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La Tabacalera and Dinner at Johnny Moon Cafe in Laoag, Ilocos Norte

La Tabacalera is a new dining and lifestyle center in Laoag, the capital city of Ilocos Norte. There were a handful of food and retail shops open during our visit. We spent dinner and the rest of the evening hanging out at La Tabacalera.

I get excited about developments like this (in towns and cities across the Philippines) because it means another cool place to hangout when I get to visit the area.

La Tabacalera added a cosmopolitan flavor to Laoag but not so much as to overpower its provincial charms.

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Lakbay Norte 3: Eight Days of Fun Adventures in North Philippines

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I had just returned to my empty hostel room in a small town in Southern Palawan when I got a call from the North Philippines Visitors Bureau. They broke the news that I was chosen as one of the lucky travel bloggers joining the 3rd edition of the Lakbay Norte media tour. I was overwhelmed with excitement but I had to keep it to myself … I was traveling solo and there wasn’t anyone around that could relate anyways. The timing couldn’t have been better. It was the perfect way to kick-start my 2012 season of traveling.

I found out later when I got the chance to go online that I was going to be stuck with five other amazing travel bloggers on the Lakbay Norte 3 tour … that’s 8 whole days across 11 provinces in North Philippines! I almost fainted at the thought of traveling with Gael from thepinaysolobackpacker, Ed from soloflighted, James from journeyingjames, Angel from lakwatsero, and Christian from lakad-pilipinas.

Photo-op with the Lakbay Norte 3 Bus at Patapat Viaduct in Pagdupud, Ilocos Norte. Photo taken by Gael.

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Malacañang of the North and Paoay Lake

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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 Churches – in and around Laoag, San Nicolas, Batac, and Bacarra

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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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Entry to Laoag City and Sarrat, Ilocos Norte

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I was already halfway on my trip around Northern Luzon.

Even though it was nighttime and I still hadn’t found a place to stay for the night, arriving safely in Laoag City was such a relief.

Two hours prior, I risked a solo visit to the Kapurpurawan White Rock. Luckily, I encountered a traveling couple and hitched a ride back to the highway.

From there, it was just an hour ride to Laoag, the capital city of Ilocos Norte. Back to civilization!

Laoag Provincial Capitol at night

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Ilocos Norte Itinerary – My 4 Day DIY Tour of Pagudpud, Laoag, Paoay

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Here is the itinerary during my do-it-yourself (DIY) tour of Ilocos Norte for 4 days. My major destinations in Ilocos Norte were Pagudpud, Laoag City, and Paoay.

My first stop was Pagudpud, located at the northernmost tip of Luzon Island. To get there, I took the long bus commute from Tuguegarao City in Cagayan Province.

I arrived at around mid-morning and spent the rest of the day going to a couple of spots in town like the Patapat Viaduct, Kabigan Falls, Blue Lagoon, and Saud Beach.

On the second day, I decided to do a commuting tour of the Bangui Windmills, Kapurpurawan White Rock, and Cape Bojeador Lighthouse on my way down to Laoag, the capital city of Ilocos Norte. I spent two nights in Laoag while taking day trips to the beautiful churches of Paoay, Sarrat, and Bacarra.

I made sure to visit the Malacanang of the North at Paoay Lake before moving further south to the heritage city of Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Ilocos Norte Itinerary Map

My Ilocos Norte Itinerary, a Day DIY Tour of Pagudpud, Laoag, and Paoay

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Northern Luzon Circuit: Trip around Cagayan, Ilocos, and Baguio for 11 days

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Last year, I went on the most butt numbing trip of my life. The experience was quite rigorous yet the rewards of visiting some of the most alluring places I’ve ever visited were also very gratifying.

It all started smoothly enough when I flew to Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Province from Manila.

It was very exciting for me since it was my first time to visit the northernmost parts of Luzon.

Northern Luzon Circuit: Trip around Cagayan, Ilocos, and Baguio for 11 days
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Still Wandering in October

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As mentioned earlier, I’ve been AFK (away from keyboard) for a while now. It’s still a busy month of traveling for me. Since I started blogging, it has always been my goal to live the lifestyle of other travel bloggers. To be able to travel extensively and frequently for longer periods of time. If feel really lucky that I’m already starting to live that kind of life and thankful to everyone who continues to visit my blogs and leave comments, which fuels my passion to continue blogging. Here’s a quick rundown of places I’ve traveled to since my last post.

Still Wandering in October
Taken at Kuala Lumpur International Airport just before the return flight from our Singapore – Malaysia trip at the end of September. It took multiple shots … but I still couldn’t keep my eyes open for the shot since I was already so tired.