Paoay Sand Dunes: Sand Surfing in Paoay Ilocos Norte

One of our most memorable Travel Tripster experience during our travel is our Sand Surfing in the Paoay Sand Dunes of Paoay Ilocos Norte.

Once you reach Paoay Ilocos Norte, its quite easy to find signs towards the 88 kilometers wide Paoay Sand Dunes.  Booking for a ride with a 4x4 Adventure Ride was easy.  We made a stop at the Paoay Tourist Center in the hut by Paoay Lake who instructed us to head to
Paoay Sand Dunes where tents are set up with 4x4 rides taking in groups one at a time. 

While Travel Tripster Kurt decided to take the front seat for a bit comfty ride, we girls enjoyed the more bumpy and thrilling ride standing on the back.  Our ride followed the tracks previously taken by others.  It's safer that way I guess. 

We reached towards the edge of Suba Beach.  Our driver asked if we wanted to take the beginner or higher one. 

We decided on the higher one and took turns with the board.  I'm really bad at it and trying was difficult because you have to climb up each time. 

Though Kurt was never a trier like me, he's usually capable of doing things on his first try and sand surfing was  not an exception.  Before we got headed back, everyone was able to sand surf properly.  While, I shamefully ripped my pants. 

The ride back was quicker and some how calming despite the bumpy ride.  The beautiful blue skies over sand trails was a nice sight which I'd like to remember forever.

Overall, the Paoay Sand Dunes is an exciting travel must stops in the Philippines.   It's amazing that there's a sand dune right in a non-dessert country so why not try right?  I'm going to go back and try again next time. 

Paoay Sand Dunes
Address	Paoay Sand Dunes, Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Budget Per Person	4x4 and Board Rental (2,500/4 persons)	Paoay Sand Dunes Map
Payment Options	Cash
Operating Hours	Monday to Sunday: (even holidays) 6 am - 6 pm
Reservation Required	No but encouraged
Contact	Paoay Off-Roaders and Adventure Group  Gilbert Santos (0928) 947-3518

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Ruby Jar Factory: Burnayan or Pottery in Vigan Ilocos Sur

One of the must stops in Vigan Ilocos Sur is Ruby Jar Factory.  Burnayan means pottery in Ilocano so the locals refer to this place as such.  Pottery was introduced to us by the Chinese settlers.  And, our pottery products were since then exported to other Asian countries.  

Ruby Jar Factory being a tourist attraction is surrounded by souvenir shops.  They sell small pots, key chains, refrigerator magnets, trinkets, key chains, wood works and more.  During peak season, you can also see a lot of tourists and kalesas parked in its vicinity.

First Step: Kneading the Clay

In 1990, Ruby Jar Factory was recognized by the National Commission for Cultures and the Arts as the National Folk Artist for his exceptional skill and ingenuity in the traditional craft of jar making.  Thus, making a significantly contribution to the conservation of cultural heritage of Vigan. 

Second Step: Molding using a manual wheel

Whenever they demonstrate their jar-making skills, you'd hear the crowds oohs and ahhs.  They claimed that they produce 500 jars in a day. 

Third Step: Dry then Bake

They have the clay pots which are left to be dried to prove how many they make.  You can also try making one for free.  I wasn't wearing the right attire so I was afraid to try.  But, I did try to spin the wheel and was surprised that it was heavier than it seems.  I'm guessing that its really not as easy as it looks.

Failed pottery within the Ruby Jar Factory premises

You'd see a lot of failed jars within the premises. There are also broken pots.  I guess many have tried and these are what they made.

Overall,  Ruby Jar Factory is a great place to be acquainted with the jar making process.  If you want to try it, bring extra clothes or you can also buy souvenir shirts there. 

