Batac, Ilocos Norte (Apr. 18, 2014)

Second destination - Batac, Ilocos Norte

In Batac, Ilocos Norte, we had a peek of the mausoleum of the late
President Ferdinand Marcos. It is just a quick viewing of the regrigerated
crypt where cameras are strictly prohibited.

Beside the mausoleum is the Balay which is the ancestral house
of the Marcos.  It houses lots of memorabilias of the Marcos family.

Across is a street closed to vehicles popularly known as the Empanada street
where the best empanada in the region can be found.

We had the empanada and the Batac longganisa for our lunch.

And the verdict - it was really the best.

Paoay, Ilocos Norte (Apr. 18,2014)

Our third destination is Paoay, Ilocos Norte to see one architectural
masterpiece - St. Augustine Church or Paoay Church as popularly
known. 

It is one of the oldest churches and has been in the UNESCO World
Heritage list.

All I can say - post card picture perfect. 

Right across the Paoay church is the Herencia Cafe known for their delicious 

and chewy pizza but unfortunately did not have the luxury of time to drop 

by and had a bite of it. Will surely try this next time. 

Vigan, Ilocos Sur (Apr.17-18,2014)

After almost 12 hours of travel time from Manila brought about by the
surge of vehicles traveling North during the Holy Week holiday rush,
VIGAN here we come... 

The Family arrived 4PM and checked-in first at Vigan Plaza Hotel
as our abode for the 1st night.  Located in Mena Crisologo St,
we are just a stone's throw away from the cobblestone street - Calle
Crisologo.

A spanish colonial-style accommodation with upscale and modern
amenities inside.

Calle Crisologo at night with  Spanish-style houses and souvenir shops
left and right.

The Family's dinner at Cafe Leona  with the famous Vigan longganisa,
pakbet and bagnet.

Calle Crisologo at dawn. Free from the hustle and bustle of the sellers,
calesas and the crowd.

Had a quick tour of the UNESCO-declared World Heritage City
via a horse-driven carriage - Calesa.

We did not leave Vigan without buying some of its delicacies from
Tongson's Royal Bibingka  - royal bibingka, Vigan longganisa and bagnet.

The Bantay Bell Tower located in neighboring town of Bantay, is standing
on the hilltop beside the St. Augustine Parish Church.  Another popular
historical sight which when you climb up the tower, it offers a breath-taking
view of the houses and hills around.

Baluarte ni Chavit - a must see attraction esp. for kids for its mini-zoo.
It was my first time to see big tigers and ostrich up-close. There were deers,
ducks, beautiful and colorful birds and horses too.