I felt the driver crank up the speed as he leaned forward the tricycle looking at him from the back seat. It’s not that the three of us were heavy along with our baggage coming from Lio Airport, it’s just that the road going to El Nido town slopes prominently high. Once past that it was a breezy 10-15minutes ride into town. The group was split into half, Melo and I would be staying in Hadefe Cottages in Caalan Beach.

Following directions from one of the owners of Hadefe Cottages, we went through the small alley along Lally and Abet resort along M. Quezon Ave (Formerly known as Hama) and went by the beach. First time on the beach and it already struck us on how amazing El Nido is. We continued on the road by the beach anxious from the mid-day walk carrying our bags. We found a cemetery by the beach and thought we lost our way until we came across a couple who said they were looking into some resorts there since they find the town very noisy.

We were relieved to finally found the place walking further by the beach. The resort has an open ground with several cottages fronting a rugged beach. We looked for Hane my contact who we were trying to call earlier but learned he was on his way to Puerto Princessa. Instead we met his sister Del. The resorts name actually came from the siblings first syllables in their names Ha-De-Fe. We were led to our Family Cottage which could fit 3 people. It was really nice and tropical. It has 2 beds, a couple of fans and a clean bathroom. It’s a bit of a 10-min walk to and fro town but it was perfect for the price for PHP 750 a night. I only paid PHP 1500 for four nights since we shared cost.

When it comes to budget travel like this one I never spend too much than I need when choosing accommodations. Chances are I will only be spending 20-30% of my day in that room to sleep and wash-up. In El Nido Electricity is not 24 hours as it only runs from 2pm to 6am the next day so a fan room would suffice since nights are cool there. There are certain criteria I have in mind when choosing an accommodation:

(1) The place is secure and I can leave things there with a peace of mind

(2) It got the basic amenities like a Fan, clean sheets on bed and a functioning and clean toilet and bath. Before I may opt to have communal but when I have expensive equipments with me I often choose the one with en suite T&B. Besides, I no longer worry if toilets are occupied when nature calls.

(3) Manageable Location. If I can walk to reach important places, like a store or eatery, that’s fine by me.

(4) Friendly Staff and Service.

(5) Place is quiet and I can Sleep Well to recharge for the next day.

(6) Reasonably priced.

So far, Hadefe Cottages met these criteria well with the excitement of walking by a cemetery every night under the moon light, and the never tiring view of the beach and nearby islands with Cadlao on each walk to and fro town. I measured the distance from further street of the town and it’s around 400 meters one way. So it’s a nice walk as well. The beach is rugged but best for snorkeling and Caalan beach has the best view of the sunset coming from El Nido.

Hadefe Cottages
Zone 3 Caalan, El Nido, Palawan.
Mobile: +63920.952.3280
Telephone: +6348.725.3032
URL: www.hadefecottages.tk
Email: hadefetravel@ymail.com

There were other Budget Accommodations in my list at that time but unfortunately they were fully booked but I was able to see them when we were roaming around El Nido. All of them have rooms ranging from Php 500 to Php 1000 which are mostly good for 2. Lualhati and Cliffside are not beachfront headed to the road to Corong-Corong but they have very nice cottages as low as Php 350. Chizlyk and Tandikan are on the northern end of M. Quezon Street. They have picturesque beachfront and nice cottages. Stunning Vista Lodge was a discovery there. They have a great restaurant and beach front that offers a lot of activities like volleyball and windsurfing. Beach in Corong-corong is great fro swimming and has an unobstructed view of the sunset.

Chizlyk Cottages
M. Quezon Street (formerly Calle Hama)
Mobile: +63919.879.9333
Email: joicefernandez@yahoo.com

Tandikan Cottages
M. Quezon Street (formerly Calle Hama)
Mobile: +63920.318.4882 / +63927.562.6350
Email: athan_lualhati@yahoo.com

The Alternative
Serena Street, Bgy. Buena Suerte
Mobile: +639178963408
Email: beckygordon8@yahoo.com

Lualhati Cottage
Rizal Street, Brg. Maligaya
Mobile: +63919.319.6683
Email: athan_lualhati@yahoo.com

Cliffside Cottage
Rizal Street
Mobile: +63919.785.6625

Stunning Vistas Beach Resort
Lodging, Dining and Recreation
Corong-Corong, El Nido Palawan
Mobile : Gary McLean +63908.1667.405 / Eden Mclean +63921.751.5783
Email : gmcawa@yahoo.com or edenmc62@yahoo.com
URL : www.elnidostunningvistas.com

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Seair has flights twice a week to El Nido. By April 14, flights will be every Wednesday, Sunday and Monday. This schedule will only be until June 30, 2010. Round trip flights cost approximately Php 11,500.

