TravelStream™ news feed for member mygiobro on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/mygiobro en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:36:09 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/2/1200377100/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/2/1200377100/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/2/1200377100/tpod.html Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:36:09 -0400 SOJOURNING ILOCOS SUR (My Ilocandia Tour)

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Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

In the town of Sta. Maria is the stairs of Nuestra Senora De La Asuncion Church that leads to heaven.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/3/1214994300/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/3/1214994300/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/3/1214994300/tpod.html Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:17:42 -0400 My Bicolandia Chronicle

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Legaspi, Luzon, Philippines

DAY 1. JULY 2, 2008.

First day into my Bicolandia adventure, we skip shower and headed directly to the aiport since it was still 3 in the morning. We arrived and checked-in really early [Domestic Airport at 4:30am], so we decided to have coffee and croissant at Delifrance. Around 5:45am, we boarded Cebu Pacific's flight 5J 325 bound for Legaspi National Airport. We worried a bit since it rained that morning and that we might not see the volcano from the airplane. Luckily, just before 7am we were flying over the region with the sun shining bright. The regions landscape is so beautiful with the volcano at its very center with the Pacific ocean and the visayas sea on its sides.

As soon as we got out of the plane, we did not waste time taking posing and taking pictures of the majestic Mayon. From the airport, instead of taking a cab we opted to ride a tricycle going to the hotel we previously booked. Actually, we didn't see any cab at all. The tricycle driver collected Php20.00 per passenger. We checked in ourselves at Jennifer's Garden Resort. From the outside the building look like a hospital coz a few meters away there is a hospital. We got Camias room at the third floor of the hotel. The room was spacious [good for 4 person at P1,795 per day] with no aesthetic decorations.

After shower, we were already starving and decided to try out local delicacies. So we had sinigang, pata and ribs. for only Php 295.00. After breakfast we walked towards Albay's cathedral, St. Gregory the Great Cathedral. Just infront of the church is the Legaspi's city hall. Sought advice from the city's tourism office. Didn't get enough information, we proceeded to the provincial's tourism office at the Astrodome. There, Ms. Dorothy F. Colle [0917.5581431] assisted us. Unfortunately, when she called Donsol tourism officer she was informed that there were no sighting of whalsharks in the area during that season. So she made an itinerary for us and contacted a service vehicle we could hire to tour us around Albay. There we met Manong Gary Nuñez [0918.5267057] our tour guide with his driver, Bingoy.

1st stop. Sto. Domingo de Guzman Parish Church in the town of Sto. Domingo.
2nd stop. Busay Falls at Malilipot. Paid entrance fee of Php5.00 per head and Php50.00 for parking.
3rd stop. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Church of Malilipot.
4th stop. St. John the Baptist Church in city of Tabaco. Had lunch at Nok's Lechon Manok is across the street from the church and near the city hall. We had natong (laing), bikol express and ginataang manok for only Php182.00. After lunch, bought bottled water and snacks at Lucky9 convenience store and spent 104.80.
5th stop. Mayon Skyline Park. From there, we went back to Lucky9 store to check on Rio's lost cellphone.
6th stop. Going back our route, we proceeded to Cagsawa Ruins in the town of Daraga. Then, to Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church of Daraga.
7th stop. Albay Park and Wildlife. Entrance fee of Php20.00 but we got in for free.
8th stop. Ligñon Hill, which is open to vehicles only after 6pm due to joggers. From there, we had a brief tour downtown.
9th stop. Pacific Mall where we bid goodbye to our tour guide and drive and had dinner at Biggs Diner courtesy of Emily. We back to the hotel around 8pm to rest.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/2/1200395400/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/2/1200395400/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/2/1200395400/tpod.html Fri, 07 Nov 2008 04:48:56 -0500 SOJOURNING ILOCOS SUR (My Ilocandia Tour)

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Bantay, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

The municipality's name came from the fact that its patron, Our Lady of Charity, protects the town. The miraculous image was found onboard a ship standed somewhere along the Ilocos Coast during the Spanish Era. They enshrined and venerated the image in a chapel made from cogon grass and bamboo. Many other people from other towns came to claim the miraculous statue, but failed to even move it. Only people from the town can move the statue. As a result those who attempted to claim the miraculous statue went home, believing that the Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Charity would remain forever to guard the place.

]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/1/1200123000/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/1/1200123000/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/1/1200123000/tpod.html Mon, 01 Sep 2008 10:15:23 -0400 EXPLORING ILOCOS NORTE - Part 1 (My Ilocandia Tour)

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Laoag, Luzon, Philippines

12 Jan. 2008, 2:30pm. Together with my travel companion (Mai & Luz), we arrived in Laoag International Airport on board Cebu Pacific on a sunny afternoon. Antonio, online friend, was already waiting for us in his Tucson. He was kind enough to take us for a quick ride around the city before taking us to our hotel. We checked in at La Elliana Hotel along J.P. Rizal St., a five-storey orange building. The rate is considerably cheap considering the size of the room. For a room good for three persons, they charged us only Php 1,750 inclusive of tax.

