Malacañang by the Lake Paoay Ilocos Norte

Date: November 4, 2007

From the Home of Great Leaders, we proceeded to the Malacañang of the North (Malacañang Ti Amihan). Located on top of the hill, the mansion overlooks the whole of the magical Paoay Lake.

You can observed from outside that the place used to be grand but is now dilapidated. It is made of hard wood and its interiors furnished with narra. At the back of the mansion is the grand porch facing the lake. On the lake, used to float was the presidential boat of the Marcoses.

Legend has it that beneath the lake was once a properous village where rich but wicked people lived. One night a great flood covered the whole place under feet of water after ignoring the warning of a mysterious old woman who came to the place.

Whether the story is true or not, Paoay Lake is really enchanting.

Bangui Wind Mills Ilocos Norte

Date: November 3, 2007

The Bangui Wind Mills were built by the NorthWind Power Development Corporation to take its share in reducing the emission of harmful greenhouse gases (GHGs) causing global warming and to accelerate the rural electrification of the goverment.

In this area, wind mostly comes from the north-east, from the sea towards the land. To optimize the full benefit of the winds, turbines are installed along the shore facing the sea effectively removing wind breaks and achieving a terrain roughness of class 0.

The 'Wind Farm" as it is aptly called consist of 15 wind turbines. The turbines are on-shore and arranged in a single row spaced 326 meters apart. The turbines hub height (ground level to center of nacelle - that part holding the blades) is 70 meters high (roughly equivalent to a 23 storey building), each blade is 41 meters long (just 9 meters shy of a Olympic sized pool) giving a rotor diameter of 82 meters and a wind swept area of 5,281 square meters.

Going there

From Laoag, take the Laoag - Cagayan route. About 5 minutes after Burgos town proper, a directional marker on the left side of the road will lead you to Bangui bay, which is the host of the wind turbines. This will lead you to a gravel road with a downward slope going down to the beach. Right after the first turn, you will already be awed by the sight of the wind mills, follow the road and make a right turn upon entering the beach.

Should you miss the first marker, go on and proceed to the Bangui Bay observation deck (this you will never miss, also on the left side of the road) where a picturesque view of the wind mills can be obtained. Thereafter, you can go on on the road and right before Baruyen bridge, another marker will be found leading to the wind turbines. Travel time from Laoag is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.


Every body is welcome at the wind farm (you will not see any fence) and wonder at the beauty of the wind mills. Visitors are reminded, though, to --- Take nothing but pictures (and/or videos), leave nothing but footprints and retain nothing but memories.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Ilocos Norte

Date: November 3, 2007

Burgos has a heritage structure called the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse. It is the highest-elevated lighthouse in the Philippines and the northwesternmost in location (the northeasternmost being Cape Engaño Lighthouse in Palaui Island, Santa Ana, Cagayan). It was established on March 31, 1892 under the Spanish government on a high hill overlooking the scenic Cape Bojeador, where galleons passed by. Its purpose is also to guide ships away from the rocky coasts of the town. It still continues to operate with new lenses run by solar panels. Originally the light was provided by pressurized kerosene lamps, very much like the current " Coleman lamp". In 2005 the old pressure vessels and wicks for the light could still be found in the shed.

Access to the lighthouse is through a two-lane narrow concrete road that starts at the north side of the Maharlika Highway, just after passing a bridge. From there the road winds and climbs up a steep hill. Upon arrival, visitors climb a flight of concrete stairs to the perimeter wall, which offers a good view of the Cape Bojeador and South China Sea. To enter, the caretaker should be notified. Upon entering the courtyard, one can see two antique buildings on both sides and two more on the foreground. Climbing the terrace of the first building, you will pass by a short dark corridor to get to the foot of the stairs leading to the tower. Another steep flight of stairs leads to the entrance/exit door of the tower. To climb to the lens room, where a certain number of people are only allowed to do so one at a time, you will climb an antique spiral staircase to the top.