Purchase tickets to El Nido via www.flyseair.com or call (+632) 8490100. For packages call SEAIR Leisure Escape Packages at (+632) 8437308.

I only have a map to guide me though the trial. It was for Hort Park but it also includes the trails on what Singapore calls the “Southern Ridges”. It is a 9km trail connecting different parks on the Southern Ridges of Singapore. From the country’s oldest park, Mt Faber I have to get to Telok Blangah Hill Park but first I have to cross this pedestrian bridge called Henderson Waves connecting both parks.

The Henderson Waves is another architectural wonder in Singapore with this bridge spanning 900-ft long. And at the height of 120 ft, it is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. On the side I could see 7 undulating steel waves stretching through the length of the bridge, I stepped on the wooden planks and felt how steady they were under my feet. It felt solid but I could feel the slight tremors when joggers pass by. There were small gaps between planks that a thin pen could slip through.

The alcoves formed by the waves are a nice place to hang out. I found myself staying at one for a while I wait for the sunset behind the city skylines of Singapore. I didn’t wait for the bridge to light up as I was gonna meet my friend somewhere on the other side of the trail.

Telok Balangah Hill Park is filled with joggers and runners. I noticed a lot of Singaporeans like to run and this Southern Ridge is a good place for its airy atmosphere. They would usually bring their cars leave their stuffs there and run the trails. I didn’t stop to take photos at Hilltop Walk but it has nice areas to make outdoor exercises fun along with nice terraced garden.

The trail becomes a lot more impressive when I saw the Forest Walk. It’s an elevated metal walkway cutting through the secondary forest of Telok Balangah. Its illuminated 1.3km walkway looks good at night and joggers seems delighted to go through this trail. It was a long walk and those with heights and vertigo problems should think twice since we could see through the metal walk way which is raised from 9-8ft to 59ft. On a good day I think this trail would be great for bird watching.

At the end of the trail is the Alexandra Arch, another result of a playful architect’s imagination. The bridge looks like an open leaf and at night its LED lights changes colours to the delight of the vehicles passing under it. The Alexandra Arch looks nice but it’s still basically a highly stylized short bridge leading to Hort Park and the Canopy Walk. I never did get past the bridge since it was already late. Maybe next time I go back to Singapore, I’ll visit the rest of the trail. I sure did like what they did here and hope to try to jog or run the trail as well.

El Nido Palawan seems so far away. An elusive paradise tucked at the north western side of Palawan. It’s one of my local dream destinations so when I was given the chance to go there I didn’t pass the opportunity. South East Asian Airlines (Seair) is one of the two airlines (the other being Island Transvoyager Inc’s (ITI) using their 19-seater Dornier 228) who operate the Manila to El Nido route. Last week 24th of February, we flew Seair’s 19-seater LET-410 plane en route to El Nido Palawan.

I had no problems flying small planes like the LET-410. Aside from the slightly annoying weighing of oneself with the carry on baggage at check-in, I’ve flown it several times and didn’t encounter any problem. Except on this one when I had a cold so the pressure in my ears were painful, leaving me half-deaf when we landed. I didn’t get that problem though on our flight back to Manila.

The stewardess gave us a few bite-size choco chews to munch on during the flight. The flight took 1 hour and 20 minutes from Manila to El Nido where in we landed on a dirt road at El Nido Lio Airport. That’s the advantage of small planes like the LET-410 and Dornier 228 as they can safely land and take off from this kind of airport.

I actually like El Nido Lio Airport. It’s already scenic with the towering lime stones hugging El Nido seen at the distance. There was a welcome performance for arrivals and we were led to these huge cottages serving as arrival and departure areas. Food and drinks were served there which is very convenient. And where else can you find an airport with a hammock. I spent time dozing off there waiting for the plane to arrive on our departure.

We also have to wait for the planes to depart before we could go out of the airport. Once clear, they would let the tricycles in. Tricycles to the El Nido town cost Php100 per person and ideally, a tricycle fits 2 persons with baggage.

Big thanks to Seair for sponsoring our flight to El Nido and back to Manila. It was a big help and convenient since it’s a direct flight. From here on the rest of the expenses for staying in El Nido will come from our own pockets.

Seair has flights twice a week to El Nido. By April 14, flights will be every Wednesday, Sunday and Monday. This schedule will only be until June 30, 2010. Round trip flights cost approximately Php 11,500.

