Day 3 of Ilocos Trip

08 April 2012

The driver told us we would leave around 6am because we still had a few stops to visit that we weren't able to visit on the first day. We did wake up early, but when we went to the resort's dining area, it was sort of frustrating that it wasn't open yet.

Another frustrating thing was that it was raining so hard that morning, making me feel gloomy at the start of the day.


ChicSiLog (Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte). Since none of us ate breakfast, our first stop was at a small eatery outside the Public Market. It looked like a little shanty (because of the rain I wasn't able to take a picture of it), so we were surprised to know they serve typical Filipino breakfast. Given the choices, I went for ChicSiLog - Chicken, Sinangag (fried rice), Itlog (egg). Most of them went for the regional sausage, while some went for beef jerky. My meal was okay, though the chicken was a bit bland. Good thing the BBQ Sauce was a little tasty.


Pagudpud Welcome Arch. We weren't able to take a picture by the shell welcome structure because of the rain, but I was happy that the rain stopped by the time we reached this location.

I tried opening my camera again, and though it opened okay, part of the lens cap was still blocking the entire frame. I was a bit optimistic and just told myself I'd maximize the life of my camera by using it as often as I can. If it dies, so be it.




Kapurpurawan (Burgos, Ilocos Norte). One of the most amazing natural attraction I have seen. I so want to come as close to the rock formation, but it was way too windy that time and the local government didn't allow any tourists to come close because when this place gained popularity, many people flocked to see it and sadly some of them didn't have respect - the beautiful attraction had a few graffiti, something that irks the tourist out of me. I really hate it when senseless, selfish people would disrespect Mother Nature by leaving behind their names.


Cape Bojeador (Burgos, Ilocos Norte). Many years ago, my brother went to Ilocos Norte to serve for the church org and was able to climb all the way to the top of the lighthouse, but just a few years or months ago, they already closed the door of the main lighthouse because it's already old.


Herencia Cafe (Paoay, Ilocos Norte). One the wishes Ria and I had for this trip was for us to eat the Pinakbet Pizza at Herencia Cafe, and we were happy that the tour guides heard our request. We had a not-so-good dining experience, but I would say their pizza was delicious. What are the toppings on the pizza? Chopped string beans, eggplants, okra, bitter gourd, and sliced tomatoes.

Paoay Church (Paoay, Ilocos Norte). All of our companions have already eaten, so to save on time, sister and mom went to the church (the structure on the image above) while we were waiting for the food, then Ria and I went to the church right after. It was just a quick tour of the church, but I was thankful I was able to visit it.

Something awesome happened. Yes, I was trying real hard to use my camera as much as I can and I was thankful that it would open good though it would go on "Lens Error" whenever I turn it off. After I took the picture above, it still went on "Lens Error," but when I stepped on the church's grounds and took my shot... I didn't get the "Lens Error" notification anymore. Oh wow! I was able to take all the church shots I needed and yes, my camera is back!

I just find it so interesting - my camera died on Good Friday and it resurrected back to life on Easter Sunday. It did let me learn a good lesson.


Bantay Bell Tower (Bantay, Ilocos Sur). We made a quick, short trip to the Bantay Church, but because of the heat and that some of our companions aren't Catholic, us girls didn't climb to the tower anymore... we just took fun pictures outside while waiting for the guide to call us.


Calle Crisologo (Vigan, Ilocos Sur). Last stop was Vigan where we were given time to shop for souvenirs. Way too many people that time... so when I found this spot without much people, I quickly asked sister for a picture. We didn't really buy souvenirs here - we just enjoyed the place and be thankful to set foot there again.


Cafe Uno (Vigan, Ilocos Sur). When we got back to the van, we found out our companions went to eat early dinner, so Ria, sis, and I went to Cafe Uno for some snacks. Sister and I went for pasta, while Ria went for Oreo Cheesecake.

When we all got back at the van, it was time for us to get going. It marked the end of the trip... and we got home 4am of the next day.

This trip gave me a lot of lessons. While it wasn't the best travel I have had, I am thankful to be able to travel with my mom and sister. I am so looking forward to another Ilocos trip, but I guess when that time comes, I'd choose a time during the weekday after summer, to be sure that there weren't much tourists.