The majestic lighthouse can also be seen from as far away as Pasuquin town in the south and Bangui on the east on a clear day. The octagonal stone tower, being the most prominent structure in the light complex, is 65 feet (20 meters) high. It is recommended to visit in the months of November to January, when the cold winds from winter China are felt throughout the normally hot Ilocos Region

Baluarte ni Singson

A new attraction around the Vigan area in Ilocos Sur is Chavit Singson’s Baluarte. If Ilocos Norte is Marcos territory, Vigan is where the Singson’s rule. The Baluarte is a 20 hectare land with a mini zoo, shooting range, and a chapel. It is also known as Chavit’s Fortress. Access to the mini zoo, where Singson’s numerous pet tigers and other animals are found are free for the public, as he considers this as a gift to the people.

Even if the place is still being developed, the place does look good. Harry, the friendly tiger is found at the entrance. Unfortunately, the handler isn’t around because I’d really want to touch that tiger. Seems like a giant stuff toy. I must warn though that if you are going to bring children, watch them closely as the cages for the wild tigers aren’t safe. The cages are too accessible and a child can easily slip their hands as the bars are too wide apart.

There are still more animals and sights to see at the Baluarte, and I bet once the place has finished in development it would draw more crowds as a recreational activity from visiting Vigan. We asked our caretaker-slash-guide on how much is it to maintain the place, he said it takes around a million pesos a day to maintain the place. Wow! Singson indeed has a lot of money to spare.

Vigan

Date: November 2, 2007

The historic town of Vigan was inscribed in the World Heritage List in November 1999 because of its outstanding development in architecture, urban planning, and landscape design. It also serves as a testimony to a cultural tradition which has disappeared.

The justification for inscription is as follows:

""Criterion (ii): Vigan represents a unique fusion of Asian building design and construction with European colonial architecture and planning.

Criterion (iv): Vigan is an exceptionally intact and well preserved example of European trading town in East and South-East Asia.""

The name Vigan was derived from ""Biga"", a giant taro plant that grows abundantly along the banks of the Mestizo River. This river was central in the development of trade and community activities in Vigan during the 16th to the 19th centuries. Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines and from China with those from Europe to create a unique culture and townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia.

Places to visit in Vigan include:

CALLE CRISOLOGO. Located at the heart of the Mestizo district. Lined on both sides by centuries-old Vigan Houses, it is made of cobblestones. Ground floors of the old house at Calle Crisologo have been turned into shops where souvenir items and Vigan furniture could be found at reasonable prizes.

ST. PAUL’S METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL. Built by the Augustinians in 1790-1800 in distinctive ""Earthquake Baroque"" architecture. It has three naves, twelve altars, and a choir loft. Chinese influence is evident in its baptistery altar, brass communion handrails, a pair of Fu Dogs, and moldings on the façade. Most of the original church interior features are still in place. The octagonal belfry is located 10 meters south of the cathedral.

ARZOBISPADO (1783). The only surviving 18th century arzobispado in the country, the palace served as headquarters of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in 1898 and the invading American forces under Col. James Parker in 1899. Its Museo Nueva Segovia showcases antique portraits of bishops, a throne room, archdiocesan archives, and other ecclesiastical artifacts gathered from various colonial churches all over Ilocos Sur.

PLAZA SALCEDO. The elevated elliptical plaza west of the cathedral features the 17th century Juan de Salcedo Monument, the oldest of its kind in the Northern Luzon. It was in Plaza Salcedo where Gabriella Silang was executed by public hanging in 1763.

BURGOS NATIONAL MUSEUM. The ancestral house of Padre Jose Burgos is an excellent showcase of archeological and ethnographic treasures, antiques, dioramas of local historical events, and photographs of Ilocano heroes and achievers. A priceless collection of 14 Esteban Villanueva canvasses depicting the 1807 Basi Revolt is exhibited on the upper floor of the museum.

OTHERS: Mindoro Beach Resort, Syquia Mansion Mira Hills Eco-Park, Pagburnayan Jar Factory, Crisologo Museum, Terracotta Red Clay Industry, Abel-Iloco Weavers & Native Delicacy Makers.

