our Ilocos trip, I booked a room at Laoag Renzo Hotel via Agoda. The hotel fit the criteria I set on where to stay during out-of-town vacations:

• walking distance from the town/city
• offers breakfast

Agoda Hotel Booking Experience

When I was preparing for our Ilocos trip, I searched online for a low-priced hotel with breakfast included. Hubby preferred sleeping in a hotel room than a pension inn or a room for backpackers. He loved the comfort and amenities provided in hotels.

Baluarte, Hidden Garden, Pagburnayan

On our second day in Vigan, we visited Baluarte, Hidden Garden and the Pagburnayan Pottery.

Visiting Vigan

Vigan is a two-hour commute from Laoag. After checking-out the hotel in Laoag, we rode a tricycle to the Partas terminal and rode a bus going to Vigan.

We stayed at Casa Rica, an ancestral home converted into a cozy hotel. The Heritage Village--the tourist magnet--is a 10-minute walk away from Casa Rica.

Visiting Batac and Paoay

There are many tourist spots in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, but we narrowed down our tour to the cultural and historical sites in Batac and Paoay.

Partas Bus to Laoag

Image credit: Flickr

We used the Partas Bus Co. on our travel to Ilocos. They have terminals in Cubao, Pasay, and Sampaloc, Manila.

Manila to Laoag is a nine-hour trip. Travel bloggers suggest taking a Deluxe/Sleeper bus so you can have a semblance of a bed during the long trip. Bringing a blanket and a pillow will make your trip more comfortable.

I booked two tickets a day before our trip. Advanced booking is not required during off-season but I just wanted to reserve our seats and make sure that our seats are side by side. The fare from Manila to Laoag is P965.

Deluxe buses have 3 seats in a row. If you're travelling alone and don't want to be bothered with a seatmate during the trip, you could choose the aisle with single seats. 

Image credit: Flickr

Here are the bus schedules of Partas posted in the Cubao terminal:

Our bus was supposed to leave at 10 pm. By 9:30 pm, we were already seated inside the bus. I had my neck pillow ready and already spread my fleece blanket over my legs. Hubby and I even removed our shoes and put on our slippers, ready to sleep during the trip.

By 10 pm, the aircon of the bus was turned off. After a few minutes of waiting, a passenger decided to ask the conductor of the bus why we weren't leaving yet. He announced that there was a problem with the bus' machine. The passengers were asked to alight the bus and wait to be transferred to another bus.

After an hour of waiting, we rode another bus and we were finally off to Laoag!

Our Ilocos Vacation Itinerary

Image: Google Maps

Hubby's home again!

After six years, we were able to have a vacation again. This time, we decided to go north and visit Ilocos and Baguio.

Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm

My friend since high school came to the country from Abu Dhabi for her 3-week vacation. We spent one weekend in Tagaytay and one of the places we visited was the Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm in Silang, Cavite. It was a few kilometers away from Tagaytay City.

There was a rough road going to the bee farm. Good thing my other friend brought her car. It was a one way road; we hoped we wouldn't come across another vehicle since it would be difficult to drive on reverse and find a spot to let the other vehicle pass. When we reached Ilog Maria, there were already several vehicles parked. 

A Visit to Pandin Lake

Oh summer! Every summer, our family goes out to have fun and bond. This year, we decided to go to Pandin Lake in San Pablo City, Laguna. Since our home is near Pandin Lake (1 jeepney ride only), it would be a shame if we wouldn't be able to see the lake's beauty. We were able to go out of town and sometimes, the tourist spots near us were the ones always left behind when it comes to trips and vacations.

Although reservations are not required, my sister still made reservations to assure us that we would have a raft when we get to Pandin Lake. The fee is P180/person, this includes a freshly picked young coconut. If you want to have them prepare lunch for you, the cost is an additional P180/person. From what I heard, the lunch consists of rice, fried tilapia, fern salad with red egg, and small shrimps called "palakpakin". We decided to bring our own food instead.

A small souvenir kiosk

Pandin Lake is about 7 kilometers from San Pablo City proper. The drive was about 7-10 minutes and there's a parking area for visitors of Pandin Lake. If commuting, ride a jeep with the sign "Ilog" in San Pablo City. The jeepney terminal is beside a 7-11 store, you won't miss it. Once we unloaded our bags and food from the car, we walked for 15 minutes going to the lake. It was nearing noon so the sun was high and hot and the rough terrain was dusty. But, reaching Pandin Lake was worth the trouble of walking under the sun.

We immediately took in the sights, inhaling the fresh air and marveling at the beauty of the lake. Coconut trees lined the lake shore and we saw several rafts with huts "parked" on the lake. Friendly women greeted us and escorted us to our raft. We ordered summer's official Pinoy dessert, Halo-halo, for P25 each plastic cup. As we settled on our raft and waited for our Halo-halo, we went to the comfort room to freshen up. Water conservation is strictly observed in Pandin Lake since the men and women only fetch the water for consumption.