Ruby Jar Factory
Address	Junction between Gomez St. and Liberation Blvd Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines
Budget Per Person	FREE	Ruby Jar Factory Map
Payment Options	N/A
Operating Hours	Monday to Sunday (even holidays)
Reservation Required	No
Contact

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Vigan Cathedral: St. Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral

Vigan Cathedral is also called St. Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral.  It is found at the heart of Vigan, Ilocos Sur.  It is considered as a major religious landmark in the North Luzon.

I just love visiting churches.  Each church is unique and details are sophisticated too.  

The Vigan Cathedral is a Baroch-styled cathedral with neo-gothic and psuedo romanesque motifs.  
The moldings on its facade and the brass communion rails give hints of the Chinese influence in its interior design and architecture.

Bell Tower of Vigan Church

The Bell Tower is not attached to the church itself and is instead found in Plaza Burgos, 10 meters from the south of Vigan Cathedral.   It is about 25 meters high.

The Vigan Cathedral was first built in 1574 by Spaniard Juan de Salcedo.  After it was damages by earthquake in 1619 and 1627, it was reconstructed in 1641.  In 1739, it was damaged by fire.  And, in 1790 it was again reconstructed and finished in 1800 to its current structure. It still contained most of the original features of the church interior.  It has not thick walls to withstand earthquakes and typhoons.  When the seat of the Diocese of Nueva Segovia was transferred from Cagayan to Vigan, it became a cathedral.

The Vigan Cathedral has twelve altars with hammered-silver panels, three naves, and a choir loft.
As it is a religious town, the church is packed on a Sunday.  

Vigan Cathedral Tabernacle

Overall, we Travel Tripsters were awed by the magnifiscent structure of the Vigan Cathedral.  This divine place is a great place to appreciate the history, religion and culture of the locals. 

Vigan Cathedral (St. Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral)
Address	Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines
Budget Per Person	FREE	Vigan Cathedral Map
Payment Options
Operating Hours
Reservation Required
Contact

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Crisologo Museum: Floro S. Crisologo Private Memorabilia

The Crisologo Museum is also called Vigan House or the Vigan National Museum Branch.  It is found along De Los Reyes Street in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. 

The entrance is free but you are encouraged to donate for its preservation.

The Crisologo Museum is a century-old mansion and ancestral home of the Crisologos.   It was converted into a private museum by his family so that the life and death of Floro S. Crisologo will never be forgotten.  The Crisologos are one of the principal families is of Vigan and a prominent political clan.

The Crisologo Museum is a 2-storey mansion with thick bricked foundation for the ground floor.  Its window are made of iron and steel grills.  While, the second floor is made of concrete and hardwood and has colintipay windows.  The structure is typical for a house in Vigan.

Floro S. Crisologo was the patriarch of the clan.  He is a  congressman who authored landmark legislations that benefited the whole country which includes the creation the University of Northern Philippines, the very first state university in Luzon and the establishment of the Social Security System, which is still serving the general public today. 


In October 18, 1970, Floro S. Crisologo was shot in the head by an unidentified gunman while standing inside the communion line inside the St. Paul’s Cathedral.  His assasination still remains an unsolve mystery until today.   But it was believed that it was politically motivated since at that time, he was in the process of having a bill approved to abolish the death penalty because he believed that death was not the solution to stopping crime. 

Inside were lots of antiques, memorabilia, medals and even clothes and other prized possession of the Crisologo family.   There were also items and articls related to his murder which looks to gruesome for me to display here.

You can view how they lived since they kept everything even the old photographs and furnitures in place.

The library had the distinguishing smell of old book pages. 

Chevy of the Crisologos

Governor Carmeling Crisologo, wife of Floro Crisologo, was ambushed in this Chevy on May 10, 1961 at Bacsil, San Juan, Ilocos Sur.  She was able to survive it.  There's a bullet hole in the side by its door.

Old Calesa

Hats

I've never seen so many hats.  They occupied the walls along the staircase.

Master's Bedroom

The Master's Bedroom is filled with religious artifacts which led me to conclude that they are a religious family.

