Part 3- Ilocos Norte: Pagudpud

Click here  and here if you've missed the 1st and 2nd part of our Ilocos Adventure.

Our last destination for our Ilocos Tour is the beautiful town of Pagudpud. We arrived in Pagudpud at around 7:30pm and rode another tricycle to take us to Palm Grove Saud Holiday Complex where we stayed two nights in Pagudpud. The inn doesn't have a reception so all transactions are being done at the inn's restaurant. We were assigned at room #7 located at the second floor. Our room was spacious with queen size bed, free WiFi, hot and cold shower and free breakfast for only Php1800/night.

Our Standard Room at Palm Grove Holiday Complex

After we had settled our stuff in our room we went down to have our dinner at the inn's resto.. We ordered my all time favorite dish, grilled liempo and tortang talong.

The next morning, we snoozed our phone at 6:30am but by body clock automatically wakes me at 6am. My poor boyfriend have no choice but to adjust with my "morning person" lifestyle. For our breakfast, I ordered Bangsilog with hot chocolate while Jan ordered Hotsilog with brewed coffee.

At 9:00am, Kuya Rey, our Pagudpud tricycle guide, was already waiting for us at the inn's parking for our South Pagudpud tour. I got Kuya Rey's number thru reading a couple of travel blogs suggesting him for his good service and so I reserved his tricycle tour two weeks prior to our scheduled trip and he even helpfully recommended two of his friends who eventually became our tricycle guides in Laoag and Vigan. I asked Kuya Rey where is the perfect spot in Pagudpud where we could surf. Kuya Rey said Blue Lagoon but he warned us that the sea seems calm that day so there's a big possibility that we could not surf. We availed the blue lagoon anyway regardless of the sea's condition plus South Pagudpud tour for Php800.00. 

Our tour started at Pagudpud Arch for photoops.

We then proceeded to the next town in Bangui to see the windmills.. Seeing the giant windmills for the second time still amazes me. The Bangui windmill provides 40% electricity to Ilocos Norte..a brilliant project by the former Ilocos Norte Governor and now Senator, Bongbong Marcos.

There were also plenty of souvenir shops along the beach. I bought ref magnets (my new goal is to collect ref magnets from all the places I visit which I learned from Jan's sister) .. These windmill magnets and displays are just so cute.



Next is the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. We were transfered to another tricycle that would tour us around Kapurpurawan for additional Php300.00. Kuya Rey explained to us that a new ordinance was passed that will no longer allow tricycle drivers from other towns to go to Kapurpurawan to give chance to the Town's tricycle drivers to earn a living.

We paid Php20.00 entrance fee and there were also horses for rent to take you to Kapurpurawan Rock formation. I actually didn't anticipate that riding a horse going to the rock formation would be the highlight of our Pagudpud trip. Its my first time to ride a horse and it was a happy, memorable experience for me I can't help but sing this time.. "Day after day.. Time passed away and I just can't get you out of my mind". Hahaha. Boyband craze!

Meet JM.

While Jan's horse named Jeffrey. :)

I was really awed by the beauty of Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. How on earth the rock became white? Indeed, beauty of nature at it's best.

The 2 way horse back riding btw costs Php100.00. Don't miss the chance to ride a horse when you go to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. :)

Our last destination for South Pagudpud tour before we head to the Blue Lagoon was the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse built in 1887 and is still functioning up to this date. The lighthouse gives a great view of Burgos town.

Then the tricycle driver transfered us back again to Kuya Rey. We asked Kuya Rey to bring us to any restaurant where we could have our lunch. Kuya Rey asked me if it was okay for me to eat at calenderia.. I said of course.. We love home cooked dishes with affordable price. The calenderia's name is Izza if I remember it right. We enjoyed their Ilocos homecooked delicacies-- Pakbet, Bagnet, Pork adobo and Igado with free beef papaitan soup. The soup actually tastes good. Not bitter. Too bad I forgot to take picture because I excitedly finished my meal the moment they served our order.

After lunch, we took about less than an hour tricycle ride going to Blue Lagoon. Kuya Rey brought us to Kapuluan Vista Hotel where the surf boards can be rented. We checked the sea and Kuya Rey was right.. The sea was calm. But it was absolutely fine for us because the hotel has the most relaxing cocktail bar by the beach with light blue soft couches, hammock and acoustic & reggae music. We totally had a wonderful time in this place and stayed for about another hour just relaxing, cuddling each other and enjoying their refreshing cocktail and fruitshake.

