Ano ba ang kahulugan ng salitang “almost?”

Malapit na.

Muntik na.

Yung, parang kayo pero hindi naman.

Bakit nga ba ang hirap hirap maka move-on sa almost relationships?

Yung kahit ilang taon na ang lumipas, pag nakikita mo siya o nag paparamdam siya sayo “akala mo” siya na ulit yung the right one for you.

Yung “akala mo” hindi lang talaga timing yung una ninyong pagkikita, pero “baka” ngayon pupwede na.

Yung halos mabaliw baliw ka na naman sa kakaisip kase sa tuwing pag tatagpuin ang landas niyo lageng hindi pwede. lageng may sagabal. lageng hindi “right timing.”

 

Paano nga ba makaka move on sa paulit ulit mong tanong sa sarili mong, “what if?”

Bes, tama ka ng pinuntahang page. I know the right thing to do, tara travel tayo!

Let me share with you my travel to Ilocos. (Bes, sa sobrang ganda makakalimutan mo siya!)

I initially wanted to do this DIY style but since I have limited time I opted for the faster and cheaper way, joiners tour arranged by travel agency.

I went to Ilocos last year, Nov 1-3 (Yes bes, araw ng mga patay. Ito na din ang araw kung kailan dapat mo ng ilibing ang mga nararamdaman mo sakanya).

Again, I did this solo travel, just like in my previous blog. It is easier this time since I am in a joiners tour. I paid for P 2,999 inclusive of accommodation and transportation expense (Global Travel and Tours).

1st day Itinerary

We arrived in Vigan at around 9am, a little late than our scheduled time. Our first destination is Hidden Garden in Vigan. We ate our breakfast and had some photos taken since the place is really nice.

 

 

Since I am in Vigan, I ordered the famous vigan longganisa. Well, what can I say? Worth it yung long travel for this. Sarap!

After breakfast we went to our 2nd destination which is the Baluarte Zoo. It offers free admission, however, if you wish to explore other parts of the zoo you may need to ride a shuttle for a minimum fee of P 10 or P 15.

Baluarte is owned by Chavit Singson. It is around 80 hectares and a home to a number of wildlife such as tigers, lions, ostrich, deer and many more. Just outside the baluarte, you can see a number of souvenir shops and food stalls.

Here are some of the photos taken during our shuttle ride:

 

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We also went to safari gallery at the end part of the zoo. This is a trophy gallery of Chavit Singson.

 

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Our next destination is in Bantay Church and Bantay Tower.

Bantay tower served as the watchtower during the spanish colonial era, this is why it’s called “bantay”, meaning to guard.

After 40 minutes, it is now time to head on to our next destination which is the Paoay Church.

Paoay Church was built in 1710 and is declared as a Natural Cultural Treasure by the Philippines in 1973. It is famous for it’s unique and distinct architecture specially it’s buttresses which served as a protection from earthquake.

 

Sabe nila, kapag first time mo daw sa church, knock three times then utter a wish and your wish will be granted. Bes, naipag dasal mo na siya sa lahat ng simabahan at naipag tirik mo na din ng kandila. Still, hindi pa din siya binibigay ni Lord sayo.

Maybe he is not meant for you. Maybe he is just meant to pass by your life so that you can learn something. Move forward na tayo bes.

Tandaan mo, right love will come at the right time. If you did not meet him at the right time, then he is not the right one.

For our last destination, SAND DUNES! 

Now this is the exciting part. You cannot leave Ilocos without trying this one. (or else, you’ll miss half of your life! lol)

For a minimum of 4 pax at P 500 each you will be riding a 4×4 pick up track and go around the sand dunes. It is a thrilling experience as you go up and down the mountains of sand!

I had to change my outfit to pants and polo shirt for this activity. It is not advisable to wear skirt or dress as the 4×4 pick up truck is quite high and you have to make a big step in order to go to the back part.

 

After this, we head back to our hotel, Century Gardens Hotel. It has a cozy, laid back feels. They have swimming pool (adult and kids) and also a garden where you can hangout with your friends after a long day of tour.

I was supposed to be in a solo room, but somehow the reservations got mixed up and I ended up in a joiners room. I don’t mind though, I was with two other joiners and we got along pretty well.

After settling our bags in the room, I decided to take a dip at the swimming pool. Of course, you know me, I love water!

 

2nd day Itinerary

Our call time is at 7am. We ate our free breakfast served at the hotel and at exactly 8am we started our 2nd day of tour.

First destination is the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse which is situated in Burgos, Ilocos Norte and was built during the Spanish colonial era in 1892.

You can either walk up to the Cape Lighthouse at about 5-minute walk. Or you can rent a tricycle for 20 pesos. We opted the latter since it was a sunny morning and we wanted to preserve our energy for the rest of the tour.

 

 

Next stop is the Kapurpurawan Rock Formations. To reach the end of the rock formations you may need to ride a horse. I think the fee is about P 100 to P 150 for two way.

I suggest that you ride a horse and explore until the end of the rock formations. It has such a beautiful view, perfect for you IG Feeds! Also, it was scorching hot when we got there that’s why we decided to rent a horse.

See some of our photos here:

 

 

Third destination is the Bangui Windmill. This is also a must see destination in Ilocos.

It consist of 20 turbines in the bay of Bangui facing the West Philippine Sea.

 

We had a short stop at Bantay Abot Cave.

 

For the last destination of our second day, we stayed in Pagudpud Beach for 2 hours. This is also one of the destinations I am very excited about. I loved the beach! It has a fine sand and royal blue waters. Be careful with the waves though, the current is quite strong. I suggest you stay near the shore if you do not know how to swim or wear some safety equipment for swimming.

One thing I noticed, if you will not be staying at a hotel, the public restrooms are not well maintained. That’s why we decided to just change our clothes and take a bath at the hotel. However, there is a restroom charge of P 10.

 

3rd day Itinerary

Time flies so fast here in Ilocos. Before we knew it, this tour is coming to an end!

We have to make our last day “sulit.”

For our first stop, we went to the Malacañang of the North. It was previously the residence of the family of former President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos.

 

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We had a short stop at the Ilocos Norte Arc for photo op.

After this, we went straight to our last destination, CALLE CRISOLOGO.

This is one of the major attractions in Vigan in which houses and structures back to the date of Spanish Colonization were preserved. You can rent a calesa ride for a full experience of Spanish era for P 500 pesos.

However, for us, we decided to just walk our way through Calle Crisologo. We also stopped by some shops to buy souvenirs (T-shirts and key chains).

This is a very good spot for picture taking. You can take photos in the big wooden door or at the calesa inspired long wooden chair located at the side of the streets. Or just simply take your photos at the middle of the road.

 

 

So that’s it guys. That ends my Ilocos Tour! (i-end mo na din ang pag iisip bes!)

Pero bakit nga ba mahirap kalimutan ang almost? Siguro kase wala ka naman talagang alam sakanya. Hindi mo naman kase talaga siya kilala. Kagaya nalang ng pag bisita mo sa isang lugar, masyadong maikli para mapuntahan mo ang lahat ng lugar. Wala kang ibang baong alaala kung hindi ang masasaya at magaganda lamang.