Lakbay Norte Diary Day 8: Pampanga
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
I woke up on the last day of Lakbay Norte and realized that the eight days we’ve been together came and went so fast. Later in the day, we were about to part ways and continue on our journeys in different roads. I took a hot shower to wash up the little hangover from last night’s party and went down to the restaurant with all my stuff. I’ve been doing the same for the last six days, waking up early, packing my stuff and checking out in a hurry. Hectic, but I got used to it and this time would be my last. For a sentimental me, I felt a bit sad. Hotel Widus's breads and pastries I...
Lakbay Norte Diary Day 7: Subic
Sunday, February 5, 2012
The day we were all looking forward to, day seventh of Lakbay Norte 3 was for jungle survival and massage treat in Subic. After our breakfast at Microtel Inn and Suites Luisita we headed to Pamulaklakin Forest Trail in Subic Bay Metropolitan Area for the jungle survival demonstration. We were welcomed by indigenous aetas who performed their traditional dance. The group is led by Kuya Kasuy, who taught us some tips on back-to-basic living. Mixed with humor, he showed us the many use of bamboo and toured us inside the forest while explaining the usage of some plants along the way. Kara Santos of...
Lakbay Norte Diary Day 6: Pangasinan and Tarlac
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Our sixth day began with a breakfast buffet at The Manor. A wide selection of early morning treats were waiting for us that I had two plates full of whatever my eyes deemed good – breads, sausages, pork tocino, baked tomatoes, fried fish, fruits and more. The Manor at Camp John Hay By seven in the morning, our bus left Baguio for the Pangasinan leg of the tour. We arrived at Dagupan City at nine in the morning and went straight to Dawell River for the cruise. Inspired by Bohol’s Loboc River Cruise, the local government invested on boats and turned the river into a tourist spot. Their...
Lakbay Norte Diary Day 5: La Union and Baguio
Friday, February 3, 2012
The daylight revealed the beautiful waves that made the town famous. Good morning San Juan, La Union! I sat in the restaurant of Kahuna Beach Resort for breakfast and watched as the perfect long swells break on the shore. The waves were fantastic and tempting, I wished we could stay longer and surf but we have itinerary for the day and surfing was not on it. A giant picnic tent at Holcim Ecotrail in Bacnotan, La Union We left San Juan for Bacnotan at seven in the morning for trekking and tree planting in Holcim La Union plant. As a way of giving back to nature and promoting responsible mining,...
Lakbay Norte Diary Day 4: Paoay and Batac, Ilocos Norte
Thursday, February 2, 2012
January 25, “Boarding! Boarding!”, Ivan Henares and Karlo de Leon‘s famous line echoed in the lobby of Roswell Hotel where our group converged. We will pick up the others from Plaza del Norte where they spent the night before going to Malacañan Ti Amianan for breakfast prepared by the local government. Overlooking the Paoay Lake, Malacañan Ti Amianan is the official residence of the former President Ferdinand Marcos in Ilocos Norte. Built in 1975, this two-storey building sits on a five-hectare property that is now converted into a Marcos Memorabilia Musem. We had a tour of...
Travel Guide
Travel Guide: Anilao (Mabini, Batangas)
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Travel Guide: Calaguas Islands (Updated)
On the northernmost part of Bicolandia is an unknown paradise that can rival the white sand beach of Boracay and the serenity of Pagudpud, still virgin and unspoiled- the beautiful and enchanting islands of Calaguas. Calaguas is a group of islands in the Pacific under the jurisdiction of the town of Vinzons, Province of Camarines Norte, a merely two hour boat ride from the mainland.... Read More
Travel Guide: Legazpi City
A progressive city by the bay nested in the backdrop of the Philippines’ most beautiful yet active volcano – Mt. Mayon, dubbed as the world’s most perfect cone, is Legazpi City. The capital of the Province of Albay and regional hub for Bicolandia, Legazpi City beckons everyone with its amazing scenery, natural wonders, delicious cuisines and delicacy, and lovely... Read More
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Travel Guide: Camiguin Island
Nested in the northern Mindanao, Philippines, is a pear-shaped volcanic island of Camiguin, aptly called as the “Island Born of Fire”. It is roughly 100 kilometers north of Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental. It can be considered as the Hawaii of the South East Asia as this island was created by volcanic eruptions and land movements. It has a total of seven volcanoes,... Read More
Travel Guide: Laoag and Suburbs
Ilocos, the land of beautiful bell towers, is one of the few places in the country who have successfully preserved its heritage. In its northern province, the heart is its capital city Laoag, known to be Sunshine City or City of Lights, a perfect blend of traditional and modern lifestyle, a fusion of Spanish and Ilocano heritage. Laoag City’s and its neighboring towns of... Read More
Travelogues
Lakbay Norte Diary Day 8: Pampanga
I woke up on the last day of Lakbay Norte and realized that the eight days we’ve been together came and went so fast. Later in the day, we were about to part ways and continue on our journeys in different roads. I took a hot shower to wash up the little hangover from last [...]
Spots
12 Hot Spots in 2012
With the year 2012 quickly eating up our calendars and the summer just around the corner, I made a compilation of 12 hottest destinations in 2012 based on the search keywords that landed on my blog on the first 15 days of the year, thanks to Google Analytics These are the places that most lakwatseros [...]
Visit Sagada
VISITSAGADA is a collaboration of a handful of individuals who all want to share the thrill and joy of going to Sagada to everyone else who chooses to experience it.
