Banaue Rice Terraces

from the travel journals of Serge Kabamalan, supporter of Our Melting Pot

Banaue in the northern part of Luzon Island offers an exciting and breath-taking view of the Philippine highlands. It showcases a very ancient way of living in harmony with nature, crowned by its rice terraces built by hand by the Ifugao tribes who are believed to be related to the Miao tribe of China. Popularly known as the Banaue Rice Terraces, it is actually a part of an ingenious and sprawling system of rice paddies called, the “Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As a young boy, I was taught more than once by my grade school teachers that it is “The Eighth Wonder of the World. I would often gawk at pictures of it that look like steps in green mountains going to the heavens. If its pictures could be so enthralling I wondered how much more if go to see it. So, I vowed that I shall visit the place one day. But I only got the chance to see it when I was already working. Taking a leave from work for 2 days that straddles over the weekend, I took a 10 PM bus from Espana, Manila and alternately watched the DVD movie shown on board, slept (when I could) and took refreshments during stopovers (which are adventures by themselves).

After that 9 hour ride in the darkness, I was ready to concede to an uneventful day of rest for the coming day while making a mental note of adjustments I had to make on my itinerary. But as the sun's first glimmer revealed the mountain fastness of the Philippine Cordilleras, what I beheld made me gasp with excitement and wonder, and I quickly forgot about my longing to rest. Wherever I set my eyes on captivated my interest. Majestic view of mountains clad with pines and embraced by low lying clouds as far as the eyes can see! Cascading waters running along the roads and under the bridges! Quaint villages nestled on gently rolling slopes of vegetable gardens set against the towering peaks! In no time, I was transfixed by the passing sceneries which augured well for a beautiful adventure in Banaue. The travel may be long and tiring, but the early morning view and the crisp coolness of the air was enough to invigorate me, as I was filled with so much expectation.

I hailed a tricycle to bring me to the town center where I was told I could get a cheap accommodation. And true enough, without even reserving a room from Manila I got one for only PhP 400 with a private bath. Later, I would find out that there were accommodations as low as PhP 100-150 per bed in various inns and hostels around. But the room I got had a great view of the Banaue Rice Terraces.

On with the plan despite a fitful sleep on the bus! I spent that day hiking the mountain trails, visiting some museums and old traditional Ifugao houses. People were friendly and helpful. The children would greet me and ask for candies. A hike along the road leading to several viewpoints afforded me priceless sights of this ancient, human-made structure, part of a sprawling rice terraces system that straddles different provinces in the Cordilleras. From these viewpoints, it is easy to believe that these hand-made terraces placed end-to-end could go half-way around the globe.

I was there during the planting season and was mesmerized. So, I could only imagine and pine for its glory when the rice paddies are filled with golden grains ready for the harvest!

A talk with some locals surprisingly gave me an instant introduction to the place's history. One even invited me into his family house to see pictures and mementoes of Banaue's past, and of a people that depends so much on nature's harshness and bounty.

The next day, I went to Batad, a spectacularly tiered and amphitheatre-shaped terraces with a small village down where the terraces begin. I went through a 12 km jeepney ride which was not for the faint of heart. It was bumpy and tremulous. But the jeepney driver showed great dexterity in navigating the narrow passages especially where we met cars and buses going the other way. At times, I felt that one wheel of the jeep was over the ravine, and just one strong kick would send all passengers and baggage into free fall. But picturesque mountains, verdant valleys, rivers and waterfalls continued to captivate all my attention. So, worry and fear were easily replaced with excitement as nature’s wonders unfold one after the other which became even more apparent when I began hiking, up then down, toward my destination.