Purchase tickets to El Nido via www.flyseair.com or call (+632) 8490100. For packages call SEAIR Leisure Escape Packages at (+632) 8437308.

Day 4 of Lakbay Norte finds us waking up to the cool crisp mountain air of Baguio. It’s always a pleasant experience to just breathe in the pine fresh atmosphere in this highland city. Our group stayed at the uber-comfortable chiropractic beds of Microtel. From there, we moved to Baguio Country Club for our briefing and much sought after breakfast.

I’m no stranger to what Amboy, the head of Baguio Conventions and Visitors Bureau (BCVB) was telling us that morning in regards to making Baguio as a new adventure destination in the north. But Clint, the head guy of Ambuclao Baguio Adventure who I met before on a photography assignment in Baguio assured me that there’s something different on this arrangement. I already wrote about the new roads and some of the Kayaking and Adventure activities in Ambuclao so let’s see what’s more in here.

We were on a mini bus on our way to Ambuclao when we had a minor mishap on the road. Our minibus brakes gave in but our driver was smart enough to move on the side of the road preventing us from falling off. No one was injured but our group was soon split in two for the lack of a bigger vehicle.

And the show went on. The first group were already enjoying the kayak at Ambuclao while some of us were on top of the jeep on the way there. I wasn’t really interested on the kayak since I’ve covered that before so I jumped in Amboy’s car and headed to where the go karts were.

There were three go-karts there and I immediately jumped into one and excitedly drove off the rough road trail in Ambuclao. It was certainly a fun ride but had to be careful slipping off the road from the loose rocks. I would have liked it to have some routes tracks instead of the straight ones but this activity is fairly new. I’ll give them some time to make some interesting race tracks here.

We had to support each other on going across a strong river current to where our lunch was waiting. We found an outdoor mini-bar and was served a refreshing concoction of drinks and shown a set-up of a butler and chef on site with a dining table and tent. The idea is that when people are finished with their activities, the food is ready waiting there. I’m a bit impartial about the set up though as it is too fancy for me.

While waiting for the other half of the group and munching on some of the bread to temporarily pave the hunger, we prepared the long table for the boodle fight lunch. Spreading out the rice, adobo, salted egg salad. It was fun preparing it and much more fun when the other half of the group came and joined in the fight. It was so filling that the only words we could utter was “Mmmmm”

As soon as we’re done eating we got ourselves ready for the ride back to Baguio. We were already overstaying and hours behind schedule because of the minor mishap. As soon as we got back to Baguio Country Club it was a quick wash-up and onwards we go to Pangasinan.

The drive took a few hours. I think everyone was trying to recover from the day’s activity as the bus was quiet throughout the ride. I was fresh from a snooze when we found ourselves welcomed at Lingayen, Pangasinan. We were at the beautiful capitol glowing brightly in all its splendour that night.

They gave us a brief tour around the capitol grounds. We would have appreciated it more in daylight but seeing how it was all planned out from the ground with the main capitol building as the epicentre. I never expected to see such beautiful structures in this side of the north. The whole area is actually a historical setting with American Colonial style structures as old as 1917 being renovated to its former glory.

We got inside the Sison Auditorium where they are in the process of restoration and reconstruction of the building. And I’m just astounded at the level of details they put here. I’m sure it would be real elegant once it’s done.

Of course we got a tour of the main building Capitol. It was the most beautiful American Colonial Building when it was built April 21, 1917. Now it has warm lighting from stylish wall lamps and hanging chandeliers, wooden offices and French windows. If I’m a government office worker, I’ll be really proud working here. We had some snacks at the roof top that offers views of the capitol grounds.

We drove off again now arriving at Alaminos Tourism Office but my eyelids were already shutting close during the short presentation as we arrived almost at 10pm there. It was a short presentation and snacks then we made our way to Islandia Hotel for the Night.

Baguio Conventions and Visitors Bureau
baguio.cvb@gmail.com

Microtel Inn and Suites Baguio
Upper Session Road, Baguio City
Philippines 2600
www.microtel-baguio.com

Ambuclao Baguio Adventure
Clint Taynan
0920-407-0000
baguioadventure@yahoo.com
www.baguioadventure.weebly.com

When I was staying in Singapore, there’s always the search on where to go next. I know Singapore doesn’t have much in terms of nature and hike trails aside from Pulau Ubin, but it didn’t stop me from visiting Mt Faber located near Bukit Merah. It’s the highest spot in Singapore for a measly 105meters above sea level. But I’m keeping an open mind. So I hopped a bus to Vivo City Mall where the trail starts.

