Bohol Escapade: Day 1-2

One of the most popular destinations in the Philippines is the island of Bohol. It takes pride of its abundant natural resources, rich culture and history, and warmth of its people, the Boholanos.  It is known for its natural wonder, the Chocolate Hills. With the development of its tourism industry,  Bohol has several tourist destinations these days.  Among these are the Tarsier and Loboc River , Baclayon Old Church , the hanging bridge in Sevilla, the man-made forest in Loboc, Butterfly Garden, Prony the python, Blood Compact, and activities such as dolphin watching, island hopping and snorkeling. We spent 4 joyful and relaxing days in this incomparable island and we do not have any second thoughts to visit it again. :)

The Famous Chocolate Hills

Chocolate Hills is considered as one of the natural wonders of the world. Chocolate Hills is a spot in Carmen, Bohol characterized by dome-land formations (hills) which turns brown during  the summer season. On rainy seasons, the hills are covered with green color as vegetation replaces the dry land of summer. The view of more than a thousand chocolate hills, which look like chocolate kisses, in one setting, is simply breathtaking.

tingin sa taas!

im sleeepppyyy..

largest tarsier. :)

Another highlight during a Bohol tour is a visit to Bohol’s tarsiers. These endangered small creatures can be seen live as tourists can also take pictures of it. They are so cute but very sensitive creatures. We must say – a trip to Bohol will not be complete without an encounter with the tarsiers. 

Loboc River Cruise

Another popular tourist destination in Bohol is its Loboc River Cruise where floating restaurants offer buffet lunch and dinner with musical entertainment during the 45-minute trip. Motor bancas, with a capacity of 60-100 persons, are used in the river cruise. We experience the tranquil, relaxing and clean  ambiance of Loboc River with its rich vegetations around it.  During the trip, the cruise makes a stopover on one part of the river bank where  the "ATI" tribe performs some tricks to entertain the guests, showing their culture and daily life as a tribe. 

 

The Bohol Forest is a man-made mahogany forest stretching in a two-kilometer area of densely planted Mahogany trees located in the border of Loboc and Bilar towns. The man-made forest stands out because of the uniformity in height of the big trees, the spread of its branches, thickness and design of leaves. Seedlings abound around the older trees. Trunks, some thick and others just a few months old, grow resplendently straight up towards the sky which is obscured by the branches and the thick leaves. It's a work of art!

Smile!♥

supposed to be jump shot!

The Hanging Bridge

Another famous tourist destination in Bohol is the Hanging Bridge. It is located in the Municipality of Sevilla, Bohol. The bridge is more or less 4o meters long which crosses the Sipatan River. Its real name is Sipatan Hanging brigde. There’s a P10.00 entrance fee.

Beautiful Butterfly

The Butterfly Conservation Center has both a Butterfly garden and a Butterfly enclosure. The garden is in an open landscape with flower garden that attracts butterfly to feed on them. The place is visited by different species of local butterflies naturally. There are seats, pagoda and a hammock where one can relax under the shade and watch the butterflies flutter by.

Up close and personal with Prony the Python

The python named Prony is Albur's star and has known to the people as "Live Anaconda of Bohol."  The longest (23 feet or 7 meters as of 2005) and heaviest (300 kg or 660 lbs) python in captivity. Prony is harmless but once we entered in her steel cage we can't still avoid this "scary feeling". hehe.. There's a P10.00 entrance fee to help in the cost of feeding the animals specially Prony. They have added a black crow, a pair of owls, king fishers, herons and a wild cat to their growing collection.

Baclayon Church Altar

Baclayon Church is the oldest church in Bohol. The term "baclay" means to walk - as the church is located a short distance from the coast. Its patroness is the Immaculate Conception and it is a coral stone church. Some parts of structure are made up of hard wood - like the molave, narra, kamagong - and not even termites can destroy the wood.

