Hundred Islands National Park

HUNDRED ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK

The Hundred Islands National Park is in the province of Pangasinan in northern Philippines. It is located in Alaminos  City, Pangasinan. The islands (124 at low tide and 123  at high tide) are scattered along Lingayen  Gulf and cover an area of 18.44 square kilometres (4,557 acres).  They are believed to be about two million years old. Only three of them  have been developed for tourists: Governor Island, Quezon Island, and  Children’s Island. The islands are actually ancient corals that extend  well inland, in an area previously comprising the seabed of an ancient  sea. Lowering sea levels have exposed them to the surface and the  peculiar “mushroom”-like shapes of some of the islands have been caused  by the eroding action of the ocean waves.

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Our Lady of Manaoag Church

OUR LADY OF MANAOAG CHURCH

Our Lady of Manaoag is located in Manaoag, Pangasinan. It was given it’s canonical coronation in 1926 though the church was built in 1610. Our Lady of Manaoag is a religious shrine with with countless miraculous tales and healing powers. It is considered the pilgrimage shrine of northern Philippines.  The Pilipino Catholics consider Our Lady of Manaoag as the revered patroness of the sick, the helpless and the needy.

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Umbrella Rocks

UMBRELLA ROCKS

The town of Agno is a home of Sabangan Beach, Aloleng – Bunga Beach and the Famous Umbrella Rocks. The town’s attractions are very relaxing place perfect for people who’s looking for places where they can release stress from work. You do not prevent yourself to jump and feel the coolness of the clear ocean waters, feel the fragrance of fresh air, play with the white sand, and taking some pictures of beautiful and gigantic umbrella rocks in the coast of Agno, Pangasinan.

The area is rich in natural resources and their lands are very productive in rice, magoes, vegetables and root crops. Bamboo and coconut are also abundant in this idyllic town. It is also possesses a vast fishing ground of milkfish “bangus” fry and big fish like tuna and blue marlins.

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Thunderbird Resorts

THUNDERBIRD RESORTS

Thunderbird Resorts (Philippines) or Thunderbirds Resort-Hotel is the only five-star hotel-resort in Northern Luzon, Philippines. It is owned by an international property developer, anchored by casino and providing hospitality services in Asia and Latin America. It has other branches in Costa Rica, India, Nicaragua and Peru. It is located at VOA, Pennsylvania Avenue, Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone, San Fernando, La Union, fronting the finest beaches and facing the Lighthouse beside Wallace Air Station, a United States Air Force (USAF) facility located in the Philippines.

The Resort is surrounded by the Thunderbird Residences that were inaugurated in October 2010. A model unit, Athena is one of the 10 beach homes-Villas (under a rental contract) facing the main lobby of the hotel. Chloe, Selene, Alexa and Aphrodite homes are also in the Resort, which has 80 lots (within 15 hectares).

The Mediterranean-inspired architecture of the hotel has an active boardwalk inside a seaside landscape, including a golf & beach club (amid white-sand beaches built upon a scenic cliff/lake-view course standing upon a peninsula of 65 hectares of prime property). Its Fiesta Casinos features slot machines and table games near the Cabana Bar. 

The Resort overlooks the edge of a headland into the South China Sea

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Surfin' Philippines

SURFIN' PHILIPPINES

 

If you are looking for a surfing destination in the Philippines, especially for beginners, then head off and hit the waves at San Juan, La Union. Here, you can get a lesson from trained surfers. Surf rental is also available. Although they have a standard price for the lesson and the rental of the surfboards, you can actually haggle for a better price especially if the beach is not too crowded with surfers. Don't expect to haggle on a summer weekend though.

Try the in and outs of surfing at San Juan Surf School. They offer affordable surfing lessons and they also encourage the kids to learn this very cool water sport.

Surf! I went to two beaches where you can surf. I don't remember what the name of the beaches were but it's something you can take note of when you're around the area and waves are too high in one beach; you can move to check the other beach. Around 15-20 minute drive to each other. 

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Christ the Redeemer

 

 CHRIST THE REDEEMER

In grateful thanksgiving to the City of San Fernando and Province of La Union, Congressman Victor F. Ortega and Former Mayor Mary Jane C. Ortega and their family personally commissioned the 25 foot statue of Christ the Redeemer at Reservoir Hill, overlooking the city proper and San Fernando Bay.