It’s funny thinking about it that a mall is the jump off to a mountain, but hey, this is Singapore and they make it really convenient for a lot of people. Just across the street from the mall is the start of Marang Trail. There are actually several entry points to Mount Faber but I decided to choose this one just to get a little blood rush on this short hike. One other option is to ride a bus up to the summit.

At the start of the trail there’s an easy to follow trail guide. I’m pretty sure it’s not easy to get lost here. Night hikers or joggers should bring their own light as the trail is not lit. There are also amusing trail signs along the way like beware of falling branches, a cartoon of refrain from feeding wild animals and a straightforward no smoking sign.

As expected, the trail is paved with stairways elevating up to 70meters or about 24 storey of a building. It’s a good cardio workout for anyone who wants to get into stair climbing. There were actually a few people who were jogging and stair climbing at that time.

At the end of the trail is the well paved road of Faber Walk. I stayed on some benches there for a while as the Marang Trail does let up a sweat for a 30 to 45 minute climb. There’s a nice panorama of the southern part of development in Singapore. Continuing the walk, the north side has a sea of buildings as view. Yes this is Singapore alright, populated by high rises and other structures.

I finally reached the center of Faber Walk which has the site marker as the highest point in Singapore. There is also one small Merlion there. There are actually only 5 recognized Merlion statues by Singapore Tourism Board and the one here at Mt Faber Point is one (the others being the two at Merlion Park, the one in Sentosa and the other at Tourism Court, Grange Road).

Aside from the Merlion there are view points and arrow markers leading to neighboring Cities from other countries. Of course there are more views of buildings that there are marker guides for which building is which.

I continued my walk westward down the slopes of Mt Faber. I didn’t realize I took the longer south route of the loop when I took some stairs descending from the Faber Point markers. But I don’t mind, it was a pleasant walk, dodging some joggers only a few times on the pedestrian trail. I’m now headed to the Southern Ridge.

It’s time to slow down after an adrenaline filled morning with the 4X4 thrill ride and sandboarding at Paoay Sand Dunes. As we head back, we stopped by the glimmering Paoay Lake. Again it’s a place I’ve been to several times but it must be the time and the lighting because I have never seen the lake as tranquil as this.

Legend has it that a town and a mountain used to be in place where Paoay Lake is now. It was during the Spanish regime when a strong tropical storm ravaged the town. Shortly, an earthquake followed eating up the mountain and three towns in Ilocos Norte. The area spewed meters high of water to what is now known as “Paoay Lake”. Some locals still believe that the “missing town” is still under the lake.

Being in Paoay, we made a quick stop at the UNESCO world heritage site of San Agustin Church or popularly known as Paoay Church. Famished after the morning’s activity, everyone was excited for Ilocos Empanada. There were a few varieties on order, like for a big appetite; a double order would have twice the egg and langonisa inside the flour crust with grinded green papaya and beansprouts.

While munching on this heavy protein meal, we wondered why the Batac Empanada is made as is during the Spanish times. We know that it is heavily influenced by Mexican Tacos and that originally there were neither eggs nor langonisa then. But what is the origin of the empanada? Now this is only a speculation since it is known that a lot of Ilocano foods were made out of necessity. The Empanada is a perfect food for workers to take while building those churches which would explain its size, portability and heavy protein content.

It’s good we got ourselves stuffed real well since it’s a long way from Laoag to La Union. It was a pretty straight forward ride except that most people got hook watching Harrison Ford’s Liam Neeson’s Taken it took a while for everyone to alight the bus. Late lunch was at the open air resto of San Juan Surf Resort. After the formalities the group went ahead the surf clinic headed by none other than Luke Landrigan.

I’ve always wanted to try surfing but after taking a few photos there I went back to the resto and leeched on the wifi. It sucks to work at that time but I have a deadline looming ahead and had to finish an article. So instead of surfing at the beach I was surfing on my computer checking references. By 5pm we were on our way again En Route to Baguio. We made sure we were dressed for the cold.

It was 12.5 degrees centigrade when we got to Baguio. We headed to The Manor and were led to its garden where we would be having dinner. It was a beautiful garden. Everything was just elegant that night and Chef Billy King prepared a sumptuous buffet for us. It was also great to see familiar faces there that also took care of me last time I was there.

We enjoyed dinner while finding the deeper meaning of Flambé Strawberry when what we really liked was a cup of vanilla ice cream topped with strawberry flambé. And how leftover plates seem to disappear instantly without us noticing on the table. The waiters there are so efficient. We got warm on the bonfire and soon were transported to our own hotels. As usual, it was already late when we got to our designated hotels. For us it was Microtel Baguio which is real fine because I love their beds. But I had to burn a few hours finishing my story for a deadline before I went off to dreamland.