Carmeling's Dresses

Vicente "Bingbong" Crisologo's Room

Vicente "Bingbong" Crisologo is the son of Floro and Carmeling Crisologo who is the incumbent Congressman of the 1st Congressional District of Quezon City.

Overall, we Travel Tripsters enjoyed our tour at the eerie and insightful Crisologo Museum.  We highly suggest that you drop by when in Vigan.  Leave a tip too.  The place could use the funds for its preservation.

Crisologo Museum
Address	De Los Reyes Street in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines
Budget Per Person	FREE (Donations Encouraged)	Crisologo Museum Map
Payment Options
Operating Hours	Monday to Sunday: (even holidays) 8:30 am-11:30am 1:30 pm-4:30 pm
Reservation Required	No
Contact	(632) 434-4343
Other
Transportation	Tricycle, Calesa
Commute Guide

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Vigan City Travel Guide: Vigan Heritage Village and more

The City of Vigan is the capital city of Ilocos Sur located in North-West Luzon facing the South China Sea.  Vigan is derived from the Hokkien chinese dialect "Bee Gan" given by the Chinese traders and settlers which means "beautiful shore". While some say, Vigan City derived its name from the "Bigaa" plant, a variant of the gabi species which grows in Vigan.

Vigan has an area of 28.86 km which is abundant in hotels, inn, restaurants, banks and tourist shops.  Most establishments are air-conditioned and locals are accustomed to foreigners and tourists.  Vigan City is one of the most famous tourist destination in Luzon because it is one of the few Hispanic towns left in the Philippines.  Although the architectures are mainly of European colonial as apparent in its cobblestone streets, the houses also carry both Filipino and Oriental particularly of Chinese influence.  The city is more romantic and scenic at night with the town lights.

One of the Bricks in the Streets of Vigan

Vigan City Map


Vigan City Climate
Th climate in Vigan during dry season from November to May is hot.  Its warmest average reaching up to 31 °C that is felt during the day.  With the plain topography and lack of forest reserves in the area, there is nothing to counter the heat of the sun.  However, during the wet season from May to October, it also experiences heavy rainfalls and typhoons.

Vigan City Budget
The budget for Vigan is around 2,000 to 6,000 php.

Transportation 

To and From Vigan

• Public Transport
• Airplane 
• Bus from Laoag, Ilocos Sur ( placard  going to San Fernando,  Baguio , Carmen,  Pasay, Manila, Cubao) - 110 php fare (1.5 hours travel time)
• Farinas Trans (Green)  
• Maria De Leeon Bus Lines
• RCJ  (Blue)   
• F. Franco Trans 
• Auto Bus (Black)
• Partas Bus (Blue and White)
• Bus from Manila - 600- 800 php fare
•  Edsa-Cubao
•  Direct to Vigan
•  Dominion Bus  Lines  (Green blue)
  - (02) 727-2350
• Viron  Transit (Cream Orange Maroon) - (02) 726-7412
•  Partas (Blue and White) (fare: 600 php)
  - (02) 725-7303
• Caltex at Bantay, Ilocos Sur so you have to ride tricycle to Vigan
•  Florida Liner (Pink)
• Pasay (nearest from NAIA)
•  Partas (Blue and White) - fewer schedule (fare: 600 php) - (02) 722-3369
• Sampaloc
•  Direct to Vigan
• Aniceto Lines  (Yellow) - (02) 732-8534
• RCJ  (Blue)  
• Caltex at Bantay, Ilocos  Sur so you have to ride tricycle to Vigan
• Auto bus  (Black) 
• Farinas Trans (Green) 

• Private Transport from Manila via Car
• Take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) up to Exit 85 to get to Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).  Exit at Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac and follow the National Highway until you reach Ilocos Sur.

