Ilocos Norte: Revisiting Paoay Church

More than of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, more than of being one of the best Baroque churches in the Philippines, and more than of being an Augustinian Church, one gravitational pull that attracts me to see this place every time I'm here in the Ilocos Norte, is its homey peacefulness vibes that it shed to me every time I see it. That and some more are the reasons why I love visiting Paoay Church.

Settled right at the smack of the lovely town of Paoay, the Church of Saint Augustine or more commonly known as Paoay Church is one of the most visited sites in this part of the country. Still standing strong and grand since it was built in the 1700s, Paoay Church also carries this captivating Javanese architectural design aside from its celebrated Earthquake Baroque architecture.

This is my second time to be here, the last one was way back in 2008. And though I wasn't able to stay in town for a day again, I actually spent longer time now than before since we had our lunch in a cafe restaurant right across the church, the Herencia Cafe.

Ilocos Norte: The Imeldific Malacanang Ti Amianan

Imeldific may be often used when describing shoes, since the word came from the names of a woman who's lavishness for her shoes is so remarkable -  Mrs. Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, but when I paid a visit to the Malacanang of the North, or locally known as Malacanang Ti Amianan once again, I can't help but to fell in love with everything that spells nothing but Imeldific!

In visiting the top most part of our country, one most not miss to see the elegantly looking Presidential Palace of the North located at the very heart of Ilocos Norte the Malacanang Ti Amianan. Currently under the management of the local government of Ilocos Norte, this palace that served as home to President Ferdinand Marcos and his family during their reign is now considered one of the prized tourist destinations in the region offering bits of glam and power of once a powerful family in the land, the Marcoses.

Upon entering this elegant piece of property, you will be welcome by this beautiful red circular staircase that I find really, really attractive. Though the main door to the palace isn't that grand, it is made of very fine wood material that weighs so heavy. A five-peso entrance fee will be asked from every visitor of this Spanish-inspired mansion. 

Ilocos Norte: The Heartof Batac at the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum

Even though I didn't really experience the tyranny of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos during the Martial Law era in our country, seeing all of these things that are quiet contrary on what the history books have told me kinda made me think is it really that scary during that time?

Located at the quiet and peaceful City of Batac, before seeing the natural wonders of Ilocos Norte, I suggest that one must take a step back in time and visit one of the many places that praises President Ferdinand E. Marcos, the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum.

I've been hearing a lot of things about this place on the television and despite of that creepy feel that it gives on me thinking that the real dead body of the late president is STILL lying there, I still braved it to see this place and see what it has to offer to the tourist of this beautiful region.

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: Revisiting Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

There are really places in this world that seeing once is not enough , and I'm really thankful for the opportunities given to me - opportunities that do not just bring me to different places but also makes me do the thing that I love the most, appreciate the beauty of this world at its finest moment. All that including the howling wind and tarnish rust, I got to do all over again in Ilocos Norte's Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.

We were just in the nick of time when we arrived at this towering beauty of Burgos, Ilocos Norte. Though, it may seem that nothing has changed in it, the moment I passed by its newly painted gates, I know that there is something new - something different - about this place that only my sixth sense can tell.

Unlike my previous visit here in Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, the place was so empty when we arrived. The guard was the only man left and he was about to leave then. Thankfully, he was so kind to let us in to see the whole lot.

Ilocos Norte: The Glistening Beauty of Kapurpurawan Rocks

If you want to know when is the best time to visit this glistening beauty of Burgos, Ilocos Norte, I'd say the rainy season. Because with its flowing silk-like beauty, it created a better illusion with water dripping all over it. And together with my friends, I was lucky to witness all of that when visited the Kapurpurawan Rocks.

It was a treacherous path towards to the what seemed to be a gem created by nature. With rocks, mosses and even small living creatures around, we braved the rain taking the chance to just even gaze at the white rock formation. But the moment we saw it, it felt like there's someone from it that's calling us, and in less than an hour, we found ourselves staring at this humongous white rock glistening while the rain water dripping from it. It was such a beautiful gem!

Kapurpurawan Rocks was a dream destination to me then. With its unusual look and real and pure color, who wouldn't wanna see that up close, right? It is a dream come true to me now. But honestly, when you get here, just "seeing it " is not enough. To purely feel the love from the nature, you must climbed up there to its peak and just be like a a free bird with arms spread wide open. It was a great feeling to be up there, standing in a pure white rock that in a few more years will be goner.

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.

Makati Celebrates 115th Independence with Philippine Bamboo Flag Museum

Just like a bamboo, secure and flexible, on this year's celebration of Philippine Independence, the country's fast-moving city, Makati, commemorates the rise from all challenges and adversities of our country through a  three-tiered event that is all in the same breath experiential, educational, and entertaining. And all of these started through the of the country’s first ever Philippine Bamboo Flag Museum.

Taking the lead in mounting a grand event to celebrate 115 remarkable years of Philippine Independence, Makati City proudly presented to the public yesterday a 5-foot tall and covering an almost 50-sqm area Philippine Bamboo Flag Museum, which is open to everyone and will be on display from June 11 until July 31, 2013.

Entitled “Grass: Routes of a Nation”, inside the well-crafted Philippine Bamboo Flag Museum, anyone can get a glimpse of an exhibit showcasing images and vignettes off our nation’s rich history. And through the amalgamation of new and old, this bamboo exhibit also carries QR codes that are ready to provide visitors an interactive way to know more about bamboos - its uses and  to mention the actual bamboo music instruments that are available inside, which kids and adults alike will surely enjoy.

That Sitio Boracay Dream

It was almost a year ago since I first stepped in the beautiful island of Boracay. It was first time on that world-class tourist spot and it was all courtesy of Granprix Boracay Hideaway. It was also my first time to travel alone, and to travel for free, so everything was so memorable. And though I enjoyed my 3 days-2 nights stay there, I was still longing to experience Boracay in a far more different way - a classier one. And then comes one great blessing this year, a classy gift that will take me back to this beautiful paradise - another free accommodation - and this time at the sister hotel of Granprix Boracay Hideaway, the Sitio Boracay.

If my first time in Boracay was spent on "me, myself and I," this time, I have no plans of going there alone. Thank goodness, I have a bunch of new friends that are going there, so without further ado, I booked a flight to the beautiful island of Boracay on the same dates as my friends are. And at exactly before noon on the said date - Friday before Palm Sunday, that is - I found myself inside this beautiful cabana that will serve as my sanctuary in the next few days....

Soul of a City: A Makati City Tour

When we hear the name Makati some of the words that we have in mind definitely include the Binays, high-rise buildings, the Ayalas and their Ayala Avenue, posh shopping malls and the likes. But a few days back I was impressed by how this highly-urbanized city is still keeping some of its prized historical gems through the local government's  initiative to share the historical side of the city, the "Soul of a City: A Makati City Tour."

I was lucky to be a part of its maiden tour a few days back, and together with some media personalities, we were treated to an afternoon of amazement and appreciation of a city we thought is all about high-ends and luxury.

This “Soul of a City" is Makati Tourism Foundation, Inc.'s (MTFI) project to showcase the city’s historical and modern landmarks, heritage sites and prime shopping venues. Launched last May 17, 2013, the project is inline with the foundation’s thrust to further promote the city as one great tourist destination, rich in both character and culture.