This was inspired by former Undersecretary Jose “Peping” Mabanta and wife Belle Campos Zita, who put up in their retirement home in Pililla, Rizal a statue similar to that in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Ortega family thought it would be good to have a similar statue at Bacsil Ridge but Mr. Mabanta suggested that it is better to put up the statue near the city proper. When Mr. Juan Go heard about this, he offered his lot for free. Mr. Juan Go and family donated the 100 sq. meter area on which the statue stands. Having a common dream, a dream of leaving a landmark that would express their gratitude for the love and support from our community, the Ortega and Go families joined hands to have the project realized.

Since then, on Good Friday, a procession called "Mary's Way" starts at the St. William's Cathedral and the devotees walk barefoot, praying the rosary and when they reach the place of the Christ the Redeemer, they follow the Stations of the Cross donated by Gov. and Mrs. Manoling Ortega, and they recreate Christ's suffering and ending at the Christ the Redeemer statue, just when the sun rises.

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Paoay Sand Dunes

PAOAY SAND DUNES

The Paoay sand dunes is a 88km of pure sand which is adjacent to Suba Beach. This place is a protected area that was furnished with landscapes creating a stunning view of creative nature. It has been a shooting ground of some Hollywood and local movies such as Ang Panday, Mad Max and Born on the Fourth of July. Due to the nice sand landscape this place attracts a lot of sandboarders and thrill riders and us.

At first I was so nervous and afraid that I might fall flat on my face or worst tumble down but desire gives you limitless experience so I did my first try (bahala-na-si-batman-mode). I fell my ass on the sand gracefully on the middle of the trail but it was fun and fine – no wounds and sprains what so ever, same goes with my sisters and Jac. I have tried it more than a dozen of times because the moment that you learn to balance and slide smoothly down without falling is a very nice experience and  will make you crave for a deeper slopes. 

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Bangui Windmills

BANGUI WINDMILLS

Reminds me of a huge ivory that looks like a boat at the top of that spot. How nature and years and years of forces of the water, current and waves formed that amazing rock. Actually the rocky coast of that beach is totally beautiful. Every part of it tells different story and speaks magical history of the place and time from then and till now.

The windmills are considered as Southeast Asia’s biggest wind turbines.They are located in Ilocos Norte are 20 beautiful windmills or wind turbines which resemble giant electric fans. Each wind turbine has the capacity to generate electricity up to a maximum of 1.65 Megawatts for a total of 24.75 Megawatts. The 20 turbines are lined up along an arc manner following the shoreline of Bangui Bay facing the West Philippine Sea at the northwest tip of Luzon island.

The windmills or wind farm is part of the Ilocos Norte wind power project which erected the turbines in a single row, 326 meters apart. The turbine hub height from ground level to center of nacelle reaches 70 meters high. Each blade is 41 meters long with a rotor diameter of 82 meters and wind swept area of 5281 square meters.

40 % of the generated electricity is sold and used by the residents in the area.

Everyone is welcome to see and go near the windmills so as to closely appreciate the beauty of the wind turbines and the Pagudpud beach.

The windmills as well as nearby Pagudpud is a favorite travel destination in Ilocos Norte. Booking a hotel in this area is easy and can be done via an online travel services like agoda.com. Simply type in the location: Ilocos Norte.

The fascinating windmills are considered the biggest wind turbines in Southeast Asia. We, Filipinos are proud for having a fascinating site while utilizing renewable energy resources to reduce greenhouse effect that causes global warming.

The Bangui Windmills can be reached from the city of Laoag, Ilocos Norte by taking the Laoag-Cagayan route. A directional marker provided at the left side of the road about 5 minutes from Burgos town proper will guide you to Bangui Bay. This leads to a gravel road with a downward slope leading to the beach. You will be amazed by the sight of the windmills right after the initial turn.

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Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

KAPURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATION

The Kapurpurawan rock formation is located on the rocky coast of Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It is known for its creamy white and streamlined limestone formations, which have been sculpted by different oceanic and weather forces. Burgos is located on the northwestern tip of Ilocos Norte.

One of the most fascinating and stunning wonders of the Philippines I ever saw was the Kapurpurawan Rock formation in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. We went here after we visited the famous Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. In this page, I’ve included some photos taken from our travel in Ilocos and specifically in this beautiful place, how to go there and how much would it cost.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation nestles along the popular Kapurpurawan beach (called by locals) but really the spot is along the Bangui Bay. Seeing this nature’s wonder, I asked ‘Manong’ our tour guide what is meant by the term ‘kapurpurawan’. He told me it is an Ilocano word which means white. And the magical rock is indeed white.

