A Stormy Trip to LAOAG and VIGAN

Taking advantage of the long weekend last 27-30 August 2011, we decided to take our long-intended LAOAG-VIGAN trip. We booked a Dvo-Mla-Dvo flight, reserved a 2night stay in Fort Ilocandia (Laoag) and a one night stay in Vigan Plaza Hotel, booked a van for our long drive from Manila to Laoag and back, and prepared a detailed itinerary (the first time I prepared one for a trip). With every detail taken cared of, we were all set for our tour.

SUPERTYPHOON MINA ARRIVED

The night before our trip, Storm Signal No. 1 was declared in Ilocos Norte (where Laoag is) and Ilocos Sur (where Vigan is). Thinking that it only means rain and wind that are just a little stronger than normal, we decided to continue with our trip.

FIRST STOP: ISDAAN, Gerona, Tarlac

ISDAAN is the famed floating restaurant in Gerona, Tarlac where motorists and travelers usually make a stop-over. With its gigantic statues, it really is hard to miss. The place looks like a mini fishing village with several small and big huts where guests could take their meal. To get to these huts, you have to cross interconnected bridges made of bamboo. Underneath is a big pond teeming with fishes.

In one corner of the establishment is their TACSIYAPO WALL where you will be encouraged to throw breakable things as stress-reliever or to release some pent-up anger. Breakable plates, glasses, vases, etc. are available for sale (starting price: about P15). I was told they use to sell working TVs which you can also throw and break for P1500/TV.

THE TACSIYAPO ALL

About to throw a mug

The food in ISDAAN is ok and the price is quite reasonable. We ordered some of their specialties and some “normal” food. We liked their tahong cooked in garlic and their spare ribs.

We wanted to further tour the place and take several pictures but since it was raining, we weren’t able to do so. Hence, the crappy pictures.

After our stop in ISDAAN, we started our looooong and stormy journey to LAOAG. It was raining hard on some areas and we passed by several flooded areas. In my itinerary, we were supposed to visit the AGOO Church in La Union but we had to scrap it because of the rain.

FORT ILOCANDIA, LAOAG CITY

THE HOTEL'S FACADE

It was about 11pm when we arrived at the hotel. The expected 10-12hr trip stretched to a 14hr trip (including stops for meals) because of the storm.

Loved the hotel’s rustic appeal with its façade and interior walls covered with red bricks and its floors laden with Vigan tiles. The lobby has impressive huge chandeliers and a charming wooden and winding staircase. But since they do not turn on all the lights (only one or two of the chandeliers were turned on), it’s quite dark, gloomy and eerie. 


It is apparent that it used to be a grand hotel but somehow lost its grandeur along the way. From the outside, it is still an imposing and beautiful hotel but inside, it just feels a little deserted.

THE LOBBY

THE RECEPTION AREA

THE BEAUTIFUL FOUNTAIN WHICH WAS NEVER TURNED ON THE WHOLE TIME WE STAYED THERE

FIRST DAY: LAOAG CITY – A Series of Unfortunate Events

Storm Signal No. 2 in Laoag is up! Our entire first day was spent TRYING to tour the place. Attempts for some sightseeing (Windmills, Marcos Museum, Malacanang of the North) were foiled by heavy rain, strong wind, flood, and brown-outs. The only “touristy” place we visited was their famed LA PRECIOSA Restaurant which we were not able to fully enjoy as their electricity was out, it took forever to have our food served, and a customer beside us was griping loudly because of the slow service. We ordered crispy dinuguan (A MUST!), pinakbet, bagnet and Vigan longanissa. VERDICT: The BAGNET was a little bland for my taste; We liked the CRISPY DINUGUAN. The crispy fried pork went well with the “dugo” which was cooked much drier than what I’m used to. The PINAKBET was okay; We didn’t like the VIGAN LONGANISSA.

The famed VIGAN LONGANISSA

The last stop for the day – Robinsons Mall! The only place where we could go around without getting wet! 

SECOND DAY: VIGAN TOUR

Weather was much nicer now. First stop was at the CRISOLOGO MUSEUM which used to be the house of former Congressman Floro Crisologo who was murdered inside a church and whose murder was never resolved.

