Bantay Abot| Narvacan, Ilocos Sur
Bantay Abot has one of the most beautiful summits that I’ve hiked so far. On top is a 180 degree view of a deep blue sea and the horizon subtly connecting the sea and the sky.
There is a trail that will guide you And rocks to step on to. It is very tiring and exhausting but there’s no reason to give up. Besides, There are no snakes, no bugs, and other things that will hinder you to keep going. Unless, there is a typhoon, it is unsafe to hike. But if the weather permits you, It’s all fun. Just walk, hike and enjoy the beauty of Nature and inhale the fresh air. Focus on the road, keep hiking, It will be worth it.
As to the time of going up and down the mountain, it took only about two hours even at our slow pace. We went there for sunset and fortunately, we witnessed a different view blended with golden sky and a reflective sea. That view and the feeling it gives me made me want to come back! It was terrific. No right adjectives can describe how lovely it is!
Starter pack: Entrance is right before NOAH. Bring lots of fluids, one bottle ain’t enough. This was a totally cardio! You must be physically and mentally healthy. And ofcourse, bring your cap, hanky, and your best camera. And remember to bring your friends and ofcourse, Your best self! 😊
SAGADA | Philippines
Approximately five thousand feet above the sea is a small and tranquil town of Sagada in Mountain Province, A remote town with so much to offer to anyone who chooses to experience its distinct appeal. With its temperate weather, wondrous caves and cliffs, lofty rice terraces and waterfalls, luscious foods and delicacies, rich heritage and traditions, Sagada promises everyone an unforgettable and truly remarkable experience with nature and culture.
Sagada embraces its visitors with the warm hospitality of the locals that complements the beauty of the place. Undoubtedly, the charm of this mountain town is still incomparable to most tourist destinations in the country, making it one of my favorite destinations, a home away from home, like most local and foreign tourists do. Whether you are a laid back traveler or more into adventure, young or old, of any background and age, you definitely have a place here.
We took the Cervantes, Ilocos Sur road with these buddies. It was really an unforgettable experience!
PINSAL FALLS | Ilocos Sur, Philippines
Pinsal Falls is reachable via a few minutes of trek from a cemented road, and just 45 minutes tirp via any vehicular transportation from the Municipal of Sta. Maria.
What makes this majestic falls so special? Well, there are so many reasons why you should check this out…It has the largest and highest waterpools in the province of Ilocos Sur, with it’s cool water dropping from a height of around 85 feet to narrow gorge below.
Pinsal Falls is also one of the most picturesque falls i’ve seen due to its hillsides that are covered with foliage of big trees which makes a good shelter spots for tourist to take a restful nap after exploring the area. Aside from having mystical stories, this falls also been used by late Fernando Poe Jr. as one of the sites of famous movie “Panday”. So what you think, aside from being adventure travel spot, picnic destinations for families, and used as local movie spot, it has a complete package for adventurous like us.
This place also is the top of the Pinsal Falls, that was been called the footprint of Angalo.
That was the majestic Pinsal Falls! It would be lovely to go back!
The Beauty of Vigan | Philippines
Cobblestone walkways, horse-drawn carriages, mansions of yester-years. This is Vigan, one of thefew remaining 16th century towns in the Philippines.
Vigan is so special, UNESCO deemed it a World Heritage Site and noted, “Vigan is an exceptionally intact and well-preserved example of a European trading town in East and Southeast Asia. The architecture is truly reflective of its roots in both materials and design, in its fusion of Asian building design and construction with European colonial architecture and planning.”
For travelers, it means only one thing—this could be a romantic adventure. And although the Philippines has many period-haciendas and mansions, Vigan has an entire district of them. It’s like gallivanting through time.
Unlike many of the Spanish outposts in the Philippines, Vigan was chosen not only as the capital of Spanish conqueror Juan De Salcedo’s Ilocos, but also as a trading center. When he arrived, the place was already a center of activity, with direct trading relations with China. The Europeans sought silk and porcelain, and so the city became part of the 250-galleon (ships) trade that linked Asia to Europe and the New World. Vigan, apart from many cities, became an entrepot of different cultures.
Walk down Crisologo Street and check out “Earthquake Baroque” homes.
Plaza Burgos opens up to St. Paul’s Cathedral while on the other side, Plaza Salcedo opens up to the Municipal Hall.
Watch the graceful and famous dancing fountain. Sit and watch! Surely you will be delighted!
Morning Seven | La Union, Philippines
For those of you looking for a place to spend vacation in La Union, you might want to visit MORNING SEVEN RESORT HOTEL in Luna.
