Places: Paoay Lake, Paoay, Ilocos Norte

After enjoying the Paoay Sand Dunes, our next stop was a beautiful fresh water inland lake called Paoay Lake. It is located 3 kilometers away from the sea in Suba. Paoay Lake National Park has an area of 470 hectares and was declared as a National Park under Republic Act 5631 on June 21, 1969, its environs has been turned into a sports complex.

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Legend has it that it was the site of a prosperous barangay called San Juan de Sahagun (Saint John of Sahagun). The materialism of its people has angered God so He sent an earthquake that sank the town.

On the shores of the lake lies a mansion that belongs to the Marcoses called Malacañang of the North. Adjacent to the mansion is the Paoay Golf Course. The Lake is also a famous tourist destination in Ilocos Norte. A famous fish aquaculture and a sports complex.

To know more about my adventures to Ilocos Norte, you may visit my other blog site at: 

http://thetravellingfilipini.wordpress.com/2012/03/26/my-ilocos-nortesur-adventures-2012-day-1-laoagpaoay/

Places: Paoay Sand Dunes, Paoay, Ilocos Norte

After enjoying different views of the Paoay church, our next destination was the Sand Dunes. It is located at the Western part of Malacanang of the North, Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

Paoay Sand Dunes

It is the most extensive sand dunes in the southeast asian region, unique in the country which affords ultimate thrills via sand boarding, dune bashing, wind surfing, kite surfing, body surfing, stunning sunset, stargazing, over-night camping and many more. This is the place where ANG PANDAY, TEMPTATION ISLAND, HIMALA, BORN ON THE FOURTH DAY OF JULY, MAD MAX were shot.

Dune Bashing

We were offered the rate of Php 1,500 for a 30 minutes 4X4 ride which I refused.  For me, it’s a kind of exorbitant. I’m on a budget and it was only my first day so I need to be cautious of my expenses. Nevertheless, we proceeded and climbed up some higher part of the fore which still mixed with soil and grass. I just took some shots of the actual “Dubai-like Hatta Desert”.

You can also discover pleasurable early morning and late afternoon beach strolls along the coastline of the South China Sea.

To know more about my adventures to Ilocos Norte, you may visit my other blog site at: 

http://thetravellingfilipini.wordpress.com/2012/03/26/my-ilocos-nortesur-adventures-2012-day-1-laoagpaoay/

Places: Paoay Church, Paoay, Ilocos Norte

On my Day 1 to Ilocos Norte, Paoay Church (also known as the St. Augustine Church)  is first destination on my list.   This historical church is located in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. During the Philippine Revolution in 1898, its coral stone bell tower was used by the Katipuneros as an observation post. Paoay Church is part of the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST. It currently is a property of the Diocese of Laoag, Ilocos Norte.

Paoay Church

Construction of Paoay Church was started by the Augustinian friars in 1694. It was completed in 1894 led by Fr. Antonio Estavillo and was re-dedicated in 1894. Right across the church is Cafe Herencia which is home to the Pinakbet Pizza. You can also go on an early evening for a view of the church by sunset.

Side view of Paoay Church

Bell Tower

Currently, the facade of the San Agustin / Paoay Church is being restored under the supervision of the National Historical Commision of the Philippines (NHCP) and the National Commision on Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

To know more about my adventures to Ilocos Norte, you may visit my other blog site at: 

http://thetravellingfilipini.wordpress.com/2012/03/31/my-ilocos-nortesur-adventures-2012-day-1-laoagpaoay-2/

Places: Saud Beach, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Our last destination on my Day 2 to Ilocos Norte after the Bangui Windmills was  Saud Beach, Pagudpud . We stayed at VILLA DEL MAR (Ivory Beach Resort, Inc.). Pagudpud is the north easternmost town of Ilocos Norte and was formerly a barrio of Bangui. Its name refers to a kind of grass that is commonly found near the coast called galut-galot on account of its long creeping sterns. The green variety of this grass is called "pagudpud". The town is the third largest in the province in terms of land area, a total of nearly 195 square kilometers. Seven rivers pass through the town, and the well-watered fertile fields are part of Pagudpud's charm. They say that it is the “Boracay of the North” because of its white beach backed by rows of coconut trees minus  the noise and nightlife of Boracay.

