Mayan and I have been talking about the trip to Ilocos Norte this month. But I am not really sure to make it, due to pressing things like keeping a secured budget for a skills training, attending Saturday classes and paying off an obligation that is about to end next month. First quarter is quite hectic already. Not to mention there’s a day job that sits on top of my priority list.
I know. It’s not new orleans la. But don’t worry, I am more likely to see the place this summer. Yey.
I haven’t been to the northernmost part of the country. The farthest was Baguio and that was about 3 years ago. Ilocos Norte, being a former home to deposed President Marcos, has so much to offer from bagnet, the legendary stone houses of Vigan to the pristine beaches of Pagudpud. A trip to this place up north makes everything worthwhile, as you get to tour around a number of places you don’t often find in other local destinations.
Of course, if you’re a beach bum, Pagudpud is top-of-mind.
The only hassle in reaching the place is the 8 to 12 hours worth butt-breaking bus ride from Manila. It’s 350 miles away. But there are already other options as well. Private vans offer Manila-Ilocos-Manila transfers, and side trips to Batac, Laoag and Vigan. But if you want to spend more time on shore than you do on the bus, go for the plane. Philippine Airlines and some local carriers offer trips to Laoag City.
If you are to travel this month, which is by the way an off season for them, you can allot a budget of P5000-7000. That’s good for 3 days and 2 nights, inclusive of plane or bus fare and service vehicle, hotel accommodation, and meals. Not bad.
Here’s the map.
I’m ending the year with this:
Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis) on my screen. This is one of the most wonderful artistic creations God has made. If there would be a wish to make, it would be a trip up north Scandinavia, Alaska or the Arctic during winter.
I’m on my Day 7 of my holiday break. It’s been a wonderful week of full sleep, food, movies, internet-lurking, and short trips to the mall and Tagaytay. It wasn’t that cold the past few days; the noonday sun was acting like a Ladybug steam. We’ll be somewhere in Eastwood tonight for the New Year’s Eve countdown. Year 2009 was full of ups and downs.
Oops. Phoenix Suns vs Boston Celtics on TV now. Go Nash them!!!
It has been a VERY busy last quarter for me…and I’m already at my wit’s end. While I love the things I do on a daily dose, somehow I realized the need to escape from routine would do me more good. In other words, I need to distract myself from overwhelming mental and physical tasks. Aside from sleep, I need to go somewhere. My uncle Bloody offered his house up in the mountains for my weekend getaway. Hmm. I’ll think about who to bring there. Or maybe I’ll just stay at home and do something productive, like planning for the next year. (Weee!)
I’m down to my last list of Christmas shopping. It wasn’t really a long list. I managed to cut it down to half since most of my inaanaks are far and away, and I couldn’t locate the others. My friends are not that difficult to please either. I bought myself a nice black blazer last week, a pair of Nike cross-trainers (so I can start running), a watercolor pad (because I plan to paint…again) and Max Lucado’s book called “Fearless” which is I can’t find locally (maybe I have better chances of finding it online and go through those Amazon books as well). I also received my Christmas gifts earlier: a laptop case and a bag. Sweet.
I’m scheduled to take a break from work on Dec. 23rd and will be back Jan. 4th. That’s a whole lot of time in my pocket. Can’t wait.
