Browsing the blog archive for Lakbay Norte 3 Road Tour (8 days) Series | Ambot ah! Travel Blog
One dandy Wednesday morning, me and the Lakbay Norte gang had breakfast in Malacañang. Not quite “Malacañang Palace,” the official residence of the President of the Philippines. Neither did we get the privilege to dine with the President himself. I’m referring to Malacañang of the North, the lakeside estate in the charming town of Paoay, Ilocos Norte.
Main entrance of Malacanang of the North
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.
I couldn’t contain a sudden *gasp* of excitement when I found out we were suring in Pagudpud during Lakbay Norte.
Getting drawn into surfing culture thanks to movies like “Surfer Dude,” “Blue Crush,” and “Into the Blue” convinced me (and I know most people share the same sentiment) that surfing is one of the coolest things to do on this earth.
It was exciting to know that I may be one wipe out closer to actually learn how to surf!
Inching closer to surfing nirvana
We were on our way to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. From the moment of wake on the long bus ride, I had been eagerly awaiting the final uphill road and sharp bend that would take us to the Blue Lagoon, a place I’ve been craving see under excellent weather.
I was impressed at how the Blue Lagoon retained it’s perfect-azure hued waters even under cloudy skies on my first visit to Pagudpud. This time, the sky was clear and the sun was peaking. it was the perfect time to spend the day at the beach!
I’ve built up high expectations and I was curious to discover if I would still be amazed when I got to see the Blue Lagoon again.
Blue Lagoon / Maira-ira Beach in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte Read the rest of this entry »
Lakbay Norte 3 finally goes to Kalinga province to conquer the white water rapids of the Chico River. Already tried river kayaking in Tibiao, Antique … loved it a lot! but it was still my first time to experience white water river rafting.
I’ve heard raves about white water river rafting in the Mindanaoan cities of Cagayan de Oro and Davao. I haven’t tried it yet so I got really excited when I found out we were doing it in Kalinga.
White Water Rafting at the Chico River in Tabuk, Kalinga
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.
