[Vigan] ► World Costume Festival 2016: From Calle Crisologo to the World

October 22, 2016, 9:28 pm

≫ Next: [Narvacan] ► Bulanos Beach: We Meet Again, It's Been Six Years

≪ Previous: [Ilocos Sur] ► Post-Karen, Pre-Lawin: Typhoon-Sandwiched Failed Adventure

"Beautiful costumes designed by passionate minds from different parts of the world, inspired by their culture, were showcased in Calle Crisologo."

[VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES] ► Costume designers from Africa, Japan, Indonesia and the United States (and some more parts in the world) had their designs featured and highlighted for the World Costume Festival 2016 that was held in Vigan on 22 October 2016.

[VIGAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO VIGAN!

Beautiful costumes designed by passionate minds from different parts of the world, inspired by their culture, were showcased in Calle Crisologo.

2016 Set-up

The last time I featured the World Costume Festival on this blog was in 2013. was bigger compared this year. This year was simple. However, it's the costume that matters here.

The fashion show was held on a stage put up at the intersection of Calle Crisologo and General Luna Street. The runway started from the intersection of Calle Crisologo and Salcedo Street until the models reached the stage.

The judges rode in a calesa until they reached the stage while the host was presenting them to the audience. Most (if not all) of the models were locals unlike in 2013 wherein participants from the other countries traveled to Vigan for them to wear their costumes.

Anyway, below are some of the photos I took.

[VIGAN] ► WORLD COSTUME FESTIVAL 2016

Insights

The crowd wasn't big for this event so it was well-organized. The event was opened by some artists/talents of GMA Network to promote their show which wasn't related to the festival at all. However, the network was the official media partner for this event so those GMA artists appearing to promote their show was expected.

As usual, Indonesia's costumes were impressive. Indonesia was the recipient of the best costume award in 2013. This year, Indonesian designers never fail to stun the arts and costume-loving audience.

One of the entries for the competition was a beautiful costume inspired by Vigan's Longganisa Festival. I swear it was so classy.

This is my blog coverage for the World Costume Festival 2016. - Edmar Guquib | end |

22 OCTOBER 2016: WORLD COSTUME FESTIVAL 2016
VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES
[VIGAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO VIGAN!

► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post was filed under the category "Festivals" There is a section below where you can see other related posts from this category.

[2] All maps I used on this post are from Google Maps.

[3] All photos are mine.

[4] The insights, condition and name of places or properties I mentioned here are based on the facts and situation on the day of my visit. Take note that you may have a different experience when you try or see the properties or places mentioned here. Names of places and properties may also change by time so it's not my responsibility to update all the information on this blog because once published, I already consider it an archive and I won't update my narratives because I want them to become my references of what have happened in the past. I'm very particular of the dates because I want my amazing readers to understand that I am writing stories based on my perspective and insights on the day of my visit. You can see dates almost everywhere on this blog. Exempted from this rule are my travel guide posts that need to be updated.

Map Showing the Location of #Vigan

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EDMARATION #TownExplorer

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[Narvacan] ► Bulanos Beach: We Meet Again, It's Been Six Years

October 25, 2016, 11:58 am

≫ Next: [Vigan] ► Raniag Electric Float Parade 2016 Blog Coverage

≪ Previous: [Vigan] ► World Costume Festival 2016: From Calle Crisologo to the World

"Past is past, but believe me, our past could give us an idea on how to fix our present and shape the future."

It's been six years since my brother and I embarked to a long-haul drive that changed my life's perspectives (long story). It was that motorbike ride that made me unearth the spirit of adventure residing in me. Bulanos beach in the town of Narvacan was one of our stopovers in that milestone trip so let me say this: "Hey, my friend. It's good to meet you again."

[NARVACAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO NARVACAN!

Actually, In the span of six years, I've visited this beach several times. I've brought fellow travel bloggers here and I've been passing here (via the coastal road) every time I go home to . This isn't part of the national highway so many travelers would miss this if they'd pass through Narvacan.

However, in spite of the several visits I've done here in the span of six years, nothing beats the feeling that me and my brother are both here for the second time. It's been six years since we both had a motorbike ride here and last October 17 was the second time we traveled here together. You know, my early travels are sentimental. It's really good to reminisce those days when I was still starting to travel. So many beautiful memories. Every place for me was raw, including this beach—perfect nostalgia.

[NARVACAN] ► SUNSET IN BULANOS BEACH

[NARVACAN] ► WE RODE A MOTORBIKE HERE TOGETHER WITH MY BROTHER AFTER 6 SIX YEARS.

[NARVACAN] ► WITH MY BROTHER EDISON

[NARVACAN] ► MY BROTHER SITTING ON A BLOCK

[NARVACAN] ► ME IN BULANOS BEACH

[NARVACAN] ► WITH THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA AT THE BACKGROUND

It was sunset when we reached the beach. Actually, there was no grandiose fiery sunset maybe because it was raining in the next town. Well, in fact, it rained here just before we left.

Many have changed here. There's already a concrete coastal road. The coastal road was still under construction when we visited this beach for the first time in 2010. I remember we attempted to drive on that muddy road before but we didn't pursue. Me and my brother made a wild guess six years ago that this road would connect to the road in Sulvec beach then eventually to the highway. Now that we're here again, we proved that our guess was right. It felt good to reminisce the good old days.

[NARVACAN] ► DUE TO THE IMPENDING SUPER TYPHOON LAWIN, THE SEA WAS ROUGH.

[NARVACAN] ► THE WAVES WERE BIGGER THAN USUAL.

[NARVACAN] ► PEOPLE (MAINLY CHILDREN) PLAYING ON THE BEACH

Actually, our visit here in Bulanos beach was just random. You know, we were already on our way to Ifugao on board our motorbike that day when it suddenly rained in Santiago town and learned of the news that a super typhoon (Lawin) was entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility. We ditched our Cordillera adventures and decided to just drop here before we went back home.

Past is past, but believe me, our past could give us an idea on how to fix our present and shape the future. My past visits here have changed my perspectives in life. I was hooked to traveling up to present and my past travels would always be part of my future in search for answers and truth. I'm pretty sure, my brother also feels the same—reason why we're best travel buddies. | end |

► THIS STORY IS PART OF MY. Actual Travel Date: 17 October 2016

17 OCTOBER 2016: BULANOS BEACH
NARVACAN, ILOCOS SUR PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES
[NARVACAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO NARVACAN!

► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post was filed under the category "Beaches" There is a section below where you can see other related posts from this category.

[2] All maps I used on this post are from Google Maps.

[3] All photos are mine.

[4] The insights, condition and name of places or properties I mentioned here are based on the facts and situation on the day of my visit. Take note that you may have a different experience when you try or see the properties or places mentioned here. Names of places and properties may also change by time so it's not my responsibility to update all the information on this blog because once published, I already consider it an archive and I won't update my narratives because I want them to become my references of what have happened in the past. I'm very particular of the dates because I want my amazing readers to understand that I am writing stories based on my perspective and insights on the day of my visit. You can see dates almost everywhere on this blog. Exempted from this rule are my travel guide posts that need to be updated.

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EDMARATION #TownExplorer

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[Vigan] ► Raniag Electric Float Parade 2016 Blog Coverage

October 27, 2016, 12:03 pm

≫ Next: [Vigan] ► Raniag Flight of Sky Lantern 2016 at Jardin de Caridad

≪ Previous: [Narvacan] ► Bulanos Beach: We Meet Again, It's Been Six Years

"I'm just happy that this event continues to survive. The event becomes grander and the quality of the electric floats is becoming better each year."

[VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES]► Bigueños seemed to treat this annual electric float parade seriously. I mean, every year, each entry has the balls to win. The Bigueño creativity just runs through our veins when the Raniag Twilight Festival season comes.

[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG FESTIVAL 2016: ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE Photos taken by Joshua del Castillo on 23-October-2016 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

[VIGAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO VIGAN!

I've been watching this event since its debut and I was able to blog about it since 2011. I've seen how this event evolved through the years. Raniag Festival's Electric Float parade is always staged to stun. This has become one of the most watched parades in Vigan.

Below are some photos taken during the electric float parade on 23 October 2016. All photos were taken by Joshua del Castillo for edmaration.com.

[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG FESTIVAL 2016: ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE Photo taken by Joshua del Castillo on 23-October-2016 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

[VIGAN] ► RANIAG FESTIVAL'S ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE 2016

[VIGAN] ► RANIAG FESTIVAL'S ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE 2016

Insights

I've said a lot about this event since 2011. I've written my personal experiences, suggestions and reviews in my past blog posts. If you want to look back, I've included the links of the previous posts below.
I'm just happy that this event continues to survive. The event becomes grander and the quality of the electric floats is becoming better each year.
For tourists who usually visit our city during summer for the Binatbatan Festival (or the Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts), I am confident enough to recommend this event for you as the best alternative for the crowded May festivals. I have strong guts that this won't disappoint first-time (and even old) watchers—truly a Vigan must-see.

The Electric Float Parade is one of the events staged for the annual week-long Raniag Twilight Festival. | end |

RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE THROUGH THE YEARS

► My Coverage Timeline | 2016 | | | |

23 OCTOBER 2016: ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE
VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES
[VIGAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO VIGAN!

► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post was filed under the category "Customs and Traditions" There is a section below where you can see other related posts from this category.

[2] All maps I used on this post are from Google Maps.

[3] All photos are mine.

[4] The insights, condition and name of places or properties I mentioned here are based on the facts and situation on the day of my visit. Take note that you may have a different experience when you try or see the properties or places mentioned here. Names of places and properties may also change by time so it's not my responsibility to update all the information on this blog because once published, I already consider it an archive and I won't update my narratives because I want them to become my references of what have happened in the past. I'm very particular of the dates because I want my amazing readers to understand that I am writing stories based on my perspective and insights on the day of my visit. You can see dates almost everywhere on this blog. Exempted from this rule are my travel guide posts that need to be updated.

Map Showing the Location of #Vigan

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EDMARATION #TownExplorer

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[Vigan] ► Raniag Flight of Sky Lantern 2016 at Jardin de Caridad

November 3, 2016, 5:42 am

≫ Next: [Abra] ► Mt Poswey (~1546 MASL) and Surviving at Least 9 Mountains More

≪ Previous: [Vigan] ► Raniag Electric Float Parade 2016 Blog Coverage

"The darkness of failure fades when the bright lights of success appear. Amen!"

[VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES] ► The absence of a light is a necessary part—hey there, Jason Mraz!—for some people who need to learn the hard way. Some had to experience darkness for them to appreciate and be thankful of the coming of the light. For the Raniag Flight of Sky Lantern, the darkness is a necessary part so that the sky lanterns would stand out. It's like life. The darkness of failure fades when the bright lights of success appear. Amen!

RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE 2016, VIGAN

[VIGAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO VIGAN!

Jardin de Caridad

Jardin de Caridad, a privately-owned cemetery, was the venue (and it has always been the venue since then) of the flight of sky lantern, a mainstay event of the annual Raniag Twilight Festival.

Jardin de Caridad seemed to be the best venue for this event due to the following reasons:

Raniag Festival is a Halloween-themed festival. The cemetery is consistent with the theme.
Jardin de Caridad is centrally located in Vigan. It's accessible for everybody.
It has a wide open lawn. There's none to little obstruction with minimal risk of creating fire incidents to properties around.

Immediately after my work that day, I went home to get my camera to document this event. It has always been a hit. You know, the organizer (which is the Local Government Unit of Vigan) didn't need to push a bloody promotion for this. It has always been a crowd-drawer since its debut. This led me into conclusion that we, the people of Vigan, love supporting our community activities and gatherings. Mind you, you have to pay for your lantern if you want to join. Everyone cared to pay. Because of Vigan's active community participation, all our cultural activities, events and festivals never became flop (not to mention the tourist joiners that add spice to our community spirit of unity and Ilocano pride).

[VIGAN] ► THESE MILLENIALS WERE HERE HOURS BEFORE THE START OF THE EVENT.

[VIGAN] ► THAT HUGE LIGHT WAS TURNED OFF DURING THE FLIGHT.

[VIGAN] ► THIS SKY LANTERN FLEW SOLO.

[VIGAN] ► I THINK THIS WAS A SWEET FATHER AND SON TANDEM.

[VIGAN] ► THE SON WAS HOPING THE LANTERN TO FINALLY FLY!

[VIGAN] ► SUCCESSFUL!

[VIGAN] ► THERE YOU GO.

[VIGAN] ► SKY LANTERNS BRIGHTENED THE SKY.

[VIGAN] ► THIS WAS THE EVENT CROWD.

[VIGAN] ► HAPPY RANIAG FESTIVAL 2016 VIGAN!

The event was opened by a prayer. Traditionally, that's been the opening trend. This flight of sky lanterns is part of the pre-Halloween week-long Raniag Twilight Festival, the first festival in Luzon to have this kind of event. This flight of lantern started in 2010.

You want to see the event in motion? Check out the video below. Don't forget to subscribe for more videos of town exploration like this.

YouTube Zone

Insights and Final Words

The 2016 version of this event happened on 23 October 2016. It's quite earlier compared last year.
The sky was great! No rain! It was a perfect timing for the flying objects to decorate the sky.
The event didn't start on time. Filipino time prevailed.
It's my first time to blog this event here on EDMARATION #TownExplorer (although I've already written this before on www.choosephilippines.com and my other blog www.exploreilocos.com).

My hometown Vigan has redefined the meaning of Halloween for us and I think I'm liking it. See you again next year! | end |

MORE POSTS COVERING RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL 2016

24 OCTOBER 2016: FLIGHT OF SKY LANTERN
VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES
[VIGAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO VIGAN!

► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post was filed under the category "Night Leisure" There is a section below where you can see other related posts from this category.

[2] All maps I used on this post are from Google Maps.

[3] All photos are mine.

[4] The insights, condition and name of places or properties I mentioned here are based on the facts and situation on the day of my visit. Take note that you may have a different experience when you try or see the properties or places mentioned here. Names of places and properties may also change by time so it's not my responsibility to update all the information on this blog because once published, I already consider it an archive and I won't update my narratives because I want them to become my references of what have happened in the past. I'm very particular of the dates because I want my amazing readers to understand that I am writing stories based on my perspective and insights on the day of my visit. You can see dates almost everywhere on this blog. Exempted from this rule are my travel guide posts that need to be updated.

Map Showing the Location of #Vigan

MORE TOWNS YOU MIGHT LIKE TO EXPLORE

Latest Contents Covering 'Night Life'

Thank you for visiting my travel blog!

EDMAR GUQUIB, Travel Blogger
EDMARATION #TownExplorer

| This is the latest post.

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[Abra] ► Mt Poswey (~1546 MASL) and Surviving at Least 9 Mountains More

November 29, 2016, 10:48 pm

≫ Next: [Laoag] ► 2016 (Almost) Year-End Visit with Umbrellas & Conservation

≪ Previous: [Vigan] ► Raniag Flight of Sky Lantern 2016 at Jardin de Caridad

"...be careful what you wish for, 'cause you might just get it all. I wished for an all-out adventure and I got it all—more than I could handle."

[ABRA, PHILIPPINES]► Whenever I hear the name Abra (name of a place), it's sweet-coated memories popping-out from my brain's database. You know, I've explored Abra more than I asked for and I have some of the best travels and adventures here because of the spontaneity and epic-ness of the experiences Abra offered me. Anyway, the past years, I've learned about an enchanting mountain called Mount Poswey. In spite of the many attempts to climb that mountain, I never made it to the summit until...

[ABRA] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO ABRA!