From the hotel past the hour of 3pm, we went to dap-ayan ti ilocos norte for our afternoon snacks. The name of the place is the local dialect for food court of Ilocos Norte. Thus, they only served local delicacies. Most popular snack is the empanada which is made of flour stuffed with fresh beans sprout, eggs and longganisa. The place is open from 2pm until midnight.

Dap-ayan ti ilocos norte is located just a few steps from the Capitol building. So, from there we took a walk around the park which in front of the Capitol.

The park has at least three historical monuments on it - the Oblation, the historical city marker and the Tobacco Monopoly Monument. Standing on the park, one can see the St. Williams Cathedral built in 1612 which is known for its Italian Renaissaince design and Sinking Bell Tower which is a few meters away. It is said that the tower sinks into the ground at a rate of an inch a year.

Another church noteworthy of its manificent grayish facade is the catholic church of San Nicolas located just across the Padsan River. It was built in 1701 and is one of the oldest buildings in the province. We went there for a quick visit riding a kalesa. And just before sunset, we headed back to the hotel to wash up for dinner.

In pink motiff, we had our dinner at La Preciosa Restaurant - Laoag's finest! They served the tastiest pinakbet with bagnet, and the best carrot cake i've ever tasted. Pinakbet or pakbet is a popular Ilocano dish which is usually cooked until almost dry and shrivelled and the flavors of the vegetables are emphasized and accentuated by bagoong (fermented shrimp fry). Bagnet is another local dish which pork meat seasoned and sun dried. But before our orders arrived, they served us with pica-pica (local chips) with vinegar dip.

After our sumptuous dinner, we decided to take a walk back to the park. This time we were surprised by the evening lights. There it was the well-lighted gigantic Christmas tree made up of corn cobs. The Sinking Bell Tower was also lighted. So we enjoyed Laoag's evening breeze taking pictures.

Just before midnight, we headed back to the hotel. My travel companions called it a day while I went out for a bottle of beer with a local friend. Bjorn fetched me and showed me the city's nightlife. We went to Mall 365 where the most happening bar in town is located, E-Bar.

Beer.. lights.. sounds.. capped my first day in Laoag.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/2/1200352260/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/2/1200352260/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/2/1200352260/tpod.html Fri, 29 Aug 2008 02:04:23 -0400 SOJOURNING ILOCOS SUR (My Ilocandia Tour)

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Vigan City, Luzon, Philippines

After seeing the treasures of Paoay, we waited at the crossroad going to Laoag, Paoay and Batac for the bus to take us to Vigan City. We arrived in Vigan past the hour of six, just as the dusk sets in. The sky was reddish which contrasted the sky blue City Hall.

From the drop off point, we walked going to our hotel. Along the way, we passed by the plaza and the cathedral. We also can't help but noticed the thematic Jollibee, McDonalds and Greenwich stores adjacent to the park. It was already nighttime when we reached the Heritage Village. It wasn't really that far but our walked was pleasurably slow. On the entry way towards the Village was KFC store on a fully restored heritage house.

On the sides of the road were handicrafts stores about to close. We then realized that we were stepping on a road made out of cobblestones blocks as the horse-drawn cars passed through. We were in awe! I thought I was in a big museum or a studio! Everything around me was just amazingly wonderful! Ancient buildings lined up on each side of the cobblesonte road. The street sign says, Calle Crisologo. And the street lights, were a replica of old lamps.

A blast from the past!

After almost an hour of just getting the feel of the Heritage Vigan, we proceeded to the hotel to check in. Grand Pa's Inn is located just around the corner. Now, in orange motiff we went for dinner. After checking out the restaurants nearby, we settled at Cafe Leona where had dinengdeng and pinakbet. Another sumptuous dinner!

The night was young. So we decided to take a walk around town and take pictures. First stop, the Vigan Cathedral. Then to Ilocos Sur Capitol and Plaza Salcedo. the park is located in between the Capitol building and the cathedral.

Funny thing, we realized, was that the Capitol was painted orange and we were wearing orange shirts. It was well lit as there christmas lights were still there. It was picture-perfect opportunity. The park was also picturesque as it was painted in white and ornage accent. It was rectangular in shape, and at the middle of it is a huge pond prominently stands Salcedo'd standard obelisk.

After a few rolls, we called it a night.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/1/1200132060/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/1/1200132060/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/1/1200132060/tpod.html Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:06:36 -0400 EXPLORING ILOCOS NORTE - Part 1 (My Ilocandia Tour)

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San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Like in other town in the ancient province of Ilocos, San Nicolas was established by Augustinian missionaries. The present name of San Nicolas was given in the year 1733, after Saint Nicholas de Tolentino who was believed to have protected the people against floods, earthquakes, fires, typhoons and other calamities. It is significant that in Ilocos Norte, only San Nicolas was named after a Saint.

