Beginning Vigan, Ilocos Sur (Ilocos Region, Philippines)

There is something in that place that keeps me coming back for. Ilocos region has been my favorite destination up north, why? That's because the places in the north gives me memories that I can treasure for a lifetime. I have been invited by my good friend, Janie to spend three days there to celebrate her twentieth birthday celebration with her college friends at her Mom's province. It was totally a province life experience. (October 20 - 23, 2011)

Ilocos Sur:

After chillaxin' for several hours at Sta. Lucia, we traveled to Vigan and stayed there for overnight. Went to Baluarte Zoo.

I wasn't able to capture the whole BALAUARTE word. Since, I'm using my 50mm lens, I can't zoom the objectives.

I'm always interested in knowing facts about the 'Avian' world. These parrots are located at the railings near the entrance of the zoo.

I believed, this is a Philippine Cockatoo. (If I'm not mistaken)

This one is a Great Green Parrot. (Free to correct, If I'm wrong.)

After that tiring visit at Baluarte zoo, we went to Janie's relative who sells Vigan Empanada and Okoy. It is best when combined with Sukang Ilocos. Food tripping is always best when you're with friends.

Ate Florence, she's good in cooking sumptuous Vigan Empanada.

Since I'm not a fan of Empanadas, I was hesitant at first to try their version of it. Surprisingly, I liked the taste of theirs.

I ordered Special Vigan Empanada which contains the wrap, egg, papaya shreds and the delicious Vigan Longanissa.

I I first tried this Special Vigan Empanada, last summer. When I went to Vigan with High School friends. Since, then, I keep craving for more. And, that food would be one of the reason why I will keep coming back to Vigan.

Others ordered, Vigan Okoy. It contains flour, shrimps, veggies. It's also good! 

After filling out our tummy, we visited the famous Historic Town of Vigan - UNESCO World Heritage. Walked at Vigan Heritage Village. I fell in love with this old place since my first visit with family way back in 2003, I think.

I always find myself going back to this place. It's actually my third time here. VIgan Heritage Village.

This is a typical "Tricycle" in Vigan. They have that plate number. It's cool!

There's this "newly opened" super club in Vigan Heritage Village.

The best part of this village = Street lights in ancestral houses during night time.

Janie's good friend, and my new friend also, Billie, nice cam!

Janie with Preciel, her college best friend.

Vigan always looks good anytime of the day.

The kid who always wants to know history,
Aaron.

Revisiting Banaue With Batad Sidetrip (Ifugao, Philippines)

Second time in Banaue has never been this good. Booked our bus tickets day before our journey. Thanks to my good friend, Frenniel for helping me to find the Florida Bus ticketing office. The time of the trip to Banaue is usually Midnight. So, it's a night trip. The bus usually arrive in the morning. Florida Bus doesn't have a website, you can try to contact and locate them here. 

Banaue View Point. This has the perfect rice terraces in Banaue. But, yea. There's more!

Before checking in to the inn. We had breakfast at Las Vegas Restaurant. 

 It was considered as one of Banaue's Must Try! as written in Lonely Planet Philippines Guide Book. The food was great! Lovely Banana Pancakes. I always love to try Banana Pancakes in any place. And, listen to Banana Pancakes By: Jack Johnson.They serve wide variety of foods. From Filipino to American foods.

While waiting for our breakfast to be served, a woman uproached us and offered us some tours.

 She didn't gave that map, so we took a picture of it instead. Anyway, we contacted her and tried her tour to Batad.

We rode a tricycle to reach Ilob Village Inn. We were supposed to stay at this native ifugao house. But, we assumed that too much cold weather might make us uncomfortable to sleep.

The room is nice. Good for 4 persons. We were charged 800 for the whole overnight stay at the inn.

After resting for several hours, we contacted the lady who offered us the sidetrip to Batad and meet her up outside the Las Vegas Restaurant where we met her first.

The native ifugao house. I stayed in this house when I first visited Banaue in 2007, I think.

The skull of a carabao outside an ifugao house. I just took one photo. They're many! They have some beliefs and explanation why they're hanging these outside their houses.

The road to Batad.

We weren't able to try the top load on our forward trip. 

The sidetrip to Batad were joined by old Italian couples, a Chinese and an Irish backpacker. And the four of us, my cousin Roch, her boyfriend, Jason, my goodfriend, Janie and I.

Muddy trekking!

That was a long trek. I didn't notice that I'm overcoming my fear of doing these kind of activities. I was overwhelmed. But, tired. Anyways, it's all worth it!

Notice what I'm wearing. Slippers again. I always fail in bringing trek shoes. Anyway, all of my treks are unexpected.

The Italian couple decided to go to Tappia Fals. Our group decided to have our ate lunch at a restaurant downhill.

On our way to the start of the saddle, we took short cut. This 34678613746895483473 steps is just tiring but much nearer.

Yes! Topload, baby! Like a boss. Priceless experience, you guys should not miss this when you visit Banaue-Batad or to Bontoc-Sagada. v.v.

We saw this cool local who even offered us to drink some beers and wine with their group. Rice wine, it is! Had dinner at Las Vegas Restaurant again, and went to the inn. The brownout that time was around the whole town.

We were bored that time. It's cold. Then we decided to play cards, much some chips and some beers! My cousin Roch and Jason, teach us a new card game. 'Gin Rummy'. It was an epic night, indeed. Went sleep after. 

The morning after, we hired a tricycle to tour us. We went to different view points to see the  rice terraces and to have an up close encounter. Hahaha.

Banaue Tour Map. We also stopped at the Banaue Tourist Information Center.

Went to Banaue Museum also. The culture of the indigenous Ifugao tribe were brilliant and abundant.

My good friend, Janie. To Banaue Museum?

With mg 1000 peso bill, showcasing the actual site. The fog that time was getting heavy!

This is the site. 1000PHP.

Outside the Banaue Museum. Truly, an educational trip also. Hahaha.

Posing with an old ifugao man.

The old ifugao ladies.

With the two Old Ifugao Native Woman. Happiest persons I've met. They produce the sound "Ahihihihi" when you take pictures with them (Facts: the Old Woman on the left is 100 years old.)

Bought some pasalubongs, what can you expect? Wood materials. Hahaha.

The kid who never miss Banana Pancakes in a certain place,

Aaron.