Can’t hide my excitement while we were on our way to Bangui Windmills, the prominent trademark of Ilocos Norte. I was here five years ago with my former colleagues, awed and astonished looking at the swirling giants stood firmly like a military army protecting its base. Now I am back with my family and our favorite travel buddies, Froi, Marie, and Abu.

From Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, it took us around twenty minutes to reach the Wind Farm in Bangui. To my surprise, the main area which was livened up before by several stores and a huge crowd had only two nipa huts selling souvenir items and t-shirts. And what’s more, there were only a few people walking on the shore. 

We parked our van nearby and hopped out. My family was so amazed and impressed looking at the imposing giant wind turbines arranged on a single row along the nine-kilometer shoreline at Bangui Bay. But they were not in motion.

Well, moving or not, we had fun doing our photo shoot with the wind turbines as the backdrop. Later we walked on the stretch of fine black sand overlooking the playful waves.

We left the wind farm happy and headed to our last destination.

Pagudpud.

It was getting dark so we rushed our way to the arch of Pagudpud for another photo shoot. Thanks to the traffic aids for assisting visitors like us while having our captured memories.

It’s nice to go back to Pagudpud, the coastal resort town of Ilocos Norte province. It is divided into sixteen barangays of which Saud is the most popular because of its creamy white sand beaches and crystal-blue waters.

We are budget travelers so was opted to stay in Cathy’s Homestay. Unfortunately, it was fully booked when I called. Casa Victoria Beach Resort, on the other hand, was above the average rate. It was a bit pricey, but it was on the beachfront and the beach area has a fine texture of sand, thus, everyone voted Yes.

Our initial plan is to visit Pagudpud last December of 2014. But we were told by a friend that it was raining that we will not enjoy our family vacation so we moved our reservation to Holy Week. From four, we became seven. We were given the same room at the same rate of P3,500.00.

It was almost 6:00 pm when we arrived at Casa Victoria. We parked our van in their spacious parking lot. We were accommodated well by Kim, the reception officer of the resort. Our room can accommodate eight persons, with two double beds, a comfort room, and a led tv.  (P5,500 on peak season).

Shen and Abu were so excited to swim. After few minutes of rest, we wore our swimwear and headed to the beach. I was expecting we will be greeted by crazy waves like what I had experienced here five years ago. Surprisingly, the water was so gentle and calm. Definitely, this is safe for all of us, especially for the kids.

We dashed into the water excitedly. What I love in the beach area was the soft fine texture of the sand. There’s no need to wear aqua shoes for there were no rough rocks under the water. We had the best time of our lives as we swam, here, there, and everywhere.

While on my favorite back float stroke, I enjoyed myself looking at the sky and to the million stars. Oh, I love this moment! Senti pa more! hahaha!

Our hungry tummies forced us to stop for dinner. So thankful to Kim for the reserved nipa hut for us. We only had light dinner, plain rice, beef nilaga, and ginataang pusit for P430. The food was great!

We did not swim anymore after dinner. We stayed at the beachfront to feel the cool breeze. After an hour, we retired our bodies to bed. Getting ready for another swimming escapade the following morning.

My hubby and I woke up early for our favorite sunrise photo. But the sun had risen to the other side. Nothing yet to do, we explored the long stretch. I was happy to see Cathy’s Homestay again, to where our former company outing chose to stay for three days.

We explored more and later went back to our room to eat our breakfast. Bread, hotdog, and the usual 3-in-1 coffee and milo for the kids.

And so, it’s swimming time again. Yipee!!! In the middle of water fun, we ordered our food ahead of time so there will be no long waiting for our lunch. Then swimming was resumed.

The same nipa hut was reserved for us for lunch. Thank you Kim talaga!  This time, the meal was heavy. We feasted on bagnet, pakbet, Vigan longganisa, 6 orders of plan rice, 3 bottles of 12 ounces sprite, and ice cream for only P738.00. Again, the food was superb!

Our three-day stay should end in San Juan, La Union. But since Pao, Shen, and Alvin enjoyed it so much, we decided to extend our stay for one more day.

Unfortunately, the next family that will occupy the room was coming. And to our dismay, there’s no available room at the resort. Sad.

Thanks to Kim for reconsidering our room reservation. The service was good and the food was great. The parking lot was wide. So wide that they have space for hanging wet clothes and towels.

We vowed to go back in the future.