Pagudpud

Date: November 2-4, 2007

Pagudpud (PAH GOOD POOD) is an enormous place to visit if you're looking for the comparatively perfect charms of the Philippines. Pagudpud is a wide and beautiful town on the northwest tip of Ilocos Norte, Luzon, bounded to the south by the town of Bangui and to the east by the Cordillera Mountain Range, the town of Adams and the province of Cagayan. The South China Sea lies to the west and north.

It is considered the largest island in the Philippines. The hills and mountains are luxuriant, the valleys productive. It lies 45 miles north of Laoag City, the provincial capital, and about 350 miles north of Manila -- about the equal distance between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. Creeks, streams and waterfalls splash the landscape and spill into the South China Sea. All around, the ocean and sky are awash in varying shades of blue.

Pagudpud Beach, 2 hours north of Laoag City, has powder-white sand, but it's hard to tell which is bluer: the sky or the sea. While you are making up your mind, you might also consider a stop in Pasuquin, where the famous biscocho (Ilocos biscuit) is a favorite take-home delicacy for local visitors. But don't forget to check your watch, for while you play in the waters of Pagudpud, you may not notice how much time you have spent on these delightful shores, which are at the very tip of Luzon Island.

Caylabne Ternate Cavite

Date: September 12, 2008

Is a prime tourist destination in the Philippines. One of the country's most scenic places, it lies amidst a rich array of historical sites, some of which are a short pleasurable cruise away.

A pleasing palette of vibrant contrasts: gently rolling hills and steep jagged cliffs, sandy beaches and rocky shoals. Cool mountain air and invigorating sea breeze. Bursts of radiant blossoms amidst nautical whites. Fresh-water pools by the bay. lush, verdant rainforests. Discover the sultry spirit of a tropical paradise lusciously melded with quaint Mediterranean elan. Discover your dreamscape. Color it Caylabne Bay Resort

**4 Star Hotel**

Macau

February 19-20, 2008
Macau is a city with two faces. On the one hand, the fortresses, churches and food of its former colonial master Portugal speak to a uniquely Mediterranean style on the China coast. On the other, Macau is the self-styled Las Vegas of the East.

And while that comparison might sound overblown, it’s not. During the past few years charismatic-but-sleepy little Macau has experienced the sort of boom usually associated with cities like Shànghǎi. But rather than skyscrapers and office towers, the construction here is all about Vegas-style mega-casinos and hotels. The reason, of course, is that casinos are legal in Macau, while in China and nearby Hong Kong they’re not. It’s a big market…

There is, however, much more to Macau than gambling. The peninsula and the islands of Coloane and Taipa constitute a colourful palette of pastels and ordered greenery. The Portuguese influence is everywhere: cobbled back streets, baroque churches, stone fortresses, Art Deco buildings and restful parks and gardens. It’s a unique fusion of East and West that has been recognised by Unesco, which in 2005 named 30 buildings and squares collectively as the Historic Centre of Macau World Heritage Site. There are also several world-class museums.

Especially if you’ve been in China for a while you’ll also find there is a distinctly different feel to Macau. While about 95% of residents are Chinese, the remainder is mostly made up of Portuguese and Macanese (people with mixed Portuguese, Chinese and/or African blood). It’s this fusion of Mediterranean and Asian peoples, lifestyles, temperaments and food – oh, the food – that makes Macau so much fun....

Hong Hong

Date: February 18-21, 2008
Hong Kong offers a host of memorable tourist attractions within its compact area, with The Peak, Victoria Harbour and the Giant Buddha among the most awe-inspiring.

You'll be amazed by the diverse contrasts and close proximity of stunning cityscapes and soaring mountains, heritage sites and extensive green countryside.

Highlights
The Peak
Hong Kong's most popular attraction, The Peak offers spectacular views over the city, harbour and mountains beyond. For an extra buzz, take the Peak Tram. Victoria

Harbour
Take the iconic Star Ferry to enjoy stunning views around the harbour, and don’t miss the nightly A Symphony of Lights show featuring harbour-front buildings. Giant

Buddha
Lantau Island features the world's tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha, along with the Po Lin Monastery

Hong Kong Disneyland

February 18-22, 2008

As the newest Disneyland in the world, Hong Kong Disneyland is a must-see because of its special attractions and the inimitable sense of Chinese culture. Walking into Hong Kong Disneyland, you feel you are in a wonderland. Accompanied by Mickey Mouse and other Disney friends, you start a fantastic and magical journey. With unique scenic spots and Disney Theme Hotels, you can go escape from the real world, and make your dreams come true. The availability of delicious Chinese and Asian food is also a lure for many visitors and Disney fans.

