Going to Vigan without any reservation during the months of July, August and September is actually the last thing any tourist should worry about. A top tourist spot with a diverse kind of accommodations - from the transient types to classy hotels - Vigan City, which serves as the heart of Ilocos Sur houses more of those accommodation that you could think of that comes with the distinct Ilocano flavor that you'll adore even more.
A top choice among tourists whose main concerns are budget and ambiance, The Cordillera Inn was our home during our visit to the historic, captivating and lovely City of Vigan in Ilocos Sur. A convenient place located right along the cobble-stone street of Crisologo, The Cordillera Inn is a must-go-to place if you really wanna experience how it feels like to be living in an upper-class Ilocano-Vigan life.
With rooms fit for couples, family or even large group of friends, The Cordillera Inn shared to me and to four of my friends an astonishing and memorable Ilocandia experience that I would definitely love to feel again. And despite of being just a walk-in, we were welcomed by a remarkable Ilocano hospitality that added color and even flavor to our Northern Luzon escapade.
When they say it's more fun in the Philippines, its is true! It is really more fun in the Philippines, because aside from our lovely people, pristine and truly heart-melting beaches and tourists spots, we also have some of the most unique nature-made destinations that are just a work of art. Yes, I am talking about the mountain with a hole in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte - the Bantay Abot.
"Bantay," which means mountain or hill, and "Abot," which means hole in Ilocano, is something that will make heads turn before reaching the beautiful Blue Lagoon Beach or Maira-Ira Beach of Pagudpud. Stories had it that the hole, which is visible as far as 3 kilometers, was caused by a huge impact of water that slammed against this hill giving it this unique doughnut-like appearance. And since then, it was considered one of the nicest spot to see here in Ilocos Norte.
I was lucky to finally see it on my recent visit on this beautiful province, and though, I didn't spend time to see it up close due to slippery rockies, I somehow appreciate its beauty as well as the things surrounding it. The green pasture on top of the hill is said to be a vegetation, while the the hole of it gives this bell-like shape up-close.
