ENCOUNTERS: ILOCOS (Pagudpud - May 7, 2016)

After a day of travelling to historical places, eating lots of food and conquering the sand dunes, we headed towards the other side of Ilocos Norte, to the place known for its white sand beach (yeop, like Boracay, less the people) and other frontiers that is not frequented by the usual mob.

Next stop: PAGUDPUD!

Our first stop: Big Electric Fans! Es te, The Windmills of Bangui!

Hot day, eh? xD

Yes, it is really a hot day. xDDD

Even my mom can't stand the heat, but at least she's still smiling!

Next stop: Kabigan Falls deep inside Pagudpud. Despite
its silent and mystic look-and-feel, it is still frequented by a good number of tourists.

To visit Kabigan Falls, you need a 30-minute simple trek from the main road. As
you take the trail, you will see lots of farmlands with ample irrigation, since their water
comes from the falls. The rest goes down towards the sea. The feeling is tranquil, even this
carabao can't help but to take a bath.

Yeop, that's me looking around my land. (Actually, my sea. Just kidding. xD)

I'm not sure what this is, but the view from where I was was super great!

ENCOUNTERS: Ilocos (Laoag - May 7, 2016)

Two weeks before entering the Seminary, I and my sister treated my mom to a special trip to Ilocos. Though unplanned, it was nevertheless a great visit, since it was her dream to visit Ilocandia, a place of history, legacy and yes, relaxation.

After twelve hours of land travel (via Partas Bus. The special trip has designated hours, so we went thru the regular trip which was also relaxing anyway), we reached Laoag City in the morning of Friday. We spent the day travelling through its known churches, special places and try its sand dunes as the sun is just setting.

Here are some shots. I opted not to post the facade of Laoag and Paoay churches, since we are already familiar with them. Instead, I have here the shots from the Sanctuary of Laoag Cathedral, and the image of the Patron of Paoay Parish.

The interior of St. William the Hermit Cathedral under the Diocese of Laoag.

JM and Ajie posing in front of the Provincial Capitol, a few days ahead
of the election.

Mommy at the Sand Dunes of Paoay (which is beside... South China Sea? I'm not so sure)

Paoay Lake, a majestic lake beside the Malacañang of the North (the residence of
the Marcoses at Ilocos)

Our Holy Father Saint Augustine, patron of Paoay Church