Essentials:
San Juan Surf Resort
0917-800-8004
lukelandrigan@yahoo.com

La Union Conventions and Visitors Bureau
0920-932-8132
glynis.balagot@gmail.com

I try to hold on tight to the loop bars at the back of 4×4 jeep we were on but the large un-even size of the bars which are both larger than my grip were already a challenge. Besides, there was another person in front of me hugging the bar tight while screaming her head off. I let-off a scream as well as soon as I saw our way down the high ridge. Then it’s a strategic balance of rooting my legs inside the jeep to keep me from flying out as our jeep descends. The brief landing didn’t give us enough time to breath as our jeep make its way up the ridge and there are more ahead. Of the many times I’ve been to Paoay Sand Dunes in Ilocos Norte, it has never been this fun until now.

My boyish eyes were filled with wonder when I saw this wide expanse of dessert first time around when I was still in middle grade school. I strolled on it again early during the decade of 2000 many years after Tom Cruise carried his Guns here on 4th of July, various incarnations of Panday drew and clashed swords here and giant Mechas battle it out for glory. Cinematographers may have already played around the sands here, but it won’t be surprisingly long until the active adventurers turn these sand dunes as their playground.

Paoay Off Roaders and Adventure Group gave us a taste yesterday night of what to expect that morning so everyone was up and about ready for some adventure as early as 5am. But not without signing our wavers first as this activity has a degree of risk involved. Getting off from Mira de Polaris, one of the newest hotels in Laoag, we drove off just before the sun has gone up at the sand dunes. The guys weren’t there yet so we enjoyed the cool pastel morning at the Paoay Sand Dunes.

I have always thought that the stretch of sand here in Paoay would be really dramatic in good light and it does. Starting it soft with cool pastel hues painting the sky and the warm sands then shadows lending in a touch of mystery as the shadow stretches on the side of the ridges. There’s a small community up there as well who lives a pastoral life. The Sand Dunes of Paoay covers an area about 85 sq km stretching to both municipalities of Currimao and Pasuquin. National Committee of Geological Sciences considers this place as one of the country’s National Geological Monument.

Our small quiet moments with the sand were over as soon as the 4X4s arrived. It was a pretty straightforward drive climbing up a few exciting ridges until we reached a big drop where we stopped. This is where we would try the new sport introduced here which is Sandboarding. Inspired by the sport in Dubai, Laoag-Eco Adventure Development (LEAD) Movement introduced the sport in August 2009.

Mark Manahan of LEAD showed us the basics of strapping ourselves on board, mounting on the sand properly, where the base of the gravity should be on our way down. It’s is recommended to have rubbers shoes since it’s easier to strap and hold on to the board. Sandals are possible but it can burn up to your skin when the board gets hot. Mark then proceeded with his sandboarding.

It seems easy to see and some did made a finesse start while some found their face flat on the sand, nonetheless it was fun. I was there so I had to try it out as well. I’m familiar with boards since I used to skateboard and think it’s the same principle in balance. I strapped myself up and got ready. I mounted myself and then go. I started sliding down the sand and leaning my weight to my back legs as I descend. It wasn’t as fast as I would have liked it but it was still great.

As soon as everyone was satisfied with their sandboarding experience, we were on our way back and boy we were in for a surprise. Our 4X4 went down the high ridge where we sandboarding leaving any trace we had. But it wasn’t as scary as I thought when we got to the middle as it felt like were just riding down. But have I told you we have a pretty crazy driver on our 4X4 so on our way back instead of going through the paved way we took to the rolling ridges and were treated to one heck of a roller coaster ride.

By the end of the course everyone on our 4X4 was just exhilarated. It was really fun and the most fun 4X4 experience I had. Paoay Sand Dunes really have something going here and I can certainly recommend it. Among the old favorites site in Ilocos, this is one great addition to the region and also my favorite leg on our Lakbay Norte tour.

