Digiputz by George Putong

Ilocos Sur: Sinait Church and the Miraculous Black Nazarene

One pitstop on the way south to Vigan was Sinait Church. �The town is the northernmost in Ilocos Sur and is also known locally as the garlic capital of the Philippines. �That would explain the giant garlic-looking tent in front … Continue reading →

July 13, 2010

Notes Hari Royale Suites in Davao City was a great place to stay! �(And also a great place to watch the FIFA World Cup finals.) �– I’ll write more about it soon. Our friends Hanil and John were wonderful hosts … Continue reading →

Batac, Ilocos Norte: The Orange Empanadas

Batac is home to these famous orange empanadas. There’s an entire venue of these located in downtown Batac. And there are several stalls all selling the same thing. I’m not a huge fan of empanadas. �But since there are variations … Continue reading →

Batac, Ilocos Norte: Marcos Museum and Mausoleum

There was a strange feeling I couldn’t explain while I was in Ilocos Norte. �I grew up learning about the atrocities committed by dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos. �Even if he gave the Philippines massive infrastructure improvements his name was synonymous … Continue reading →

Ilocos Norte: The Church of Paoay

The church of Paoay easily put itself among the top of my list of must-see places in Ilocos.� Postcards, posters, travel shows, books on church architecture… you visualize this beautiful church when you think “Ilocos”. The only problem for me … Continue reading →

Paoay, Ilocos Norte: Malaca�ang of the North

Slightly eerie in the present day you would imagine the grandeur of Malaca�ang of the North in its more prime years.� This was the Ilocos residence of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos during his years. Today the building stands as … Continue reading →

Laoag, Ilocos Norte: St. William’s Cathedral

Our next stop was St. William’s Cathedral in downtown Laoag City. We had a brief visit at Fort Ilocandia.� According to our guide the Marcos family (the former First Lady Imelda Marcos and her daughter Imee Marcos) were possibly at … Continue reading →

Sarrat, Ilocos Norte: Church of Sta. Monica

Ilocos is home to a collection of picturesque churches that date back centuries.� We started our Ilocos tour by visiting the beautiful Church of Sta. Monica in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. Sarrat is the birthplace of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos.� … Continue reading →

What Basyang did to our house

Nothing incredibly serious happened to our house after Tropical Storm Basyang whipped across Cavite last night. �But honestly, it felt like death was howling outside at 3 AM. �I was scared our roof would blow off. �I was frightened that … Continue reading →

Everything Else in 12 Recent Photos

I’m going to take a break from writing about my little travels to share twelve photos representing the other stuff that’s been happening. Barack on a pig. I took this photo at The Flying Pig in Eastwood last May.� Neil … Continue reading →

Laoag, Ilocos Norte: La Preciosa Restaurant

La Preciosa Restaurant is a charming old eatery in Laoag located right in front of the hotel we stayed at. The ambiance is of an old house that was refashioned into a quaint restaurant. Curious foodies would easily be attracted … Continue reading →

Laoag, Ilocos Norte: La Elliana Hotel

Witnessing my first sunrise up north in Laoag was beautiful.� It was like a painting.� While my roomies were still asleep I took this shot from our hotel window.� What you obviously can’t hear just by looking at this picture … Continue reading →

Daet, Camarines Norte: Alvinos Restaurant

After Bagasbas we headed back to Daet town proper for food and bus tickets.� Daet is popularized as the Gateway to Bountiful Bicol. Upper treated us at a popular resto in town named Alvinos.� Happy Birthday Upper! The citronella bracelets … Continue reading →

Bagasbas: Tony’s Hometel

If you are in search for a good and cheap place to stay in Bagasbas, look no further than Tony’s Hometel.� Cheap and very hospitable.� Sir Tony was extremely nice.� He shared to us that surfers and backpackers love to … Continue reading →

Bagasbas: In Photos (Part 2)

Sharing more photos taken from Bagasbas. Summer ended so quickly. Boo.

