We Speak No Ilocano: Ilocos Norte. In & Out

It was around 5 in the morning when we woke up, we ate breakfast and rush to the terminal to Laoag. We really want to get in Pagudpud early, so we can go to more places.

First stop: Kabigan Falls. We walked for almost 1.2 kms. on our way up there. We passed through plain fields, statures close to a cliff, rivers and strong stoned rocks, but we made it. The falls is not flattering when you first see it, but after what you have been through all the way up here, it is overwhelming. The water is beyond cold, we were chilling.

Second Stop: Blue Lagoon. Beach! No need to say more. Perfect! Blue water, white sand, crashing waves and nice friends.

Third Stop: The Search for the Legit Empanada. What we had in Vigan was kind of not the empanada that we are looking for. The real empanada has Vigan longganisa, coleslaw like vegetables, an egg sitting in the middle, most importantly, the dough. We are looking for the dough that is quite thick, and cut by a plate. And the verdict for that one big fat empanada is amazing! Fireworks on every bite and chew!

Fourth Stop: Bangui Windmills. The wind turbines of the north. These windmills, on my belief, cut down the electricity bills of the people in Bangui, Ilocos Norte. If these people could only sell electricity and placed it in a bottle, I really know they would. When we are getting there, we can almost see the windmills, from how tiny  they were from afar to how gigantic they are face to face. The wind is blowing us away from the shore, and if I get any lighter I knew I would be flying away.

Fifth Stop: Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. The white hill of limestone, golden during sunset. Yeah, we made it to its golden state. We started from a hilltop going for a trek down to the corals up to the white hill formation. Upon reaching the rock formation, I understand totally the concept of erosion. Through water and wind, rocks lose its sediments and form another shape. But this one is just breathtaking. Getting on the top of it and facing the South China Sea is overwhelming for someone like me.

Last Stop: Germaine’s Aunt for dinner. Out of generosity and kindness, her aunt, who dropped us from Sta. Maria to Paoay, picked us up from the terminal in Laoag to their house. Dinner is served, a lot of food to choose and eat. After dinner, time to freshen up and we will have a long way back Sta. Maria, then after that, a long, bone breaking travel back to Manila.