The Blood Compact

Bohol Blood Compact Site is located in Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines. This particular site was made in honor of a very important event in the Philippine history done between Miguel Lopez de Legazpi of Spain and Rajah Sikatuna of Bohol. This Sikatuna-Legaspi blood compact is considered as the First Treaty of Friendship between two different races, religions, cultures and civilizations. It was a treaty of friendship based on respect and equality. This event is commonly known as “Sandugo”. This is our last destination that day. We all had FUN!♥

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Vigan

Ilocos Adventure - Vigan

It was such a wonderful and unforgettable experience exploring Ilocos. It was our first time to visit this historical and beautiful province! Ilocos is located in the northwestern region portion of Luzon. It is bounded by the Cordillera Administrative Region and Cagayan Valley to the east, Central Luzon to the south and by the South China Sea to the west.

March 31st 2010 at around 11 o'clock in the evening we embarked our journey to the province in the north... Ilocos. It was an 8-9hr bus ride from Manila to Vigan. We arrived at Vigan at around 8am, Thursday and then met up with our very jolly and friendly tour guide "Kuya Harold".

Vigan Cathedral

   

After we had breakfast, we began the tour starting with the Vigan Cathedral also known as St. Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral, it is an earthquake Baroque-styled church with a separate belltower.  We went inside and prayed. :)

Baluarte ni Chavit

Then we went to Gov. Chavit Singson's BALUARTE or "fortress", another popular tourist destination in Vigan. Chavit has a collection of exotic animal which include tigers and lions that are playful and bred in captivity, ostriches, deers, snakes, birds, horses, fishes, camels, and a butterly garden of over 500 varieties. It’s open to the public and there are no entrance fees. All you need do is to tip the guides generously for the time and trouble it takes to bring you around.

The Hidden Garden

Next is the Hidden Garden, a gorgeous haven owned by an architect famous for his landscaping projects. They actually sell the plants and garden settings there and offers landscaping.

One of the rooms of Syquia Mansion

Syquia Mansion of Former President Elpidio Quirino is next in the list, a historical ancestral house.

Bantay Belltower

Bantay Church

Bantay Belltower

  

Bantay Church also known as St. Augustine Church and Belltower, named after its Patron St. Augustine, one of the oldest churches of Ilocos Sur.

Calle Crisologo

Calle Crisologo is the most famous cobblestone street of Vigan and stepping on it is like being transported into the Philippines' past.

Front of Sinait Church

Lastly is the Sinait Church, home of the Miraculous Black Nazarene also known as Apo Lakay. Of course we didn't leave Vigan without trying their delicacies such as bagnet, biscocho, longganisa, chicha-corn, and rice cake (bibingka). Next stop -- Laoag City! :)

   

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Laoag

Ilocos Adventure - Laoag City

The Sinking Belltower in Laoag City

Laoag is a first class city in the province of Ilocos Norte. We arrived at Laoag on thursday afternoon. We went off to see the Sinking bell tower, it is one of the first things you may spot upon entering the city proper. It’s a massive 45-meter bell tower said to be one of the tallest bell towers in the Philippines and was built by the Augustinians in 1612. The tower has earned its “sinking” reputation because it is so heavy and it was build on sandy foundations that it has consistently sunk into the ground. 

Marcos Ancestral House

Then we visited the Marcos Ancestral House and Museum that is located in Batac.

Paoay Church

Paoay Church, the best known earthquake Baroque church in the Philippines which has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. This uniquely beautiful church amazes tourists with its majestic structure of Oriental,Gothic and Baroque influences.

Sarrat Church

Sarrat Church is one of the most popular destinations in Ilocos Norte not just for its heritage and cultural significance but it was this same church that one of the most lavish weddings in the country happened (Imee Marcos and Greggy Araneta wedding). 

After a tiring but fun-filled tour, we proceed to the Grand Octagon Hotel wherein we chilled for a while and then took a dip at their pool to unwind before we take a rest. We stayed there for the night and we'll continue our journey the next day morning.

Burgos Lighthouse

After a very delightful breakfast at the hotel, we go on with our Ilocos Norte tour starting with the Burgos Lighthouse or Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, the most elevated lighthouse in the Philippines, you have to climb to the hill from the main road.

View from the top

Lighthouse Entrance

Burgos Lighthouse

But all those calorie-burning climb is well paid off with the view that awaits you at the foot of the lighthouse. It consits of 3 levels – the courtyard with the living quarters, the main pavilion and the tower. It is also made of kiln-baked bricks which adds to its appeal and charm. 