Wives of fishermen living near Pandin Lake decided to make a living by renting rafts to tourists. Since the women were left at home when the men go to fish, they thought of earning extra income by making Pandin Lake a tourist spot. You'll see them all over the shore, selling snacks and souvenirs but not to the point of irritating tourists with their selling spiels. 

A series of ropes were installed across the lake. This is what the boatmen used to tour us around the lake. In our raft, a man and woman pulled the rope while a guy at the back of the raft paddled to move our raft. It was no small feat but they said they're used to it. 

Uphill climb to see Yambo Lake

Yambo Lake

When we reached the other end of Pandin Lake, we climbed a steep terrain to see Yambo Lake. Pandin and Yambo Lakes are twin lakes separated by a thin strip of land. We girls only looked at Yambo Lake since we were terrified of going down to reach it but my brothers bravely went and took pictures.

We went back to our raft and then we went to a man-made grotto. Here, our boatman picked a container filled with water which came from the roots of the trees above. Amazing! We said our prayers, lighted a candle and then went back to the raft to eat lunch.

Since there were not much tourists that day, we stayed in our raft to finish our lunch and to relax a bit.


Pandin Lake
San Pablo City, Laguna
For reservations, Aling Siony: 09299789565

An Enchanted Birthday

My nephew from Hubby's side of the family celebrated his 4th birthday last August 4. His parents organized a day of bonding and fun at Enchanted Kingdom (EK). I've been to EK twice -- once during college as a class celebration for a big production we did and the last one was in 2007. I was excited to come back and have fun at EK.

We started our excursion after lunch and my in-laws immediately rode the Disco Magic Ride, a new ride featuring a giant disk-shaped ride which can accommodate 24 people. The disc would spin and rock to an upbeat music while riders scream either for fun or fear. It was hilarious seeing Hubby's siblings shut their eyes and scream as they hold on to dear life. As for me, I'm not fond of riding those kind of rides since I get dizzy easily and I didn't want to spoil my day being sick.

My best friend since high school who was married to Hubby's brother urged me to ride the hot air balloon ride. I joined her, her husband, and son for the ride. I was a bit scared of getting dizzy, but I didn't.

I entered the Rialto 3D Theatre with the pack. The movie was Journey to Mysterious Island 2. The clip shown was the part where the movie's main characters were riding giant bees and being chased by colorful birds. At the end of the show, I was a bit disappointed since I didn't experience the same thrill when I went there in 2007. 

The ride which I've been wanting to ride ever since was the Jungle Log Jam. Together with Hubby's youngest sister, we bravely rode the log. As we were moving, I was surprised to learn that the ride included an uphill climb and a downward splash! I totally forgot about that. My best friend was surprised too when she saw me riding the Log Jam. Good thing, I was alive after the ride to tell the tale.

It was a very long and tiring day at Enchanted Kingdom but boy, did we had fun! Also, I get to learn more about the family dynamics of my in-laws. It was difficult to adjust with another family if your Hubby was away. During this kind of activity do I miss Hubby terribly. Seeing his family made me wished he was there with me, enjoying the day.

The Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag

The altar

Since my mother and I were in Pangasinan for two days, we visited The Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary Manaoag and heard mass that Sunday. Every Sunday, masses are held hourly from 5-11am and 3-6pm (I think). Since it was a Sunday, hundreds of people were in Manaoag to hear mass, buy religious items, take photos, etc. 

As a popular religious and tourist spot, Manaoag has a hodgepodge of vendors around it. Vendors sell a wide range of products from religious trinkets to local food items. If you're walking towards the Shrine, vendors will offer you the Lady's image in different sizes.

We arrived in the Shrine a few minutes after the 9am mass. We entered using the side entrance and were able to have seats even if there were many church goers; it was like a mass in Quiapo Church. After the mass, the priest blessed religious items and the people as well at the front of the altar. I was able to take a picture of Our Lady up close. If you want to touch the statue, you can queue outside the Church where there is a long line of devotees waiting to be near and touch Our Lady's gown.

Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag

After the mass, I bought candles and lighted them at the designated place. There was a prayer when lighting candles.

Prayer when lighting the candle

I bought a small bronze-like statue of Our Lady and had it blessed. In Manaoag, there is an area where religious items are blessed 15 minutes after every mass. If you weren't able to have your religious items blessed after the mass, you can still do so in this area. People place their items on the platform and wait for the priest to bless them.

Religious items waiting for the blessings

Before leaving Manaoag, we bought food such as the native delicacies Tupig and Puto Calasiao.

Soft Puto Calasiao

Tupig

A Trip from South to North - Part 2

Inay and I spent a weekend in Pasingan.

For me, a travel will not be complete without visiting the market. A local market tells a lot about a community's culture. The products and produce on sale reflect how people utilize the bounty around them.

Fortunately, the house where we stayed was near the market. Walking distance! Imagine if you live near the market, there is no need for a refrigerator. You can get the freshest food every day!