The first theme park you might come across is 'Main Street, U.S.A.'. Entering Main Street, you will be amazed by the delicate buildings, dim gas lamp and Paddy Wagon passing by. Antique taxicabs, Disneyland Railroad and the City Hall transports you back to America of the early 20th century. There are Chinese elements here too. Plaza Inn, the first Chinese restaurant in Main Street, complete with 19th Century Chinese table service. With the image of cartoon heroine Mulan everywhere, you come to the conclusion that Mulan is really at home now. Market House Bakery and Main Street Corner Cafe are also good places for you to enjoy. Lingering in Emporium and Main Street Mercantile, having a look in The Curiosity Shop and Silhouette Shop, you will surely find timeless treasures.

If you feel courageous, try Adventureland. Guided by a brave captain, Jungle River Cruise will take you into the heart of hidden regions. Hippos, cobras, elephants, orangutans and startling jungle events are waiting for you. As an attraction originally conceived by Walt Disney fifty years ago, it has been given an entirely new appearance with exciting 21st century Disney magic especially for Hong Kong Disneyland! Festival of the Lion King will keep your eyes glued on the show. Adapted from Disney's animated classic 'The Lion King', this colorful pageant of music and dance is just like a classic music drama because of its consummate performers, costumes and exotic scenery. This is a show that will appeal to all ages. Traveling by raft in the Rivers of Adventure, you land at your destination: Tarzan Island. Exploring Tarzan Island and visiting Tarzan's Treehouse reminds you of the story of this human child raised by gorillas. After your travel to Tarzan Island, follow the rhythm of jungle drums to find the secret of Liki Tikis. Once you are in the circle, the refreshing blasts of water will surprise even the hardiest explorer. Tahitian Terrace Restaurant and River View Cafe here will make you feel satisfied to dine in the jungle. You can even buy a jungle leaf in Professor Porter's Trading Post as a keepsake.

Have you ever been touched by Cinderella's extraordinary story and Winnie the Pooh's adventures in the forest? Have you ever wanted to be a princess such as Snow White or Sleeping Beauty? Do you still remember the little Flying Elephant and Alice in Wonderland? Don't hesitate to come into Fantasyland. Cinderella Carrousel, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Sword in the Stone, Mad Hatter Tea Cups, Sleeping Beauty Castle, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Snow White Grotto to make all your storybook dreams come true. You can also join Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and many other friends at a dizzying 3-D attraction in Mickey's PhilharMagic. Wearing special glasses, you can lie on the magic carpet with Aladdin and smell the flavor of Donald Duck soup. Watch carefully and don't forget you are a part of the program; otherwise you might be sprinkled by the soup! The most fantastic place must be The Golden Mickeys at Disney's Storybook Theater. Adapting all the Disney classics into a 25-minute musical drama, mixing acrobatics and special effects, this will make you stop blinking. In the theater, Tarzan swings quickly on the rigging, just like the fan on the ceiling. When The Little Mermaid Ariel appears, the whole theater is submerged by bubbles descending from the ceiling; you really feel that you are at sea. Mulan practicing martial arts and traditional flag dances show the combination of eastern and western culture.

Leave the fairytale wonderland perfectly contented; you can step into Tomorrowland. Screaming in Space Mountain, you will have no time to appreciate the sparkling stars because of the exciting roller coaster. In Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, you can fly in your space capsule and fight against the aliens with your space gun. If you are weary of the breathtaking attractions, Orbitron is a good choice for you to fly above Tomorrowland and take a rest. After space traveling, take a break at Starliner Diner and Comet Cafe to enjoy some 'earth' cuisine that you can not taste in outer space. Also, Space Traders and Star Command Suppliers will gives you a chance to do some space shopping. Don't forget to watch the Grand Parade and Firework Play after a whole day's play!