The night before 19 November 2016, I traveled from to Abra to finally climb this mountain bearing an excitement in my heart. According to the organizers, the mountaineering group that would attempt to do a Mount Poswey traverse (which I was a part of) was the first organized group of outsiders to leisurely climb this mountain. Well, there have been some people who climbed this mountain before but they were visitors of the LGU doing some research or ocular inspections. Some were locals. Some were foreigners but not in an organized group of mountain climbers.

From Bangued to Bucay

Our meeting place was in the capital town of Bangued and the mountaineering team all went to the office of Cong JB Bernos through Mr Jun Rosales (tourism consultant) to register. There were seventeen of us. All faces were new to me. All of them were my first time to meet in person. There were groups from , Manila and Lagangilang town (in Abra). I didn't have my own sub-group. I was the only one who came from Vigan.

This is the good side of embracing a lifestyle based on outdoor activities, you have the chance to meet people with the same frequency as you. While in Bangued, though I was initially aloof, I gained my momentum and I joined the new circle of friends. In mountaineering, you need a core group. You can't afford to isolate yourself in the midst of uncertainties.

From Bangued, we were brought to the town of Bucay to have our lunch at Kubo ni Zek (a restaurant) and met some of the guides. The jeep that was arranged to bring us to the jump-off was also parked here waiting for our adventures to kick off.

[BANGUED] ► THE MOUNT BULLAGAO SOARING OVER THE FIELDS ON OUR WAY TO BUCAY

[BUCAY] ► BRUNCH AT KUBO NI ZEK

[BUCAY] ► POWER-CHARGING WITH MY VIGAN COMFORT FOOD, SINANGLAO!

While in Bucay, I power-charged my body with the magic of my Bigueño comfort food—hot sinanglao soup dish! With a cup of rice, it made my day. I was ready to hike.

Toploading: Bucay-Manabo-Boliney

Together with some newly found friends, we stayed on top of the jeep. Staying on top (we call it toploading), you have the opportunity to enjoy the view 360 degrees. Abra's beautiful landscape is a thing I didn't want to miss so it's one of the reasons why I toploaded. From Bucay, we reached the town of Manabo, then Boliney.

[BUCAY] ► THIS WAS HOW WE TRAVELED TO BOLINEY.

[MANABO] ► RISKY LANDSLIDE IN MANABO ON OUR WAY TO BOLINEY

Boliney for the Second Time

Seeing the welcome arch of Boliney reminded me of my 2-week non-stop rainy day motorbike adventures with my friend Elric in 2013 wherein we reached Boliney under the rain so the surrounding was very green. The road was wet and our river/creek crossings were riskier because of the stronger current.

My second visit in Boliney was a dry day so the roads were dusty and the surrounding was not as verdant as my first visit. The supertyphoon Lawin that smashed Northern Luzon last October also left some damages in the town.

It felt good to be back in Boliney. The smile on my face was big. Traveling is also like love life, it's sweeter the second time around.

We finally reached our jump-off at Bgry Bao-yan where we were briefed about our itinerary, our trail and on what to expect. The local guides told us that the trek would be harder than usual because supertyphoon Lawin destroyed the hunter trails. Although it sounded a little worrisome for me, there's no way of turning back. It's a golden rule in mountaineering to finish what you've started. Backing out means trouble for the whole team.

[BOLINEY] ► THIS FELLOW CLIMBER WAS CHECKING THE MAP OF BRGY BAO-YAN, OUR JUMP-OFF.

[BOLINEY] ► ONE OF OUR GUIDES FOR THE CLIMB SHOWING HIS BOLO

[BOLINEY] ► MR JUN ROSALES BRIEFING THE PARTICIPANTS

[BOLINEY] ► THE PIONEER MT POSWEY TRAVERSE TEAM

I Almost Gave Up

On the very first few minutes of our trek, I suddenly felt nervous about my physical condition because I became tired easily. I, myself, was even surprised with that response of my body. I observed the other climbers if they look tired like me but it seemed like everything was working just fine with them. This gave me fear. The trek required us 2 days to finish the traverse and on the first few minutes, I didn't feel good maybe because I lacked sleep for the past three days. It was my fault anyway.

[BOLINEY] ► THE START OF THE CLIMB

It was hard to ignore my condition although I tried my best to focus on the trek. The first few minutes of the climb was as steep as crazy. I stayed focused but my body really seemed unconditioned to face the harder-than-usual 70 to 80-degree slope.

The fearful part was that the assault never stopped for the first few hours that I even considered giving up. One of the climbers noticed that I had facial flushing. I related it to my physical symptoms and it was consistent. I felt that the arteries in my head were pulsating as hard as fvck. What I was doing was like a suicide.

The trek actually started at 12:30 PM and we expected to reach the camp site near the summit after sunset. I had no choice but to stay focused because as the saying goes, "Ginusto mo 'yan. Panindigan mo."

[BOLINEY] ► AFTER FIFTEEN MINUTES, I RESTED EXACTLY IN THIS PLACE. YES, I WAS EXHAUSTED AFTER FIFTEEN MINUTES.

[BOLINEY] ► RESTING WITH THE GANG AFTER AN HOUR

The trail was insane. It was the hardest climb I've ever done—continuous assault with flat trails in the scale of rare to none. After more than one hour of hiking, it seemed like my body was able to adapt with the situation. I felt more physically fit to do it compared with the first few minutes. I was looking for answers why my body eventually turned adaptable and the reason I found out after analyzing my condition was maybe because I had no warm-up and pre-conditioning activities so my body was stressed to handle such sudden shift from sedentary to physically demanding activity.

The trek went on. Although it was inexplicably hard, risky and death-defying, I took the challenge and I survived it. When we were resting in a place in Mt Poswey they called as batto (from bato meaning stone, which was present there), I was hearing the laughter and chatter of the lead group. I couldn't see them. The mountain was just devoid of any noise pollution that a normal laughter could be heard from afar.

[BOLINEY] ► STOPPING FOR A MAJOR REST HERE AT BATTO, PART OF MOUNT POSWEY

[BOLINEY] ► SUPER ZOOMED: VIEW OF THE BAO-YAN VILLAGE FROM WHERE WE RESTED

[BOLINEY] ► MUSHROOM SPECIES I SPOTTED IN MOUNT POSWEY

[BOLINEY] ► FERN SPECIES I SPOTTED IN MOUNT POSWEY

[BOLINEY] ► WILD ORCHID IN MOUNT POSWEY

[BOLINEY] ► WATER SOURCE IN THE FOREST FOR DRINKING

[BOLINEY] ► NO IDEA WHAT IS THIS

[BOLINEY] ► NEGOTIATING WITH THIS, NO CHOICE BUT TO ASSAULT THIS RISKY LANDSLIDE

[BOLINEY] ► MOUNT POSWEY HAS RICH FLORA AND FAUNA

We continued the trek. We tried our best to reach the campsite before sunset so that we could enjoy the fiery sky but sadly, the sun rested first before we could reach the campsite. We were basically trekking the forest under the dark sky.

The air suddenly turned cooler. My clothes were drenched with sweat so when a cold breeze comes, I chilled to death. This is one of the feelings that I don't like to feel. My tolerance of cold is low and I can't focus if I'm chilling. We were already on an elevation of around ~1500 above sea level and the smell of pine trees gave me a refreshing feeling. My tired mindset was changed to a refreshing reset. Indeed, nature is therapeutic.

Few meters away, I was hearing the bark of dogs from above. It sounded victory for me. Confirmed, we reached the campsite safe and sound. Hurray!

Campsite

At the campsite, I pitched my tent, specifically, beach tent. Yeah. I used a beach tent in the forest. Anyway, the air turned cooler (my weakness) prompting me to don my next layer of thick cotton clothe.

[BOLINEY] ► WE SPENT THE NIGHT IN THE FOREST

[BOLINEY] ► COOKING FOR OUR DINNER

[BOLINEY] ► GRILLING SOME FOOD IN THE FOREST

[BOLINEY] ► BONFIRE, WE SERIOUSLY NEEDED SOME MORE HEAT TO FIGHT THE COLD

It rained. I was worried with my beach tent and the cold air but according to the local hunter guides of Boliney, the rain meant something special—it's a welcome shower from Kabunian, their tribal god residing in Mt Poswey.

We cooked our dinner and rested in our tents. We had to wake up early the next day for the assault to the summit. We wanted to welcome the sunrise at the summit.

At the Summit

At 5 AM, we trekked to the summit of Mt Poswey to watch the sunrise. You know, viewing the sunrise from the summit of a mountain is (almost) every mountaineer's fulfillment. It's an intangible reward that's hard to explain. Nature has the answer and I could never interpret it in my mortal capacity. The feeling is just heavenly. Only God could explain and give that feeling through the wonders of His creations.

[BOLINEY] ► I WELCOMED THE SUNRISE AT THE SUMMIT! // PHOTO TAKEN BY: SAUL GINO KILLIP

[BOLINEY] ► I WELCOMED THE SUNRISE AT THE SUMMIT! // PHOTO TAKEN BY SAAB LEBAY

[BOLINEY] ► VIEW OF IKMIN RIVER FROM THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT POSWEY

Leaving Mt Poswey and Facing at Least Nine Mountains More

Immediately after enjoying the sunrise, we took our breakfast and started an equally challenging descent. Indeed, it's the hardest mountain climbing activity I've ever done as of this writing. The leg muscles were aching and I couldn't maintain a pace I normally do. Rock climbing, rock hugging, river crossing, bouldering and some more physically-demanding activities I couldn't imagine were present and I was actually doing them in the name of survival.

Some of the slopes were almost 90 degrees that we had to do a harness-free rapelling—only relying on the roots of shrubs and stepping on rocks attached to the soil. It was indeed risky because typhoon Lawin left dangerous marks in the mountains. When we reached Mt Littakan, our guide from Boliney endorsed us to the next guides from Tubo (I'll be sharing more stories about this on a series of posts I'll be publishing in the future covering this adventure).

[BOLINEY] ► OUR FIRST MAJOR RIVER CROSSING, DAMANIL RIVER

[BOLINEY] ► DESCENDING FROM MOUNT TOMOY-OK

[BOLINEY] ► DAMANIL RIVER, BOLINEY SEGMENT

[TUBO] ► AT MOUNT LITTAKAN, NEAR THE BORDER OF BOLINEY AND TUBO

[TUBO] ► OUR TEAM AT MOUNT MAKMAK

[TUBO] ► SANDY SHORE OF DAMANIL RIVER, TUBO SEGMENT

[TUBO] ► DAMANIL RIVER, TUBO SEGMENT // PHOTO TAKEN BY SAAB LEBAY

[TUBO] ► MOUNT AGIPASPAS

[TUBO] ► MOUNT KALUNGI

To cut the long story short after several creek/river crossings and long hours of trekking, we were confronted with a crucial decision if we should set-up our tent overnight deep in the forests of Tubo or continue the trek. The guide estimated that it would take us up to 10 in the evening if we maintain our slow pace. Given our aching legs and shoulders while carrying our backpacks and hungry tummy (we ran out of decent calorie source), we had no choice but to stay slow. If we chose to trek faster, it could be riskier since our physical capacity has reached its limit considering that would be trekking at night deep in the forest with trails destroyed by supertyphoon Lawin.

Personally, my mind was willing to finish what I have started but the body was weak. We climbed/traversed at least 9 mountains in this (mis)adventure with weak body that's full of fighting spirit under the moon, under the tall trees, under God's grace and mercy.

[TUBO] ► STOPOVER AT DADA RIVER TO REST OUR ACHING MUSCLES

[TUBO] ► MOUNT MABWADI NIGHT TREK

[TUBO] ► FINALLY! WE REACHED THE VILLAGE IN SITIO LIKOWAN!

[TUBO] ► WELCOME FOOD FOR US, GINATAANG MAIS

It was already 08:30 in the evening when we spotted a hanging bridge signifying that we have just left the forests—welcome to the village! Upon reaching the village, the hot bland ginataang mais cooked for us tasted like a specialty dish done by a chef of 5-star hotel for me. You know, being deprived of decent food would turn the worst food you don't usually eat a good food, you know what I mean? So when you see and eat some decent food, at least in my case, it's fiesta. The food served was bland and that was expected because the mountain villages lack the spices we could normally buy in the city market but as I said, that food was very special. It was a heavenly blessing after 2 days of eating loaf bread.

My co-climbers have taken a bath. We ate our dinner (eating that sardines was the best experience I ever had for that past few days) while some, including me, took the opportunity to have a power nap. With all the relaxation vibes in mind, we forgot that we still had to trek for about 1.5 hour from Sitio Likowan (where we rested) to Brgy Amtuagan proper.

Unli-trek. Where Can I Buy Energy?

Tired, energy-less and nursing a generalized muscle ache (I could hardly move, seriously), we waited for a habal-habal driver that could bring us to Sabnangan river port in the next town of Luba (our exit point and end of the traverse). Originally, the plan was to trek to Sabnangan from here but I just couldn't do it anymore. The other guys opted to trek though when they learned that there were limited habal-habal drivers who are capable of bringing us there. We also learned that there was an event in the village and most of the habal-habal drivers were drunk. My only option was to wait in the community center of the village.

It was already past midnight. The village elders have to go to sleep. I and a first-time climber, Jo, were the two last persons left inside that dark and cold community dwelling. Two good-hearted men accompanied us inside the hall while waiting for the habal-habal drivers. I fell asleep while waiting because my body couldn't stay awake anymore. I was sleep-deprived. One of the men woke me up when the drivers arrived.

That Night Ride to Sabnangan I Thought I'm Gonna Die

"Kumpet ka nga nalaing," said by the driver. He instructed me to get a tight grip because he'll be assaulting a steep unpaved, rocky and muddy road. I was shocked. His driving technique almost gave me a heart attack. Fortunately, I've been exposed to rough habal-habal rides like this before here in Tubo but this is by far the worst as we did it at night. With my weak body and aching muscles, adrenaline came gushing in. I stayed wide awake, surprisingly energetic and focused. The word "sleep" vanished in my vocabulary. At times, the driver couldn't balance the habal-habal yet he still continued to drive on his own discretion. I don't think he was careless. I believe it was the right way to do it.

I thought I'll end up in the hospital with fractures and abrasions. I placed my tent on my lap so that I could use my two hands in gripping but the ride was really wild that I could no longer balance the tent on my lap. The remedy I did was to bite the handle with my teeth and left it hanging there for that 30-minute span of wild rough riding. Figuratively, it was the longest motorbike ride in my life. You know, you wanted to stop but you just couldn't. How I wanted to finish that ride and just do the hike but I had no choice but to entrust my life to the driver.

We reached the Sabnangan footbridge and we crossed it until we reached the poblacion side where we waited for the other guys who trekked. I think it was already past 2 in the morning and we were still on an adventure-mode. While waiting, I fell asleep on the cold concrete floor of the stage they use for community programs. After about 30 minutes (or it could have been longer), we all squeezed ourselves inside the jeep—no more toploading this time. With my bad smell (I never took a bath during this 2-day trek), it was so awkward to stay in the midst of the people elbow to elbow. Kebbbs! Enjoy my smell and I'll fall asleep.

The adventure wasn't over yet until we reached the river port at the Tumbal river. The boat crew has been waiting there since the afternoon only to meet us at around 3 in the morning.

Back to Bangued

The sun has just risen when we reached the town of Bangued. Basically, our second day was a 24-hour sleepless and food-deprived adventure! What a great feeling to see the Abra Valley early in the morning and eating a hot Abra Miki for breakfast thereafter!

I finished the climb and I was able to scale my capacity. I won new friends. I gained new beautiful memories and experiences. After the climb, I promised myself I'd never do that Mt Poswey traverse again but I'm not going to close my heart for Mt Poswey yet. It's just that, be careful what you wish for, 'cause you might just get it all. I wished for an all-out adventure and I got it all—more than I could handle. Being able to survive was a great achievement though since I discovered my limits, my capacity and skills. I discovered more about myself. Thank you Mt Poswey! At the end of the day, I had no real regrets. I charged everything to experience. | end |

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Above is the video version of this blog post. Subscribe to my channel for more videos like this.

