TRAVELS: Patapat Viaduct, Ilocos Norte

Patapat Viaduct is located in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Northernmost section of Luzon. Elevated 31 meters above sea level, the view from the bridge to the rocky shore is really mesmerized view.  This bridge connects Laoag Ilocos Norte and the Cagayan Valley Region. Thus, it is the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines.

Passing this bridge you can see the Pasaleng Bay which is a breath taking view. The bridge itself is an astonishing structure that's why it has become one of the tourist destination in Ilocos Norte.

The scenic view from the Patapat Viaduct

The mountains that you see on the right is actually called the Patapat Mountains. This is also the northern side of the Cordillera Central Mountain Range.

Closer look on the side of the Patapat Mountains..


 

Me and My friend posing :-)

Truly the tour in Ilocos has always been fascinating. This structure thus only shows how Filipinos inventions in putting this kind of concrete highway are creative by nature. Also helps to connect 2 places at the same time!

Come and visit the Patapat Viaduct in Ilocos Norte! It's more fun in the Philippines!

HOW TO GET TO Patapat Viaduct, Ilocos Norte?

 Well as for us, we technically had a tour guide from Ilocos, who you can also contact when you want to take a visit in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. We were like 8 in a group and all in all, we paid Php10,000 - Php 12,000(Philippine Peso)(Forgot the exact price) for 2 days tour around Ilocos. If you want his contact details, Kuya Marlon please drop an email or leave a comment below..

 We rode Florida Bus (Espanya) going to Ilocos. It takes us about 6-8 hours..But definitely, all was worth it.

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TRAVELS: Blue Lagoon | Agua Grande, Ilocos Norte

Agua Grande (known as dakkel a danum in Ilokano) is located at the edge of the Patapat Viaduct in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. We were on the cliff when we took this picture. Agua Grande is also a river park/ resort that accommodate guests. Much to my surprise, this is a mini hydro electric power plant built by Marcos (ex-Philippine President) to supply electricity to the residents of Pagudpud. You can see from the picture that the current produced by the water is strong and thus, it can be a source of hydro electric power.

 Blue lagoon is a half-moon shaped bay in Pagudpud. More pictures and details after this!

 Agua Grande Resort

Agua Grande Resort with a strong current!

Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud is what they've known as " The Boracay of the North". With its whitesand, clear blue water and panoramic view, this can be a resemblance of the Boracay in Aklan. The current of the water during our visit was very strong which I really enjoyed while swimming (if you love challenge). There are several  resorts situated near the Blue Lagoon so you can enjoy the place more. If you're resort is afar from this lagoon, you will only pay 20 pesos as entrance, never mind paying them as long as they maintain the cleanliness of the place.

See the waves? This waves are perfect for surfing..

Scenic view..Breath-Taking view at the top of the Blue Lagoon.

When we were in Ilocos, our resort was situated at Saud Beach which is far from this blue lagoon. So as an advice to those who wants to visit Ilocos, better have your resort near the Blue Lagoon since this is by far better than Saud beach (according to what we have experienced).

Come and Visit Blue Lagoon and Agua Grande, Ilocos Norte! Its more fun in the Philippines!

HOW TO GET TO Blue Lagoon and Agua Grande, Ilocos Norte?

 Well as for us, we technically had a tour guide from Ilocos, who you can also contact when you want to take a visit in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. We were like 8 in a group and all in all, we paid Php10,000 - Php 12,000(Philippine Peso)(Forgot the exact price) for 2 days tour around Ilocos. If you want his contact details, Kuya Marlon please drop an email or leave a comment below..

 We rode Florida Bus (Espanya) going to Ilocos. It takes us about 6-8 hours..But definitely, all was worth it.

Copyright: © 2012, Owned by Vanessa, Pictures belongs to the author of this Blog, Fashion, Beauty, Food and Travels by Vanessa

Love Vanessa

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TRAVELS: Paoay Church, Ilocos Norte (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Paoay Church is a Catholic Church situated in the Municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte. It is also known as San Agustin Church.This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its Earthquake Baroque architecture. From a far, the facade is picture perfect because of it baroque, Gothic and oriental designs. A bell tower also stands at the right side of the church.

Clearly, Philippines was blessed with its churches that withstand different forces of nature and has historical significance. Paoay Church is just one of them, and it is something that shows how truly our country is full of historical advantage.

Paoay Church, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Us!

A Combination of Gothic, Baroque and Oriental Design of the Church

 This is what you can see outside the church. Spacious Garden. 

Something that you can read to know the history behind the Paoay Church.

 Come and visit Ilocos Norte! It's More Fun in the Philippines!

HOW TO GET TO Paoay Church, Ilocos Norte?

 Well as for us, we technically had a tour guide from Ilocos, who you can also contact when you want to take a visit in Ilocos and Ilocos Norte. We were like 8 in a group and all in all, we paid Php10,000 - Php 12,000(Philippine Peso)(Forgot the exact price) for 2 days tour around Ilocos. If you want his contact details, Kuya Marlon please drop an email or leave a comment below..

 We rode Florida Bus (Espanya) going to Ilocos. It takes us about 6-8 hours..But definitely, all was worth it.