Bagasbas: In Photos (Part 1)

Bagasbas is a beach in Daet, Camarines Norte which attracts a fair share of surfers from both the Philippines and around the world.� Since it’s just a 15 minute tricycle ride from Daet proper, we included it in our weekend … Continue reading →

Calaguas: Our 2nd Day

On a typical work day I would wake up at noon in the middle of a highly urbanized city.� A city of noise pollution.� Then, one beautiful Saturday, this. There we were.� Inside two tents on a tropical island hundreds … Continue reading →

Calaguas: Our 1st Day

We felt like we had the beach to ourselves!� We avoided the weekend crowd. After getting off the boat we made our way to one of three small huts near the beach.� Next to the huts was a small abandoned-looking … Continue reading →

Calaguas: The Route to Paradise

I’m happy I can finally share our photos from Calaguas in April.� Calaguas is home to what I personally believe is the most beautiful beach in the Philippines. The clear blue waters, the blindingly white sand, and the fact that … Continue reading →

Destination Ilocos (Parts 4 to 6)

This is a continuation from my last post. The music in Part 5 and 6 (last part), titled “Taking Turns” and “Orion” respectively, are original compositions made and performed by Nico Franco, a friend of the director.� Details of the … Continue reading →

Destination Ilocos (Parts 1 to 3)

I’m sharing six wonderfully edited videos that our travel companion, Director Carlo Alvarez, shot during our recent trip to Ilocos.� What fascinates me are the little details he captured during our trip.� It’s like a cool souvenir. In the “The … Continue reading →

On the finales of 24 and Lost

Two of my favorite TV shows just ended.� No more Jack Bauer and Jack Shepherd.� No more Chloe, President Taylor, Hurley, Ben, Sayid, Kate, Sawyer.� It’s over! LOST FINALE PROMO 24 FINALE PROMO Let this post be a reminder of … Continue reading →

Subic: Freeport Food Trip

Our last day in Subic was spent lounging around the Freeport Zone. Much of Subic actually looks abandoned.� (Well, it was by the Americans in the 1990s).� I re-imagined Subic Bay as a futuristic green metropolis where they build Evangelion … Continue reading →

Subic: By the Sea Resort

More photos from our trip to Subic last month.� After Treetop Adventure we took a little pitstop to pose with the industrial side of the Subic. We returned to Barretto and upgraded accommodations by staying at the more comfortable By … Continue reading →

Subic: A Little Treetop Adventure

That’s Neil and Camille trying to decide what activity to do at the Treetop Adventure in Subic.� The prices listed on the website aren’t updated!� It was almost double what we expected. AND, there were so many people! Neil and … Continue reading →

Subic: Coco Lime and Royal

On the second day we went to the Subic Freeport Zone for food, shopping, and leisure.� We had lunch at the Coco Lime which is a restaurant featured in Lonely Planet Philippines. We ordered Sinigang, Curry, and Thai Rice. So … Continue reading →

Subic: Beachfront Resort Barretto

We went to Subic during the extended weekend earlier in April.� Thank you, Day of Valor!� Like Boracay we were an efficient and fun little group.� This time we had a car and a little extra cash to get lazy.� … Continue reading →

Boracay: Lights (7 of 7)

Finally my last set of photos from our Boracay trip in March.� We had two dinners that memorable night.� One at the resort which was included in our package, and another dinner at a seafood buffet on White Beach. Off … Continue reading →

Boracay: Sunsets (6 of 7)

This set is from the sunset on our last day in Boracay on March 2. More of Whitney too! The must-hav shot. My favorite profile of Neil… Gorgeous world-class sunset! Bea! Bea and Hanz. I want to go back!

Boracay: Shrimps (5 of 7)

From upscale establishments and hotel buffets to fast food stalls like Andoks and Mang Inasal (crowded!)… we ended up trying the paluto (fresh seafood cooked in the style you want) at D’Talipapa. Basically you choose what seafood you want.� So … Continue reading →