A Dream Fulfilled: Trip to Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte

in #esteem5 years ago

Each and every one of us have a dream and my ultimate dream is to have my own business, my own house and lot, my own cars, have my kids graduate and help them establish their own business too.

Last week I am happy that one of my little dreams is fulfilled, which is visiting Ilocos. Ilocos is now one of the prime tourist’s destination in the Philippines.

Ilocos is home to Philippines' first Winds Mills, beautiful beaches, rock formations, sand dunes, the old Paoay Church, the scenic Patapat Viaduct bridge, and the famous Calle Crisologo.

While in Ilocos you can also visit some of the local clay jar factory called Pagburnayan, along with Bantay Bell Tower, Syquia Mansion, Baluarte.

Watch Dancing Fountain at Plaza Salcedo (at night), cruise in the Mestizo River, explore Calle Crisologo in Kalesa, and watch Abel clothes weaver in action.

Ilocos is also home to delicious delicacies such as the garlic longganisa, empanada, pansit Ilocos and the neck shattering Bagnet. Their empanada is good when partnered with their sukang Iloco.

My trip to Ilocos is unexpected. Two weeks before the holy week I talked to my elder sister and she mentioned that my other elder sister is planning to go to Ilocos.

I immediately asked her if they are really going to Ilocos, and she said yes, and the rest is history.

If you are going to Ilocos here is the itinerary to make your trip worthwhile.

First stop, Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Your first stop should be in Vigan. While in Vigan you can visit the following:

  • Calle Crisologo

  • Baluarte

  • Bantay Church Bell Tower / St. Augustine Church (Bantay, Ilocos Sur)

  • Syquia Mansion (a Spanish mansion constructed in 1830)

  • Mestizo River

  • Abel weavers (Camanggaan)

  • Pagburnayan

  • Watch dancing Fountain at Plaza Salcedo (at night)

  • Buy longganisa and bibingka at Tongson's Royal Bibingka (Calle Crisologo corner Calle Florentino)

  • Ride Kalesa in Calle Crisologo

Calle Crisologo can be visited night and day. Just take note that Calle Crisologo is mostly crowded at night and during the holidays.

The most essential time to take a walk in Calle Crisologo without any intention of buying anything is early in the morning while the sun is rising.

You can buy any sort of remembrance in Calle Crisologo too. Want food? Calle Crisologo got it too.

Bantay Bell Tower is an old church bell tower beside Bantay Church (St. Augustine Church). Do not confuse St. Augustine Church with San Agustin Church. San Agustin is located in Paoay, Ilocos Norte while St. Augustine Church is located in Bantay, Ilocos Sur.

Next stop, Paoay Ilocos Norte

  • San Agustin Church (Paoay Church) - a must see

  • Paoay Sand Dunes

  • Malacañang of the North (Paoay)

  • Ferdinand Marcos Presidential Center (Batac)

  • Imelda Marcos Museum (Batac)

  • La Paz Sand Dunes (Laoag)

Next stop, Burgos and Bangui (these two towns are adjacent to each other)

  • Bangui Wind Mills at Brgy. Bantoc (Amerie Rae Resort) - a must see

  • Burgos Wind Farm - a must see

  • Kapurpurawan

Next stop and final stop, Pagudpud

  • Patapat Viaduct - a must see

  • Blue Lagoon - a must see

  • Pagudpud Beach / Saud Beach - a must see



I am an I.T. professional (Computer Engineer) working in a private company, a blogger, a father and a husband.


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