Note: This post is just the summary of my Mount Poswey traverse experience and there are more stories to be told. More stories and insights are coming soon. This experience will be divided into series of posts I call as 'blogserye' so watch out for Chapter 1!

NOVEMBER 2016: MOUNT POSWEY TRAVERSE
ABRA PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES
[ABRA] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO ABRA!

► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post was filed under the category "Experiences" There is a section below where you can see other related posts from this category.

[2] All maps I used on this post are from Google Maps.

[3] All photos are mine.

[4] The insights, condition and name of places or properties I mentioned here are based on the facts and situation on the day of my visit. Take note that you may have a different experience when you try or see the properties or places mentioned here. Names of places and properties may also change by time so it's not my responsibility to update all the information on this blog because once published, I already consider it an archive and I won't update my narratives because I want them to become my references of what have happened in the past. I'm very particular of the dates because I want my amazing readers to understand that I am writing stories based on my perspective and insights on the day of my visit. You can see dates almost everywhere on this blog. Exempted from this rule are my travel guide posts that need to be updated.

Map Showing the Location of Abra

MAP OF ABRA — CLICK MAP TO DISPLAY THE LATEST ENTRY COVERING CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION.

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EDMAR GUQUIB, Travel Blogger
EDMARATION #TownExplorer

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[Laoag] ► 2016 (Almost) Year-End Visit with Umbrellas & Conservation

December 4, 2016, 5:51 pm

≫ Next: [San Fernando] ► December Good Vibes and a Not-So-Wanted Ending

≪ Previous: [Abra] ► Mt Poswey (~1546 MASL) and Surviving at Least 9 Mountains More

"I've always envied the civil discipline you have. Tricycle drivers are honest. They do not overcharge. They are polite."

[LAOAG, ILOCOS NORTE, PHILIPPINES] ► Hey Laoag! It's been a while. I've visited you countless times but I rarely write stories about you. I don't know why I used to ditch writing the memories and experiences I've spent with you. Lately, I realized I need to add more space on my blog dedicated for you. You're my hometown's sister and its northern counterpart and I should've done this before. You'll consume more space on my travel diaries.

[LAOAG] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO LAOAG!

Why I'm here?

IT'S GOOD TO MEET YOU AGAIN LAOAG. I visited you because of a certain work assignment I accepted for the love of traveling. The assignment was to audit a brand product and the opportunity to visit you few weeks before we leave 2016 is one of the reasons why I accepted this task. The job was easy. In 30 minutes, it's done. The rest of the day could be spent exploring you.

However, I have another commitment at 3 PM. My duties as a professional nurse was calling me. Good thing, I could spend the morning with you.

But you know, I was crazy that day. I woke up late and left at 10 AM. I thought it would only take me less than 2 hours to reach you but I forgot I rode in a PUB (those generic PUBs, not branded). As we all know, these generic PUBs have many stopovers so it took me 3 hours before I could reach out to you again.

So I reached you at 1 in the afternoon and finished my task at 2 PM. So if I'm gonna ride a generic PUB again, it would mean I'll be late on my work, obviously.

After my task, I immediately went home so I had no chance to explore you more intimately. I know, I've explored you countless times but I was thinking there'd been changes in you that I could note down. Anyway, I was running out of time. And you know what? I reached Vigan at 6 PM. I was 3 hours late on my work.

The Umbrellas Around the City Hall

I FELT AMAZED WHEN I PASSED BY your city hall. How did you do that thing? You painted that air with colors, uh. It looked so charming and festive though and I felt good about it. Those umbrellas made the premises of the city hall fancy.

[LAOAG] ► IT'S CHRISTMAS SEASON BUT THIS JUST LOOKS LIKE SUMMER.

[LAOAG] ► THE UMBRELLAS AND THE TOBACCO MONOPOLY MONUMENT.

[LAOAG] ► UMBRELLAS OF DIFFERENT COLORS

[LAOAG] ► THE UMBRELLAS WITH THE TOBACCO MONOPOLY MONUMENT AND THE SINKING BELL TOWER

[LAOAG] ►THE CITY HALL FOUNTAIN AND THE UMBRELLAS

Actually, it's my first time to see you wearing a colorful get-up. That's one of the reasons why I blogged this. I would like to create a timeline of what you have done in the past. This is just the beginning, and like what I'm doing in your sister city Vigan, I'll note my insights and observations everytime I visit you for future reference.

There's More Conservation Efforts

You know what, I was impressed by the conservation efforts you're doing. You do not have an extensive inventory of ancestral and historical old houses but it seemed like you care about them a lot.

When I saw the Globe business center in front of the Caltex gas station few meters away from , it reminded me of the conservation efforts of my hometown Vigan. You know, in my hometown, many modern business centers and some fastfood chains were housed inside our ancestral houses. The set-up I saw is so similar with what we are doing in Vigan.

[LAOAG] ► THAT GLOBE CENTER INSIDE AN OLD STRUCTURE REMINDS ME OF VIGAN.

Ending Thoughts

I've always envied the civil discipline you have. Tricycle drivers are honest. They do not overcharge. They are polite. In my hometown, I've encountered many arrogant drivers. Many also do overcharging despite the fact that the city has an ordinance providing the schedule of fares. Well, I'm not generalizing all the tricycle drivers in Vigan because there are also many of them who are good-hearted but I can't deny the fact that I've been angered and disappointed many times. Kudos to the tricycle drivers of Laoag. They don't wait for their tricycle to get full. They will bring you to your destination even if you're alone with no overcharging. That has always been my experience each time I ride a trike there. I never got disappointed.

[LAOAG] ► AURORA PARK IN LAOAG WITH THE SINKING BELL TOWER NEARBY.

People in Laoag are also lovable. They speak sweetly. The Ilocano accent in Laoag is like Ilonggo, sweet and poetic.

Anyway, this Laoag visit was short yet sweet. | end |

29 NOVEMBER 2016
LAOAG, ILOCOS NORTE PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES
[LAOAG] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO LAOAG!

► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post was filed under the category "Special Features." There is a section below where you can see other related posts from this category.

[2] The maps I used on this post are from Google Maps and Mike Gonzalez (via Wikipedia).

[3] All photos are mine.

[4] The insights, condition and name of places or properties I mentioned here are based on the facts and situation on the day of my visit. Take note that you may have a different experience when you try or see the properties or places mentioned here. Names of places and properties may also change by time so it's not my responsibility to update all the information on this blog because once published, I already consider it an archive and I won't update my narratives because I want them to become my references of what have happened in the past. I'm very particular of the dates because I want my amazing readers to understand that I am writing stories based on my perspective and insights on the day of my visit. You can see dates almost everywhere on this blog. Exempted from this rule are my travel guide posts that need to be updated.

Map Showing the Location of #Laoag

MAP OF LAOAG — CLICK MAP TO DISPLAY THE LATEST ENTRY COVERING ILOCOS NORTE.

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EDMARATION #TownExplorer

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[San Fernando] ► December Good Vibes and a Not-So-Wanted Ending

December 11, 2016, 12:58 pm

≫ Next: [Feature] ► Edmaration x Groupon: Plan Your Future Trip With 'Groupon'

≪ Previous: [Laoag] ► 2016 (Almost) Year-End Visit with Umbrellas & Conservation

"Rush hour in San Fernando is equivalent to all bus seats occupied and the only option you have to pick is to grab a space inside the bus where you could stand."

[SAN FERNANDO, LA UNION, PHILIPPINES] ► December 02 was a great day for me and the institution I represent. Regular readers of this travel blog and those who follow my Facebook feed surely know that I work in the hospital. With my co-worker, we traveled to La Union to attend the Pammadayaw 2016, an event organized by the Department of Health Regional Office recognizing the excellence and performances of health care facilities in Ilocos Region. So, what I was doing here?

[SAN FERNANDO] ▬ SOME DECEMBER GOOD VIBES AND A NOT-SO-WANTED ENDING Photos taken by Edmar Guquib and Richelle Tuazon on 02-December-2016 in San Fernando, La Union Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: SAMSUNG WB25OF

[SAN FERNANDO] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO SAN FERNANDO!

Receiving an Award from Pammadayaw 2016

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER. MY ENGLISH PROFESSOR in college hates this saying because he hates late-comers so he used to say 'better never than late." But some circumstances have affected our supposed-to-be on-time arrival at Oasis Country Resort, the venue, and it's a long story so I'll just tell you here that we were 3 hours late—better late than never.

At the reception area, I asked the woman where was the venue of the Pammadayaw awards. She answered me with, "Third floor sir. Ilocandia hall."

We took the stair and proceeded to the escalator only to find out later that it was not working. Anyway, we were able to reach the third floor with our remaining energy.

When we entered the hall, people were wearing long gowns and tuxedos. We were initially aloof 'cause we did not expect that the event was like that. I was wearing jeans. Both of us were so casual and we would be receiving the award on stage. Anyway, we couldn't afford to change our clothes so we didn't have a choice but to be ourselves.

We eventually received the award on stage in front of medical health workers from the four provinces of Ilocos Region with pride. We may not be the best-dressed but we received an award considered to be one of the best. Hurray for that!

[SAN FERNANDO] ▬ SOME DECEMBER GOOD VIBES AND A NOT-SO-WANTED ENDING Photo taken by Edmar Guquib on 02-December-2016 in San Fernando, La Union Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: SAMSUNG WB25OF

[SAN FERNANDO] ► OUR PLAQUE OF RECOGNITION

[SAN FERNANDO] ▬ SOME DECEMBER GOOD VIBES AND A NOT-SO-WANTED ENDING Photo taken by Richelle Tuzaon on 02-December-2016 in San Fernando, La Union Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: SAMSUNG WB25OF

[SAN FERNANDO] ► I WAS A PROUD REPRESENTATIVE!

[SAN FERNANDO] ▬ SOME DECEMBER GOOD VIBES AND A NOT-SO-WANTED ENDING Photo taken on 02-December-2016 in San Fernando, La Union Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: SAMSUNG WB25OF

[SAN FERNANDO] ► WITH RICHELLE, ONE OF OUR MEDICAL TECHNOLOGISTS

Dinner at Kawbin's

WE DID NOT TAKE OUR LUNCH BECAUSE our priority was to receive the award. We ran out of time so we had to enter the venue of the event quick. This meant that we had to ditch our lunch and did a little sacrifice in the name of pride and honor. We both hate becoming hungry but I think it's a bit shameful to become late just because you prioritized to eat. Our Filipino culture couldn't take that. Online bashers might turn their eyes on us if this news reaches the social media.

As I said, we hate being hungry so the first thing that we wanted to do was to eat, not to ride a jeep first that could bring us to the restaurants in the city proper. Soon we realized we have to ride a jeep first, eating became our next priority—'cause we couldn't eat without a jeep that could bring us to the restaurants. Spell D-E-S-P-E-R-A-T-E. Our shameful appetite was not helping us become rational ruining our common sense.

Reaching the city proper seemed like a punishment. The traffic jam worsened our agony so we opted to alight and just walk. The flow of the traffic was as gentle as turtle with fractured legs. Pffffft!

After alighting, we started to look for a restaurant that could satisfy our desperate stomach. We wanted some big meals with a good price. We entered Midway Restaurant after few minutes of hunger strike but no one from the crew ever entertained us. We realized the food was expensive. However, if there had been someone who assisted or entertained us, we might still have ordered a food. But since we were so hungry, I decided to leave the restaurant because I didn't want a poor service to worsen our agony. I wanted some pampering.

Thanks to Kawbin's restaurant for being there. It's just located across the street. This restaurant is actually my favorite here in La Union.

[SAN FERNANDO] ▬ KAWBIN'S RESTAURANT Photo taken on 02-December-2016 in San Fernando, La Union Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: SAMSUNG WB25OF

[SAN FERNANDO] ► SIZZLING BONELESS BANGUS, I ORDERED EXTRA RICE

[SAN FERNANDO] ► THE VEGGIE SECTION OF MY SIZZLING PLATE.

[SAN FERNANDO] ► THE SOUP THEY GAVE US

[SAN FERNANDO] ► RICHELLE AND OUR MEALS

I've been to Kawbin's many times and everytime I cannot discover a new nice restaurant in San Fernando, my only option is to dine here at Kawbin's.

Christmas Vibe in the City Proper of San Fernando

After feeding our stomach and eventually feeding our brains with common sense, we went to the bus stop to finally go home with an award.

We walked along the sidewalks of San Fernando City's busy streets and witnessed the Christmas transformation of the city proper.

[SAN FERNANDO] ▬ SAN FERNANDO (LA UNION) CITY PROPER Photo taken on 02-December-2016 in San Fernando, La Union Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: SAMSUNG WB25OF

[SAN FERNANDO] ► THE GIANT CHRISTMAS TREE OF THE CITY PLAZA

[SAN FERNANDO] ► CHRISTMAS DISPLAYS BRIGHTENED THE CITY PROPER.

It's my first time to document the city of San Fernando on Christmas season.

The Not-So-Wanted Ending

There were significantly great things that happened this day: We received an award, checked. We enjoyed the dinner, checked. We enjoyed the Christmas spirit of the city proper, checked. One thing received an 'X' mark on our to-do list and that was our bus ride going home.

I realized it was Friday so the weekend follows. I know how stressful it is to grab a bus seat during rush hour here in San Fernando. When it's Friday, that elusive bus seat could leave you there waiting until 9 in the evening. I've experienced this many times and I've conditioned myself to adjust with the situation but I was thinking of my colleague Richelle who might not be accustomed with this kind of situation.

The stress of being in the midst of commuter crowd who were all desperate to go home and have been waiting for at least one hour have consumed our energy and patience reserves. We wanted to go home quick because we still have to report to work early the next day. The travel time would last for at least 4 hours and it was already 08:00 PM which means we would reach at 12 midnight.

[SAN FERNANDO] ► TIRED AND DESPERATE COMMUTERS

Actually, the remedy here is not to grab a bus seat but to grab a space. Rush hour in San Fernando is equivalent to all bus seats occupied and the only option you have to pick is to grab a space inside the bus where you could stand. Of course, the moment we saw the "Vigan" label on the bus windshield in front of the conductor's seat, we rushed to that bus and squeezed ourselves in the crowd as we entered the bus door. I was standing for at least an hour until commuters started to alight from the bus along the way which finally granted me the right to sit down.

Ending Thoughts

My countless trips to San Fernando have familiarized me with the dos and don'ts in the city. Actually, although I didn't want the ending of this real-life story, I was prepared to face it because I expected this. I was just thinking of my colleague who was already very tired. I don't know but I don't feel comfortable if someone with me is worried or suffering. That's maybe one of the reasons why I prefer traveling solo.

This has been my December 02, 2016 experiences in La Union and I've learned new lesson: Every suffering should end. | end |

02 DECEMBER 2016
SAN FERNANDO, LA UNION PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES
[SAN FERNANDO] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO SAN FERNANDO!

► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post was filed under the category "Experiences." There is a section below where you can see other related posts from this category.

[2] The maps I used on this post are from Google Earth.

[3] All photos are mine.

[4] The insights, condition and name of places or properties I mentioned here are based on the facts and situation on the day of my visit. Take note that you may have a different experience when you try or see the properties or places mentioned here. Names of places and properties may also change by time so it's not my responsibility to update all the information on this blog because once published, I already consider it an archive and I won't update my narratives because I want them to become my references of what have happened in the past. I'm very particular of the dates because I want my amazing readers to understand that I am writing stories based on my perspective and insights on the day of my visit. You can see dates almost everywhere on this blog. Exempted from this rule are my travel guide posts that need to be updated.

