Ilocos Norte: The Not So Blue Lagoon

Before I came here, I read about a dozen of blogs saying about how pristine and beautiful the place is. Some tagged it as the Boracay of the North because of its pure white sand that are made perfectly by the nature itself. But when we got, honestly, I thought I was in a wrong place, until our guide told us that we were not in the right time to see Blue Lagoon on its finest and bluest moment.

One of the many popular summer destinations in the country, Pagudpud's Blue Lagoon, which houses most of the well-known resorts in the northern part was our last destination in this Ilocos Norte trip. Ideal for Holy Week retreat and relaxation, Blue Lagoon offers a captivating view of the top most part of the country.

A perfect spot for surfing too, Blue Lagoon is said to be one of the favorite destinations for those who are starting to try out the sport. Though, the pure white sand is captivating, the water wasn't as blue as its name says when we were there. Along the shoreline were some fishermen's shacks that speak of the kind of town it has.

Ilocos Norte: Gazing at Pagudpud's Bantay Abot

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.

Pagudpud: Patapat Viaduct

It may be that wide and lonely bridge to some, but to those who come from the far south like me, it is an achievement to be at this northern most bridge that you could only find here in the town of Pagudpud. Nope, it is not just some bridge overlooking the very beautiful Pasaleng Bay but rather a viaduct - a bridge over a valley connecting the the Maharlika Highway from Laoag, Ilocos Norte to the Cagayan Valley Region.

This is my second visit on this very windy place called Patapat Viaduct, but despite of that, it never fails to amaze me by its merely serenity and picturesque scene. Made to to solve the problem of landslides causing many vehicular accidents in the area during the early times, Patapat Viaduct was officially opened to public in 1986 under the management of DPWH-PMO-PJHK.

Considered as the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines, its bridge is elevated 31 meters over sea level and runs for about 1.3 kilometers. It rises along Pagudpud's coastal mountains, which is the starting point of the Cordillera Mountain Range and snakes through Northern Luzon. 

Pagudpud: Saud Beach

Fourteen-hour drive from Manila, that's what you have to endure if you are planning to take a long road trip up north here in Ilocos Region. But don't worry, because after that skull-breaking and butt-sweating long drive, you'll get to see the prime beach of Luzon. As quiet as the summer wind, as serene as a sleeping baby, the Saud Beach.

One top tourist destination in Ilocos Norte are its beaches, which I'm so proud, by the way. Because with their pristine white sand and truly captivating view, they managed to stay so pure and truly relaxing. Dubbed as the "anti-Boracay of the North", this Saud Beach is just one of the beaches that you could find here in Ilocos Norte.

I had a wonderful time staying there a few months ago, and I must say that after two years since my last visit here, it is just so wonderful to see that nothing much has changed. It's mystifying peacefulness and breathtaking site of the Bangui Windmills were all kept together making it one of my favorite beaches in the country, really.

Feel at Home in Pagudpud's Sabrina Beach Home

Holy Week is fast approaching, and despite of the church's call to repent on this sacred week, I know that there are still a lot of you out there who prefer repenting in a more relaxing way. Anyway, Philippines is not 100% Roman Catholic anymore, so might as well spent your well-deserve vacation in a serene and peaceful place. And to some, I'm sure serene and peaceful spell P-A-G-U-D-P-U-D, but do you already have a place to stay in this world-renowned place? Try and check out Sabrina Beach Home!

I happened to know Sabrina or Sabrina Beach Home through a friend who's been going in and out of Pagudpud every year. It is one of the latest additions to the line of beautiful places to stay in Saud, Pagudpud. I had a chance to check out the place a few months back and experienced it for two nights. I must say that with their friendly staff, quite an affordable rates and good location, this is a nice option for your upcoming Holy Week vacation.

Finding Sabrina Beach Home is so easy once you've reached the welcoming arch of Pagudpud. It is located right after Saud Beach Resort, which is a known landmark along Saud Beach coastal line.