Paoay Off Roaders and Adventure Group
4 x 4 ride with sandboarding: P 1,000-1,500 per person
Contact Person: Gilbert Santos 0928-947-3518
Email: gds41@yahoo.com

LEAD Movement
4 x 4 ride with Sandboarding: P 2,500/hr
Contact Persons: Glenn Guerrero/Reny Tan 0908-885-3669
www.wentravelandtours.tripod.com

Mira de Polaris
Dr. Gretchen / Francis Ranada
0917-501-1567
miradepolaris@yahoo.com

I was ogling at the displays encased in glass with even backlighting. It was certainly amusing to see how the Mickey Mouse figures have evolved from those mischievous long nosed mouse to the jolly rounded figure we know now. I squinted through the glass to make sure if the tag price I’m seeing along with the old long nosed Mickey Mouse is right. Yes, it’s priced ridiculously at US$35,000. I heard a voice from behind announce that the figure I’m looking at is one of the rare items in the Mint Museum of Toys.

The Singapore MINT (Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys) Museum of Toys is the brainchild of Chang Yang Fa who started collecting toys at the age of six. But Chang left his toys unopened in its packaging. And by 2008, at his age of 57, he garnered a huge collection enough to open a museum. Now, this five-story building contains more than 50,000 pieces of rare and vintage toys from more than 40 countries.

Our slim guide about his 50s or 60s but still beaming with enthusiasm and armed with better English met the group on the 4th floor. All the toys were encased in a special glass and temperature controlled back lighting not only for even lighting but also to preserve the toy’s conditions. On the fourth floor there were lots of collections from known American comic characters like Batman, Superman and also the evolution of Disney Characters like Mickey Mouse. There were other toys I didn’t recognize there which I also found weird.

We climbed up to the 5th level which is filled with a space age of toys where I came face-to-face with a life-size Darth Maul holding a double-edged light saber in hand. Aside from the popular Star Wars toys, there were other space age toys from different countries that were very interesting like the armed astronauts.

Going down the stairs again, passing through some mezzanine displays as well the third level displays toys from different countries. I think I have seen a number of incarnations of Astroboy here, Felix the Cat, Betty Boop and a nice collection of teddy bears. There were some interesting Chinese Dolls there as well and other not well known toys like Ferdinand the Cow. Among the silly Charley Choplin displays there were disturbing ones too of kids proudly holding guns. I bet Hitler would give these to his kids.

The second level has collectibles and memorabilia like the watches and lots of original and signed Beatles figures. Among them are very interesting board games and old-school toys like Turumpo (Tops) which we play around with here in the Philippines as well. It’s also about toys built by hand on a time they weren’t massively produced.

It was an interesting walk through in this 5-storey building. How I wish I have preserved my toys like that. Now I’m wondering where my old G.I Joes and Transformer toys went. But thinking about it if I kept it in a box how else could I play with them and enjoy it? I guess it’s a matter of seeing how one enjoys this stuff whether in or out of the box. Chang Yang Fa did a good work on this one as toys are part of human culture on how kids built them on necessity to find something to play with or how manufacturers evolve in creating toys for each generation to enjoy.

MINT Museum of Toys
26 Seah Street
Singapore 188382
Tel: (65) 6339 0660
Admission Fees:
Adult $15.00
Child (2 to 12 years old): $7.50
Child below 2 years old: Free
Senior Citizens (60 years old and above): $7.50

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Last Few Slots for Backpack Photography Banaue on March 19-21 with registration deadline on Feb 19, 2010. Backpack Photography Palawan Wildlife April 23-26, 2010 still open.

From our last church stop in Cagayan Valley, it was a smooth ride going along the coastline heading to Ilocos Norte. It did help that we had a police escort vehicle on our way there but even with that we were behind schedule already. There were unexpected long stops and even the pull of local food was hard to resist further delaying us. Its Filipino hospitality at its best, it’s just hard to leave.

We made a brief restroom stop at the windy Agua Grande where the river rushes to the sea. We moved then to Patapat Bridge where we saw this large Korean ship still stuck on the coast. It’s been there since December and it’s an Oil Spill waiting to happen. I wonder why the government isn’t doing anything to remove it.

From the few times I’ve been up this road, it has always been a delight to ride up and see the scene unfolds. I distinctly heard the collective “Wow” when we saw the vibrant colours of Blue Lagoon or Maira-ira beach from our bus window. We made our way down road near the beach and went to our lunch host, Hannah’s Beach Resort.

When I last visited this place, Hannah’s wasn’t there. While I appreciate the sumptuous lobsters and other items on our lunch, I didn’t like the place that much. Yes it’s pretty high-end in terms of facilities, but the way it was built looks more like a low-cost housing project. They should go with a tropical design and add more trees and plants in the area. After the late lunch, we also said goodbye to our reliable escorts and host from Cagayan Valley here.