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EDMARATION #TownExplorer

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[Feature] ► Edmaration x Groupon: Plan Your Future Trip With 'Groupon'

December 13, 2016, 5:44 am

≫ Next: [Vigan] ► No Giant Christmas Tree This 2016, City Hall Goes Visual, Interactive by Night

≪ Previous: [San Fernando] ► December Good Vibes and a Not-So-Wanted Ending

"Tap the power of the internet and make travel planning as convenient as it could be by using legit sites such as Groupon."

[FEATURED BRAND]► Whenever I travel, I always make sure to maximize my stay in a place. Although it might be daunting sometimes to plot non-stop activities and adventures from sunrise to sundown, you would learn more about yourself in the end based on the experiences you encountered and probably, mistakes you've done from planning.

[FEATURE] ▬ PLAN YOUR FUTURE TRIP WITH GROUPON Photos taken by Edmar Guquib, Logo by Groupon

[FEATURE] ► BRAND/SERVICE: GROUPON

But sometimes, travel and adventure opportunities come instantly without you being prepared. It could be untimely and abrupt that planning a trip the way you wanted could be impossible or hard. Searching for interesting things to do could be a headache, in my case at least.

If you are that traveler who wants the convenience of using a business site in searching for things to do (whether that's in Denver, London or Manila) or searching for getaways from Australia to Africa, I would like to share a convenience tip for your travel planning.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.

Have you heard of the website Groupon (www.groupon.com)? Groupon is a business site that could assist you plan your trip with convenience. If you enter the name of the city in their search bar, a list of Groupon things to do in the city will appear whether you want to watch a theater show or movies, join a concert crowd, scream like the best fan during sporting events, laugh out loud in comedy clubs or hon your photography skills in festivals, they have a diverse offering—all in one page. You can also look for the best wine tasting activity in the city, book your museum tours and even book an adventure for your kids. Remember, Goupon have a diverse list of things-to-do in the city or destination you searched in their site.

Tap the power of the internet and make travel planning as convenient as it could be by using legit sites such as Groupon. Take note, beware of scam sites. Only trust sites that have established a reputation in the industry. | end |

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EDMARATION #TownExplorer

↧

[Vigan] ► No Giant Christmas Tree This 2016, City Hall Goes Visual, Interactive by Night

December 13, 2016, 10:35 am

≫ Next: [Feature] ► Edmaration x Tommy Hilfiger & Shoes.com on Groupon

≪ Previous: [Feature] ► Edmaration x Groupon: Plan Your Future Trip With 'Groupon'

"Instead of spending thousands of pesos for a Christmas tree that gets junked after the Filipino Christmas season, the LGU opted to make its Christmas public presents more visual and interactive."

[VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES] ► No giant Christmas tree this year. For the past years, a giant Christmas tree has always been lighted to welcome the Christmas season here in Vigan. This year, Vigan was brave enough to break the traditional. It offered something new.

[VIGAN] ▬ CITY HALL'S 2016 CHRISTMAS DISPLAYS Photos taken by Edmar Guquib on 06-December-2016 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines CAMERA: Canon 1200D

[VIGAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO VIGAN!

No Giant Christmas Tree

The brains behind Vigan's concept for 2016 public Christmas displays and decorations ditched the traditional Christmas tree. Bigueños were waiting for the pasabog Christmas tree (as it has been a tradition the past years to unveil a Christmas tree) but nothing stood up. There was even a grand program to unveil the with the presence of popular Filipino celebrities so many were expecting something sensational this 2016.

My hometown this year chose to do it simple yet meaningful. Instead of spending thousands of pesos for a Christmas tree that gets junked after the Filipino Christmas season, the LGU opted to make its Christmas public presents more visual and interactive.

[VIGAN] ▬ VIGAN CITY HALL, CHRISTMAS SEASON 2016 Photo taken by Edmar Guquib on 06-December-2016 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines CAMERA: Canon 1200D

[VIGAN] ► THE VIGAN CITY HALL FOR CHRISTMAS SEASON 2016

[VIGAN] ► THE VIGAN CITY HALL THIS YEAR HAS NO GIANT CHRISTMAS TREE.

[VIGAN] ► A BELEN DISPLAYED IN FRONT OF THE CITY HALL

[VIGAN] ► THE VIGAN CITY HALL IS MORE VISUAL AND INTERACTIVE THIS YEAR.

[VIGAN] ► THE FAÇADE OF THE CITY HALL SERVED AS A DIGITAL CANVASS.

[VIGAN] ► A COUNTDOWN DISPLAYED ON THE FAÇADE

[VIGAN] ▬ NEW7WONDER CITIES MARKER Photo taken by Edmar Guquib on 06-December-2016 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines CAMERA: Canon 1200D

[VIGAN] ► TOURISTS AT THE NEW7WONDER CITIY MARKER

Vigan City Hall Goes Digital and Interactive This 2016

THE CITY, I THINK, ADAPTED THE state-of-the-art digitally mastered audio-visual show during its declaration as a New7Wonder city wherein the façade of the Vigan Cathedral served as a giant screen. This time, the city hall's façade took the job.

Every night, Christmas-themed shows are played on the giant screen which is more interactive and entertaining compared to the traditional giant Christmas tree that's good for only one season.

[VIGAN] ► NINE (9) MINUTES BEFORE THE SHOW

[VIGAN] ► TOURISTS HAD THEIR PHOTOS TAKEN AT THE NEW7WONDER CITY MARKER.

To my Ilocano and Bigueño readers, what do you think of this trend initiated by the Vigan LGU? Would you still prefer the traditional Christmas tree? Or it's time to break the norm and offer something new yet meaningful? Let me hear your thoughts! | end |

06 DECEMBER 2016: VIGAN CITY HALL
VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES
[VIGAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO VIGAN!

► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post was filed under the category "Night Leisure." There is a section below where you can see other related posts from this category.

[2] All maps I used on this post are from maps.google.ph.

[3] All photos are mine.

[4] The insights, condition and name of places or properties I mentioned here are based on the facts and situation on the day of my visit. Take note that you may have a different experience when you try or see the properties or places mentioned here. Names of places and properties may also change by time so it's not my responsibility to update all the information on this blog because once published, I already consider it an archive and I won't update my narratives because I want them to become my references of what have happened in the past. I'm very particular of the dates because I want my amazing readers to understand that I am writing stories based on my perspective and insights on the day of my visit. You can see dates almost everywhere on this blog. Exempted from this rule are my travel guide posts that need to be updated.

Map Showing the Location of #Vigan

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EDMAR GUQUIB, Travel Blogger
EDMARATION #TownExplorer

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[Feature] ► Edmaration x Tommy Hilfiger & Shoes.com on Groupon

December 19, 2016, 11:36 am

≫ Next: [Ilocos] ► Vigan-Pagudpud Motorbike Ride and Challenges Along the Way

≪ Previous: [Vigan] ► No Giant Christmas Tree This 2016, City Hall Goes Visual, Interactive by Night

"Thanks to the internet, I could conveniently shop or do a virtual window shopping with all the brands available out there."

As a travel blogger, shopping for clothes I could use in travelling is essential. Although I love going to shopping districts, night markets and big malls of the places I visit, at times, the millennial culture and characteristic in me is undeniably hard to ignore. Yes, I do shop online sometimes for the apparel and shoes I use on my travels. (Disclosure: This post was sponsored and brought to you by Groupon).

[FEATURED BRANDS] ► TOMMY HILFIGER AND SHOES.COM ON GROUPON

There are lots of online shopping websites and portals but as a wise shopper, I settle for a merchant site that is credible and has established a name in the industry. Obviously, I won't collaborate with or endorse Groupon if it's not trustworthy. It's a great and trusted brand that I can proudly work with. As I've mentioned from one of my previous brand posts, beware of scam sites.

As a millennial, I'm lucky to have experienced the convenience of the digital generation at a young age. As a young millennial living in the province, the choices I see in our shopping centers are limited. Sometimes, the travel essentials I need are not present in my hometown that I still have to travel to or to be able to buy them.

I remember, when it was my first time to climb a mountain in Bontoc, I didn't have a pair of hiking shoes. It's ridiculous but I didn't even know how to distinguish a hiking shoe from a regular shoe that time. Take note, that was only in 2013 and I only learned the importance of using a branded hiking shoes after that. I used to hike with my sneakers. Luckily, the trail wasn't hard.

What I would like to say is, it's hard to find brands that fit my lifestyle in the provincial chartered city where I live—basically, not just shoes but also clothing brands and items that are only present in Manila. Thanks to the internet, I could conveniently shop or do a virtual window shopping with all the brands available out there. Whether you're looking for a Tommy Hilfiger apparel for your Korean winter trip or searching coupons for a nice pair of shoes on shoes.com's Groupon page for your Calle Crisologo leisure walk, you can now do it using your laptop or smart phone while sipping a coffee in a cold December morning in Sagada or purchase your summer outfit while relaxing on the beaches of Palawan.

It's about convenience. Embracing the millennial hacks has never been this fun and cool. I couldn't complain. | end |

I'm open for collaboration, post sponsorship and/or brand ambassadorship. For details email me at edmaration@gmail.com and let's start the work together!

More Featured Brands x Edmaration

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EDMARATION #TownExplorer

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[Ilocos] ► Vigan-Pagudpud Motorbike Ride and Challenges Along the Way

December 20, 2016, 10:33 am

≫ Next: [Vigan] ► Ilocos Sur Capitol Christmas Displays and Decorations 2016

≪ Previous: [Feature] ► Edmaration x Tommy Hilfiger & Shoes.com on Groupon

"Sandwiched by the Ilocos-Cordillera mountain ranges and the West Philippine Sea, the result is a breathtaking landscape of the ocean, the narrow plains and the mountains."

[ILOCOS, PHILIPPINES] ► The two Ilocos provinces have a narrow strip of plains yet teeming with rich culture, heritage, culinary scenes and natural wonders. Sandwiched by the Ilocos-Cordillera mountain ranges (on the east side) and the West Philippine Sea (on the west side), the result is a breathtaking landscape of the ocean, the narrow plains and the mountains. I would say riding a motorbike is the best way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Ilocos countrysides.

[ILOCOS] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO ILOCOS!

Last June, nine adventurers hit the long and winding road to Pagudpud from . With me were my two younger brothers, my uncle and his three friends and our neighbor with his 10-year-old son in tow.

Planning this Trip

THE IDEA OF DRIVING OUR MOTORBIKES ALL the way to the northernmost point of Luzon island in Pagudpud from our hometown Vigan has been a top option for me and my two brothers (who happened to be my best riding buddies). However, our schedules have hindered us from doing so. Last July 09, the opportunity to finally do this long-haul ride came. There were nine of us.

Planning the itinerary wasn't that hard to do because the popular tourist attractions in Ilocos Norte were our target so it wouldn't be hard for us to plot our route since roads have been built to make those attractions accessible. Besides, Most of Ilocos Norte's popular tourist attractions is located just along (or near) the National Highway. Yes, our target was Ilocos Norte.

Vigan

AT 4 AM, WE ASSEMBLED IN FRONT of our compound in Vigan fenced with bamboos and tall old trees. Our ever supportive mom also woke up early to perform her motherly duty—to see that her kids are in good condition and to remind us to keep safe, seven times.

This is it. We had to start early 'cause it would be a long drive, a long ride. Long endurance needed.

[VIGAN] ► TIME CHECK: 4 AM, IN FRONT OF OUR COMPOUND

[VIGAN] ► WE'RE READY TO GO!

Bantay

▼ #BANTAY
#BANTAY
IS THE FIRST MUNICIPALITY WE ENTERED after Vigan. If you're in Vigan and you need a 24-hour fastfood restaurant, convenience stores and gasoline station, head to the next town of Bantay because when the city of Vigan sleeps, the town of Bantay takes over.

Bantay is located along the National Highway (Maharlika Highway) where vehicles traveling to and from METRO MANILA pass so most gasoline stations here is open 24 hours to service the 24-hour Northern Luzon-Metro Manila transportation scene. With that, we were able to fully fill our tanks with gasoline during a time when the whole city is still hybernating.

[BANTAY] ► FILLING OUR GASOLINE TANKS

San Ildefonso to Cabugao

THE SAN ILDEFONSO-CABUGAO LEG OF OUR motorbike ride was a dark, cold, mischievous stretch of road which, during that time, was under reconstruction. Potholes were everywhere so we were like turtles running gently to keep safe. The asphalt-overlayed pavement was scraped. It made our motorbikes swivel from left to right. The lanes were uneven. The shoulders were inches higher. The main lanes were depressed. Our goal to reach Pagudpud early in the morning turned impossible. We couldn't drive faster. We had to deal with this unexpected scenario.

With all the precaution and road safety tricks, we reached the town of Sinait where we joined the heavens in celebrating the release of the light.

Sinait

THE ROAD IN SINAIT WAS NOT YET the best as expected due to road constructions, but the coming of the early light from the heavens made us a bit more confident and secured. We could see the potholes already. Our headlights could rest. We could avoid the cracks and the sudden drop we weren't able to anticipate earlier.

The early morning light revealed the refreshing countryside beauty of arising from its mandatory hiding in the natural world. The leaves coated with early morning mist swayed with the morning breeze. Grasses were green and tall. The mountains of the east looked happy. The sky was gorgeous. Everything came to life! This is the biosphere! What a beautiful world!

Sinait welcomed us with a great chilly morning. We continued to drive with joy in our hearts. The road was devoid of traffic and we could feel the freedom motorbike riding could give.

We reached the poblacion of the town of Sinait and the usually congested road in front of their public market was still asleep. The town center looked so pretty with that set-up—peaceful and quiet.

[SINAIT] ► OUR FIRST GLIMPSE OF NATURE-CREATED LIGHT

[SINAIT] ► THE ROAD TO SINAIT POBLACION

[SINAIT] ► THE SINAIT PUBLIC MARKET EARLY IN THE MORNING

[SINAIT] ► LEAVING ILOCOS SUR, ENTERING ILOCOS NORTE

Badoc

IF YOU'RE COMING FROM THE SOUTH, #BADOC is the first town in Ilocos Norte province. The road in Badoc was great so we just hit the road continuously until we reached the next town of Pinili.

[BADOC] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO BADOC!

Pinili

#PINILI IS ANOTHER QUAINT LITTLE TOWN IN Ilocos Norte. The town doesn't make noise in tourism like what the northern towns of Ilocos Norte do. However, this town is the main producer of garlic in Ilocos Norte. Garlic is an important ingredient for some Ilocano food/cuisines like the garlicky Vigan longganisa and Ilocos chichacorn.

(Note: Sinait is the garlic town of Ilocos Sur and tagged as the garlic capital of the north. Pinili is Ilocos Norte's native producer though.)

We continued our ride and passed by the town of #CURRIMAO until we reached the city of #BATAC for another gasoline refill.

[PINILI] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO PINILI!

Batac

WHEN WE ENTERED THE CITY OF BATAC in Ilocos Norte, we had a quick rest. Although our tanks were not yet empty, we still fully refilled it to keep the motorbike running and kicking.

[BATAC] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO BATAC!

[BATAC] ► WITH MY TWO BROTHERS AT THE BACK

[BATAC] ► MY TWO BROTHERS SLASH RIDE BUDDIES

San Nicolas and Laoag

AFTER MORE THAN TWO HOURS OF RIDING, we finally reached the town of San Nicolas and eventually, the city of .

San Nicolas has changed dramatically. High rise buildings grew in quantity in no time. Major businesses have found their place here. The once grass fields in San Nicolas is now a business center.