Villa del Mar Resort

For those who are in a tight budget,  please note that resorts in Pagudpud are expensive. The best place to fit meager finances while enjoying time in the sun is the place called Saud. In Saud Beach, there are many villagers residing around it (like a Fishing Village). It is good for snorkeling and swimming. While the blue lagoon, has its true beauty of cool blue waters and white sand. Since both are far from each other, it is advisable that you better choose one beach to stay and just take a day tour to the other beach.

Enjoying the sun, sea and sand of  Saud Beach.

After enjoying the blue water and white sand of Pagudpud. Its time to go back to Laoag City. Please note that the last trip of the bus from the terminal near Public Market in Pagudpud bound for Laoag City is 3 pm only. By 4 pm, you need to get to loading area for Florida Bus Lines which is walking distance from Public Market. If you found yourself late in the afternoon and you need to get back to Laoag, then ask a driver of motorized tricycle to take you to highway where you can wait for a bus coming from various locations bound for Laoag City.

Bye Pagudpud till next time!

To know more about my adventures to Ilocos Norte, you may visit my other blog site at:

http://thetravellingfilipini.wordpress.com/2012/03/31/my-ilocos-nortesur-adventures-day-2-laoag-to-burgos-bangui-pagudpud/

http://thetravellingfilipini.wordpress.com/2012/03/31/pagudpud-beach-resorts-saud-white-beach/

http://thetravellingfilipini.wordpress.com/2012/03/31/pagudpud-beach-resorts-blue-lagoonmaira-ira-beach/

Places: The Bangui Windmills of Ilocos Norte

The third destination we've visited on my Day 2 adventures in Ilocos Norte was the Bangui Windmills. It is located in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, this 70-meter high windmills in Bangui is the first wind farm in the Philippines built by Northwind Power Development Corporation (NPDC), locally known as the Bangui Bay Wind Power Project. A very ideal source of electricity, the windmills is placed on a shoreline facing the South China Sea in which strong winds occurs, especially during typhoon. My friend told me that the Ayala’s are part investor of this project and they still plan to add more windmills. You can also view the 20 windmills at the Bangui Bay observation deck.

Bangui Windmills

This is open to public, so everyone is allowed to witness its exceptional attraction. Visitors are reminded, though, to — Take nothing but pictures (and/or videos), leave nothing but footprints and retain nothing but memories.

There is also a cafe near the Bangui Windmills called KangKang Cafe which serves coffee and other refreshments. Located 2.5 kms away from the windmills entrance (you’ll see a sign there). So far, it is the only business establishment near the Bangui windmills.

To know more about my adventures in Ilocos Norte, you may visit my other blog site at:

http://thetravellingfilipini.wordpress.com/2012/03/31/my-ilocos-nortesur-adventures-day-2-laoag-to-burgos-bangui-pagudpud/

Places: Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Burgos, Ilocos Norte

The next destination we’ve visited on my day 2 in Ilocos Norte is the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. Also in Burgos, Kapurpurawan rock formation is one of the most precious places to see in Pagudpud. The combination of the wind and huge waves coming from South China Sea later formed a hill of beautiful white limestone rock . It is magnificently chiseled along the long stretch of the shores. It’s a sight to behold. I was paradoxically fascinated by its beauty. The view is cinematic. However you still need to walk for 15 to 20 minutes but getting here is so worth it. My friend Jason told me that it is best viewed during sunset as it creates a golden color when the sun strikes Kapurpurawan.