Maira-ira beach really looked inviting at that time but we have to move on again. We did some quick shots then ran back to the bus for another 2 hours ride to Laoag and Paoay. Our next activity was at the sand dunes but it was already dark when we came at Paoay Sand Dunes. But we did get a taste of what to expect for tomorrow since the operators agreed to do another run of activities early morning.

We got into some Ilocano culture when we came to our Robinsons Laoag stop. We were treated with Ilocano Song and Dance numbers from school dance groups. I was expecting it to bore me but was surprised that these guys were actually good. Their movements were elegant, graceful and precise.

Our dinner was hosted by Saramsam Restaurant in Laoag. It’s a restaurant known for Ilocano Fusion food like the Dinardaraan Empanada which has a dinuguuan in its empanada crust. Poque-poque Pizza is also their specialty which is topped with poque-poque, an Ilocano eggplant. It was also here when the group broke the ice with some KTV fun to end the day.

Essentials:
Ilocos Norte Convention and Visitors Bureau
stevebarreiro@yahoo.com

Hannah’s Beach Resort
Mobile: 0910.496 6525 or 0920.6057121
Email: info@hannahsbeachresort.com

Saramsam Restaurant
N. Corpuz Building, Rizal cor. Hizon Streets
Barangay 7-A, Laoag City
+63.77.7715825

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Last Few Slots for Backpack Photography Banaue on March 19-21 with registration deadline on Feb 19, 2010. Last Call for Batanes Outdoor Workshop for April 9-12, 2010 with deadline of registration on Feb 15, 2010. Backpack Photography Palawan Wildlife April 23-26, 2010 still open.

More Lakbay Norte Photos at my Flickr Account.

It was still dark when we left Hotel Kimikarlai hopped in our Lakbay Norte Bus at St Peters and St Paul Cathedral grounds. We’re on our way up threading the north-west route of Luzon to Ilocos Norte. Our bus rolled on and I could hear sirens right in front of us. At first I didn’t mind hearing the repeated “weng-weng” sound but realized sooner that we have a police escort with us. Our first stop was the house of Region 2 Director of Tourism, Bless Diwa for our much needed breakfast.

Bless’ house was a big and beautiful two-story white house with lots of glass windows. Inside was airy with elegant furnishings and fixtures that paint a picture of a well-to-do family in its dwellings. We had our breakfast of Cagayan native fares on the second floor with an open view of verdant misty hills that morning. The local food was definitely a treat. Their hot cocoa is becoming one of my favourite hot tsokolate. The Cagayan Langonisa, the carioca looking Pinnakuffu, Nanna and Sinanta made me go for seconds. Their special Diwa Juice, made up their special concoction added some zest to the meal.

We said our formal good bye and started our day 2 of Lakbay Norte on a good note. We rushed through the streets as our police escort vehicle in front paved the way. I could see the look of the people on the street as we pass by. They might be wondering what the buzz was all about. We reach one of the oldest churches in Cagayan Valley which is the Iguig Church. It continues with the red brick but having the flying buttresses behind the church is one of its features.

It’s also on the back of this church where one can find the Calvary Hills. Set on a huge expanse of land are life size figures depicting the Stations of the Cross. It’s a very scenic area and worth a walk at the stations. But time has us on a leash and so we had to move on to our next church stop.

We soon found ourselves staring at the widest church in Cagayan Valley, the Saint Philomene Church in Alcala. I actually like the red bricked facade of this church measuring about 30 meters in width. There were renovations done inside, but behind the newly added altar remains the wall with original paintings still intact from the original structure of the church. We left the place soon but not without a bag of their Carabao Milk Candies which the place is known for. It’s good as they say it is.

Camalaniugan was another interesting stop since they got the oldest church bell in the Far East. We climbed up the belfry near the church and found the bell. On it inscribed (Sancta Maria, 1595). The original church near the banks of Cagayan River is now in ruins.

Red bricks stones make most of the churches here in Cagayan and Camalaniugan has one the remaining Hornos in the the region. Horno is a Brick Kiln where able Filipinos aged 18-40 work for free as part of their 40 day service to the church. I don’t really like the idea of going inside an giant oven even if bricks were mainly baked here but this horno is still in good condition.

We had a festive welcome at the municipality of Lal-lo formerly known as the City of Nueva Segovia with their famous street dancers giving an entertaining performance. Lal-lo was one of the first four cities in the country along with Manila, Cebu and Naga. It used to be the capital of Cagayan until 1839 when it was moved to Tuguegarao.

