Ilocos Sur (Vigan)

Vigan was the last place that I explored when I visited Ilocos. I was on a solo trip on my first two days until my friends finally arrived. After our Pagudpud Tour, we asked our driver/tour guide from Northview Hotel to drop us at the bus station. We're heading to Vigan.

It's a 2-hour bus ride. It was 7PM when we arrived. We were lucky to find a kind tricycle driver who patiently helped us find a hotel. Most of the hotels that time were fully-booked.

We stayed at Cordillera Inn. Even the hotel had this El-Filibusterismo-like ambiance.

Late dinner at the nearby antique-looking Italian restaurant. We ordered Bagnet pizza.

Before going back to our hotel, we decided to explore the famous Crisologo Street.

 

The next day, we went a little bit further.

Souvenir shops: You can find lots of good and practical souvenir items along Crisologo and other nearby streets.

On your way out of this old Spanish-influenced place, you'll this Filipino-owned chicken restaurant. They serve good food here.

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Town proper. Vigan Cathedral         

I had a plane to catch so I was not able to join my friends when they had decided to visit Baluarte (zoo).

Ilocos Norte (Laoag)

After the stomach-churning flight via Air Phil Express, I was lucky to land in one piece at the airport. Breathing. Together with Oyo Sotto (I didn't recognize him at first), Kristine Hermosa (super pretty), Danica Sotto, their kids with the nannies, and a group of young professionals (perhaps less than 10) – we were all hoping that there would be no more third roller coaster-like descent while the plane was in the middle of the vast ocean. Was it the pilot's fault or was there a tech prob, or maybe because the small domestic plane was too big for less than 20 passengers? Who cares. At least we're all alive!

One whole day would be enough to enjoy Ilocos Norte. For solo traveler or for those traveling in a small group (3pax max), it's more practical to hire a tricycle going to Malacañang of the North, Sand Dunes, Paoay Church, and Marcos Mausoleum. However, if you are willing to shell out few more thousands for a more comfortable day tour, then why not? That's around Php 3,000 per package.

I arrived first in Ilocos. My two friends arrived after two days.

I took a leaflet from the reception area in my hotel. Went out, hailed a tricycle and asked the driver if he knows all those places on my list. He said YES. And my half day tour began.

First Stop – Laoag City Church and Bell Tower

A less than 5-minute drive from Northview Hotel.

Next, Sand Dunes. It was almost lunch time when we arrived there. It was totally deserted and the weather's slightly scorching. They asked me to try “skiing,” but no thanks. I just came to see the place and take photos.



Remember Panday movie? Some of the scenes were taken here.

After that, my long, bumpy travel started. We were supposed to see Marcos Mausoleum, but it's lunch break. We just decided to go to Paoay Church instead.

Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Inside the church. (Era/Style: Baroque)

Left: Old structure. Right: The altar.

Other Side of the Church

Bell

Lunch Break was over. Time to see the former President Marcos – frozen inside his coffin. Too bad visitors are not allowed to take pictures inside.

There's a soft music playing in the background, the cozy place is surrounded with flowers, and there the former President lies in the middle of the room – guarded. Behind the glass, he looks like one of those humans-turned into-wax victims from the movie House of wax.

Outside the mausoleum, you can see those banners that tell nothing but good stuff about Marcos and his wife, the former First Lady Imelda.

Last Stop, Malacañang of the North.

The Marcos' former house. Huge, nice house!

This house has much to say. Malacañang of the North

Malacañang of the North (Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Philippines)

I had my DIY half-day tour in Laoag. Last Stop, Malacañang of the North. The Marcos' former house. Huge, nice house!

This area has a WOW factor.

Nice, expensive staircase.

On the second floor.

His office. It looks like the Palace in Malacañang. Hence the name.

Master Bedroom

You`ll surely have a great morning whenever you see this the moment you wake up.

You'll see the well-known golf course from here.

Senator BongBong Marcos' former room / Girls` Room

The other spacious areas of the house.

Some parts of the house are turned into mini museums. All visitors could see the policies, law, etc. that Marcos authored, developed, and implemented (plus other significant events) and how successful the Philippine was during his term.

What a birthday gift! San Juanico Bridge – bridge that runs from Samar to Leyte. The longest bridge in the Philippines built in 1973. (Imelda’s hometown: Leyte)

Marcos family is indeed influential and for some they may have this not-so-good reputation. But no matter what other people say, they seem to have a typical and happy family just like other human beings on earth.

Among all other pictures, these family pictures captured most of my attention.

And time to go back to Northview Hotel. I gave the driver Php 500, but looking at his expression, 500 wasn't enough. Well I asked him how much I should give. He said it's up to me. I gave him Php 500 and asked him if it's enough and he said YES again after a long pause. Then I realized it should have been at least Php 1,000.

Tip: Do not accept the Bahala na po kayo (It's up to you.) answer from the driver.