At Battad, I was really amazed by the sheer beauty of its terraces, the warmth and hospitality of the villagers, the simple but creative culinary fusion in the food served at local eateries (e.g. pizza topped with cabbage, tomatoes and cheese, spiked with local herbs and spices), the small stone and wooden benches offered to weary hikers while cooling our feet, the friendly and helpful guides, the distinctive flavor of tapuey or rice wine, the allure ofTappia Falls, the tall sampaloc trees lit by fireflies like a living Christmas tree at night, the long and winding hikes in and around the terraces, and countless other wonders along the way. To top it all, I had the privilege to stay in one of the traditional Ifugao houses that still stand proud, blending well with the splendid view. It is designed well for the cold climate of these northern Luzon mountains, and I was kept warm and comfortable through the night.

I still carry the memory of that trip fresh in my mind, savoring it while promising I shall go visit it again!

Boracay on a Budget

http://cheapaccommodationmanila.blogspot.com/

photo credits-Charlene Diane Albert

Certainly, a traveler can’t get enough of this paradise and enthralling get-away called Boracay. Some of the reasons why include the talcum-fine white sands, crystal-clear calm waters, the culture and the people.

But if you are on a budget, how do you actually get to and enjoy this paradise island?

1. First, on your arrival in Manila, book a decent budget accommodation in the heart of the City but close to the airport. Then, take The RORO system to Boracay which is fast becoming the preferred mode of transpo for people who would like to explore the different islands of the Philippines, Boracay included. The Nautical "Highway" is a combination of overland highways and roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) vessels that allow you to bring vehicle to Panay Island and visit key cities like Kalibo. However, one cannot ferry a car to Boracay Island.

For the more structured individuals, the short cut of the long process is to book a van in Manila by contacting private operators such as Angel Star (02 783-0886 c/o Abner) and Gope (02 732-6891 c/o Cesar). This option provides you a straight trip from Manila to Caticlan at the cost of P930.00, more or less. Their group operates several passenger vans which can load 10-14 or 15-18 persons. You book the trip exclusively or share with fellow travellers. The Van leaves at 9PM daily from Manila-Batangas-Calapan-Roxas (arrives Roxas at 5am or 6am) to catch the 8am or 10am ferry/boat to Caticlan, where you are expected to arrive between 12nn to 2pm. Before proceeding to Boracay Island though, be sure to get your return ticket (Roxas-Manila) at the Caticlan Ferry Terminal (inquire about the updated schedule from the staff of the van operators). Take an early dinner before boarding the van and bring water and something to eat while on travel. Riding a van gives you a more relaxed pace to Caticlan because you wouldn't have to stop in many sub-destinations which lengthen your trip and therefore can be truly tiresome. Noted that the fee of P910.00 already includes two RORO fares.

The RoRo system even as it entails extended travel time is easier on the pocket and therefore more ideal for budget travellers. But if you only have a few days to spend in the Philippines, by all means book a flight early (at least two months in advance) within the range of $50-100, one-way. Budget fares are available thru Cebu Pacific Airways or the Philippine Airlines (select the "econolight" fare type in the drop-down selection menu of the booking section in their website).

2. Contact us (OUR MELTING POT backpackers) - 0917*8328539; we can arrange for you the cheapest accommodation in the island which can range from P500-800 pesos, on a twin-sharing arrangement.

3. Explore the wet market and request specific stall vendors to cook your food according to your own taste or preference.

4. Be open to making new friends while in the Island, among local tourists or foreigners. Your new-found acquaintances may be willing to sharing boat rides with you during your island hopping adventure or other fun activities like banana boat ride, kayaking and many more. On an individual basis, the price for popular services or rides can be prohibitive. But when you divide the cost among three or four other travelers, your exploration of the island truly becomes affordable.

When you are already in the island, remember the following . . .

During the dry season (Nov-Apr), White Beach, which is located at the western stretch of the island, is calm and utterly suitable for swimming. Here, you can simply while away time. In fact, the best thing to do when you are in Boracay is not to do anything. Let nature charm, calm and mesmerize you while sitting on the beach, enjoying the powdery white sands, feeling the cool air breeze, watching people pass by.

But if you can’t resist the water, soak in it by all means because the beach is an unbelievable, magnificent, expansive natural swimming pool. The whole beach front extends for several kilometers. The water stays quite shallow for several meters out. When it’s low tide, 30 meters off the frontage, you only have the water up to your waistline. Underneath, the softest, gentlest, finest cushion of sand gives you the best natural foot spa for free.

