Ilocos Sur Getaway Memories
After my wedding almost two months ago, I was thinking of a trip with my wife. I thought of Ilocos Sur but I found out the province do not accept tourists without COVID-19 test. It might not be the right time to travel, and hoping for the pandemic's end so we can travel anywhere again.
I have been to Ilocos Sur twice. The first one was with my family, while the second one is with friends. I'll be sharing some of the memories from my second visit to Ilocos Sur.
Day 1
I'm excited for this trip, but I don't know what to expect. I slept at my friends' house so I don't have to worry for an early morning travel from our home in Lingayen to Dagupan City. We left Pangasinan around 6am, and we're expecting to reach Santa, Ilocos Sur (our accommodation) around noon. We stopped by at San Fernando City for our breakfast, and headed back on the road to Ilocos Sur immediately. I clearly remember that time, my tablet fell down and its LCD broke. It's still functional so it didn't affect me.
What I loved about traveling to Ilocos Sur is the coastal view. A long stretch of the highway is mountainous and coastal facing West Philippine Sea. We stopped by in this area so we can stretch our bodies being bent from the long travel. If I am right, this was in Narvacan town.
We reached the town of Santa around 1pm, and the owner of the house is accommodating. She welcomed us, and prepared foods for our lunch. Being a widow, she's very happy to have us in her house, at least her house will have some noise. She never had her own children, and adopted two girls who just took advantage of her kindness.
The house is located in the mountain but not so far from the highway. We're amazed to see their own grape farm.
Unfortunately, the grapes are not yet ready for harvest. We're told to come back after few months in time for the harvest. After our lunch, we went to Sulvec Beach (Paraiso ni Juan) to swim. I actually do not know how to swim so I drenched in the cold clear water. The rocks in the water is dangerous because it's slippery. I'm unable to capture some photos though because everything are left in the SUV.
We went home around 5pm, and the foods are already prepared. Some of us slept in the living room, and the house is unlocked overnight. People in their place are honest, and there's never been a case of theft, but I'm still uncomfortable because the door is actually open.
Day 2
We woke up quite late, and some of my friends prepared our breakfast early. After our meal, we prepared for Vigan trip.
We stopped by at the viewdeck in Brgy. Banaoang to have a peek of the Quirino Bridge (named after the late President Elpidio Quirino), which crosses along the Abra River (which exits to the West Philippine Sea) and connects the towns of Santa (where we've been) and Bantay (the town before Vigan City). The bridge is considered as iconic often seen in TV symbolizing Ilocandia.
Abra River
This is the original bridge. It's not open for vehicles. The second bridge is open for use. This bridge was severely damaged in early 2000s because of a string typhoon, but was reconstructed and currently a landmark
Baluarte
We headed to Vigan City, and opted for Baluarte, a famous zoo in the city which is open for the public without entrance fee at that time of our visit.
The famous facade of Baluarte Zoo
Aside from the zoo, there's Safari Gallery, where preserved body of animals being hunted by the owner was exhibited. It is sad to see those preserved bodies though so I decided not to share any of the photos. I'm unaware that those preserved bodies are hunted upon our visit only to find out after researching about it.
Someone said this is the house of the owner of the Zoo
###Dancing Fountain
Waiting until the evening
After Baluarte, we went to Plaza Salcedo as we wait until the evening for viewing of the dancing fountain. We waited for hours, and it is worth it as we have seen the magnificent movements of the fountains jiving along with the music.
Day 3 - Going Home
We're still thinking of visiting another beach but we're all tired, and we have to go home early. Of course, we bought some pasalubong at the souvenir shop. I got home around 8pm, and it is indeed a long travel
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