Some fascinating items can be found inside such as, a wooden refrigerator, an ancient typewriter, old cooking stuff, and of course, the bloodied pants of the late congressman (as emphasized by the museum's caretaker). The museum does not charge entrance fees but donations are very much welcome.

stone roller for chocolates

CRISOLOGO as FATHER OF SSS

Room of his famous son

an ancient stove

VIGAN CALESA TOUR

St. Augustine Church

After visiting the museum, we hired two calesas to tour us around the city (we paid 150 per hour each). First stop was the pretty St. AUGUSTINE CHURCH. The facade is covered with red bricks and its columns are cream-colored. I also has a bell tower located several meters from the church which is also laden with red bricks.

Then we proceeded to the BURNAYAN JAR FACTORY where one worker demonstrated to us how they make vases out of clay.


Next stop was the HIDDEN GARDEN - it's actually just a small quaint garden with a small cafe and a wishing well. Nothing much to see here. I like their comfort room though - one side of the wall has a floor to ceiling see-through glass to give you a view of a small pocket garden while you're doing your thing. :D

BALUARTE NI SINGSON came next. It's a privately-owned zoo by Gov. Chavit Singson and entrance is entirely free. Inside you can ride a small carriage being drawn by a MINIATURE HORSE for a quick tour of the place. From afar you can see a building with gold-tinted windows/facade and a tree(!) growing on top of the building . We were told it's the house of Gov. Singson.

With the MINIATURE HORSE

Last stop of the tour is the CRISOLOGO ST. We love this place!! The street is cobbled with stones and is lined with ancient houses on both sides most of which are being used as souvenir shops selling Vigan made/woven handicrafts, shirts, etc... There was also a school and a funeral parlor (!).

CRISOLOGO ST.  We arrived early so most of the stores were still closed

Lunch was at the Vigan-themed McDonalds.

BATAC, Ilocos Norte


On our way back to Laoag, we dropped by the MARCOS MUSEUM and MAUSOLEUM at Batac, Ilocos Norte (about 20kms from Laoag).  To my surprise, my children were really very excited to see the body of Marcos, Sr. whom they hear so much in school. The museum is virtually a shrine for Marcos. On the ground floor, you can watch a 20-minute documentary about his life and accomplishments. On the 2nd floor is a chronological depiction (through pictures and news clippings) of his political career.

A TRIBUTE TO IMELDA's Fashion Sense

understandably blank

The year Marcos died

The mausoleum is just beside the museum. Unfortunately, taking pictures inside is strictly prohibited. Inside, the walls were painted in black and upon entering, you can hear an eerie background music which scared my youngest daughter.


Marcos' body is placed inside a glass enclosure allowing you to view him on all sides. He looks very well-preserved prompting my youngest daughter to ask if it is really him.

EMPANADA

After, we crossed the street to taste their well-known empanada and longanissa at Glomy's. The empanada turned out to be (or looks like) a lumpia wrapper filled with meat and vegetables (coleslaw? papaya strips?) and egg, folded in half and deep fried. Personally, I think liking it would be an acquired taste. I like BATAC LONGANISSA though a lot better than the Vigan counterpart.

BATAC LONGANISSA

We then drove for about 5 minutes to view the famous PAOAY CHURCH - a very old but beautiful Church. It is so old that ferns are already growing on its outer walls. It is said to be originally built between 1699-1704.

PAOAY CHURCH

A few more minutes of driving, then we were at the MALACANANG OF THE NORTH. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed entry as it was already closed. The place closes at 4:30 p.m. and we arrived just a few minutes before 5 p.m.


3RD DAY: WINDMILLS and LIGHTHOUSE


Since our Laoag-Manila flight was scheduled at 11 a.m. (cancelled our long drive back), my husband and I woke up early in the morning so we could still go further north to see the BANGUI WINDMILLS and the BURGOS LIGHTHOUSE.


BANGUI WINDMILLS





We reached the windmills after an hour of driving.  They're huge but pretty. There were about 20 of them and allegedly supplied a large percentage of electricity in the area. It was raining intermittently so getting good pictures was a challenge.

BURGOS LIGHTHOUSE


On our way back to the hotel, we dropped by the old Cape Bojeador Lighthouse (also known as Burgos Lighthouse as it is situated in the town of Burgos) which is several minutes away from Bangui Windmills. It was allegedly first lit on 30 March 1892 and is still functioning. It was still closed so we just took pictures outside. Overlooking the lighthouse is the beautiful South China Sea.

Despite the stormy weather and our series of unfortunate events, it was still a fun trip and an educational one for my kids who were able to witness firsthand and for the first time what a typhoon is :D