The Ilocandia: Exit Tour
World class beaches are not the only goodies to see in Ilocos. In fact, there are too many things to see in the Ilocandia and 3 or 4 days is not enough to fully enjoy all of these.
On our last day in the land of the Ilokos, we toured the popular spots we passed on the way back to Manila.
Day 3: Exit Tour
We wanted to leave early Monday morning but before checking out, some souvenir vendors stopped by and took a bit of our time. We all bought some items for ourselves and for pasalubong as well.
Our first stop was the Bangui Windmills. I once saw a photo of this from Reader's Digest and almost unbelieving that it's in the Philippines. I told myself that I would one day go and see this thing.
Just a quick story. When I was a kid, I wished we had a windmill in our backyard, facing the rice fields and pumping water just like what I used to read from story books.
Second stop was the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse also know as Burgos Lighthouse. The Cape, which is located on top of a hill is the ruins of an old lighthouse overlooking a great view of the sea and seaside.
Once in Vigan, we looked for someplace to have lunch. Everyone was ecstatic when we saw this restaurant that has similar exterior design with 50's Diner in Baguio. After finding a parking area, we immediately went in to this to the restaurant which is called Macy's. The design plus the vintage photos of celebrities hung on the walls makes the place really similar to 50's. I particularly liked the labels on the walls of places like Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, etc. But we walked out of the resto unsatisfied. With the same price, you can actually get twice as much food from 50's and much much more delicious.
After the un-happy lunch, we went to see lolo Ferdinand. It was lunch break when we arrived so we waited for an hour for the museum to open. I never went to a field trip in Ilocos before so it was my first time to see the lying (wax) figure of the great dictator.
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| Marcos Mansion |
From the Marcos' old mansion, we went to Chavit Singson's Baluarte. The weather was hot as hell Dona almost fainted. Most of us didn't spend much time sightseeing because of the scorching heat. My buddies preferred buying souvenirs instead for the shade.
Wik had to go back to Manila as soon as possible for her exams so we dropped her to Partas terminal before going to Calle Crisologo, that street that takes you back to the old Philippines. Actually, Vigan in general does. Calle Crisologo is like the street polished for tourism purposes. Old houses, kalesa and other vintage stuff can be seen in the stretch. In here, local delis such as chichacorn and Vigan longganisa are sold.
We were already in La Union when it rained hard, caused by typhoon Bebeng. Despite this, Manong Danny was driving very fast as he still had another appointment waiting for him up in Baguio. I wasn't able to sleep off because of fright.
We arrived in Baguio at around 10 p.m., went straight to Volante where we met up with Drix.
After Volante, we separated ways. Mara, Dona and I went to Bangs' where Dona and Jann Raye would sleep over, and Mara And I would freshen up before going down. Man, that house in Ambiong made me nostalgic, add up the typical foggy Baguio at night. I could just stay in Baguio for the rest of my life.
Mara and I left Baguio at 12 midnight on a Victory Liner De Luxe Trip thinking we would reach Manila faster. It was my first time on this kind of bus and there were very few passengers and the seats are very comfortable. Somewhere either in Pangasinan or Tarlac, we were stuck in a traffic jam so the bus had to take alternate route. At one moment I woke up and saw a scary picture of a typhoon-beaten surroundings. Thank goodness we arrived in Manila safe and sound.