Within the Vigan (mostly walkable) - haggle to get the lowest range

• Kalesa (200-300 php/hour)
• Tricycle (8 php-25 php)  

Where most Calesas are parked

Accommodation (Where to Stay at Vigan) - Around 300-2,000 php per person

• Casa Tofilla Lodge (Pantay Daya, Vigan City) - (077) 722-6482
• Cordillera Inn (Crisologo Street) - (077) 722-2727 
• El Juliana Hotel (Quirino Blvd.) - (077) 722-2994
• Gordion Hotel (V. De Los Reyes St.) - (077) 722-2526
• Grandpa's Inn and Restaurant (#1 Bonifacio St.) - (077)722-2118
• Green R Hotel (AlCantara St.) - (077) 722-6106
• Playa de Oro Resort (Mindoro, Vigan) - (077) 722-8771-78
• R.F. Ancieto Mansion (Crisologo St.) - (077) 722-2383
• Vigan Heritage Mansion (Cor. Liberation Blvd. & Crisologo St.) - (077) 722-6495
• Villa Angela Heritage House (Quirino Blvd.) - (077) 722- 2914

Vigan Street Food

Activities (What to do in Vigan)

• City Tour- most destinations are free but they accept donations
• Food Tripping and Tasting its Local Dishes (Around 150-400 php per meal) - most of your budget will be for this (see list below)

 Restaurant that Serve Authentic Ilocano Dishes (Where to Eat in Vigan City)

• Cafe Leona (Calle Crisologo) - (077) 722-2212
• Cafe Uno, Kusina Felicitas and Uno Grille (Bonifacio St.) - (077) 722-2118/722-1446
• Lilong and Lilang Restaurant and Coffee Shop (Hidden Garden Brgy. Bulala) - (077) 722-1240

Marsha's Delicacies

  Souvenirs (Pasalubong)

• Antiques, Arts, Handicrafts and Loomweaving
• Casa Rica Handicrafts (Crisologo St.) - (0918) 9007-7987
• Collado Arts & Souvenirs (Crisologo St.) - (077) 673-0885
• Cristy's Loomweaving (Brgy. Camangaan) - (077) 722-6171
• Lucy's Antique Shop (Crisologo St.) - (077) 722-5859
• Rowilda's Loomweaving  (Crisologo St.) - (077) 722-2731
• Bibingka (also Chicharon, Suka de Ilokko, Bagnet and more delicacies)
• Amiannance Bibingka (Brgy. II) - (077) 722-2596
  
• Marsha's Delicacies 
• Three Sisters Delicacies
• Tongson's Royal Bibingka (Crisologo St.) - (077) 722-2920
• Jat's Vigan Chichacorn (Brgy. San Julian Norte) -also sold on most stores in Ilocos
  
• Pots and Jars
• Flore's Pots and Hidden Garden (Brgy. Bulala) - (077) 722-1240 
• Ruby Jar Factory (a.k.a. burnayan) (Brgy. VII) - (077) 722-2447 - you can also try pottery for FREE
• Vigan Longganisa
• Cely's Longganisa (Brgy. Tamang) - (077) 722-7106
• Vigan Public Market
  
• Random Souvenir Items
• Vigan Public Market
• Vigan Heritage Village (more expensive than market)

Vigan City Itinerary

• Ilocos Sur Tourism Information Center - (077) 722-8771-76
• you can ask for assistance or grab a map here

Ilocos Sur Tourism Information Center

• Abel-Weaving (Brgy. Camaangan) - there are also Abel weavers in Brgy. Mindoro and San Pedro
• TRIVA: The handwoven abel iloco became so famous or its colorful and strong material that it even beat the Spanish weaving industry during the galleon trade era.
  
