From Vigan, I headed further up north to Laoag and lazily roamed around the city and nearby towns for 2 days. Laoag is 2 hours away from Vigan, and around 9 to 10 hours away from Metro Manila , both by public bus. There are comfortable buses that travel by night from Manila to Laoag , as well as the other way around , which I think is fairly ideal to do for budget conscious travelers, because it saves you a night stay at the hotel. Farinas Bus and Partas Bus leaves pasay on a scheduled trip.
I will be uploading a separate detailed post on recommended Ilocos backpacking budget , but for now , here are some of the highlights and the must do’s, inspired by my recent visit to Ilocos Norte:
Visit Bangui Windmills in the Morning . The Windmill complex is an iconic landmark of Ilocos province’s progressive state . Bangui is around an hour bus from Laoag City .
Bangui Wind Farm is a wind farm in Bangui, Ilocos Norte. You probably saw this on several Philippine tourism Ads , such as the “Biyahe Tayo” of Regine Velasquez from few years back. With 20 units wind turbines of 70-metre high, Bangui windmills Asia’s largest wind farm today, making Bangui the capital of green energy in the Philippines
Head further up north and spend lazy afternoon at Pagudpud Beach . This is another hour away from Bangui by bus + tricycle.
Calm and Clear shores of PagudpudThe white sand shore of Pagudpud is comparably as wide as Boracay. Not as fine though , but still very beautiful in such as way that its calm, and fairly unconsumed by resorts and commerce.Fellow Backpackers I met while travelling Ilocos Norte. Shout out to Vincent and the guys. Hola ! =)
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse . Along the way back to Laoag from Pagudpud by bus, drop by this charming lighthouse up the hills of Burgos , overlooking the mighty South China Sea. A lot of Filipino movies have been shot in this enchanting location.
The Mighty waves of South China Sea, crushing though the time formed cliffs of the North.
Lazy around the grounds and gardens of the Majestic Paoay Church , Preferably late afternoon, or ’til sun down, if you wish; Paoay is just 30-45 minutes away from Laoag by public jeepney. A Unesco World Heritage Site, this is probably the most photogenic church I have ever visited. It is also where the Filipino/ Thai movie “Suddenly Its Magic” was shot .
From Paoay, it is also just one tricycle ride away to the Malacanang of the North, a Pride of the Marcos Regime .
Sample Ilocano and international inspired Dishes at Rufino’s Restaurant just beside Paoay Church
Lechon Baka slices in Pita pockets . Yummy ! This is only 85 pesos per plate of 4 . ( as of 2014, that is )Ilocano Pakbet at 95 pesos per meal . Food is fairly affordable in Ilocos , even at restaurant that are a bit fancy and with a great view =)They call it Poki Poki , an ilocano delicacy … which is a battered- deep tried talong (eggplant) Rufino’s however turned theirs into bite sized balls.
Roam Around Laoag City on Foot , and sample grilled Batac Longanisa at Dap ayan food stalls along Rizal Street.
Saint William’s Cathedral in Downtown LaoagIlocos Norte Provincial CapitolSweet Buco Roll, hot and fresh from the oven . This one is really yummy and has recently became a popular item for pasalubong , as per some locals. This Buco Roll Bakery is just at the front of Farinas Bus terminal, and is open 24 hoursSample some yummy Batac Longanisa ( Ilocos Norte’s own ) This Longganisa is a bit milder in taste an smell, compared to Pampanga’s and the usual other Filipino Longganisas.
Visit Ilocos Museum and Check out Food stalls and cafes at the compound of the Museum.
Food Market just beside Ilocos Museum.Johnny’s Pasta with generous seafood toppings , from Johnny Moon’s Cafe . which is as well at the compound of Ilocos MuseumJohnny Moon Cafe , serves Laoag’s contemporary twist on ilocano dishes. The name is keenly thought and derived from one of Philippines’ National Heroes, Juan Luna , who is also from the province of Ilocos NorteFish taco from taco del norte . A good light snack after visiting Ilocos Museum
Where I Stayed : Texicano Hotel along Rizal Street, just stone throws away from Farinas bus Terminal. Rooms start at 350 pesos , Ideal for backpackers. Will upload a separate article for suggested cost, stay tuned =)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines, November 24, 2014 Trust is undeniably an intangible asset that makes an organization a powerhouse. Trust makes past and present generation of customers patronize a product or a service. It is the core value that keeps an organization rooted, grounded, and even impervious to any crisis, from envious competitors to economic crashes.
Photo provided by Uratex Website uratex.com.ph . credits to the owner
Trust has empowered Uratex to grow immensely in over 46 years, from a modest company to a highly respected leader with an influence and loyal customer base here and abroad. Partners, suppliers, and colleagues associate the brand with ingenuity, innovation, reliability, endurance, and a dedicated customer service. Recently, and for the sixth consecutive year, Uratex won the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Platinum Award 2014, an Asia-wide survey running for 15 years now. It covers a wide array of industries, where winners are chosen based on trustworthiness and credibility, quality, value, understanding of customer needs, innovation, and corporate social responsibility.