Copyright: © 2012, Owned by Vanessa, Pictures belongs to the author of this Blog, Fashion, Beauty, Food and Travels by Vanessa

Love Vanessa

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TRAVELS: Kabigan Falls, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Kabigan Falls is situated in Barangay Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. An enchanting waterfall that has a height of 80-feet. We were trekking/walking for around 30-40 minutes in order reach this , but all was really worth it once you get to see this beautiful place..This was our first stop when we arrived in Pagudpud, and thus, we were welcomed with the cool sound and rush of the waterfall.


In 30-40 minutes walk, a tourist guide will guide you. You will pass the 3 shallow rivers and some rocky road. Nevertheless you will be paid off by dipping in the ponds just under the Kaibigan Falls. Walking will be more interesting if you are with your friends, chatting around while walking. 

The water was freezing cold as if it came from a refrigerator. My guy friends once we reached the falls, rushed into the water and swam. 


Here are some of the photos we took while at Kaibigan Falls, Pagudpud:

Kaibigan Falls

 This is the actual route going to the Kaibigan Falls. 30-40 minutes trekking.

Rocky Road along the way. One of the shallow rivers that trekkers will need to pass through. 

After trekking, its time to enjoy the water..Swim swim!

This adventure was fun and exciting. We realized that there's a paradise that needs to be explored in our country, and this is just one.

Come and visit Pagudpud! Its more fun in the Philippines!

HOW TO GET TO PAGUDPUD?

 Well as for us, we technically had a tour guide from Ilocos, who you can also contact when you want to take a visit in Ilocos and Ilocos Norte. We were like 8 in a group and all in all, we paid Php10,000 - Php 12,000(Philippine Peso)(Forgot the exact price) for 2 days tour around Ilocos. If you want his contact details, Kuya Marlon please drop an email or leave a comment below..

 We rode Florida Bus (Espanya) going to Ilocos. It takes us about 6-8 hours..But definitely, all was worth it.

Copyright: © 2012, Owned by Vanessa, Pictures belongs to the author of this Blog, Fashion, Beauty, Food and Travels by Vanessa

Love Vanessa

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TRAVELS: Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Vigan is the capital city of the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It is situated at the northern part of Luzon. It is a World heritage site and is known by its unique architectures of the houses and buildings. The design was like those of the Hispanic era with European touch and it reflects its historical and cultural significance.

At a first glance, what you will notice are the designs of its architectures, as if you were in the time where life are so simple. Stores are also open, offering products such as hats, pashmina, wooden carves, vigan longanisa, souvenirs etc. Part of the trip was to just roam around the place and explore its majestically designed  architectures.

This was our last stop during our visit in Ilocos after visiting Baluarte (another tourist destination). In Vigan, you can also ride in Kalesa( horse and carriage) just like our ancestors back in time where cars were not yet available. At the end of the street, you can see the Cafe Leona and have simple taste of Ilocos Local Meals..Also, a church can be found at the of the street.

Enough of all the ramblings.. Here are the proofs of our Vigan Trip!

Crisologo Street

 I was amazed how these houses were well preserved through the years..

The monument of  Leona Florentino, a famous Ilocana poet, satirist and playwright during the Spanish Period ( See picture below)

 Ilocos Sur Tourism Information Center

 Vigan, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Beautiful Details in each mansion that you can see around Vigan, one of which is this chair that I think is a resemblance of the famous form of transportation in the Philippines back in time..

That's me! As a tourist, one thing a visitor should not forget is Pasalubong(Filipino term for Homecoming gift) !!.. Locally hand-made crafts were also available in Vigan. One way of also helping them is to patronize their product. You're not only getting treats for purchasing Pasalubongs, but you're also helping their livelihood.

Come and visit Vigan, Ilocos Sur! You will surely love it. It's more fun in the Philippines! 

HOW TO GET IN VIGAN?

  Well as for us, we technically had a tour guide from Ilocos, who you can also contact when you want to take a visit in Ilocos and Ilocos Norte. We were like 8 in a group and all in all, we paid Php10,000 - Php 12,000(Philippine Peso)(Forgot the exact price) for 2 days tour around Ilocos. If you want his contact details, Kuya Marlon please drop an email or leave a comment below..

We rode Florida Bus (Espanya) going to Ilocos. It takes us about 6-8 hours..But definitely, all was worth it.

Copyright: © 2012, Owned by Vanessa, Pictures belongs to the author of this Blog, Fashion, Beauty, Food and Travels by Vanessa

Love Vanessa

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TRAVELS: Bell Tower, Ilocos Sur

Bantay Bell Tower is located in the Bantay District of Vigan. This is a WatchTower that was built on 1591. Local Tourists can see the panoramic view of the Ilocos Sur once they climb up the stairs at the top of the tower. Unfortunately for us, we were not able to see what's inside but nevertheless, the view outside of the Bell Towers really justifies its historical and cultural significance.  According to history, this watchtower was used during the World War I and II against the enemies' invasion. Now, it has become one of the tourist destination that tourists, like me, should not miss out.



Here are the pics we took when we were in Ilocos Sur.

 Front View of the Bell Tower

 Front View of the Bell Tower

Closer Look

St. Augustine Church is just a walking- distance away. In here you will see the intricate details of the church because of its facade. This church was built on 1590. Tourists can also enter inside the church to see its historical significance.

 Beautiful Facade

Inside the Church

Come and Visit Ilocos! It's more fun in the Philippines!

Copyright: © 2012, Owned by Vanessa, Pictures belongs to the author of this Blog, Fashion, Beauty, Food and Travels by Vanessa

Love Vanessa


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