Boracay sunset is both awesome and captivating. On a lucky day, you get all the colors in the sky which make you momentarily forget the particular time and space you’re in. That’s why it’s called paradise. You wouldn’t wanna leave the place.

In contrast to other popular beaches in Southeast Asia, Boracay does not yet (and will probably not) have the amenities of BIG shopping malls or theaters and multi-purpose stadiums that somehow put pressure on the traveler TO DO something. But you can also get the pleasure from a lazy afternoon by building castle in the sand, playing board or card games with your companion or joining an unknown group of locals or foreigners in a fun beach volleyball game. Yes, you may only have to flash your wide smiles without need of introducing yourself. Presto, you can be in the game with people whom you have only met for the first time.

The eastern side of the island has strong winds and big waves making it enjoyable for wind surfing, wave running, etc. During the rainy or typhoon season (Jun-Oct), it’s the White Beach which gets the larger share of winds and somehow angry waves that make it unsuitable for swimming. Take note that there are no lifeguards on White Beach. Even as there are dive shops every few meters on this paradise island, the operators or the crew are not there to watch over people who swim in the inviting waters of Boracay.

During the night, however, Boracay is transformed. The place is lavish with plenty of bars staging different kinds of shows every night. You can enjoy a reggae ambiance or listen to country music played by local bands who are amazingly good at it. A traveler simply has to know that the Philippines is the leading exporter of talents in the entertainment field, virtually unaffected by the ups and down of the global economy.

What To Do in the Philippines?

http://cheapaccommodationmanila.blogspot.com/

The Travel Adventures of Bex Davis

from the files of busybee621

Our first featured guest in OUR MELTING POT is fondly called Bex. She is originally from New Zealand but works in Korea as an English teacher. She visited the Philippines last month and left us a lot more impressions than we expected.

I was not in the hostel when Bex arrived but our short conversation over the phone gave me an inkling how decided she was to keep her impossible 3-day itinerary in Manila and other "nearby" provinces before heading off to Boracay Island. I wasn't doubting she could do it because there were obvious indications that our guest came prepared. We were just there to support or maybe spoil (?) her (as she later described in hostelworld). In the process, we saw her presence as an opportunity to learn important tips on WHAT TO DO IN THE PHILIPPINES from the mettle of a first-time traveler in this country which can surely benefit other guests that would come after her.

But Bex who has round, beautiful eyes that looked strict at first has a light, bubbly, spontaneous, no-big-expectation persona. To me, she perfectly represents a true traveler, in contrast to a mere tourist. She immersed herself in the culture and adopted to the same beat of the locals almost immediately. In her first taxi ride within Manila, Bex was asked how many years she's been in the Philippines. The taxi driver's eyes were wide with amusement when she responded: 5 hours. :-)

Going back to Bex's impossible itinerary. She intended to cover Corregidor, Villa Escudero and Pagsanjan falls in her 3 days in Manila. For any one of those 3 pit stops, the journey was to be made in the morning on her last day in Manila, before flying to Boracay at 16:30. Corregidor, fortunately or unfortunately, did not materialize but on her trip to Pagsanjan, she took an exciting turn to Los Banos and Mt. Makiling. Thanks goodness that her last day in Manila didn't bring her feet to far away places. But in all the time she was here, she was able to visit all the big malls: Glorietta, Greenbelt, Powerplant. She had gone to Intramuros, Coconut Palace, Ayala Museum and the Hobbits Bar in Malate (which we only heard for the first time from her). Bex experienced street dining with us at Som's. On her last day, at 12:50nn, she appeared in the hostel, left in a jiffy to squeeze in a local movie at 13:10 which she thought was hilarious. She wasn't probably at the edge of her seat even as it was important to be riding a cab by 15:15, but we were. We just telephoned the hotel managers in Boracay to inform that she was arriving late in the night. We didn't know what happened after until we met in facebook this October.