A passion for excellence characterizes its products. Innovations like the “Quali-5 Cellular Technology” make sure that Uratex foams are undeniably top-notch and world-class, shows the company’s strong adherence to quality; its quality assurance through its ISO-9001 certified facilities; world-class equipment; superior formulation and process engineering technology; and usage of best raw materials.
Photo provided by Uratex Website uratex.com.ph . credits to the owner
It is therefore no surprise that Uratex has become the country’s largest manufacturer of commercial and automotive polyurethane foam products. Uratex is the flagship brand of the RGC Group of Companies, made up of RGC Textile Manufacturing Corporation, Roberts Automotive and Industrial Parts Manufacturing Corporation; and Inoac Philippines, a joint venture with Inoac of Japan, and the RGC Foam Group, composed of Polyfoam-RGC International Corporation, Multiflex RNC Philippines, Inc., and Polyflex Industries. These companies and its 16 first-rate plants are responsible for bringing to the Philippine market high-quality and high value-for-money foam and other products nationwide.
RGC Foam Group is part of the RGC Group of Companies, one of the most progressive manufacturers in the Philippines today. The Group’s thriving foam business began in 1968 when Robert Cheng realized his dream of producing high-quality foam. He founded Polyfoam Chemical Corporation and, later on, expanded into related businesses to address the growing needs of the automotive, furniture, bedding, footwear, textile, garment, and food industries.
“Davao is consistently recognized as one of the most important areas in the country with regard to economic success due to its thriving tourism and commercial industries. Having a Uratex showroom here is part of our earlier commitment of expanding our business here and in other regions and cities in the country. We are proud to be now a part of Davao as it treads toward progress and future development,” says Mr. Eddie Gallor, Vice President RGC Group of Companies.
Aside from being one of the most flourishing cities in the Philippines in terms of economic success, dynamic leadership and good governance, it is also an important growth area in the East Asian Growth Area or EAGA, a Southeast Asian regional economic enclave. Davao is known considered one of Mindanao’s financial hubs with a growing trade, commerce and industrial environment, and touted as the next most important destination for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) locators from Asia and the world, with around more than 20,000 full-time agents working in more than 20 BPO firms of various sizes.
It also has a thriving tourism industry that continues to draw foreign and domestic tourists, which contributed to the surge in the number of hotels, inns, resorts, and other hospitality-related establishments sprouting around the area.
And this is where Uratex sees the importance of the Davao market as it aims to supply world-class quality foam to travel-related establishments to ensure that their customers get very restful and healthful sleep. The same holds true for many Filipino households as for generations, mothers, homemakers, and individuals who hold sleep as a premium for their energetic lifestyle have always patronized Uratex mattresses.
It is this kind of quiet but solid, relentless support and trust that Uratex hopes to gain in Davao and the rest of the Philippines. Customers, clients, and partners have always recognized that it is their welfare that Uratex constantly keeps in mind – and it is their needs that the organization address in its continuing mission to innovate and develop its products.
DAVAO SHOWROOM
>>>>>>>>>>> National Road Corner Belen Road Brgy. Pampanga
Known for its Filipino old world charm, the City of Vigan has already become one of the most desired local tourist spot to visit here in the Philippines. A recognized Unesco World Heritage treasure, strolling around the old city’s cobblestone pavements and well preserved Spanish Era Architecture is such a nostalgic experience, giving visitors a feel of how days and nights were during the old days. In addition to that, Vigan is also the destination to enjoy authentic Ilocano cuisine , with restaurants and street side eateries serving Vigan longganisa, bagnet and empanada, to name a few specialties. In all honesty, Vigan is indeed a must visit for Filipinos; A “must experience”, at least once in our lives.
Vigan is a relatively small city around 8 hours away from Metro Manila by Bus. I stayed there for 2 days before heading to Laoag, which is around 2 hours further up North. With no particular and strict itinerary, I lazily roamed around the city by myself and spent late afternoon sipping coffee along Calle Crisologo. Travel is best spent when you really don’t have to rush time to see everything there is. A lazy walk on streets and local markets gives us travelers better chance to experience the vibe of the place more. =)
I will be uploading a separate post on recommended Ilocos backpacking budget , but for now , here are some of the highlights and the must do’s, inspired by my recent visit to Vigan:
Exploring the Famous Calle Crisologo – the center and the most well preserved part of Vigan’s Unesco World Heritage Protected Area
Calle Crisologo , ViganSample of Antique Displays along the road
Museum Visits and roaming around the rest of Vigan City Center on Foot. The city is relatively small and easy to navigate. However, the most interesting mode to see Vigan is on a Kalesa ( Horse Drawn Carriage ). The Kucheros are much willing to be a guide for P 150 per hour . Renting a bike is also a cute idea , any hotel can assist you on where to get one =)
The tower at the center Plaza Salcedo is somewhat historic , as this has been used to publicly execute criminals and rebels during the Spanish Era ; Gabriela Silang was among them. Today , this tower has become the centerpiece of the lively fountain park of the Plaza.Some interesting installments along the streets of ViganThis is what Tricycles / tuktuks look like in Vigan . Almost all of Vigan Tricycles were made to be artsy . =)The Unesco World Heritage MonumentA corner Cafe serving fried chicken since 1956. Chicken is delicious ! =)
Visit nearby town of Bantay to see the Old Church and Bell Tower. Bantay is just around 10 minutes tricycle ride from Calle Crisologo . I even managed to just walk from Bantay Church all the way back to Calle Crisologo for around 30 minutes. That was a leisurely late afternoon walk , and I got to cross the bridge on foot . =)
Centuries Old Bantay ChurchThe Bantay Bell Tower, which folks say, is slowly sinking down . This structure is relatively unrepaired for centuries now.A leisurely walk from Bantay Church to Vigan City CenterLighting of incense at Bantay Church as an offering to the departed loved ones.