Kapurpurawan rock formation

To know more about my adventures in Ilocos Norte, you may visit my other blog site at:

http://thetravellingfilipini.wordpress.com/2012/03/31/my-ilocos-nortesur-adventures-day-2-laoag-to-burgos-bangui-pagudpud/ 

Places: Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Burgos, Ilocos Norte

Part of my tour to Ilocos Norte was a visit to Burgos / Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. This is the highest lighthouse in the Philippines estimated around 160 meters above sea level. Located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It was declared a National Historical Landmark on August 13, 2000. Please note that going at the top of the lighthouse is already prohibited, for safety as the construction is becoming weak. There is no entrance fee, donation only.

Cape Bojeador

To know more about my adventures in Ilocos Norte, you may visit my other blog site at: 

http://thetravellingfilipini.wordpress.com/2012/03/31/my-ilocos-nortesur-adventures-day-2-laoag-to-burgos-bangui-pagudpud/

Places: Circle Island Resort

Last Sunday (April 22), my highschool friend Jorge celebrates his birthday at Circle Island resort. The resort is located in Daang Hari, Molino 3, Bacoor, Cavite. It is only around 15 to 20 minutes drive from Alabang, Muntinlupa City via Daang Reyna and Daang Hari roads and ideally situated near the Main Highway which is just five walking minutes away from SM (Shoe Mart) Molino.

Sample brochure

It also has its own website http://www.circle-island.com where you can check the location map of Circle Island Resort.

Location and direction

According to the website's guestbook, the reason why the resort is called Circle Island is because the barangay was known as Pulong Mabilog (circular island). Well, I haven't seen any island in the area.

Circle Island resort  is very easy to spot.The entrance rates for day swimming during summer (March - May) is Php 150 (4ft above)  while 4ft below is Php 100 only . For night swimming its Php 180 and Php 150. As usual, rates are subject to change without prior notice.

Prices for cottages (Kubo) rental is ranging from Php 300 to Php 500. Cottages with Videoke bar costs from Php 2000 - Php 3,500. My friend rented 2 cottages  and 2 hotel rooms. Yes, it is also a hotel consists of 30 rooms to accommodate your needs. Room rates are ranging from Php 1,250 (good for 2 persons) to Php 4,500 (good for 6 persons). Please note that all rooms are inclusive of free swimming. It's amenities are 24 hours security, standby generator, intercom phones, cable tv, H & C shower. The resort also have a restaurant, a jacuzzi, ktv rooms and function halls. You can try checking  its website for further information.

Cottage / Kubo

Hotel Room for 4 pax

In our case, our reservation was just for a day swimming from 7 am - 6 pm. There are 2 pools: the Adult pool and the Kiddie pool. The Adult swimming pool is actually an interconnection of smaller pool. In the middle of the Adult pool is a two level viewing deck. There is also concrete seat boundary between the smaller pools and the deep pool. Actually there is no label on which is the Kiddie or the Adult pool is?  I assumed that the area with less crowd is the deep pool. And, I was right! I just hope that resort owners should place information how deep is their pool and labeled them.

Adult pool and the two-level viewing deck

View from the deck (Adult pool)

Kiddie pool

One of the slide at the Kiddie pool

Since its summer, huge crowd troops the resort. The pool is full that time and you can hardly swim around. The lifeguards are always whistling for the jumpers and divers in the shallow areas where there are also kids. And when there is a big crowd, the water in the pool is no longer clear.

One of Jorge's  friend complains that the level of chlorine in the pool was so high that it hurt his eyes. He explained that since the pool is so crowded, he would prefer a high chlorine level to kill all bacteria and germs floating around. Packing up was very comfortable for us since we got rooms. Overall, despite the crowd, we enjoyed our visit to this nice resort.

You may check below some of the photos taken during Jorge's birthday celebration:

Ample of cottages

Thanks to Jorge for the treat!

Its eating time!

Swimming time!

Kulitan with the celebrant!

Photo opt with the celebrant....