So, let's sniff a portion of the conversation she had in facebook with a friend as it would tell us some of the meaningful and exciting THINGS TO DO IN MANILA or IN THE PHILIPPINES.
September 29 at 11:50am

Grace Schafer

So, what did you think (about the Philippines)?

Bex Davis

I had the time of my life. I saw so many interesting things, met so many interesting, generous people, didn't get into any scrapes. Though sometimes it was a bit scary, the people i met really looked out for me. Had an absolute adventure. I'm hooked and going back next year after my contract ends. Oh and the food is soooooooo yummy!

I got to Ayala museum, Coconut Palace, Mall of Asia, Intramuros, Villa Escudero, Pagsanjan falls with a wee excursion to Los Banos as i met a guy on the bus who was eager to show me the town and join me in my adventure (yeah i know a big risk but it paid off). I also saw a movie called Kimmy Dora which once i got into it was hilarious. Got to Boracay and had a mad time with the wind, the rain and the locals there. Climbed into a bat cave which i later found out was full of snakes, ate the most delicious food on the beach and held a monkey. Yup i didn't want to leave, and almost didn't due to the typhoon in Manila. But things calmed down enough by the time i was due to leave, though my flights were delayed. I have made so many contacts and there is so much more i want to see, such as I didnt get to Corregidor. Also i wanted to see Palawan and so many things in the north like the rice terraces and the indigenous tribes. Yup the Philippines rock!

Grace Schafer

Phew. I'm so glad that you had a good time. Not a lot of people I know go to the Philippines for a holiday. People used to back in the 70s and stuff. Those people always talk about it like it was the most fun experience of their lives. Glad you liked the food too. It's pretty darn healthy. I remember eating fish for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Glad you went to Borocay. Too bad about the weather. But you get that. Let me know when you plan to go up north. There's some stuff i should probably give you a heads up on.

Yay for the Philippines!
==================

END OF (A HAPPY) STORY.

Where To Go in the Philippines?

(photo credits: Ben Beiske of travelblog.org)

Where to go in the Philippines? This country happens to have 7,108 islands when it's low tide; 7,107 when high tide. Choose your pick. Manila is the Philippine capital but it does not atply represent the Philippines. Whatever impression you have of Manila, good or bad, the country's 7,107 island-pearls are mostly phenomenal. They are a sight to behold. Finding one island would sometimes generate a feeling that you would no longer wanna leave. But there are 7,106 more to visit. After some time, it will dawn on you that unfortunately the beauty of the Philippines is impossible to cover in one lifetime. That being said, there's one place in this Archipelago that strikes me differently -- Palawan. Many say, it's the gods' own country. I've never been able to personally write about it because back then I thought it was so very difficult to put into words my own experience.

Yesterday, my friend Liliram (as she is fondly called) sent me an email. I thought the email was a blessing because finally from the writings of a foreigner, the essence of how I felt about Palawan had the most beautiful, touching words to match it. The name of this wonderful traveler is Ben, who is a friend of my friend Lili. So, I'm leading you to the link below if at this point, you still wonder WHERE TO GO IN THE PHILIPPINES?

http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Philippines/Palawan/El-Nido/blog-440947.html

http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Philippines/Palawan/Puerto-Princesa/blog-439099.html

You Never Grow Tired of Tagaytay

from the travel blogs of Liliram, newest supporter of OMP, as originally posted from travelblog.org

It took this long for me to think of blogging about one of my favorite places in my own country. Perhaps because I visit it too often, or I took its beauty so much for granted. Tagaytay holds many happy childhood memories for me and my family. Both my parents are from Cavite where Tagaytay is. And many weekends were spent here, in a neighboring town called Silang, Cavite where my grandmother used to live, long before it became a favorite tourist destination. From Manila, it would take about an hour and a half traveling south for 60 km to reach Tagaytay to view the "volcano island" inside a lake called Taal Lake, or Lake Taal.

