My Travels
Being a blogger for Explore Iloilo, I have visited my home province and nearby places in Wesern Visayas extensively. Starting in 2010, I’ve kicked off my dream of traveling to more places in the Philippines. My aim is to visit as many travel destinations scattered throughout the Country’s 7,107 islands. Join me on my trips to see the beauty of the Philippines by regularly visiting this blog and experience the places that I’ve seen and people I’ve encountered. I’ve also planned a few backpacking trips in South East Asia and will be posting my adventures and misadventures in other lands as well.
Travel Quotient = C- (2009)
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Travel Quotent = B (2010) |
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Baguio is one of the most walkable cities in the Philippines.
The pedestrian-friendly sidewalks were wide, clean, safe, and most notably, didn’t suffer from the merciless tropical climate.
I’ve always wanted to live in Baguio and escape the unbearable heat of the lowlands. During my visit, however, I had to settle for a 3-day trip.
On my second day, I did a walking tour of the city.
Started at Session Road, the main thoroughfare of Baguio and main hub of the city’s central business district.
Morning Walk at Session Road in Baguio City, Benguet
My first visit to Baguio happened during an educational tour back in high school.
It was eight years ago. We spent a week visiting many spots in Luzon.
Although my memory of the trip had already become hazy, most of what I could recall were my experiences in Baguio.
My revisit to the City of Pines was very special to me. I could still remember the feeling I had during my first time in Baguio. I was curious to know how I’d feel returning to those familiar places and retracing the steps I made as a kid. How much change in perspective, I’ve developed in seven years.
View on the bus ride from Vigan to Baguio at 3:30pm
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This is the do-it-yourself (DIY) itinerary I took during my trip to Ilocos Sur for 2 days. My major destinations were Vigan and the towns of Bantay and Santa Maria.
Arrived in Vigan from Laoag, Ilocos Norte by bus. Spent my few hours of remaining daylight orienting myself to the city proper area of Vigan. Calle Crisologo in particular. Also visited the Bantay Church and Watchtower during sunset.
On the second day, I went on a side trip to the Santa Maria Church. It should have only taken me two hours at most but the buses were so slow. It took me a bit over 5 hours from Vigan to Santa Maria and back. Had the rest of the day for the continuation of my Vigan walking tour.
Itinerary Map of my two day DIY Tour of Ilocos Sur
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It was my second day in the Heritage City of Vigan in Ilocos Sur.
Having just arrived from a short side trip to the Santa Maria Church, I had the afternoon to have my tour of Vigan.
There were a couple of options to go at it. I could go on the touristy calesa (horse drawn carriage) ride around town or join a guided tour group.
Since I wanted to go on my own pace, I went on my own walking tour. Most of the old houses and structures in Vigan were comfortably within walking distance.
Started in Calle Crisologo and wandered around the city. Went into whatever alleyway looked interesting.
Of course, I did keep a list of interesting places I jotted down earlier so I wouldn’t miss anything.
Calle Crisologo street sign
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The Santa Maria Church was inscribed six years earlier than Vigan in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites.
It is grouped together with three other churches under the category of “Baroque Churches in the Philippines.”
Having just seen photos of the Santa Maria Church, I had an impression that it paled in comparison to the San Agustin Church, Miagao Church, and the Paoay Church.
I was definitely curious to see how / why this church got included in UNESCO’s prestigious list.
Santa Maria Plaza with the Santa Maria Church peering out in the background.
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It was my first morning in Vigan. I spent the night at Vigan Hotel, an old Spanish-colonial house turned budget hotel.
Awakened to a bright sunny sky. Normally, I’d be really happy to be greeted by blue skies but I was a bit disappointed. I was hoping to take dawn shots of Calle Crisologo.
I wanted to go there when it was still dark and witness the sunrise slowly light up the houses … complete with the sensory experience of the soft twilight colors and the crowing of roosters and all. Oh well, I still had the next morning to try it.
I planned a full day to explore the heritage structures in Vigan. It all started with a fulfilling breakfast at the Vigan Empanadaan.
Morning view of Vigan Hotel
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It’s the seventh day on my trip across Northern Luzon and I’ve arrived in the World Heritage City of Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
Vigan is one of those places that immediately enters my mind whenever I think about “Traveling in the Philippines.”
It’s the pinnacle of Spanish-colonial heritage tourism in the country. In my opinion, there are grander structures elsewhere but there’s no other place in the Philippines where a considerable part of the city still has its old structures intact.
Walking along the cobblestone streets of Vigan’s Calle Crisologo have long been a dream of mine. A wish come true for me!
Ilocos Sur Tourism Information Center, my first stop in Vigan
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The Malacanang of the North built at the shores of the Paoay Lake was one of my major destinations in Ilocos Norte.
I spent half a day for this trip since it was a bit out of the way. The experience was well worth the effort though.
Commuting to Paoay Lake took a while. Most tourists visiting the Malacañang of the North usually have their own ride or rent a tricycle / van from Laoag.
I didn’t have that kind of luxury. The locals pointed me to a jeepney stop located near the approach of the Marcos Bridge. It was just a short walk past McDo.
A full jeepney had just left. The next one waited a loooong hour before leaving. It seems I’d have some commuting problems because of scarce transportation options.
View of the Marcos Bridge while waiting for the jeepney to leave.
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Ilocos Norte is one of the places I wouldn’t dare leave without attempting a church hopping tour across its historic townscapes.
I had a couple of hours left before sundown.
Having just visited the grand Paoay Church, I decided to stop by Batac and San Nicolas on my way to Laoag. Then go a little further north to the town of Bacarra.
It was really refreshing to see, not only the old churches, but also a couple of surrounding structures still standing. They truly are a testimony of the Ilocos Norte’s rich Spanish-colonial heritage.
Laoag Metropolitan Cathedral basking in the afternoon light
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If I were living in Manila and had a sudden urge to endure an butt numbing 8-hour bus, I could have already visited the Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte … sadly it wasn’t the case.
The most convenient way from Iloilo, my hometown, to this iconic church is to take a flight to Manila and another flight to Laoag City. From Laoag, it’s just 30 minutes by land to the Paoay Church.
It’s so cool to be so far away from home and have the chance to visit the Paoay Church alongside many attractions of Ilocos Norte … especially because I didn’t exactly take the most convenient route :)
Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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In the Philippine Ilonggo dialect, ambot ah literally means "I don't know." After graduating in college, I decided to hold off pursuing my profession and embarked on a free spirited journey of adventure and self-discovery. My travels have led me to many places across the Philippine Islands and South East Asia. I don't know where this path will take me but I'm certain I'll get a lifetime of stories out of it.