Their cocktail drink's price are pretty reasonable too. I ordered their fruit shake for only Php60.00 while Jan ordered their cocktail called longchamp for Php120.00. And because its happy hour, the cocktail drink is buy one take one. Can you imagine that.. Our bill for a relaxing one hour stay and refreshing drinks was only Php180.00 . Maybe next time if ever we come back to Pagudpud again, we'll definitely stay at Kapuluan Vista Hotel. I checked their room rate and it was not that expensive at all. They are even offering fan rooms for as low as Php600.00

And that ends our tricycle tour in Pagudpud. Kuya Rey brought us back to our inn. We thanked him for making our Ilocos trip a lot more convenient for us together with 2 other guides we had at Vigan and Laoag. If ever you come to Pagudpud and need a tricycle tour, you may contact Kuya Rey at this number 09208684798.



But wait.. our Pagudpud adventure doesn't end there yet.. Of course.. this tour wouldn't be complete without visiting the pristine white sand beach of Saud. After resting for a short while.. I convinced Jan to take a dip at Saud beach which is just  walking distance from our inn..

Saud Beach

Dog's footsteps.. cuteeeee..

Saud beach is known as a not so beach friendly to swim at because the sand is soft it has a tendency to pull your feet down and get drown. But the beach was also calm when we visit soooo.. Swimming time!! We didn't go far though. We swum at the Saud beach just in time before the sun goes down. The sunset view as we enjoy the clear water of Saud beach is just so magnificent. I told myself.. "This is the life!" ..Thank you Lord for this trip.

Clear water of Saud Beach.

We went back to our inn and after a couple of hours, our tummies were hungry again. We had our dinner at the inn's resto and ordered Pork Sinigang and Tortang talong. There was a free videoke at the inn's rooftop and so after dinner, we took advantage of the videoke. Jan and I love to sing a lot.. Kahit YouTube videoke lang yan we would still duet together so having a free videoke is a big thumbs up for us. Sulit na sulit ang Php1800!

At 8am the next morning, Kuya Rey was already in our inn to take us to bus terminal to Laoag for our 1:55pm flight back to Manila. Then from Laoag bus terminal, Kuya Wilson took us to the airport as part of our tricycle tour package. On our way to the airport, I bought Ilocos longganisa and chicharon for pasalubong.

So that concludes our Ilocos Adventure. It was so nice to revisit the beautiful province of Ilocos with my favorite travel buddy and boyfriend, Jan. A vacation with lots of travel, foodtrip, fun, learnings and lurveeee.

Till we meet again, Ilocos!


Rica ♡

Part 2: Ilocos Norte-Laoag City

From Vigan, we travelled another 1 1/2 bus ride going back to Laoag. Bus fare is a little cheaper (Php110.00) because we rode the typical bus aircon. Kuya Wilson, our Laoag tricycle guide, advised us if we could meet at Batac instead so we won't go back and forth from Laoag to Batac. On our way to Batac, Jan suddenly suggested that it would be much convenient for us if we travel straight to Pagudpud after our Laoag tour so that we could start our South Pagudpud tour early and by the afternoon, he could happily surf at the blue lagoon. We initially planned to stay in Isabel Suites in Laoag and upon confirming that Palm Grove Holiday Complex (where we stayed 2nights in Pagudpud) can accommodate us a day earlier than our scheduled arrival in Pagudpud, I immediately canceled our reservation in Isabel suites thru text. Sorry Isabel Suites..

We arrived in Batac at around 2:30pm and Kuya Wilson immediately greeted us at the bus stop. We first headed to Marcos Museum where the preserved body of the late President Ferdinand Marcos lies in along with his memorabilia. Entrance fee is Php50.00. Jan is a big fan of Ferdinand Marcos-- interestingly reading all the single facts and info of the late President hanged on the museum's walls. This was the tourist attraction in Laoag where we stayed long.

Wedding Photo of late Pres. Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos.