As a child, my ears got so used to many old folks' stories about Taal Volcano where one finds a lake within a volcano within a lake within a volcano. Yeah, I know, it sounds redundant. Can you imagine me listening to all these stories and this line which has now become an adjective to describe Taal Volcano back when I was still of pre-school age? It appears Taal Volcano made up for its size by always threatening to erupt, as if drawing attention all the time. Records show it is the smallest active volcano in the world. And for good measure, the old folks back in the province recount to this day all their experiences with Taal Volcano's mini-eruptions in the past until it was no longer news.

The story goes that Tagaytay Ridge where one gets a perfect view of Taal Lake and Volcano was actually part of a bigger volcano until a major eruption hundreds or thousands of years ago. Originally a huge volcano towering 18,000 feet, many people don't realize that it used to be one of the largest volcanoes in the world. Tagaytay Ridge is the rim of the volcano! Before it was "reduced" to its present size, Tagaytay ridge would have been only about a sixth of the way to the top of the volcano!! This caldera is now fringed with many tourist inns, hotels, restaurants and picnic groves. A major golf course (Tagaytay Highlands) and a casino (near Taal Vista Lodge Hotel) can also be found along this ridge. Most tourists make day trips from Manila to this place, missing out on an unhurried day of adventure which may include a boat journey through the lake to reach the volcano island (about 1,500 pesos or US $30 for the entire boat so you can split it among the 3 or 4 of you), a trek to the top of the volcano on a donkey (most recommended, unless you are very very fit but be ready to shed another US$20 per person), as well as trying out the many fine-dining and local restaurants in the area.
Many years back when Tagaytay only had picnic huts available for rent to locals bringing in their own picnic baskets, the place was famous for its many retreat houses and prayer centers. The cool climate and the now-lost "rustic innocence" of the place made for a very meaningful weekend of prayers and meditation. The retreat houses are still there. And many retreat weekends are still held there. The popularity of the place has also resulted in many foreigners deciding to stay permanently and setting up their own restaurants and shops there. These days, one can make trips to Tagaytay to try out this new Vietnamese restaurant (Bawai), or this Austrian-German bistro called Chateau Hestia, a greek taverna, or a lovely garden restaurant called Moon Garden run by a Belgian. Taal Vista Lodge Hotel is a newly renovated hotel complex , Josephine's Restaurant with its seafood delicacies still stands attracting both local and foreign patrons, the Discovery chain of serviced apartments run Country Suites and I must say, serves the best lamb chops, and of course there is Sonya's Garden and Antonio's - 2 of the fine dining establishments in the area. My personal favorite is Antonio's though that will set you back a good US$30 to $50 per pax. For local food, one can try Josephine's (their buffet is a steal at only US$7) and Leslie's (try their "bulalo" which is beef stew). As for the kids, there is Residence Inn and Zoo where you can spend an entire afternoon with small children. Lunch is also served in this place, a good way to spend an hour or two after checking out the zoo. Restless kids can go to a nearby playground while the adults enjoy their coffee after lunch, or simply wait out for the sunset while viewing the volcano.

There is always something to do in Tagaytay other than just taking in the view. The more adventurous go for the boat ride and donkey trek. The prayerful spend their

retreat weekends there and head back to Manila with emptied minds, restful spirits and re-energized bodies. The hedonists spend time in their favorite spas while their husbands play a round of golf in Tagaytay Highlands. The foodies try out the many food establishments, where the variety caters to every pocket range. The kids can check out the tigers, crocs, gorillas, etc in the zoo. Or simply rent out bikes or go horseback riding in the park.

I live in Makati, the financial center of Manila. This urban jungle has its advantages and disadvantages. Thank God for Tagaytay. In under 2 hours, we can enjoy its breeze and open spaces. There is just no way we will ever grow tired of Tagaytay!

Is It Safe in the Philippines?

Tom stayed with us in OUR MELTING POT last week and shared his very unsual observation of Metro Manila. "I'm curious, but it seems all these bad things, fears, negative perception of the Philippines that I harbored in Europe or elsewhere are actually in the mind of the Filipino people. In reality, the Philippines or Manila, in particular, is a big, loud but safe and charming city.