As soon as the performance ended, we rushed towards the church across the street. On a small park facing the church is a wooden cross encased in glass. It was believed to be more than 300 years old and is known as the Cross of Evangelization. It was installed there to celebrate the 400 years anniversary of the arrival of Our Lady of Piat from Macau, China in 1604. Before moving the image of Our Lady of Piat, Lal-lo used to be her home.

The next and last church stop was a longer drive since it’s near to the vicinity of Ilocos Norte. The Pamplona Church is the oldest church in Cagayan Valley having finished construction in 1617. Some parts of its original walls and facade were still there after it was rededicated. The church has a nice crimson facade, darker than the other churches in Cagayan and has that unique arch design at the entrance.

Being our last stop in Cagayan Valley we can’t leave without having a taste of the region’s special delicacies. We had Tinubong a rice delicacy cooked inside a bamboo. There was also this little puto and tasty coco jam to dip it in. To end is a warm cup of the Cagayan Cocoa. We just felt so pampered here in Cagayan Valley with all these food, warm greetings, festive welcomes and nice people that it’s not that easy to leave the region. In fact were running a few hours late already on our next stop at Illocos Norte.

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Last Few Slots for Backpack Photography Banaue on March 19-21 with registration deadline on Feb 19, 2010. Last Call for Batanes Outdoor Workshop for April 9-12, 2010 with deadline of registration on Feb 15, 2010. Backpack Photography Palawan Wildlife April 23-26, 2010 still open.

More Lakbay Norte Photos at my Flickr Account.

It was cold even with the windows closed. I woke up with the cool morning air at one of the three bedroom lodge at Stairway Lodge. It was a spartan room with en suite bathroom. Much of the accommodations here in Banaue Town proper are like this – basic, functional and homey. I have never tried staying in town before as I have always used Banaue Town as a gateway to either Sagada or Batad. But my last visit gave me a chance to get to know this little town more.

Electricity doesn’t come cheap here. I’m not sure about the source of their electricity but we didn’t easily find outlets in rooms here and both in Batad. I also observed most restaurants charge a minimum of PHP 20 per full charge on a cellphone. Camera Batteries can go as high as Php 30-40. We forgot to ask where the source of their electricity is coming from but it certainly isn’t cheap on this parts for establishments to charge on electricity use.

I made my way back to the veranda of the lodging to get some fresh morning air. A few mists were still hanging up in the air above the mountains. I could hear the river rushing below. Just on my right is a wall of windows all coming the nearby lodging. It was an interesting sight with a hanging bridge there, wooden houses with tattered roofs and the winding roads continuing just behind the mountains.

Much of the road and terrain here in Banaue is winding and in slopes. Coming from the Bus Station from Manila, I always prefer to just walk down to the town centre and breathe in the air and the sights as i go along. Coming up to the Cordillera region always has that interesting character in the atmosphere. It’s like our very own cowboy country feel. Even the music playing on the radios stream from country genre stations in the US.

There is a main road in Banaue where most of the lodgings and restaurants could be found. The road winding down leads to Batad and Bangaan area. We ventured opposite that road passing by numerous souvenir shops selling native handicrafts and items. There are also good restaurants and sari-sari stores we get supplies. Don’t also be surprised with a number of internet cafe stations as well.

That morning we were looking for something cheap to chew on and found ourselves on a burger stop near the city hall. Who can a buy-one-take-one burger for about PHP 30? It was a great breakfast. But aside from that we were able to try other eateries in the place. Check out Las Vegas Restaurant’s PHP 100 combo meal special cause it sure is worth it. Halfway Lodge also has a good restaurant. We found good value on their tasty meals.

We dropped by the Banaue Tourism Information Center at the poblacion (town centre) and were able to talk to Juliet who’s in charge at that time. The office is accredited by DOT and if people need help in booking vehicles on standard rates, this is the place to go to avoid getting duped. It’s just across the Police Station not the fake Tourism Office near the bus stations.

Other walking attraction we found is the Banaue Museum just beside Banaue View Inn. It’s a moderate climb up the road but the height offers a nice view of the town. Of course I get to see a lot more of the tattered roofs but its part of the town’s character which may look like a ramshackle but the place is a glimpse of what to expect in cordilleras being the gateway. It is rustic yes but it has that bucolic charm that an urbanite like me may be looking for.

Stairway Lodge
contact 0906.6834996, 0926.3221040 or 0926.8082801

Last Few Slots for Backpack Photography Banaue on March 19-21 with registration deadline on Feb 19, 2010. Last Call for Batanes Outdoor Workshop for April 9-12, 2010 with deadline of registration on Feb 15, 2010. Backpack Photography Palawan Wildlife April 23-26, 2010 still open.