Filipiniana Dresses Collection of Imelda Marcos

Next stop is the Paoay church.. For me Paoay Church is the most remarkable tourist attraction in Laoag the first time I've been here and still took the no. 1 place for me on my second visit . The church is solemn and has a unique architecture designed for earthquakes. No wonder why it is the most favorite church of Imelda Marcos.

Then we also stopped by to the view deck of Paoay Lake before heading to  Malacanang of the North which Kuya Wilson said was used to be a vacation house of Pres. Marcos. Imelda Marcos still stays here when she's in Ilocos. I didn't appreciate the mansion the first time I went here because my classmates and I were goofing around each other all the time. The vacation mansion is huge with preserved antique pieces, memorabillas and old pictures of the Marcoses. 

I was surprised that Malacang of the North is also holding weddings and events. There was a wedding being romantically set up at the mansion's garden facing the Paoay lake.

Next is the Paoay sand dunes.. Kuya Wilson said that riding in  a 4x4 car would be the highlight of our Laoag tour. But Jan and I we're both not a fond of sand activities. We also dont think its worth it to spend Php2500 for a ride in a 4x4 car with just the two of us. Knowing me.. I'm a boring girl. Hehe. We'd rather pay for surfing instead. Sand dunes was not included in our tour package the first time I went to Ilocos so this was basically my first time here. Being at the sand dunes made me sing Everytime by A1. If you are familiar with the song's video.. You would know what I mean. Hehe.

Our last tour in Laoag was the Sinking Bell tower located at the city proper and photoops to Laoag landmark.

Jan and I ate at Mcdo [para maiba naman] just across the Laoag landmark to fuel our body with energy for another 2hrs bus ride to Pagudpud. After our quick snack, Kuya Wilson took us to the bus terminal. Only ordinary bus travels in the afternoon going to Pagudpud. Fare is Php70.00.

Like Kuya Alex, Kuya Wilson is also informative and kind. I later learned that Ilocos local government requires tricycle drivers to attend DOT seminars due to the high demand of tourism in Ilocos. Our Laoag tricycle tour costs Php800.00 which includes transfer to airport from bus terminal. If you want to avail Kuya Wilson's Laoag tour service, you may contact him at this number 09053636635.

Click here for the last part of our Ilocos adventure in Pagudpud.


Rica ♡

Part 1: locos Sur-Vigan City

 Warning: Photo heavy post.

This was my 2nd time in the beautiful province of Ilocos [and Jan's first]. The last time I was here was way back 2009 during our college tour, but still, Ilocos didnt fail to amaze me like the first time. Jan has been convincing me to go to Ilocos since November last year, but because I've been to Ilocos already, i suggested Batanes instead. And ofcourse, the commander always win! **evil laugh**. Unlike in Batanes where we opted to take a package tour from a travel agency, we decided to do our own 4 days and 3 nights DIY Itinerary to Ilocos. Our itinerary was to head straight to Vigan first, then Laoag and lastly, Pagudpud.

Laoag  Airport

From Laoag Airport, I signed up for a free shuttle bus that would take us to Partas Bus station going to Vigan. This free shuttle bus of Laoag airport takes the tourists straight from their destination around Laoag. If you are in a hurry, you may hire a tricycle to take you to the city proper for Php200.00. We were only about less than 15 passengers [2 sets of group tourists, 1 korean and us] so we chose to ride the free shuttle.

Selfie inside the Laoag Airport Free Shuttle Bus.

We rode the delux Partas bus with wide and comfortable seat. Fare is Php166.00. The ride takes about 2 hours.

We finally arrived in Vigan Partas Bus terminal at around 5:00pm. Being the segurista that I am.. We came prepared with reserved hotel accommodation and tricycle tours two weeks prior to our scheduled trip. The fastest and most convenient way to roam Vigan and its nearby town [without the time pressure riding a Kalesa] is through hiring a tricycle tour. Kuya Alex, our Vigan Tricycle guide, was already waiting for us at the bus terminal when we arrived and upon seeing his face.. I knew right away that we are in good hands.

Kuya Alex dropped us first to RF Aniceto Mansion where we stayed overnight in Vigan. The old mansion built in the 1800's kept its colonial appearance and was later converted into a hotel to accommodate tourists . The mansion is 
also conveniently located across Father Burgos Plaza and walking distance from Calle Crisologo. A plus for location!