Entering Laoag has always been classic. Not much modern addition appeared in its city proper aside from some supermarket and fast food chains appearing in some street corners. In fact, Laoag chose to emphasize its old feel more by restructuring the old buildings and houses in the city.

[SAN NICOLAS] ► THE MOST FAMOUS POT IN ILOCOS NORTE

[LAOAG] ► MORNING AT BACARRA ROAD

[LAOAG] ► GOOD MORNING ILOCOS NORTE!

Bacarra

After Ilocos Norte's capital city of Laoag is the town of Bacarra known for its domeless belltower. After more than three hours of riding, our body seriously needed some energy—this meant we have to take a heavy breakfast and a hot soup.

We didn't know where to eat actually. We stopped at several carinderias but it was either closed or my buddies didn't want the food. You know, we were craving for some delicious, appetizing breakfast so our standard of a delicious food was high for this particular point of time.

After some carinderia-hopping (well, we were not expecting to see a fine-dine level restaurant in this town), we finally found an open restaurant. Since we were so desperate for food and hungry, we no longer cared about the food standard we set. The most important thing for us that time was to eat a breakfast.

[BACCARA] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO BACARRA!

[BACCARA] ► BREAKFAST IN BACARRA

Pasuquin

Whenever I hear/read the name Pasuquin, the first thing that comes my mind is a wild coast and its salt-making industry. In fact, you can see dozens of salt stalls along the road.

Reaching Pasuquin confronted us with a crucial decision. It rained hard. Yes, we were driving under the rain. We were sad about the scenario. With our legit raincoats and improvised raincoats, we continued the ride although we knew it could be risky. We still had faith in us that the rain would stop. We kept the faith until we reached the town of Burgos. Was it worse or better?

[PASUQUIN] ► WE REACHED THE TOWN PROPER UNDER THE RAIN

[PASUQUIN] ► WEATHER-PROOFING MY SELF

Burgos

The heaven was with us. When we entered the town of Burgos, the rain weakened and eventually stopped. Our wet clothes were air-dried. We started to see the windmills that signified that we were now nearing the windy towns of Luzon's extreme north.

When we saw a gasoline station, we stopped to check the condition of our motorbikes after we filled our tanks for the third time. We checked our tires and our brakes. We also had our restroom break.

Riding in Burgos felt great as we passed the verdant vegetation with giant windmills on both sides aside from the fact that the road was swabe and with paved shoulders.

[BURGOS] ► GASOLINE + RESTROOM BREAK

[BURGOS] ► THE SOARING WINDMILLS AS SEEN FROM THE GASOLINE STATION

[BURGOS] ► A GREEN LANDSCAPE WITH THE SKY AND THE WINDMILLS

Pagudpud

After Burgos was the town of Bangui. We skipped the Bangui windmills in the meantime to prioritize the farthest destination in Pagudpud which was the Paraiso ni Anton and the Patapat viaduct.

Surprisingly, after the heavy rain in Pasuquin due to an impending typhoon, the Pagudpud sky was sunny so the adventure went on. We trekked to Kabigan Falls and swam at Saud white beach.

[PAGUDPUD] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO PAGUDPUD!

[PAGUDPUD] ► PATAPAT VIADUCT

[PAGUDPUD] ► PARAISO NI ANTON

[PAGUDPUD] ► KABIGAN FALLS IN BRGY BALAOI

[PAGUDPUD] ► SAUD WHITE BEACH

Bangui

After our Pagudpud town explorations, we went back to the town of Bangui to see what we've missed. Although the windmills in Burgos were already a nice treat, we wanted to experience and re-experience the birthplace of South East Asia's windmills, no other than the Bangui Windfarm.

[BANGUI] ► THE BANGUI WINDFARM IN BANGUI BAY

Burgos, Part 2

After Bangui, we also returned to Burgos (on our way home) to visit the Kapurpurawan rock formation and the Cape Bojeador lighthouse. These places have changed a lot. Tourism changed it, mostly in a good way.

[BURGOS] ► KAPURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATION

[BURGOS] ► CAPE BOJEADOR LIGHTHOUSE

Ride Back Home

It was already dark when we reached Laoag so we stopped there for dinner. We forgot to take our lunch actually.

Riding back home was the greatest challenge 'cause the rain became unforgiving. With our tired bodies and sleepy nervous systems, we couldn't afford more to get wet, worse, experience hypothermia. A sleepy 10-year-old boy was also with us that time so just imagine his case if we continued the ride. Our other five ride buddies have gone out of our sight. Where are they? There were only four of us waiting under a waiting shed along the national highway in Badoc while the rain was smashing its roof. On how we survived (Did we really survive?) the road back home under the heavy rain while we drove at night are stories I want to share in the future. Meantime, this is the summary of our Vigan-Pagudpud ride. | end |

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09 JULY 2016: VIGAN-PAGUDPUD RIDE
ILOCOS REGION, PHILIPPINES
[ILOCOS] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO ILOCOS!

► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post was filed under the category "Motorcycle Diaries." There is a section below where you can see other related posts from this category.

[2] All maps I used on this post are from maps.google.com.ph.

[3] All photos are mine.

[4] The insights, condition and name of places or properties I mentioned here are based on the facts and situation on the day of my visit. Take note that you may have a different experience when you try or see the properties or places mentioned here. Names of places and properties may also change by time so it's not my responsibility to update all the information on this blog because once published, I already consider it an archive and I won't update my narratives because I want them to become my references of what have happened in the past. I'm very particular of the dates because I want my amazing readers to understand that I am writing stories based on my perspective and insights on the day of my visit. You can see dates almost everywhere on this blog. Exempted from this rule are my travel guide posts that need to be updated.

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EDMARATION #TownExplorer

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[Vigan] ► Ilocos Sur Capitol Christmas Displays and Decorations 2016

December 23, 2016, 9:20 am

≫ Next: [Vigan] ► How Vigan Dressed Herself This Christmas Season 2016?

≪ Previous: [Ilocos] ► Vigan-Pagudpud Motorbike Ride and Challenges Along the Way

"The Capitol's Christmas decoration this year is toy factory-inspired—that's basically the highlight."

[VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES] ► Here I am again, featuring and writing stories about Vigan. Well, you know, I basically want to do an encyclopedia-type article in the future about Vigan in general and its festivals, important events, historical spots and structures. To do this, I need to continually document the happenings and sights in Vigan from season to season. So for example, in five years time, I could create an article about a certain place or event based on the facts and materials I have gathered for that span of 5 years. On the other hand, doing this means I'm contributing to Vigan's written history.

[VIGAN] ▬ ILOCOS SUR CAPITOL CHRISTMAS DISPLAYS AND DECORATIONS 2016 Photos taken by Edmar Guquib on 06-December-2016 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

[VIGAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO VIGAN!

Christmas season has come and like any other cities in the world that celebrate Christmas, my city Vigan has its way to celebrate the season and one of those is decorating public buildings or structures.

The Ilocos Sur Capitol is a good example for this. Every year, the provincial government of Ilocos Sur decorate it with Christmas lights and displays. The past years, the Ilocos Sur Capitol has always emphasized a giant Christmas tree. This year, it seems that the LGU is following a local trend like what happened in Vigan City Hall wherein the city government opted to .

For this year, the Ilocos Sur capitol still has the Christmas tree but unlike the past years, it's no longer the highlight. It's no longer as grand and big as the previous years and I don't see any problem with that—better than spending thousands/millions of pesos for a giant Christmas tree that stays there for few weeks without contributing any positive change to the society.

Check out the photos below and see how our Capitol transformed this 2016 Christmas season.

ILOCOS SUR CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREE, DECORATIONS

[VIGAN] ► THE ILOCOS SUR CAPITOL

[VIGAN] ► CURIOUS VISITORS

[VIGAN] ► LOVERS IN FRONT OF THE ILOCOS SUR CAPITOL

[VIGAN] ► DECORATIONS IN FRONT OF THE ILOCOS SUR CAPITOL

[VIGAN] ► THIS YEAR'S CHRISTMAS TREE IS RELATIVELY SMALLER AND LESS GRAND COMPARED WITH THE PAST YEARS' VERSIONS.

[VIGAN] ► THE 'TREE OF LIGHT'

[VIGAN] ► A CHRISTMAS DECORATION IN FRONT OF ELPIDIO QURININO'S MONUMENT

[VIGAN] ► THE ILOCOS SUR CAPITOL AS SEEN FROM THE PLAZA SALCEDO

The Capitol's Christmas decoration this year is toy factory-inspired—that's basically the highlight. If you can't seem to see the toy-factory concept on the photos, better yet, pay Vigan a visit if you're just living nearby and see it for yourself. To my fellow Ilocano readers, what do you think of the Capitol's Christmas decorations this year? Any thoughts?

(I would also love to hear the thoughts of non-Ilocano friends out there.) | end |

06 DECEMBER 2016: ILOCOS SUR CAPITOL
VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES
[VIGAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO VIGAN!

► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post was filed under the category "Night Exploration." There is a section below where you can see other related posts from this category.

[2] All maps I used on this post are from maps.google.com.ph.

[3] All photos are mine.

[4] The insights, condition and name of places or properties I mentioned here are based on the facts and situation on the day of my visit. Take note that you may have a different experience when you try or see the properties or places mentioned here. Names of places and properties may also change by time so it's not my responsibility to update all the information on this blog because once published, I already consider it an archive and I won't update my narratives because I want them to become my references of what have happened in the past. I'm very particular of the dates because I want my amazing readers to understand that I am writing stories based on my perspective and insights on the day of my visit. You can see dates almost everywhere on this blog. Exempted from this rule are my travel guide posts that need to be updated.

Map Showing the Location of #Vigan

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Latest Contents Covering 'Night Life and Scenes'

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EDMARATION #TownExplorer

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[Vigan] ► How Vigan Dressed Herself This Christmas Season 2016?

December 25, 2016, 9:25 am

≫ Next: [San Fernando] ► How SFLU Dressed Herself This Christmas Season 2016?

≪ Previous: [Vigan] ► Ilocos Sur Capitol Christmas Displays and Decorations 2016

"Giant jars are the main highlights of this year's Christmas decorations in Vigan. Huge well-lighted jar-shaped displays were placed in key landmarks and structures in the city."

[VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES] ► Year 2016 is about to end and before me and my blog bid goodbye to 2016, I would like to write a general summary of what have transpired this Christmas 2016 season in Vigan. I obliged myself to write this because there is only one 2016. I basically write articles like this for me to look back in the future while contributing to the written history of Vigan using words and photos.

[VIGAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO VIGAN!

The Giant Jar Concept

GIANT JARS ARE THE MAIN HIGHLIGHTS OF this year's Christmas decorations in Vigan. Huge well-lighted jar-shaped displays were placed in key landmarks and structures in the city. Vigan has an age-old tradition of jar-making. Those huge jar decorations represent the jar-making industry of Vigan.

These jars were placed in front of the city hall, at the Vigan City Convention Center, Vigan Public Market, Simbaan-a-Bassit, Plaza Burgos and Vigan (Saint Paul) Metropolitan Cathedral.

[VIGAN] ► JAR CHRISTMAS DECORATION INSIDE THE VIGAN METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL

[VIGAN] ► JAR CHRISTMAS DECORATION IN FRONT OF THE VIGAN PUBLIC MARKET

[VIGAN] ► JAR CHRISTMAS DECORATION AT THE SIMBAAN-A-BASIT

[VIGAN] ► JAR CHRISTMAS DECORATION AT PLAZA BURGOS

No Christmas Tree in Front of the City Hall

TRADITIONALLY, FOR THE PAST YEARS, A GIANT Christmas tree is usually placed in front of the Vigan City Hall. This year, the city hall opted to highlight the digital Christmas show projected on its façade, hence, making its Christmas public presents more entertaining and interactive.

It's a new innovation. The City Hall offered something unconventional.

[VIGAN] ► CITY HALL THIS CHRISTMAS 2016

The Giant Christmas Tree was Transferred to Plaza Burgos

TO GIANT CHRISTMAS TREE FANATIC RESIDENTS OF Vigan, don't feel sad 'cause the giant Christmas tree we have always anticipated just transferred to Plaza Burgos. Sometimes, it's also good to make some changes and I think its new location made it more pretty and mighty. Unlike the previous giant Christmas trees placed in front of the City Hall, this Christmas tree in Plaza Burgos has no obstruction 360 degrees. I think the new location is equally gorgeous.

[VIGAN] ► THE TRADITIONAL GIANT CHRISTMAS IN PLAZA BURGOS

The Ilocos Sur Capitol

THE ILOCOS SUR CAPITOL DIDN'T TOTALLY DITCH the traditional Christmas tree. However, what they highlighted this year are its toy factory-inspired Christmas decorations which I think became a big hit among the locals.

The toy factory platform became a favorite place to take photos for both tourists and locals. At night, the two mabolo trees in front of the Capitol are shining bright like a diamond.

[VIGAN] ► ILOCOS SUR PROVINCIAL CAPITOL

The Christmas Night Market

ANOTHER INNOVATION WAS INTRODUCED BY THE VIGAN LGU this year—this is the Christmas night market 2016. If I'm not mistaken, this is the first time Vigan had a Christmas night market.

Commodities are usually sold inside the Vigan Public Market utilizing its central alley prior to and during Christmas day. The Vigan Christmas shopping frenzy was the same this year. The night market addition was a great idea. The Vigan Public Market segment of Jose Singson Street was utilized for the Christmas night market. Food stalls lined the street. However, one thing dominated the expanse of this night market. Guess what? The ukay-ukay!

[VIGAN] ► VIGAN CHRISTMAS NIGHT MARKET

Video

BELOW IS A VIDEO VERSION OF THIS blog post. For more videos like this, subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Ending Thoughts

MY HOMETOWN VIGAN CONTINUES TO EVOLVE. AS a blogger based and making a living here, my blogging role has changed from being just a hobby to a necessity. No one is compelling me to write stories about Vigan but every time I receive a private message or an email asking me various question about Vigan, I know my role as a Bigueño blogger has changed.

For this Christmas season 2016, I made this summary post to inform all the Bigueños all over the world what their hometown Vigan has done. As I've mentioned above, it's my honor to contribute to Vigan's written history on my own little way. | end |

Related: How These Cities Dressed Themselves This Christmas 2016?

▼ HOW SFLU DRESSED HERSELF THIS CHRISTMAS 2016?
[SAN FERNANDO] ► How SFLU Dressed Herself This Christmas Season 2016?

TEASER▬ This post is a documentation of how the City of San Fernando in La Union dressed herself (city proper) this Christmas season 2016.
► HOW VIGAN DRESSED HERSELF THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON 2016?

DECEMBER 2016: VIGAN ON CHRISTMAS SEASON 2016
VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES
[VIGAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO VIGAN!

► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post was filed under the category "Special Features." There is a section below where you can see other related posts from this category.

[2] All maps I used on this post are from maps.google.com.ph.

[3] All photos are mine.

[4] The insights, condition and name of places or properties I mentioned here are based on the facts and situation on the day of my visit. Take note that you may have a different experience when you try or see the properties or places mentioned here. Names of places and properties may also change by time so it's not my responsibility to update all the information on this blog because once published, I already consider it an archive and I won't update my narratives because I want them to become my references of what have happened in the past. I'm very particular of the dates because I want my amazing readers to understand that I am writing stories based on my perspective and insights on the day of my visit. You can see dates almost everywhere on this blog. Exempted from this rule are my travel guide posts that need to be updated.

Map Showing the Location of #Vigan

YOU MIGHT LIKE: MORE TOWN EXPLORATIONS COVERING ILOCOS SUR PROVINCE

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Latest Contents Covering 'FEATURE POSTS'

Thank you for visiting my travel blog!