They also have an infinity pool where you could bask in the glory of early morning sunlight and the breeze of the China Sea at sunset and night.
The beauty of it all is that you could always head right into the beach when you get bored in the pool for an adventure with nature.
More than anything else what I love about getting the chance to slow down and relax in places like this is the quality time we spend with family and friends making as feel renewed to face the challenges of life and following the righteous path.
The OLD BANAOANG BRIDGE | Ilocos Sur, Philippines
As you travel to North, The twin bridge, the old Banaoang Bridge and the Qurino Bridge that crosses the Abra River at this location connecting the towns of Santa and Bantay. The two bridges are 350 meters apart. When the old old truss type Banaoang Bridge was partially devastated by a storm Feria in 2005he new bridge was built to replace it and was named the Quirino Bridge after former President Elpidio Quirino who hails from Vigan. While the old bridge was reconstructed and is presently passable, it remained more as a tourist attraction, an iconic symbol of Ilocos Sur.
As you approach, you get a picturesque view of the bridge with the Abra mountain backdrop. These two transcending mountains were the bridge majestically connects and separates. It’s the best spot to shout and bring out your feelings but never jump. Just feel the serene ambiance!
The banaoang bridge is widely praised because of its marvelous engineering and grand architectural design as glorified by its splendid panoramic beauty, strength, and durability when it survived the bombings of World War II. It is considered as one of the most superior bridges built by men because of the utilization of natural endowments combined with fabricated materials. Everytime I crossed here, It made me go back to the past. The historic ambiance will surely make you wanna drop by and take photos.
Finally,
we crossed the bridge.
Since there is almost no vehicles passing, it’s easy to stop at the middle of the bridge and take a picture with no harm! You can bring your friends with you. And if you go to Vigan or Ilocos Norte, you must shift to low gear to enjoy the view. But it’s better to stop and take a selfie!
Bago | Ilocos Sur, Philippines
Upon scrolling my feed, I was starstruck by the beauty of Bago resort. It was a trend so I immediately googled it. Found it! It’s from my hometown. A day after, I never wasted my time and go directly there so there it goes. My efforts are worth it.
The pools are the most charming of them all. The fresh water that comes from the waterfalls of Mount Madarang has clean and safe and most of all chlorine-free. It has two pools, one for the kids and one for adults.
As you swim, you can see the mountains surrounding you. You can also see and bathe in the grand Buwaya River just a few steps down the resort.
The wooden walkways of the pools add to the natural-sophisticated-serene ambiance of the place.
It can also be a romantic getaway for couples who love nature and who want to spend their quiet and alone time together. So we did! 😊
Naguilian Road View Deck | Baguio City, Philippines
This breath-taking Naguilian Road view deck is one of the most beautiful Baguio City’s mountainous slope. We’ll see here a perfect color blend of the mountain’s misty dark brown soil, lush green pine trees and the navy blue sea blended with the sky and the clouds. I bet this great view is the reason why a view deck was put up.
As a motor rider, this view will surely catches your attention. So eventually, it became my spot as I stop from a long ride.
This became my best spot for vaping since you’ll really feel the panorama view of the mountains and the sea up there. It seems that you are in the top of the world and your work is to blow and make clouds (pertaining to the e-cigarette smoke)
And ofcourse, the view deck experience will not complete unless you take photos with your loveones. Take the best people and the best camera with you!
The Mountain Creek | Pangasinan, Philippines
The Mountain Creek Farm and Resort is located at Calitlitan, Umingan, Pangasinan. It is somewhat a forest and a farm that makes it unique to other resorts. Along the way going there, the extravagant mountain creek will surprise you and make you wanna take a selfie.
At the entrance, you will surely be captivated by the small pond and a garden full of dragon fruits.
The two swimming pool has clear water coming from the mountain that will make you relax and kill the badvibes that you have.
To add up the calm ambiance away from the civilization, you can also take some rest to the beautiful tree houses, where we can also celebrate the best occasions of ourlives. It was amazing how those creative hands did those.
Another masterpiece they have is this hut. How they are able to think a hanging roof beside the forest, it’s nice to sit there and sip some tea.
The collection of carvings, stones and woods makes the creek more classic and environmental friendly.
To add some spice, there is also a 500 meters hiking. Up there, you will be astonished by the beauty of the panorama view of Umingan, Pangasinan.
It is usually used as an reception for weddings or any kind of occasions.
You can also hear some of the sound of animals
But I suggest, as you go up there, witness the Sunset! It brings you hope and a bright tomorrow.
So if you want to relax, have a break and call your friends! Come and see.
jevican 