The Illustrious Bangui Windmills is our most favorite destination in Ilocos Norte during our trip. Looking at these windmills at far made us say “WOW.” They are huge, powerful, and modern-looking. This 20 white gigantic fans each at 70 feet high are considered to be the biggest in Southeast Asia and provides 40% electricity to Ilocos Norte.

Kabigan Falls

After visiting those beautiful structures, we trekked for a 1.8 km trail going to Kabigan Falls, it was an 80 ft waterfall that is surrounded by thick forest and well-known for its concaved basin. Next stop - Pagudpud!♥

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Pagudpud

Ilocos Adventure - Pagudpud

Pagudpud is the last leg of our Ilocos Tour. It is around 78 kilometers, one-way, from Laoag. 

The snake-like Patapat Road/Viaduct

Going to Pagudpud, our tour guide Kuya Harold said we will going to see first the Patapat Road, an elevated concrete highway constructed along a winding and rocky headlands near the northernmost part of Ilocos Norte, beyond it is the boundary to Cagayan Province.

Paraiso ni Anton's Waterfalls

We also visited Paraiso ni Anton where there are three waterfalls believed to have healing powers. 

Bantay Abot Cave

On the way to Blue Lagoon we stopped at Bantay Abot Cave, it means a sea mountain with a hole, it also has a breathtaking view of the sea with unique rock formations. 

Blue Lagoon

Our last destination that day was the Blue Lagoon, a serene and peaceful white-sand beach, the ambiance is very relaxing and very romantic as well ♥♥♥, it's like Boracay of the North!

After exploring the beautiful spots of Ilocos Norte, we went off to Pagudpud, which has a beach reputed to have the longest contiguous white sand with mighty waves and strong winds.

Perfect Jump Shot! ♥

♥ Moment of Love ♥

Pagudpud's Mighty Waves!

We spent our last two days eating (empanada and shawarma), resting and swimming at Saud Beach Resort.

Ready to go back to Manila

The 4-day fun-filled tour of Ilocos has come to an end, as much as we want to stay longer, we can't. Honestly the first day we stepped on that place it feels like home, it's like we used to live there. We will surely come back and visit this astonishing and historical province. :)

   

    

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Bangui Wind Mills

The Bangui Wind Mills were built by the North Wind Power Development Corporation to take its share in reducing the emission of harmful greenhouse gases (GHGs) causing global warming and to accelerate the rural electrification of the government. It is located in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. To optimize the full benefit of the winds, turbines are installed along the shore facing the sea effectively removing wind breaks.

One of the gigantic white wind mills, perfect contrast with the blue sky.

Bangui Wind Mills is our most favorite destination in Ilocos Norte during our trip. Looking at these windmills at far made us say “WOW.” We can't believe our eyes seeing these 23 storey high windmills along the 3km Bangui Bay. We were so amazed by these 20 enormously beautiful structures at far and even up close. When we stepped on the beach where these windmills are located, we can't help but stare in disbelief, when up close you can hear the blades' sound whistling through the wind , it was a breath taking view of one of the wonders of Ilocos.

They are so beautiful and we can't help ourselves but to shoot with awe and jump for joy! :) 

Weeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

I can hold this in two hands

 But I can hold it with only one hand. hahaha!

Bangui Wind Mills - a one worth site, a one worth stop in the North Luzon island! :D

                       

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Ilocos Empanada

Ilocos Empanada or Batac/Laoag Empanada is one of our favorite foods that we tried on our wonderful adventure. During our stay in Pagudpud we indulged on this unique Ilocos delicacy, it is composed of rice flour for the crust with achuete to give it a bright orange  color, filling of egg and mongo sprouts also known as "toge" , grated green papaya and Laoag Longanisa (yum!) which adds more flavor to it. You can dip it with either Ilocos vinegar or catsup which enhances the taste of the empanada.

Yummy Empanada!

Ilocos actually has two kinds of empanada, the Vigan Empanada and the Laoag/Batac Empanada. Unfortunately we were not able to taste  Vigan's Empanada,  though there's not much difference on the ingredients except for the Longanisa, Vigan's Empanada is  crispier, thinner and also light colored.  The next time we go to Ilocos we will surely try it! 

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