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EDMARATION #TownExplorer

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[San Fernando] ► How SFLU Dressed Herself This Christmas Season 2016?

December 27, 2016, 12:12 am

≫ Next: [Feature] ► Thank You For This Journey Called...

≪ Previous: [Vigan] ► How Vigan Dressed Herself This Christmas Season 2016?

"This post is a documentation of how the City of San Fernando in La Union dressed herself (city proper) this Christmas season 2016."

[SAN FERNANDO, LA UNION, PHILIPPINES]► Christmas spirit is everywhere in the Philippines—from small villages to big cities. In the capital city of San Fernando in La Union (often shortened to SFLU to distinguish from its Pampanga counterpart), decorations signifying the Christmas season brightened the city proper.

[SAN FERNANDO] ▬ CHRISTMAS SEASON 2016 Photos taken by Edmar Guquib on 02-December-2016 in San Fernando, La Union Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Samsung WB25OF

[SAN FERNANDO] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO SAN FERNANDO!

A short walk in SFLU's city proper would already expose you to the Christmas trees, symbols and decorations that reflect the Filipino Christmas spirit. This post is a documentation of how the City of San Fernando in La Union dressed herself (city proper) this Christmas season 2016.

The San Fernando City Hall

Pearly white Christmas lights illuminated the city hall transforming its minimalist facade and design (and the building as a whole) catchy and burning with the fire of the Christmas spirit. Its surrounding was also equally alluring releasing the Christmas nostalgia in me.

[SAN FERNANDO] ▬ CHRISTMAS SEASON 2016 Photo taken by Edmar Guquib on 02-December-2016 in San Fernando, La Union Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Samsung WB25OF

[SAN FERNANDO] ► THE ILLUMINATED SAN FERNANDO CITY HALL

[SAN FERNANDO] ► CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS NEAR THE CITY HALL

[SAN FERNANDO] ► THE SAN FERNANDO CITY HALL

The San Fernando City Plaza

The Christmas decoration in the city plaza tended to balance the mix so that it would neither appear overdone nor underdone.

Its simple three-kings-inspired decor back of its city plaza stage as seen from the National Highway effectively brought its Christmas message to the public. Indeed, less is more. Simplicity is beauty.

[SAN FERNANDO] ▬ CITY PLAZA Photo taken by Edmar Guquib on 02-December-2016 in San Fernando, La Union Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Samsung WB25OF

[SAN FERNANDO] ► SIDEWALK ADJACENT TO THE CITY PLAZA

[SAN FERNANDO] ► THE THREE KINGS DECORATION

[SAN FERNANDO] ► THE CITY PLAZA

Like any other city in the Philippines, the city plaza of San Fernando also put up its own version of a giant Christmas tree.

The giant public Christmas tree was illuminated with red lights soaring over the busy rush hour in the city. I actually took these photos while desperate commuters patiently waited for a bus space, not necessarily a bus seat, everyone just wanted a space inside the bus where they could stand just to go home. So while waiting for a bus space, I roamed around the city proper and took this photos.

[SAN FERNANDO] ► THE GIANT CHRISTMAS TREE AT THE CITY PLAZA

Ending Thoughts

It's nice to see the city of San Fernando with the Christmas spirit living in it. Actually, this day, I visited this city with both and witnessing the city proper with the colors of Christmas is just one portion of the whole story.

Like what I've always done, I blogged about this because there is only one 2016. Next year will be a different story so I wrote this story as a reference in the future whenever I'll like to look back. | end |

Related: How These Cities Dressed Themselves This Christmas 2016?

▼ HOW VIGAN DRESSED HERSELF THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON 2016?
[VIGAN] ► How Vigan Dressed Herself This Christmas Season 2016?

TEASER▬ Giant jars are the main highlights of this year's Christmas decorations in Vigan. Huge well-lighted jar-shaped displays were placed in key landmarks and structures in the city.
► HOW SFLU DRESSED HERSELF THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON 2016?

02 DECEMBER 2016
SAN FERNANDO, LA UNION PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES

[SAN FERNANDO] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO SAN FERNANDO!

► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post was filed under the category "Special Features." There is a section below where you can see other related posts from this category.

[2] The maps I used on this post are from maps.google.com.ph.

[3] All photos are mine.

[4] The insights, condition and name of places or properties I mentioned here are based on the facts and situation on the day of my visit. Take note that you may have a different experience when you try or see the properties or places mentioned here. Names of places and properties may also change by time so it's not my responsibility to update all the information on this blog because once published, I already consider it an archive and I won't update my narratives because I want them to become my references of what have happened in the past. I'm very particular of the dates because I want my amazing readers to understand that I am writing stories based on my perspective and insights on the day of my visit. You can see dates almost everywhere on this blog. Exempted from this rule are my travel guide posts that need to be updated.

Map Showing the Location of #SanFernando

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EDMARATION #TownExplorer

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December 27, 2016, 11:42 am

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"Witnessing the whole drama while performing my professional duties is something money can't buy. It's enriching my life and my being."

[PERSONAL STORIES, SPECIAL FEATURE] ► Saying these two words "Thank You" could mean a lot. It only have eight letters yet its message is powerful. It could cross borders. It could unite differences. It could strengthen relationships and let's admit it, at least once in our lives, its message once penetrated our hearts.

In my work setting, I meet all types of people: young, old, poor, millionaire, divorced, convicted criminals, priests, battered wives, rape victims, drug users, HIV carriers, prostitutes, pregnant women, young girls who just had an abortion, politicians, beggars, single moms, businessmen and sometimes, your enemy.

Thank You, My Patients, for Teaching Me Life Lessons

MEETING DIFFERENT TYPES OF PEOPLE MORE THAN I could imagine to provide their health needs is not an easy task. I used to be judgmental when a patient confesses to me he has multiple s#xual partners, hence his STD. I used to look down (figuratively) to a prostitute who inquires to me about laboratory tests to ensure that her reproductive health is in good condition. And when the person who scammed you and still has the nerve to spread lies to tarnish your image comes to you, your role changes from a revengeful character to a superhero. Superhero in the sense that you still have to help him/her despite the fact that he/she wants to pull you down.

There are also clients/patients who would mock, humiliate, publicly embarrass or treat me like a slave as if I didn't study for four years in college and passed the board examination. Although that could be the case, I still have to please them. For a physically and mentally demanding, patience-depleting job that does not pay high, you need to endure all of these things. If you have a little patience, I tell you, you won't endure the job—and before I forget to mention, yes, I am a professional nurse working at the hospital. As a nurse, my role is to offer tender loving care whoever the person is, even if he considers you an enemy.

In spite of the challenges I'm experiencing in my work, working as a nurse widened my perspective in life. It broadened my horizon of humanity.

At times, deep in your sleep at 3 AM, you would wake up with a call from the hospital requesting you to report immediately because a pregnant woman needs to have an emergency Cesarian section and the team is understaffed, hence, your service. I have to wake up even if it's against my will because I have to help save two lives. My sleep can wait, but not the lives of two souls in trouble. In spite of these mandatory sacrifices and duties, I still want to thank all my patients, here's why:

At the operating room, the surgeon asked for the knife. She cut the skin of the pregnant woman. Blood spewed. After a few minutes of cutting the different layers of flesh, the surgeon took out the head of the child. She pulled it out from the womb. Everybody was cheering for that healthy little boy. But wait, there's more. It's a twin! We helped these two little souls claim their right to life.

You know what's the best part? When the mother sees her babies for the first time, you're literally seeing the happiest face in the world and that's so contagious. The daddy waiting at the nursery, on the other hand, exhibits the best genuine, heartfelt, passionate smile in the world you could ever see that time and it's equally contagious.

So basically, I'm thanking my patients for opening the windows of my heart—that my work is more than a job, it's a mission. Touching scenes I see in my work setting are enriching my life.

THE NEW MOTHER AND HER TWINS 💕💕💕

TWO LOVELY ANGELS 💖💖💖

Thank You, Mom and Dad

WITNESSING THE WHOLE DRAMA OF GIVING BIRTH while performing my professional duties is something money can't buy. It's enriching my life and my being. It has made me realize and understand the true meaning of unconditional love my parents had given (and still giving) me. It makes me imagine the day I was born. I know, my mom and dad also exhibited those faces on the first day of my existence, and even until now—everytime I make them proud.

So thank you mom and dad for my existence. I wouldn't be writing this thank you message now if you didn't give me the opportunity to live and although I am not the most perfect son out there, I will try to do my best for you to be proud of me. I also wish that this piece I've written would make you believe that your son is the best story teller in the world (as per parent's judgment and I know you'll be in favor of me always in terms of positivity). Haha.

Ending Thoughts

To all my patients at the hospital, I would also want to thank you. You've made me realize that life is too short and it's a shame to waste it. Thank you for making me a mature individual. Whether you attempted to commit suicide, you committed abortion or you are HIV positive, I'm not here to judge. I'm the one you can count on to whenever you need support and help because looking back on my every experience of assisting a mother in giving birth to her child, all of us became that little soul who was born of innocence. If I didn't meet you to learn your past and present struggles and condition, I think I'm still the old close-minded person now. Thank you for entrusting your lives and personal secrets to me. You've taught me to love others not related to me even on my worrisome days. You've taught me to offer care even on the day I care less about my self. You've taught me that there is always a chance to change for the better and become that person who would fight for his life and dreams no matter what.

Everytime I feel like everything seems to fail, I'd try to remember the times when I take part in helping a little soul claim his right to life out of the womb on their first journey in the world. We were born with a purpose and now that I'm already an adult, I think my purpose is getting clear. My patients helped me understand my purpose in life.

To my mom and dad, thank you for my existence and the love you've given me. To my patients, you guys are my inspirations. I AM A BETTER PERSON NOW and more matured than ever before. Thank you for enriching my life with the life lessons you've taught me as I embark on this journey called LIFE. | end |

THANK YOU, MOM, DAD, MY FAMILY

AT YOUR SERVICE, NURSE EDMAR.

#AirAsia #ThankYou

This post was inspired by #AirAsiaPh's #ThankYou video that aims to spread the spirit of gratitude this Christmas season. Check out the video below and learn to appreciate the simplest things in life that becomes big when we have that attitude of gratitude.

How about you? Who would you like to thank this Christmas?

P.S. Thank You AirAsia for giving me a chance to make my dreams come true. My dream of backpacking the Philippines and some countries abroad came true because of you. #ThankYou

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[SE Asia] ► 2016 Travel Summary: 57 Towns & Cities I Explored/Visited

January 9, 2017, 7:59 am

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"To the loyal readers of this blog, thank you..."

LAMI

[SOUTHEAST ASIA] ► The travel blogosphere in the Philippines has this trend of creating a year-end blog post. Not all travel bloggers join this trend but I could attest that many travel bloggers are doing this—enough to make this trend noticeable. Here's my personal 2016 version.

[SOUTH EAST ASIA] ▬ 57 TOWNS AND CITIES I EXPLORED/VISITED IN 2016 Photos taken in 2016 in South East Asia Camera: Canon 1200D, Samsung WB25OF

[SOUTH EAST ASIA] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO SOUTH EAST ASIA!

In spite of time and travel fund constraints ('Cause I personally fund my leisure travels—where are ya sponsors? C'mon! *Kidding), I managed to visit/revisit and explore more than 50 towns and cities in South East Asia covering three countries (the , and Thailand). You know, I CARE to visit towns even though there's nothing worthy to see (in the eyes of the global tourist market). For me every town is worth exploring and unique on their own. Without too much ado, here are the 57 towns (and cities) I visited in 2016.

01 Balaoan

[BALAOAN] ▬ BALAOAN PARISH CHURCH Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, January-2016 in Balaoan, La Union Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

BALAOAN IS THE FIRST TOWN I LEISURELY explored this year. It's named as the pink town of the north because almost all of the municipal government properties are pink in color. Its enormous tricycles are all painted with pink too!

02 San Fernando

[SAN FERNANDO] ▬ SAN FERNANDO CITY CATHEDRAL Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, January-2016 in San Fernando, La Union Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Samsung WB25OF

THE CAPITAL OF ILOCOS REGION IS HERE to stay. Its luster and bustle team up to create a vibrant commercial hub called .

03 Sepang

[SEPANG] ▬ MOTORCYCLE LANE IN SELANGOR Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, February-2016 in Sepang, Selangor State, Malaysia Camera: Canon 1200D

SEPANG IS THE FIRST TOWN I'VE EVER seen outside the Philippines and it's home to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and known for the Kuala Lumpur International Circuit.

04 Georgetown

[GEORGETOWN] ▬ KUAN IM TENG TEMPLE Photo taken in February-2016 in Georgetown, Penang Island, Penang State, Malaysia Camera: Canon 1200D

GEORGETOWN GAVE ME SOME OF THE MOST memorable memories in 2016. Its diverse culture harmonizing altogether is very inspiring. Exploring the city on foot and by riding a motorbike is one of the most enriching experiences in my life this year.

05 Tanjung Bungah

[TANJUNG BUNGAH] ▬ TANJUNG BUNGAH MARKET AND FOOD COURT Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, February-2016 in Tanjung Bungah, Penang Island, Penang State, Malaysia Camera: Canon 1200D

TANJUNG BUNGAH IS NOT A TOURISTY TOWN but I still wanted to explore it until I discovered the Tanjung Bungah market where I ate Malaysian food the local way. Since this town is not frequented by tourists, it's quite surprising for them to see a tourist dining inside the market food court. I was the only tourist that time and it felt awkward that people who were conversing in another language were looking at me at the same time. So what's the fuss?

06 Batu Ferringhi

[BATU FERRINGHI] ▬ BATU FERRINGHI BEACH Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, February-2016 in Batu Ferringhi, Penang Island, Penang State, Malaysia Camera: Canon 1200D

BATU FERRINGHI IS PENANG'S MOST TOURISTY BEACH town. Popular hotel chains such as Shang-ri-la and Hard Rock lined its coast. I couldn't afford the lavish resorts and restaurants here so I only did a sight seeing tour with my bike.

07 Teluk Bahang

[TELUK BAHANG] ▬ MONKEY BEACH Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, February-2016 in Teluk Bahang, Penang Island, Penang State, Malaysia Camera: Canon 1200D

TELUK BAHANG IS HOME TO THE SMALLEST National Park in the World—the Penang National Park with an area of only 25 square kilometers. The best way to explore this town is of course to trek the trails of the national park and discover its secluded beaches that require up to an hour of trek before you could reach them (unless you opt to rent a boat).

08 Balik Pulau

[BALIK PULAU] ▬ TELUK BAHANG DAM Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, February-2016 in Balik Pulau, Penang Island, Penang State, Malaysia Camera: Canon 1200D

BALIK PULAU IS ADJACENT TO THE TOWN of Teluk Bahang. I also explored this town using a motorbike. Balik Pulau, which is located on the west side of the island of Penang, is the opposite of the bustling and busy Georgetown on the east side. Balik Pulau is the definition of serenity and unhurried life.

09 Kuala Sungai Pinang

[KUALA SUNGAI PINANG] ▬ KUALA SUNGAI PINANG Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, February-2016 in Kuala Sungai Pinang, Penang Island, Penang State, Malaysia Camera: Canon 1200D

KUALA SUNGAI PINANG IS A FISHING VILLAGE I accidentally discovered when my curiosity pushed me to turn to a road less traveled. The road to Kuala Sungai Pinang (KSP) was wide and well-built but there were only none to few vehicles on its main street. I entered the village and saw enormous Chinese lanterns hovering over the streets. Chinese culture and heritage is very prominent in the village. How I wish I could write my KSP stories now (I don't have he luxury of time, sadly).