Pangasinan means "place for salt." It is a major producer of salt in the country and their market proves this. The market in Asingan offers a wide variety of salt-based products such as bagoong (fish sauce), and alamang (fermented fish). They come in bottles and can be bought in bottles. If your nose is not used to the funky smell, stay away.:)

Tubs of fermented fish

Up close and stinky

Bottles of fish sauce

Alamang in retail packs

A Trip from South to North

After the invitation to visit the Liberato family in Pangasinan was confirmed and finalized, Inay and I prepared for our long trip. Inay cooked her delicious leche flan as gifts to them. We would be staying in Pangasinan over the weekend for their mother's 90th birthday.

We left Manila at 1am and came to Asingan, Pangasinan around 5am. A trip that would ordinarily take around 5-6 hours by bus, Tito was able to do it in four. We crashed into their youngest brother's house and tried to get some sleep.

Our host family consisted of 10 siblings, and lots of grandchildren. We met with the birthday celebrant and she reminded me of my late grandmother. She may be frail and has memory loss from time to time but she wasn't bed-ridden. She didn't know that the party was for her.

The birthday feast included local dishes such as Pinakbet (of course), Dagupan bangus, and Pancit. Inay's leche flan immediately vanished on the table. The old house was filled with chatter and laughter, especially during picture taking.

I hoped my parents would reach that ripe old age, with many grandchildren at their feet.

Teambuilding at Caliraya Resort

Our annual company outing/teambuilding was held at Caliraya Resort in Caliraya, Laguna. It was a three-hour drive from the city, which extended to four after several unplanned stopovers. Traffic was heavy in Pansol due to other vacationers who wanted to swim and relax in the different hot spring resorts in the area.

We arrived at the resort at 2pm, the check-in time, but the rooms were not yet ready to accommodate us. To compensate for our inconvenience, they served us free merienda consisting of a tasteless hamburger and cough-syrupy juice. Good thing the lobby had several sofas and chairs where we were able to relax a bit.

After a change of clothes and rest time, we went out to enjoy the fresh air and take in the view. The resort was expansive with lots of green grass and horses (some were untied) happily munching on the grass.

Earth ball

Our group was divided into two teams and we were excited to play the "Amazing Race". Puzzle game, wall climbing, swimming, canoeing, basketball shooting, obstacle course, and mud slide were the activities each team must go through. It was a lot of fun but very exhausting! I even tried to wall climb but just reached half the wall before quitting. My fear of heights got the best of me. Good thing there was no picture of me in that activity. :)

Food
We were served dinner, breakfast, and lunch, buffet-style. Some of the food items were good, some not so.

The next day, we tried the other facilities in the resort such as the Zip line, swimming pool, and the man-made exercise equipment. We could have done alot more if we were not pressed for time.

Images are taken by my office mates


Caliraya Resort Club

Brgy. Lewin, Lumban, Laguna, Philippines
HOTLINE Numbers:
+63 2 637 7027
+63 2 638 0515
http://www.caliraya.net/

Dona Jovita Garden Resort

you can't miss this giant jug along the highway

Our family had our yearly summer outing last Saturday at Dona Jovita in Calamba, Laguna. This is the third year in a row we spent our outing there.

The resort is expansive, they have two types of accomodations -- Garden and Mediterranean. We always go to the Garden resort where trees were preserved and there are lots of plants around. You barely feel the sun's heat because of the foilage. Unlike in other resorts where all you see are gray, dull walls. 

tree house

We brought my godchild and so-called "foster child" in this swimming escapade. At first, she was hesitant to play with the water or join other children in the kiddie pool. After seeing other kids having fun, she slowly splashed some pool water and I let her play with our beach ball. She had so much fun frolicking in the pool! 



weee!

Dona Jovita Garden Resort
Km. 57 National Highway

Bagong Kalsada, Calamba City, Laguna
http://www.jovitaresort.com/


Duchess Pension

In our Puerto Princesa vacation, we stayed at Duchess Pension located in Valencia St. It is a popular place among backpackers and tourists who want to save on accomodation without sacrificing a comfy stay in the city. According to its brochure, Duchess Pension is 3 minutes away from the city center and 7 minutes from the airport.

I booked an aircon room for two which costs P850/night. Cable tv and safekeeping are optional amenities and you have to pay P100 for each to avail them.The pension house provides breakfast for P100-120 and also laundry services. You will see their "price list" on how much they charge for each clothing item that you want to be washed.

The receptionist is friendly and very informative. He gave us tips on how to vacation well in Puerto Princesa. He told us to avoid riding tricycles that are in queue since they charge P20-40. Instead, we should hail tricycles plying the streets. Fare within the city is P8/person. He gave us a map of the city with marks on where to go and eat in the city.

clean bathroom is a must!

Our room is located in the second floor, facing Valencia Street. Puerto Princesa is a city that feels like a province. In the early mornings, you will hear roosters crow and few tricycles passing the street. Such a nice way to start the day.

That's me overlooking the street below.