I don't quite understand it, but the Filipinos seem to project these fears almost everywhere. You see them as warnings inside the rest room: watch out for your valuables. They greet you at the Metro stations: beware of pickpocketers. The dispatcher at the taxi stand gives out flyers that tell you: call this number to report erring taxi drivers. Surprisingly, I've already been in the Philippines for two weeks but the "predictions" have yet to happen to me; I don't even think they will ever happen to me. But the fear is palpable. Warnings are still everywhere. Amusingly, no one appears willing to take the responsibility. It seems like saying: if something bad happens to you, then I told you so... because I thought so. However, simply because I told you, no way can you hold me liable for your misfortune.

In the more famous European capitals such as Barcelona, Rome, Paris, thieves or snatchers are common place, especially in the street of Las Ramblas, the Roma Termini Station, or the Eiffle Tower in Paris. But hardly are the tourists forewarned because after all, even if it's government's thrust to ensure the safety of travelers, securing oneself is also a personal responsibility.

Anyway, back to the Philippines. Lonely Planet warns travellers that the most common scam in the Philippines involves drugging a tourist's drinks or food and then robbing them. With the gravity and the "commonality" of the warning, would anyone ever risk coming to the Philippines if s/he is in the right frame of mind?

But where do you think this is coming from? If you are just doing your thing and enjoying yourself, it can and WILL NEVER happen to you in the Philippines. But if you take out prostitutes or associate with society's trouble-makers and let all your defenses down, then in Manila or elsewhere, you are vulnerable. It all boils down to choice and ways of behaving or conducting yourself. But Lonely Planet is not irresponsible with its statement. Yet I strongly suspect that this is a product of an ordinary Filipino's tendency to magnify the negativity. Too bad, the rest of the world catches it.

Tom continued. Lonely planet also wrote Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is a dismal introduction to the country: lines are often long at immigration; the airport is old and decripit. Be prepared to deal with the unscrupulous taxi drivers. Well, I flew in to Manila via Asiana airlines and landed at the old NAIA Terminal I. Guess what? I actually thought I was at the wrong airport when I arrived. There was no chaos. No long queues. I even thought the airport was very organized. Terminal 1 was old, not magnificent, not state-of-the-art. It was not beautiful. But it was not bad either, in fact far from being detestable. So again, don't you think the Filipinos are feeding these impressions to the entire world?

In reaction to what Tom said, I referred him to the statement of Ben Beiske, a blogger in travelblog.org, who recently visisted Manila and met with my friend Lili. "The guidebook had called Manila airport dirty, chaotic and dark. I was expecting the worst, but instead after arriving here from Taipei I found it super-clean, well sign-posted and modern. Maybe they have recently upgraded it or I arrived at a different terminal? Leaving the airport, I braced myself for the usual army of taxi drivers and other hawkers but I found -- NOTHING. ??? Not a single person approached me? And I had time to get my bearings. How nice!

So, I continued. The change of perception requires a gargantuan change in mindset or consciousness in every Filipino. But that's almost an impossible task. So we're just starting in our hostel. We're here primarily to promote everything good about our country and about the Filipinos in general. The reviews made by tourists, turned friends, who stayed in our hostel, are a living testament to it. And so this is a mission we would like to carry out for as long as the need is there. We want more Bex Davis of facebook, a recent guest in the hostel, to say: THE PHILIPPINES ROCKS, or Peter Wall who wrote us: we found everyone that we met in the Philippines extremely friendly and helpful.

Our islands are incomparable and are touted as paradise. Yet those island-pearls are not exactly our greatest treasures. Our gentle, caring people are! Our people, because probably of the long history of colonization, can be likened to diamonds trampled upon in the streets. If no one dares pick us up, we might just as well pick up ourselves and show the world that the Philippines is not only a safe place to be. This is the best place you can be. You can in fact immediately call this your home.