10 Changlun

[CHANGLUN] ▬ CHANGLUN COUNTRYSIDE Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, February-2016 in Changlun, Kubang Pasu District, Kedah State, Malaysia Camera: Canon 1200D

NOTHING MUCH TO SEE IN THIS TOWN unless you love the view of the fields and mountains that could satisfy your soul—fair enough. The town reminds me of my homeland Philippines' countrysides. So similar. It felt like home away from home.

11 Samnak Kham

[SAMNAK KHAM] ▬ SAMNAK KHAM Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, February-2016 in Samnak Kham, Sadao District, Songkhla Province, Thailand Camera: Samsung WB25OF

SAMNAK KHAM IS THE FIRST TOWN I SAW in Thailand 'cause I entered Thailand by land so I had to pass through this border town. The change of scene and cultural landscape from Malaysia to Thailand was so distinct. I'ts amazing how a single landmass was separated by distinctly different cultures and languages.

12 Hat Yai City

[HAT YAI] ▬ HAT YAI DOWNTOWN Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, February-2016 in Hat Yai, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, Thailand Camera: Canon 1200D

HAT YAI IS SOUTHERN THAILAND'S LARGEST CITY and the seat of a district with the same name. Although bombings in the past years have tainted the image of the city, it remained unstoppable. The city continued to flourish and grow as Southern Thailand's most important city.

13 Khuan Lang

[KHUAN LANG] ▬ WAT HAT YAI NAI Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, February-2016 in Khuan Lang, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, Thailand Camera: Canon 1200D

THE WAT HAT YAI NAI IS PROBABLY the most famous landmark in this Thai town (tambon) and it was exactly what I wanted to see here because it's considered as the third largest reclining Buddha in the world.

14 Kho Hong

[KHO HONG] ▬ HAT YAI MUNICIPAL PARK Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, February-2016 in Kho Hong, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, Thailand Camera: Canon 1200D

ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL TOWN IN HAT YAI DISCTIRCT is Kho Hong. The main attraction of this town is the Hat Yai Municipal Park featuring a man-made lake, a golden Buddha, cable car ride and more! You can also see a bird's eye view of the city of Hat Yai from the park.

15 Bo Yang

[BO YANG] ▬ SONGKHLA CITY STREET MARKET Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, February-2016 in Bo Yang, Mueang Songkla District, Songkhla Province, Thailand Camera: Canon 1200D

BO YANG HAS A VIBRANT FOOD SCENE. Its street hawker stalls are very attractive for a non-Thai like me. Aside from the vibrant food scene, this town is also the center of Songkhla province's arts, culture and heritage with centuries old port & structures with tangible and intangible art scene beating right in the heart of the city.

16 Thung Tam Sao

[THUNG TAM SAO] ▬ TON NGA CHANG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, February-2016 in Thung Tam Sao, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, Thailand Camera: Canon 1200D

THUNG TAM SAO IS A RELATIVELY REMOTE town in Hat Yai District of Songkhla Province. A huge part of the Ton Nga Chang wildlife sanctuary falls under the jurisdiction of this tambon. This town is a refreshing retreat from the hustle and bustle of the cities of Hat Yai and Songkhla. (For you not be confused, there are two Hat Yais in Songkhla Province, Hat Yai City and Hat Yai District, and there are three Songkhlas: Songkhla City, Mueang Songkhla District and Songkhla Province. It's very common in Thailand that the seat of the district also has the same name).

17 Santo Tomas

[SANTO TOMAS] ▬ NATIONAL SHRINE OF PADRE PIO Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, April-2016 in Santo Tomas, Batangas Province, Calabarzon Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

SANTO TOMAS TOWN IN BATANGAS IS BASICALLY known for the National Shrine of Padre Pio, so yes, that shrine was the reason why I visited this town because of curiosity.

18 Taal

[TAAL] ▬ BASILICA OF SAINT MARTIN DE TOURS Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, April-2016 in Taal, Batangas Province, Calabarzon Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

I VISITED THE TOWN OF TAAL FOR the first time and what a nice place to witness Filipino culture and heritage. You know, I have a special regard to heritage towns because my hometown has taught me since childhood to love and appreciate one's culture and heritage.

19 Balete

[BALETE] ▬ MARIAN ORCHARD Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, April-2016 in Balete, Batangas Province, Calabarzon Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

I VISITED ANOTHER TOWN IN BATANGAS CALLED Balete. Marian Orchard, a religious (Roman Catholic) park, which I actually visited, is probably the most popular destination to see here.

20 Tayum

[TAYUM] ▬ VELASCO TOBACCO FIELDS Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, April-2016 in Tayum, Abra Province, Cordillera Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

I'VE EXPLORED THE TOWN OF TAYUM MANY times but it doesn't mean I've already seen all of its barangays. When my friend invited me to travel to to be a godparent of his son, I didn't think twice. I visited Barangay Velasco for the first time and its tobacco fields got my attention.

21 Tagaytay

[TAGAYTAY] ▬ TAGAYTAY HIGHLANDS Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, April-2016 in Tagaytay, Cavite Province, Calabarzon Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

TAGAYTAY WAS EXTRA SPECIAL TO ME IN 2016 'cause I was with my mother and it was her first time to visit Tagaytay. I just loved our mother-son bonding and I hope there will be more moments like that this year.

22 Manila

[MANILA] ▬ INTRAMUROS Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, April-2016 in Manila, National Capital Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

I WAS ALSO WITH MY MOM WHEN I re-explored the old streets of Intramuros. Like in Tagaytay, it was also my mom's first time to visit Intramuros.

23 Dagupan

[DAGUPAN] ▬ DOWNTOWN DAGUPAN Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, April-2016 in Dagupan, Pangasinan Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

THE CITY OF DAGUPAN IS HERE TO stay! I was here during its Bangus Festival season so these flaglets hovering over Dagupan's busy streets were plenty.

24 San Carlos

[DAGUPAN] ▬ DOWNTOWN SAN CARLOS CITY Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, April-2016 in San Carlos, Pangasinan Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

I EXPLORED THE CITY OF SAN CARLOS on foot and I discovered its rich culture and history. People here speak the Pangasinan language. Ilocano is nowhere to be heard. I had to speak Tagalog to communicate with the locals!

25 Pugo

[PUGO] ▬ KULTURA SPLASH WAVE RESORT Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, April-2016 in Pugo, La Union Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

PUGO IS A LITTLE MOUNTAIN RESORT TOWN that is less than an hour away from Baguio. It became popular because of these big mountain resorts that were developed here. But of course, although it's not a popular destination (without its mountain resorts), I still explored its town proper on foot to discover something interesting only to be chased by barking dogs. Ah! Who let the dogs out?

26 Baguio

[BAGUIO] ▬ HARRISON ROAD NIGHT MARKET Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, April-2016 in Baguio, Benguet Province, Cordillera Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

BAGUIO IS TIMELESS. DO I NEED TO say more? I don't mind visiting this city every now and then.

27 Agoo

[AGOO] ▬ JOSE ASPIRAS CIVIC CENTER Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, June-2016 in Agoo, La Union Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

I'VE EXPLORED AGOO BEFORE BUT IT'S A a different story when you explore this town at night. Well, there's no vibrant night life here and the city hibernates early.

28 Burgos

[BURGOS] ▬ KAPURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATION Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, July-2016 in Burgos, Ilocos Norte Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Samsung WB25OF

BURGOS IS THE NEWEST HUB FOR RENEWABLE energy in the Philippines. Dozens of additional wind turbines that generate energy in Ilocos Norte found their new home in Burgos.

29 Bangui

[BANGUI] ▬ BANGUI WIND FARM Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, July-2016 in Bangui, Ilocos Norte Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Samsung WB25OF

ALTHOUGH THE TOWN OF BURGOS IS THE newest renewable energy hub, Bangui town holds the title of being the birthplace of windfarms—first in South East Asia.

30 Pagudpud

[PAGUDPUD] ▬ SAUD WHITE BEACH Photo taken by Edison Guquib, July-2016 in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

THE ULTRA POPULAR BEACH TOWN OF PAGUDPUD shouldn't be missed when visiting Ilocos Norte. Although it's touristy now, no one could ever replace its distinction as the most popular beach town in Ilocos.

31 Lucban

[LUCBAN] ▬ VIEW OF MOUNT BANAHAW Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, July-2016 in Lucban, Quezon Province, Calabarzon Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Samsung WB25OF

I VISITED LUCBAN WITH MY TWO YOUNGER brothers and my mom. We and my two brothers explored the town while my mom waited for us at the Kamay ni Hesus Park (she can't cope up with our travel style.)

32 Tayabas

[TAYABAS] ▬ TAYABAS PARISH CHURCH Photo taken by Edison Guquib, July-2016 in Tayabas, Quezon Province, Calabarzon Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

TAYABAS IS ONE OF THOSE TOWNS AND cities we visited in Quezon last July with my brothers and mom. We only made it to the Tayabas church though because of time constraints.

33 Lucena

[LUCENA] ▬ CATHEDRAL OF LUCENA Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, July-2016 in Lucena, Quezon Province, Calabarzon Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Samsung WB25OF

LUCENA CITY IS BIG, MODERN AND HIGHLY-commercialized yet its old cultural landmarks are hard to ignore. A quick heritage tour in Lucena would lead you to the Lucena Cathedral.

34 Cabugao

[CABUGAO] ▬ MUNICIPALITY OF CABUGAO Photo taken in August-2016 in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon, Philippines Camera: Samsung WB25OF

RAINY AUGUST DIDN'T STOP ME AND MY friends from exploring and motorbiking. It's about word of honor. We pushed the trip because everything was already planned and set. Cancelling the trip would turn all our efforts in raising funds and in filing our vacation leave worthless. All of us were safe, though riding under the rain (typhoon) is not the best idea I could ever think and I don't recommend you to do it.

35 Zamboanga City

[ZAMBOANGA] ▬ ZAMBOANGA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, August-2016 in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Peninsula Region, Mindanao, Philippines Camera: Samsung WB25OF

IT'S TIME FOR ASIA'S LATIN CITY! THE city of Zamboanga allowed me to witness the connection of the Filipino people with Spain first hand. Their language Chavacano sounded Spanish to me. One would think that this may not seem new to me because I live in Vigan, a popular Spanish-era colonial town. Truth to be told, Vigan is more Chinese than Spanish. Zamboanga is more Spanish than Vigan.

36 Isabela

[ISABELA] ▬ ISABELA CITY DOWNTOWN Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, August-2016 in Isabela, Basilan Province, Zamboanga Peninsula Region, Mindanao, Philippines Camera: Samsung WB25OF

ISABELA CITY IS THE CAPITAL OF THE island province of Basilan. It has beautiful white beaches, an emerging local economy and a multicultural society dwelling in peace.

37 Lamitan

[LAMITAN] ▬ LAMITAN BAY Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, August-2016 in Lamitan, Basilan Province, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, Mindanao, Philippines Camera: Samsung WB25OF

THE CITY OF ▼ #LAMITAN
#LAMITAN
OWNS THE DISTINCTION of being the legit home of true-blooded Yakans. Yakan is a Muslim tribe which takes pride of their beautiful dances, traditional musical instruments and colorful tribal clothes. Aside from the Yakan people, Lamitan is also the tourism front runner in the island of Basilan. Thanks to its LGU prioritizing the the tourism industry.

38 Panglima Sugala

[PANGLIMA SUGALA] ▬ PANGLIMA SUGALA Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, August-2016 in Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi Province, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, Mindanao, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

PANGLIMA SUGALA IS A QUIET TOWN IN Taw-Tawi province. Its breathtaking landscapes, seascapes and charming countryside made my Tawi-Tawi motorbike adventures memorable and life-changing as I met kind Muslim brothers that changed my stereotype "North Luzon mindset" about the Muslims of Mindanao.

39 Bongao

[BONGAO] ▬ BUD BONGAO (BONGAO PEAK) Photo taken by Abdielaziz Karim, August-2016 in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi Province, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, Mindanao, Philippines Camera: Samsung WB25OF

BONGAO IS THE BUSTLING CAPITAL OF TAWITAWI'S 301 islands. If you are fit enough, don't leave Tawi-Tawi without climbing Bud Bongao, the highest mountain in Tawi-Tawi.

40 Sitangkai

[SITANGKAI] ▬ SITANGKAI Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, August-2016 in Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi Province, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, Mindanao, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

THE TOWN OF SITANGKAI IS A WATER world! Its town proper flourished above the waters, hence its name, "Venice of the South." Instead of using roads and terrestrial highways, the town is interconnected with canals. No jeeps and SUVs here—only boats. Let's get ready to float in this floating town!

41 Sibutu

[SIBUTU] ▬ VIEW OF SHEIK MAKDUM VILLAGE Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, August-2016 in Sibutu, Tawi-Tawi Province, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, Mindanao, Philippines Camera: Samsung WB25OF

▼ #SIBUTU
#SIBUTU
IS A YOUNG TOWN. IT'S TEN years old now after it gained independence from its mother town Sitangkai. Sibutu is a larger island at 100+ square kilometers surrounded by amazingly beautiful white beaches. The island has local industries that fuel its local economy like ship-building and seaweed farming.

42 Luna

[LUNA] ▬ SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF NAMACPACAN Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, August-2016 in Luna, La Union Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

THE TOWN OF LUNA IS A POPULAR pilgrimage site in La Union because of the Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan. However, Luna is more than this shrine, it also has cultural sites, pebble beaches and some waterfalls.

43 San Gabriel

[SAN GABRIEL] ▬ TANGADAN FALLS Photo taken in August-2016 in San Gabriel, La Union Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

SAN GABRIEL HAS EMERGED TO BE A popular waterfall destination in La Union—thanks to the neighboring tourist-laden surfing town of San Juan that hosts adventurers looking for side trips. However, it cannot be denied that the beauty and charm of San Gabriel's Tangadan Falls is a force to reckon with.

44 San Juan

[SAN JUAN] ▬ URBIZTONDO BEACH Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, August-2016 in San Juan, La Union Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

THE SURFING BEACHES OF SAN JUAN HAVE nothing to prove. It has established itself as the surfing Mecca of the Philippines and the tourism here continues to grow, hence its burgeoning food scene, night life and hospitality industry.

45 Sinait

[SINAIT] ▬ DADALAQUITEN BEACH Photo taken by Edison Guquib, November-2016 in Sinait, Ilocos Sur Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

A RANDOM MOTORBIKE EXPLORATION WITH MY BROTHERS lead us to the northern beaches of we've never seen before. We reached Dadalaquiten beach, a historical beach in Sinait town linked to the miracles of the Black Nazarene of Sinait Church.

46 Badoc

[BADOC] ▬ LA VIRGEN MILAGROSA BEACH Photo taken by Edison Guquib, November-2016 in Badoc, Ilocos Norte Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

THE PROVINCE OF ILOCOS NORTE CONTINUES EXPERIMENTING itself in the tourism world as it continues to flourish as a premiere tourist destination—thanks to the creative and dynamic administration of Governor Imee Marcos that propelled the growth of Ilocos Norte not just in tourism but also economically. Badoc is a new emerging destination in the province. With the improvements done in the historical La Virgen Milagrosa beach, it's definitely a great addition to Ilocos Norte's ever diversifying tourist spots options.

47 Bantay

[BANTAY] ▬ VICTORIA (CANIAW) NATIONAL PARK Photo taken by Edison Guquib, October-2016 in Bantay, Ilocos Sur Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

THE TOWN OF ▼ #BANTAY
#BANTAY
IS VERY NEAR my hometown Vigan but there's more to see in this town! It was my first time to really explore the Victoria National Park, otherwise known as Caniaw, using our motorbikes! Thanks to the newly constructed road leading up to the summit of Mt Tupira.

48 Narvacan

[NARVACAN] ▬ BANTAY ABOT Photo taken by Edison Guquib, October-2016 in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

▼ #NARVACAN
#NARVACAN

IS AN EMERGING TOWN IN ILOCOS Sur in terms of business and tourism. Its tourism industry has found massive success over the years with its flagship tourism project called NOAH (Narvacan Outdoor Adveture Hub) featuring adventure activities from the mountain (Bantay Abot [Mount Abot]) down to the beach of .