Our room in RF Aniceto Mansion

Hallway to the hotel rooms

RF Aniceto Receiving Area

I love our room's key

We just lodged our bag and immediately started our tour before it gets dim. Kuya Alex first brought us to Bantay Bell Tower and its nearby church.

The bantay bell tower is so picture perfect.

Due to lack of time since museums and other tourist spots in Vigan have operating hours, our tricycle tour for that day ended at the Vigan Arch for photoops.

Kuya Alex then dropped us to the famed Calle Crisologo before twilight so we were able to see the beauty of the National Heritage by day turned into night in just a few minutes. It was truly a nostalgic feeling even though it wasn't my first time here.

Calle Crisologo by day

Exhausted from our long travel after a short stroll to Calle Crisologo, we decided to have our first dinner in Ilocos in one of the most famous restaurants in Vigan, The Cafe Leona.

We ordered their delicacies-- Pakbet, Bagnet and Mushroom Soup. Dinning outside the Resto was really relaxing. We're once again blessed with a perfect weather despite the tropical cyclone warning.

Iloco's Bagnet with Bagoong na Isda dip.

Iloco's Pakbet. 

After our luscious dinner.. We decided to stroll again to Calle Crisologo and bought some souvenir items. I bought some ref magnets and shirt for my nephew.

Calle Crisologo by night

At 9pm, Jan and I felt hungry again so we ate at Mcdonalds and bought beers and junkfoods at Aniceto's grocery store. Hehe. And that's how our 1st day in Ilocos ended.


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The next morning, I snoozed my phone at 6:00am for continuation of our Vigan tour. Breakfast is included in our accommodation. Jan and I both ordered Iloco's longganisa with fried egg and garlic rice.

While waiting for our order, I was really surprised to see a well at the mansion's garden restaurant. The staff said that the well existed since 1800's and to date, they still use it for watering the plants. Cool! 

After filling our tummies with free breakfast of RF Aniceto mansion, we started 

the continuation of our Vigan tour at Baluarte ni Singson.




Then the Burnayan Pottery-making.. The oldest pottery factory in Vigan since 1920 [according to one of its staff]. You can buy custom-made and beautiful pots/jars in this factory at a lesser price. 

Next, we went to The Hidden Garden Place. We decided to have a taste of Ilocos empanada and quench our thirst with their refreshing fruit shake. The garden's restaurant was surrounded by trees, plants and flowers.

Hidden Garden's Iloco's Empanada

The only thing that turned us off in this place are the Sto nino and Buddha images placed in almost every corner of the garden with "donation" boxes or asking you to throw coins before you say a prayer or wish to Sto Nino or Buddha. We just thought its inappropriate to use these images to collect money [even if the intention is good]. Why not  just place one designated donation box somewhere in the area and not in every holly images para kahit papano it would look sincere naman. Even if you use their cr, you would see a donation placard but the staff would actually require you to pay 10pesos. It just made me wonder, what's the owner real domain? A devoted Catholic or Buddhist?

Anyway...

We then proceeded to our next stop which is the preserved family ancestral home of Crisologo turned into museum.History is one of my favorite subjects that is why visiting to museums is something I truly enjoy. By a mere donation, a guide toured us around the mansion relaying important information about Crisologo family and their political history.

Mr. Crisologo's Office. 

Ha? 

The vehicle used by Carmeling Crisologo that was ambushed but survived on May 10, 1961 was also displayed at the museum.

And our last stop for our Vigan tour is the Syquia Mansion or the old mansion of the former President Elpidio Quirino and his wife, Alicia Syquia . Just by looking at their house, you would know that they belong to a wealthy and prominent family. This mansion was given to Pres Quirino and his wife as a wedding present (or dowry) by his in laws.

Spoliarium Replica

Painting of Elpidio Qurino's daughter for her debut.

Our vigan tour ended at around 11am. We went back to our hotel to have a quick rest and pack our bags. After we checked out, we had our lunch at Jollibee. [Fast food again!] Kuya Alex took us to the bus terminal going back to Laoag and bid our goodbyes to him. If you're looking for a tricycle guide in Vigan I highly recommend Kuya Alex. He's informative, honest and respectful. His tricycle Vigan tour costs Php600.00. You may contact him at this number 09357724212.

Click here for the Part 2 of our Ilocos adventure in Laoag.

Rica ♡