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.
The group
From Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, we now proceeded to the most anticipated part of our Ilocos Norte adventure, into Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. This is not included in my former company outing in 2010 because the road leading to this stunning rock formation was rough and bumpy, not accessible yet to visit. But now, there’s a lot of development done. The reason why I was so thrilled to see Kapurpurawan this Lenten Season.
the iconic head
Coming from Malacanang of the North, we headed to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. Also known as Burgos Lighthouse, this cultural heritage structure is located on top of a hill called Vigia de Nagpartian Hill in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. The 66-foot-tall (20 m) octagonal stone tower overlooks Cape Bojeador and the scenic West Philippine Sea.
Painted white
There are two main reasons why Vigan, also known as the Heritage City is so fascinating to visit. First, it is the only UNESCO World Heritage City in the Philippines. And second, it was officially declared as one of the New 7 Wonders Cities last December of 2014. I felt so proud!
the famed Calle Crisologo nearing midnight…
Instead of a usual dinner date in a restaurant with romantic ambiance and music for our 18th wedding anniversary, I coerced my hubby to climb Taal Volcano and see the famous Crater Lake. He was hesitant at first but later I smiled in delight when he nodded his approval. Meaning it was yes! And because our kids were grown up and physically fit, we enjoined them to embark on this exciting adventure.
As of 2016, boat rental to Taal Crater Lake is now P2,000.00.
Our first family minor trek at Taal Crater Lake in Talisay, Batangas was one of our happy and memorable experiences. Not that we enjoyed the scenic views, our kids immensely enjoyed the exciting adventure. Tired and hungry, my hubby treats us to a wonderful lunch at Balinsasayaw Chicken Grill and Restaurant in Silang, Cavite. I got so excited because this is another unique dining experience for the whole family.
I was told by my office mate about the exciting Wave Pool and Lazy River Pool at Water Camp in Naic, Cavite. Being water babies, my family agreed to celebrate my son’s 17th birthday in this resort. Since Pao didn’t want to be absent from school on his special day (which is Friday) we make it Saturday. And so the family fun strikes again! Haha! Continue reading
Nestled at the foot of the mountain and teeming with lush surrounding lies the enchanting Dhio Endheka Natural Spring Resort in Tabaco City, in the region of Albay. With its abundant freshwater supply coming from mountain spring, I always recommend this resort to my friends, office mates, and relatives whenever they are on a vacation in our hometown in Albay.
adult and toddler’s pool
Apart from Mayon Skyline and Cagsawa Ruins, Hoyop Hoyopan Cave is another famous tourist spot in Albay that is a must-visit place. It is located in Barangay Cotmon in Camalig and is privately owned by Nuylan, Guerrero, and Nieva families.
One of the passageways inside the cave
It was my fascination with collecting elegant vases and jar ceramics that brought us back to Tiwi, Albay. Part of our 2014 summer vacation in our hometown is to visit PHILCERAMICS (Philippine Ceramics Arts and Crafts Center) in Barangay Putsan and be amazed by their beautiful products. Memories of the past flashed remembering my childhood toys, the reddish little cooking clay pots, and the chicken coin bank we bought a long time ago in Tiwi town proper after our beach escapade in Sogod Beach Resort. Those were the days of traditional pottery-making in the municipality.
the lovely decorative vase and clay jars at a cheap price