Sample staple ilocano noodle specialties such as this Pancit Batil Patung. A mix of fine noodles topped with deep fried pork meat (Bagnet), vegetables, bean sprouts , chicharon and a sweet specialty sauce that has a mild but recognizable “patis” (Fish Sauce) taste in it . It also comes with a sunny side up on top. A nice garden restaurant just outside Bantay Church serves such good noodle dish for only 60 to 65 pesos.
Pancit Batil Patung for only 65 pesosThe Garden Restaurant serving pancit specialties, which is located just outside Bantay Church. This should not be missed.
Quest to find the best Vigan Empanada ( .. Or just my humble excuse to eat more empanada. haha ) Vigan Empanada is famous for its staple ilocano style filling of seasoned Vigan Longanisa (skinned) carrots, cabbage , and whole egg. I tried several empanadas and found the best one on an eatery in fron of Plaza Burgos, which was way better than the most publicized one along Calle Crisologo.
The best Empanada for me is found at an eatery fronting Plaza Burgos, prepared by Aling Peng. This one was more flavourful than other empanadas i tried .This is the Empanada at Irene’s along Calle Crisologo . Its just ” so-so ” , but the store location is good; As such, this one sells better .Another Sampling of Empanada just along the Park, this one is more meaty and it does not have an egg in it. The ones prepared by Aling Peng at Plaza Burgos is still better.Empanadas are fried fresh , basically everywhere in Vigan
Sample some Ilocano Pakbet, Sinanglaw ( Beef Innards in Clear soup ) and other local viands at the eateries along Plaza Burgos.
If I am not mistaken, Ilocano Pakbet is a bit oily, more of like stir fried but ma sarsa … unlike pakbet in Bisaya which is a bit saucy. Plus, Ilocano Pakbet always has crispy pork in it. =)Sinanglaw Beef Soup
Witness the Fountain Show at Plaza Salcedo every 7 pm in the evening.
Stroll around Calle Crisologo once more, and this time, in the evening . =)
Recommended Affordable Stay : Vigan Hotel , which is just behind Vigan Cathedral and the School . a few steps away from Calle Crisologo. A non air room costs only 400 pesos per night. This affordable option was recommended to me by Nik of Pinoyontheroad.com
Backpacking Laoag and the rest of Ilocos Norte is up next. Stay tuned =)
Adding up to Davao City’s exciting choices of restaurants serving sumptuous buffets, Al’s Kitchen 360° recently introduced its 249 Pesos comfort food buffet , available for lunch and dinner all Fridays and Saturdays. Located at the ground floor of Metro Lifestyle Complex along Torres Street corner Jacinto Street, Al’s Kitchen 360° is known and popular to Metro Lifestyle Gym goers as “Fruitea Master” food and drinks station serving pro-fitness beverages and post workout meals, as well as regular set meals served in big portions. And with the introduction of the 249 Pesos buffet, Davaoenos can now enjoy the restaurant’s specialties , “All you can Eat” Style.
For 249 pesos, diners get to enjoy a feast of the restaurant’s best, such as the seafood curry pasta (which is a personal fave ) and Beefy Pasta in Italian red sauce, among others . The Buffet also includes BBQ’ed meat , Chicken Fingers , a number of appetizers , as well as the restaurant’s noted Fresh Salad Ala Fruitea Master .
Seafood Curry Pasta. A Personal Fave !Beefy Pasta in Italian Red SauceAl’s Kitchen 360’s Fresh Salad ala Fruitea Master . A mix of Greens, vegetable , Apple and Grapes slices in light dressing, topped with parmesan cheese.Al’s Pasta , Salad , Pork Steak and Chicken Fingers, all included in the 249 pesos Buffet.Some walk in Diners excited to enjoy the lunch buffet . lol !Apart from the Weekend buffet , Al’s is also worth a try any time of the week . Their Ala Carte Meals come in large servings and are priced just right .
Travel + Lifestyle + Architecture Blog 