• Baluarte Zoo (FREE entrance)
• Ruby Jar Factory (a.k.a Burnayan) (Brgy. VII) - (077) 722-2447 - you can try pottery for FREE 
• NOTE: Locals call this Burnayan which means pottery or jar factory in Ilocano)
• Crisologo Museum (FREE entrance)
• Hidden Garden
• Plaza Burgos

Plaza Burgos

Plaza Burgos

• Plaza Salcedo

Plaza Salcedo

• Santa Maria Church (one of the oldest churches in Luzon)
• Syquia Mansion Museum

Syquia Mansion Museum

Syquia Mansion Museum

•  Vigan Cathedral

• Vigan Heritage Village and Calle Crisologo (best to view the sunset and at night with town lights)
• UNESCO world heritage list since  December 2, 1999 since the monumental buildings are preserved since the Spanish Era in the 18th Century

Calle Crisologo

Calle Crisologo

Calle Crisologo

• Vigan Public Market

Vigan City Events and Festivals

• Vigan City Fiesta (3rd week of January) - Feast of the conversion of St. Paul and anniversary of Vigan's cityhood featuring colorful longganiza festival
• Semana Santa (Good Friday) - town religious procession
• Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts (1st week of May) - Festivities include: Binatbattan street dancing, calesa parade, Karbo festival, traditional games, religious rituals in honor of the Black Nazarene, Santacruzan, Abel fashion sows, exhibits, trade and food shows and other events.
• World Heritage Cities Solidarity Day (8th of September) - Includes events such as Repazzo de Vigan, Historia Oral, Visita Museo ken Balbalay, Comidas de Ayer, Fotografias y Recuerdos, exhibits and cultural shows

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Globe Love Bus: Heading North to La Union for FREE (North Trip Part 1)

As soon as I got to learn about the Globe Love Bus Promo (see separate entry), I called fellow Travel Tripster Kurt and asked for his approval.  He instantly agreed so I booked both of us for a Holy Week vacation from April 4 (wednesday) to April 9 (monday).  

We arrived at the Globe Love Bus parked in Glorietta 3 at exactly 10:00 a.m. which is the call time.  To our surprise, there were only two passengers in the bus when in fact, the Globe Love Bus was fully booked.  Soon, an elderly woman who we later found out to be Linda came in.  After an hour wait and the Globe staffs finding out that the registrants used bogus Globe numbers, our bus decided to depart for La Union.

Kurt was a bit disappointed as I showed him the itineraries and maps I prepared.  Being raised as a protestant, he just found out that the Holy Week lasted until April 8 (sunday) and that I planned the trip until April 9 (monday).  When I asked why he was so saddened, he told his sister's birthday was on Sunday.  I felt sorry for him.   Kurt values his family more than anything in the world.  But, his bad mood faded soon...

The Globe staff then proceeded with games and I won an ID lace.  Our bus mates Linda and Adam won movie passes and some other stuff.  Because the traffic was good that day, we arrived at the NLEX Shell station at around 2 p.m. and everyone purchased their lunches during our stopover.  Kurt bought me a meal from one of his favorite fast food restaurants that starts with "J". 

During the long trip, we had conversed with our seatmate Adam who is ironically a friend of my classmate.  When we learned that Adam is from Vigan, we decided to ask him for some pointers.  Upon seeing my itinerary, he asked where I got all the information.  I told him just from the internet.  He looked quite surprised.  He then examined it and listed down some additional places we could visit and some local dishes we could try.  

Overhearing our plans of travel and adventure, Linda who had relatives in Agoo, La Union, introduced herself and joined in.  We were all surprised that Linda had so much stories to tell.  She claims to have witnessed the Apparition in Agoo and has traveled to many places all over the Philippines.  She also showed us pictures of cleanest river in the area and Pugad Adventure.  Kurt and I were convinced quickly. =D  We were having so much fun but it was all cut off when we was dropped off at Agoo which is a few towns before our final destination.  I took a short nap while Kurt and Adam chatted on.

At around 6:00 p.m., we arrived at the Genesis Bus La Union Station.  We gave our thanks and bade farewell to the driver, Globe staffs and Adam as we rode off to Candon, Ilocos Sur.  Thank you so much Globe Love Bus for the safe and fun ride!

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