Reminds me of a huge ivory that looks like a boat at the top of that spot. How nature and years and years of forces of the water, current and waves formed that amazing rock. Actually the rocky coast of that beach is totally beautiful. Every part of it tells different story and speaks magical history of the place and time from then and till now.

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Leona Florentino House and Statue

LEONA FLORENTINO HOUSE & STATUE

Leona Florentino (19 April 1849 - 4 October 1884) was a Filipino poet in the Spanish and Ilocano languages. She is considered as the "mother of Philippine women's literature" and the "bridge from oral to literary tradition".

Born to a wealthy and prominent family in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Florentino began to write her first verses in Ilocano at a young age. Despite her potential, she was not allowed to receive a university education because of her gender. Florentino was instead tutored by her mother, and then a series of private teachers. An educated Ilocano priest taught her advanced Spanish and encouraged her to develop her voice in poetry.

Florentino married a politician named Elias de los Reyes at the age of 14. They had five children together. Their son Isabelo de los Reyes later became a Filipino writer, activist and senator. Due to the feminist nature of her writings, Florentino was shunned by her husband and son; she lived alone in exile and separately from her family. She died at the age of 35.

From the Vigan City Plaza to the Heritage Village, a conspicuous structure at the left side of the Crisologo Street greets the eager yet oblivious tourists. The building is called Leona Florentino House.

Named after the foremost Ilocano poetess, subtle satirist and playwright, the Leona Florentino House was built by Don Marcelo Pichay, Cabeza Actual of the Mestizo District, and his wife, Doña Maria Estefania. The original house was burnt to the ground during the great fire in 1797.

The house was inherited by their daughter, Doña Luisa, who married Don Josep Florentino de San Joaquin on April 22, 1801. The couple had three children: Paula, Marcelino, and Victor. The middle child, Marcelino became the father of Leona.

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Pagburnayan (Jar Marketing Factory)

PAGBURNAYAN (JAR MAKING FACTORY) 

Pagburnayan Jar Making is one of the famous and must see attraction in Ilocos Sur. It is located in Brgy. Pagburnayan Vigan. Pagburnayan is a place where they used the old and authentic methods in pottery. The root word “burnay” is an earthenware jar crafted by potter’s hands with the aid of a potter’s wheel. It uses fine sand (anay) as a tempering material and fired at a high temperature in a huge brick-and-clay ground kiln that make it is harder and more durable than other terra cotta. The local bagoong(fish sauce), sugarcane vinegar, and basi wine would not taste as good as if not fermented in burnay jars.

Tourists can also experience pottery making with their bare hands for free. There are also souvenir shops around the area and it’s cheaper compared to those stores in Calle Crisologo. One of the famous shops is the Ruby Pottery, it is open daily from 9:00 AM – 4PM. There are so many designs and sizes available for tourist to buy. 

It was so cool. You can try it! I was lazy to wash my hands afterwards so I didn’t try it.  

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Vigan City

VIGAN CITY

 Vigan is one of Philippines' most beautiful cities, as it showcases the Spanish heritage of the country.

Vigan, the capital of Ilocos Sur, has been announced as one of the 14 official finalists in the New 7 Wonders, a project that seeks to have people choose their 7 wonders of the world.

Vigan city is located in the northern part of the Philippines and it's historical center, which is called the heritage village, is listed on the UNESCO world heritage list since 2 December 1999 for it's unique spanish colonial history in Asia and the very well preserved spanish monumental buildings which where build in the 18th century.

With this website we like to give our viewers an impression of the spanish heritage village in Vigan city completed with other touristic information about Vigan city which might be very usefull for those viewers who are also intending to visit the Philippines and planning a trip to Vigan City in the future.

People who will visit Vigan City will find a very modern and clean city with lots of restaurants, hotels and shops and many touristic sight to be seen. The climate in Vigan is ideal in the winter season with temperatures from 20 to 25 degrees celcius and if you like it more warm the the summer season might be the best.

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St. John Cathedral

ST. JOHN CATHEDRAL

St. John's Cathedral also known as the St. John the Divine, the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba, is an Anglican church perched on a hilltop in St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda. It is the seat of the Diocese of the North East Caribbean and Aruba in the Church in the Province of the West Indies.

The present cathedral with its imposing white twin towers was built on a fossilized reef, in 1845, and is now in its third incarnation, as earthquakes in 1683 and in 1745 destroyed the previous structures. The iron gates on the south face of the church are flanked by pillars displaying lead Biblical figures of St John the Divine and St John the Baptist. They were taken by HMS Temple in 1756, from a French ship destined for Martinique

The Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist also known as the Dagupan Cathedral is located along Burgos Street in Dagupan, Pangasinan) It is the Episcopal Seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. Its titular head is Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas.

The Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist was granted a special bond of spiritual affinity with the Papal Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls.

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Dawel River Cruise

DAWEL RIVER CRUISE

The rivers, they say, are the home of the famous Dagupan bangus (milkfish). The dark green color of the water is said to be an indicator that there are a lot of planktons and algae that serve as food for the bangus.

Dawel River Cruise is somewhat similar to what is being offered in other tourist sites like the Loboc River Cruise in Bohol. The natural scenery is not exactly same though, so it’s worth checking out both.

Dagupan’s landscape has more of coastal wetlands with a wider and more complex natural waterways.

It was refreshing to know the city government launched the Dawel River Cruise. I thought it was an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of Dagupan and learn more about lifeblood of communities along the Dawel River.

The best part of the cruise was the fish pond stop-over. Many ponds are situated along the river. We met Gerry who was taking care of really large bangus. It was my first time to see bangus with backs that are colored green.

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Bangus Festival

BANGUS FESTVAL

This is celebrated every month of April. This is the city’s way of featuring their bangus products with its unique taste. During the festival there are dancers and performers parading the city streets, all wearing or handling a bangus image with them.

The Bangus Festival is one of the country’s biggest and most colorful celebrations of local industry and culture. As Dagupan City is primarily known for its tasty bangus products, the annual affair has consistently drawn people from all over the Philippines to savor the native delicacy and to enjoy the many activities lined up for the whole festivity.

Now in its 11th year, the Bangus Festival has become even bigger and more exciting. Jumpstarting another decade of feasting on bountiful bangus harvests are new events that further highlight the best of Dagupan’s produce. Aside from the usual Gilon-gilon ed Dalan or street dance depicting the gathering of bangus, this year’s Festival includes the first ever International Cook Fest or Bangusine (Bangus cuisine). Foreign students and delegates will be joining this cooking exhibition to demonstrate their own take on the prized fish. One can expect to taste bangus in a variety of delicious Oriental and Western flavors.

Local entrepreneurs and food enthusiasts need not worry as the Festival also features a month-long bazzar called the One Barangay, One Product and One Town, One Product Trade Fair. This new expo will exhibit and sell only native products and delicacies from participating municipalities, giving tourists a delightful chance to relish different regional treats without having to leave the city. What’s more, the much-awaited Festivals of the North makes a return with many of Dagupan’s neighboring cities and towns to compete for the best fiesta-themed street dance title. Guests from down South will likewise grace the occasion to perform in their own unique music and costume.

The Bangus Festival will never be complete without the Bangusan Street Party and Kalutan ed Dalan. Famous bands will be rocking the streets as people revel in the succulence of grilled seafood. During these events, barbecues will be lining the highways, with several stages for music and entertainment. Young and old party goers will never be disappointed with this extravagant blowout.

From a humble beginning in 2002 to a lavish celebration today, the Bangus Festival has come a long way in establishing its place on the Philippines’ list of best fiestas. Now that it is back under Mayor Belen Fernandez’s chairmanship, it is anticipated to be grander and even more exuberant. No longer confined to the region, this year’s Bangus Festival invites everyone from all parts of the globe to join the Dagupenos in celebrating the overflowing abundance of their catch.

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Vigan

VIGAN

Vigan is one of Philippines' most beautiful cities, as it showcases the Spanish heritage of the country.

Vigan city is located in the northern part of the Philippines and it's historical center, which is called the heritage village, is listed on the UNESCO world heritage list since 2 December 1999 for it's unique spanish colonial history in Asia and the very well preserved spanish monumental buildings which where build in the 18th century.

Calle Crisologo - It is what Vigan City is known for—streets lined with Spanish Era ancestral houses (with ancient tile roofs, massive hardwood floorings, balustrades and azoteas in varying Spanish, Mexican, and Chinese architectural styles) and cobble-stoned streets, which led to Vigan's inscription in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Tourists can buy souvenirs or even ride a calesa (horse-drawn buggy). This street is also known as 'Vigan Heritage Village.'

People who will visit Vigan City will find a very modern and clean city with lots of restaurants, hotels and shops and many touristic sight to be seen. The climate in Vigan is ideal in the winter season with temperatures from 20 to 25 degrees celcius and if you like it more warm the the summer season might be the best.

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