From St. Williams Church, we proceeded to San Nicolas to see its church. On board the kalesa we hired earlier that day, we crossed the Gilbert Bridge towards the other town. It was fun sight-seeing the city riding the kalesa since the speed was slower and the view is panoramic. On the way, we passed by Mall 365. The kalesa ride going to the town was less 20 minutes.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/1/1200346200/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/1/1200346200/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/1/1200346200/tpod.html Wed, 27 Aug 2008 06:10:24 -0400 EXPLORING ILOCOS NORTE - Part 1 (My Ilocandia Tour)

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Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Truly a world heritage site, St. Agustine Church also known as Paoay Church is awesome!

From the gate, we already saw the exquisite design of the facade. And as we approached the entrance door, we feel dwarfed by its magnificent presence. The church stands at the center of a wide green lawn against the blue sky as its backdraft. A sight to behold!

The church is known for its earthquake baroque design. But the intricate details show some gothic and oriental inspiration. The lower part of the facade was made of stuccoed brick while the upper facade is made of coral blocks. Carved on the front wall were big floral designs, and enshrined on top of it is the statute of its patron saint. The side walls are 1.67 meters wide and is supported by 26 massive buttresses intricately carved with spiral and floral designs.

The church is built from blocks of corral rubble put together and covered with red bricks hardened by mixture of local materials such as mixing sand, lime, sugarcane juice and then boiling the mixture with mangeao (salbot) leaves, leather and rice straw for two nights.

Beside the church but separately standing, is its bell tower. It was used by the Katipuneros during the Revolution, and later by the Filipino guerillas during the Japanese Occupation as their observation post.

This fortress-like church was was declared a national treasure by then President Ferdinand Marcos.

In an excavation conducted inside the church in 2000, a prehistoric human skeleton and fragmented ceramics were discovered and are now on display at the National Museum.

Today, the church is undergoing restoration under the auspices of UNESCO.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/1/1200342900/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/1/1200342900/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/1/1200342900/tpod.html Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:33:55 -0400 EXPLORING ILOCOS NORTE - Part 1 (My Ilocandia Tour)

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Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

From the Home of Great Leaders, we proceeded to the Malacañang of the North (Malacañang Ti Amihan). Located on top of the hill, the mansion overlooks the whole of the magical Paoay Lake.

Unfortunately, we were not able to see the interiors of the mansion because it is closed on Mondays for cleaning?! But one can observed from outside that the place used to be grand but is now dilapidated. It is made of hard wood and its interiors furnished with narra. At the back of the mansion is the grand porch facing the lake. On the lake, used to float was the presidential boat of the Marcoses.

Legend has it that beneath the lake was once a properous village where rich but wicked people lived. One night a great flood covered the whole place under feet of water after ignoring the warning of a mysterious old woman who came to the place.

Whether the story is true or not, Paoay Lake is really enchanting.

Going back down the hill, our next stop is Paoay Church.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/1/1200333840/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/1/1200333840/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/1/1200333840/tpod.html Wed, 27 Aug 2008 03:51:25 -0400 EXPLORING ILOCOS NORTE - Part 1 (My Ilocandia Tour)

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Batac, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

From Pagudpud, we travelled back to Laoag City where we took a jeepney ride going to the town of Batac.

It is the home town of many significant figures in the history of the Philippines. Among these is the former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos. It is also the birthplace of Gregorio Aglipay, the founder of the Philippine Independent Church, better known as the Aglipayan Church, and Gen. Artemio Ricarte, the "Father of the Philippine Army".

Another interesting fact is the origin of the word "Batac" which translates to "pull" in local dialect. More loosely, it refers to "the people's pulling their efforts together."

Here, we only visited Ferdinand Marcos Mansion and Mausoleum where the refrigerated remains of former Philippine President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos is displayeds glass coffin. We waited until 2 o'clock for the mausoleum to open. It was dark and cold inside, and it was scary like a haunted house. Outside the mausoleum is a mini museum that displays the memorabilia of the late president.

Walking distance from the Marcos Mansion is the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (Aglipay Shrine). Took some pictures. Then after that we went to Plaza Maestro Batac, mini mall just beside the shrine, to have our lunch at Jollibee.

After our jolli hotdog and lumpia shanghia, we hailed a motorcycle to bring us to Paoay.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/1/1200235200/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/1/1200235200/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mygiobro/1/1200235200/tpod.html Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:50:56 -0400 EXPLORING ILOCOS NORTE - Part 1 (My Ilocandia Tour)

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Laoag, Philippines

Thirty-minute motorcylce ride from downtown Laoag to Barangay 37 Calayab, sprawling on 77 hectares of land amidst gentle sand dunes and 9 kilometers of fine sandy beach, is the massive stonewalls and bricks inspired resort hotel. The Resort Hotel complex is composed of five buildings all inspired by Spanish colonial architecture and finished in cool red bricks. It has 267 rooms with private balconies offering a view of the sea and possessing the features and qualities of Ilocano century-old living quarters and constructed to accentuate the antiquity of a colonial house.
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