Northern Philippines: A Spanish Heritage

from the blogs of OMP supporter Lili Ramirez, grabbed from www.travelblog.org

An hour or so away by plane from NAIA, all of 8 to 9 hours travel by road. Take your pick.

We chose to fly, then rent a car from our base which is Fort Ilocandia Hotel and Resort. The hotel is a good base for many day trips to various parts of the Ilocos Region. Top of the list is a visit to Vigan, the only surviving colonial town in the country. Declared a UNESCO Heritage Site, it is a must see for all visitors who want to catch a glimpse of how it was in the 18th and early 19th century. Time stood still in this part of Northern Philippines. It helped too that Vigan , unlike Cebu and Manila, was spared of the bombing last World War II. Do not forget that Manila is the second most bombed city during that war. By God's mercy, Vigan survived and preserved its antiquated houses, cobbled pathways, even the calesas or horse-drawn carts. The township with all its narrow streets speak of an architecture which blends Spanish, Asian and Mexican influences. At the time, it was called Ciudad Fernandina before it became Vigan which comes from the word "kabiga-an" where a tuberous plant called "biga" abounds. Then famous as a commercial and trading post, it attracted Chinese junks sailing from the South China Sea. Some of these Chinese seafarers married natives and settled in Vigan. This was long before King Philip II of Spain sent Captain Juan de Salcedo who then "founded" the town in 1572 and called it Ciudad Fernandina in honor of the King's son Ferdinand who died at an early age. Since then, Augustinian missionaries visited Vigan and the rest of Ilocos Region and initiated the evangelization of the area. Many churches and monuments still stand today, spared from the bombings of World War II.

Back in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, we spent the next day visiting Paoay Church, another UNESCO Heritage Site. I have not seen a church compound anywhere in the Philippines as grand as this one. Paoay Church stands proud. It is by no means as grand as the churches you'd find in Europe, but the colonial heritage and the Spanish legacy give it its well-deserved grandeur. Built of bricks and coral blocks, the architecture combines Gothic, Baroque and Oriental. Built over a period of nearly 200 years, the church belltower is a fitting reminder of the Christianization of the Philippines as ell as its role in the Philippine Revolution when it was used as an observation post by the local rebels called Katipuneros. Another church , the St. William's Church, was built by the Augustinian frailes or priests in 1612 in the Italian Renaissance design. Right next to it is a sunken belltower leaning slightly to the North. This is our local though much scaled-down version of the Pisa tower. A 3rd church we visited was Sta. Monica Church , a century old church of neo-classical and baroque architecture.

Of more recent history is the fact that ex-President and strongman Ferdinand Marcos hails from Batac, not too far from Laoag. The ancestral house of the Marcoses is now the Marcos Museum and Mausoleoum where the late President's body lies like a wax statue. During his 20 year reign, Marcos built a Malacanang of the North (Malacanang in Manila is the official residence of the President, much like the White House in Washington DC). The mansion is an expression of opulence and overlooks the lovely Paoay Lake. Now a museum, visitors can tour the mansion for a minimal fee.

These days, the Ilocos Region is still considered Marcos land despite the fact that the dictator has passed on many years ago. His only son, Ferdinand Junior, Bongbong to most, is the current congressman representing the Ilocos Region. Bongbong earlier served as governor of the province, during which time the Bangui Windmills were established. This wind farm lies nearly next to Pagudpud and now has 15 wind turbines. It has since attracted many visitors to the area just to view the 70 meters tall wind turbines. And not too far from here is the Cape Bojeador , a lighthouse built in 1892 north of Laoag City. It is the highest, and I think the oldest, lighthouse in the country.

Many Ilocanos to this day idolize the late President Marcos. Without dwelling on politics, I will venture to suggest that the more prominent and admirable Ilocanos should be Juan Luna , Diego Silang and his equally brave widow, Gabriela. All three are martyrs and heroes of the land. They have done far more for our country than any other Ilocano. That said, let me invite everyone to visit our land!