49 Tineg

[TINEG] ▬ KAPARKAN FALLS Photo taken on September-2016 in Tineg, Abra Province, Cordillera Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

2016 IS THE YEAR FOR ABRA TOURISM with the opening of to the public! Aside from , Abra also opened the doors of its once feared remote towns like Boliney (through Mount Poswey National Park) and Tubo (through Tagpew Falls and Kili Falls).

50 Boliney

[BOLINEY] ▬ DAMANIL RIVER Photo taken by Saab Lebay, November-2016 in Boliney, Abra Province, Cordillera Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon IXUS 105

LIKE WHAT I'VE MENTIONED ABOVE, I'M ONE of those ultra-excited adventurers who explored Abra's wonders immediately after it officially opened its doors to general public. In Boliney, we climbed , considered as the highest mountain in the province!

51 Tubo

[TUBO] ▬ MOUNT KALUNGI Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, November-2016 in Tubo, Abra Province, Cordillera Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Samsung WB25OF

I CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF ▼ #TUBO
#TUBO
. AFTER I traversed/climbed at least 8 of its mountains in 2014, I was here again climbing/traversing nine mountains more! Whoah!

52 Bucay

[BUCAY] ▬ BUCAY PUBLIC MARKET Photo taken by Edmar Guquib in November-2016 in Bucay, Abra Province, Cordillera Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon IXUS 105

I'VE EXPLORED BUCAY'S CAVES AND CROSSED its rivers before in 2014 but 2016 gave me the opportunity to rediscover this town the chill way. I went to their public market to see what's interesting and tried to eat some Abrenio-made cuisines in one of its home-grown restaurants.

53 Bucay

54 Bangued

[BANGUED] ▬ VICTORIA PARK Photo taken in November-2016 in Bangued, Abra Province, Cordillera Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

I DON'T MIND VISITING THE TOWN OF Bangued every now and then. The changes in this town is so rapid that it's so teasing to travel here to document the changes over time. This town is determined to succeed and it's getting there fast-paced.

55 Laoag

[LAOAG] ▬ AURORA PARK Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, December-2016 in Laoag, Ilocos Norte Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

ILOCANDIA'S SUNSHINE CITY IS HERE TO CHARM. city recently chose to preserve its old buildings and structures hence the lovely classic feeling.

56 Santol

[SANTOL] ▬ BALAY ANITO FALLS Photo taken by Jeffrey Tabangcura, August-2016 in Santol, La Union Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

BALAY ANITO FALLS WAS THE DESTINATION I explored in the town of Santol last August. We almost didn't make it because of the strong rain. The river had dangerously strong current that time so we maximized our hiking skills and hacks.

57 Kuala Lumpur

[KUALA LUMPUR] ▬ KLCC Photo taken by Edmar Guquib, February-2016 in Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory, Malaysia Camera: Canon 1200D

I EXPLORED THE BIG CITY OF on foot and I got lost many times. I wasted a lot of time that I was almost even left by my flight back to the Philippines. I also got lost many times using its trains so I didn't just waste time, I also wasted money because of riding on a wrong train. Ugh.

Ending Thoughts

WOW! I CAN'T BELIEVE I'VE ALREADY FINISHED this blog post! Whew! It took me a lot of effort to finish this one.

2016 was a great year for me in the world of traveling. However, blogging-wise, it was hard to blog! Blogging or writing stories is not easy especially if you don't want to drive your readers away by writing boring stories. You gotta exert some effort to invite readers. The year is over and I think I've only managed to blog less than 10% of the 2016 stories I would like to share and I feel so frustrated about it.

To the loyal readers of this blog, thank you so much. Sometimes, I'm running out of creativity but I know some of you there are still clicking my links. That's so sweet. I'm planning to limit my travels this 2017 'cause of changes in my priorities but I won't definitely limit my blogging frequency. So help me God!

Thank you! Happy New Year! | end |

Video Blog

Above is the video version of this post. If you want to watch more videos like that, visit my official YouTube Channel (YouTube.com/edmaration) and/or subscribe to my channel!

Related: Year-End Post Timeline

► 2016 | | | |

2016 A.D.
SOUTH EAST ASIA

[SOUTH EAST ASIA] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO SOUTH EAST ASIA!

► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post was filed under the category "#TownExplorer Collections" There is a section below where you can see other related posts from this category.

[2] The maps I used on this post are from maps.google.com.ph.

[3] All photos are mine.

[4] The insights, condition and name of places or properties I mentioned here are based on the facts and situation on the day of my visit. Take note that you may have a different experience when you try or see the properties or places mentioned here. Names of places and properties may also change by time so it's not my responsibility to update all the information on this blog because once published, I already consider it an archive and I won't update my narratives because I want them to become my references of what have happened in the past. I'm very particular of the dates because I want my amazing readers to understand that I am writing stories based on my perspective and insights on the day of my visit. You can see dates almost everywhere on this blog. Exempted from this rule are my travel guide posts that need to be updated.

Map Showing the Location of South East Asia

YOU MIGHT LIKE: MORE TOWN EXPLORATIONS COVERING ASIA

MORE TOWNS YOU MIGHT LIKE TO EXPLORE

Latest Contents Covering 'Feature Posts'

Thank you for visiting my travel blog!

EDMAR GUQUIB, Travel Blogger
EDMARATION #TownExplorer

| This is the latest post.

↧

[Vigan] ► Longganisa Festival 2017 Street Dancing

February 9, 2017, 6:47 am

≫ Next: [Dagupan] ► The "Beki" (Gay) Faith Healer at AB Fernandez Avenue

≪ Previous: [SE Asia] ► 2016 Travel Summary: 57 Towns & Cities I Explored/Visited

"Every year, beautiful muses grace the street, new festival costumes are done & donned..."

[VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES] ► Here's my 2017 coverage of the Longganisa Festival. SEO-wise, Google's bots might penalize me for writing multiple entries with same and repetitive keywords and title="Longganisa Festival" but there is a Longganisa Festival every year in my hometown worthy for a separate post. I'll insist my rules. This blog isn't SEO-optimized anyway (I published some of my blog coverages on my other blog though, www.exploreilocos.com).

[VIGAN] ▬ LONGGANISA FESTIVAL 2017 Photos taken by Edmar Guquib on 22-January-2017 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

[VIGAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO VIGAN!

Every year, beautiful muses grace the street, new festival costumes are done & donned and new choreography is made. For edmaration blog, a new article is published. So Google, please. I ain't spamming your search engine with repetitive keywords and alt="Longganisa Festival". This is Longganisa Festival "2017" and the name of the festival doesn't change.

If you're now annoyed with my blabs, better yet enjoy the photos below! Belated happy fiesta Vigan!

[VIGAN] ▬ LONGGANISA FESTIVAL 2017 Photo taken by Edmar Guquib on 22-January-2017 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

[VIGAN] ► THICK CROWD AT CALLE CRISOLOGO

[VIGAN] ► LUCKY PEOPLE, THEY WATCHED IT FROM ABOVE.

[VIGAN] ► IS THAT A DIRTY FINGER SIGN? JUST ASKING.

[VIGAN] ► THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO SQUEEZE THEIR BODY IN THE CROWD LIKE I DID. 😔

[VIGAN] ► THE BLACK-WHITE CONTRAST WAS CATCHY. WINNER COSTUME!

[VIGAN] ► THE PLATE WAS SILVER THOUGH.

[VIGAN] ► ONE OF THE FESTIVAL MUSES

[VIGAN] ► I'M CURIOUS ABOUT WHAT HE SAW.

[VIGAN] ► THE MOUTH OPENING CHOREOGRAPHY THOUGH

[VIGAN] ► DRUMS WERE BEATING LOUD!

[VIGAN] ► SO MANY FACIAL EXPRESSION HERE

[VIGAN] ► THE SMARTPHONE DID ITS JOB WELL.

[VIGAN] ► HITTING THE DRUMS WITH SUCH COORDINATION AND PRECISION. AWESOME!

[VIGAN] ► ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL QUEEN

[VIGAN] ► SO THERE, THE YELLOW GIRLS.

[VIGAN] ► FESTIVAL SCENE CHANGED A LOT. ALL GONE DIGITAL.

[VIGAN] ► GORGEOUS, RIGHT?

[VIGAN] ► ANOTHER QUEEN. THE PIGLET THOUGH...

[VIGAN] ► EQUALLY GORGEOUS.

[VIGAN] ► PROBABLY HE IS THE MUSICAL DIRECTOR

[VIGAN] ► THE SHIMMERING WHITE GANG HAS COME.

[VIGAN] ► SO THERE WAS AN ESCORT TOO.

[VIGAN] ► AMAZING LONGGANISA! DEFYING GRAVITY.

[VIGAN] ► THAT CONTAGIOUS FESTIVAL SMILE

[VIGAN] ► SO THAT'S HOW THE BACK LOOKED LIKE.

[VIGAN] ► OWN THE FLOOR BESH!

[VIGAN] ► GRACEFUL!

[VIGAN] ► ALSO GRACEFUL

[VIGAN] ► LONGGANISA MOVES

[VIGAN] ► ANOTHER LONGGANISA MOVES

[VIGAN] ► ST PAUL'S REPLICA LOOKS HEAVY HERE YET SHE DANCED WITH EASE AND BEAUTY.

[VIGAN] ► I LOVE THE PEARLS.

[VIGAN] ► LONGGANISA FESTIVAL 2017!

Insights

This year's Longganisa Festival was overshadowed by the Miss Universe event that happened in Vigan prior. The level of excitement in the Miss Universe event was too high that when the Longganisa Festival week came, it turned out a li'l less exciting. However, the festival must go on. The show was equally great.

I stayed at Calle Crisologo to document the street dancing. Calle Crisologo is not the best place to watch this street dancing because of the crowd and the narrow street but it's still the best place to capture photos with all the ancestral houses at the background.

Anyway, still, the festival drew crowd and curious foreigners also joined the frenzy. | end |

Related: Longganisa Festival Coverage Timeline

► 2017 | 2014 | |

Longganisa Festival: 22 January 2017
VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES

[VIGAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO VIGAN!

► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post was filed under the category "Festivals" There is a section below where you can see other related posts from this category.

[2] The maps I used on this post are from maps.google.com.ph.

[3] All photos are mine.

[4] The insights, condition and name of places or properties I mentioned here are based on the facts and situation on the day of my visit. Take note that you may have a different experience when you try or see the properties or places mentioned here. Names of places and properties may also change by time so it's not my responsibility to update all the information on this blog because once published, I already consider it an archive and I won't update my narratives because I want them to become my references of what have happened in the past. I'm very particular of the dates because I want my amazing readers to understand that I am writing stories based on my perspective and insights on the day of my visit. You can see dates almost everywhere on this blog. Exempted from this rule are my travel guide posts that need to be updated.

Map Showing the Location of #Vigan

YOU MIGHT LIKE: MORE TOWN EXPLORATIONS COVERING ILOCOS SUR PROVINCE

MORE TOWNS YOU MIGHT LIKE TO EXPLORE

Latest Contents Covering 'Culture'

Thank you for visiting my travel blog!

EDMAR GUQUIB, Travel Blogger
EDMARATION #TownExplorer

↧

[Dagupan] ► The "Beki" (Gay) Faith Healer at AB Fernandez Avenue

February 10, 2017, 10:24 am

≫ Next: [Pangasinan] ► After the Birth of 2017 in Pangasinan Province

≪ Previous: [Vigan] ► Longganisa Festival 2017 Street Dancing

"His goal now is to instill acceptance. On how he will receive acceptance in this society with set of rules and standards depends on the fruit of his actions."

Our modern world is existing with diversity. Human brain is unique for each individual. Humans follow a certain set of norms and customs while some follow certain beliefs. Indeed, we are social beings. In the sea of ideas and opinions flooding the dry fields of curiosity, humans were given the power to rationalize, to think what's right or wrong and to make decisions.

[DAGUPAN] ▬ THE “BEKI” FAITH HEALER AT A.B. FERNANDEZ AVENUE Photos taken by Edmar Guquib on 11-January-2017 in Dagupan, Pangasinan Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

[DAGUPAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO DAGUPAN!

Cultures were born. Some practices are socially and culturally acceptable, some are not. Some are controversial. Some are debatable. But unacceptable, conformable, controversial and well-accepted practices can co-exist altogether forming the interestingly complex society where we dwell.

From the mountains, the valleys to the cities, social codes are present. The extremist, the non-conformist and the unique will stand out amongst the norm. Their presence may leave one thinking, contemplating and accepting; sometimes, raising eyebrows.

An AB Fernandez Avenue Discovery

A.B. FERNANDEZ AVENUE IS ONE OF DAGUPAN's busiest streets. The norm here is to trade, do business, avail and sell services/goods, purchase commodities and more. An afternoon walk along this avenue would bring your to posh shops, street food vendors, restaurants, a public square and until recently, a faith healer.

Although faith healers and fortune tellers have played a part of the Filipino society, seeing a faith healer stationed at AB Fernandez Avenue is so atypical for the set-up I've personally known about Dagupan.

I've made hundreds (or probably thousands) of steps on the sidewalks of AB Fernandez Avenue since 2010 so this typically jeep-and-car-congested strip is familiar to me. I've never encountered a faith healer doing his activity-based-on-faith thing here unless I just failed to notice one since 2010. If the latter would have been the case, I concede.

[DAGUPAN] ▬ THE “BEKI” FAITH HEALER AT A.B. FERNANDEZ AVENUE Photo taken by Edmar Guquib on 11-January-2017 in Dagupan, Pangasinan Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

[DAGUPAN] ► A.B. FERNANDEZ AVENUE'S FAITH HEALER

I've seen (and interacted with) fortune tellers in Quiapo a few times now but never to a faith healer 'cause it seriously creeps me out. Until I saw someone stationed near an electrical post on a sidewalk in this same street, my relative fear blunted. I turned curious.

A crowd of about eight to dozen random curious individuals, both young and old, surrounded a person with a long curly hair and forearms covered with accessories. Apparently, that person was not the typical Mang Kepweng or Madam Auring sort of a fortune teller/faith healer. He was a woman. She was a man! In Filipino slang, he was a beki (gay).

His hair was fake, so with the curves of his eyelashes. With him was a sculpted imagery of the child Jesus (Santo Niño) dressed in white with its own pillow placed in a tray covered with a dirty, worn out maroon clothe. Sampaguita garland placed around the imagery's neck that eventually rested on its chest made it refreshing to look at. The dirty clothe turned negligible.

Philippine peso notes were placed in the tray with the imagery of the infant Jesus.

[DAGUPAN] ► AN IMAGERY OF INFANT JESUS

A "Beki" Gay Faith Healer

IT WAS MY FIRST TIME TO ENCOUNTER a faith healer of his kind, not even in my dreams and wildest imagination. TV shows, as far as I am aware, never featured his genre, let alone fictional series, so I was interested to approach him and hear the words he wanted to say.

In front of him was a woman who trusted his capabilities, or maybe, for the benefit of the doubt, she at least tried. He said he has healed many patients especially those with breathing problems.

[DAGUPAN] ► DOING HIS HEALING TRICK

[DAGUPAN] ► THIS WHITE STONE WAS HIS HEALING TOOL.

He handled a white stone he used as tool for his healing and in identifying the illness of his patient. Curious onlookers had different points of view. Many were mum. Some didn't believe him. A woman even told me that he could be a mangkukulam in disguise. Like what I said above, this happens when someone becomes extreme, doesn't conform or acts uniquely. He would stand out and catch the attention of some members of the public but he should face the clashing opinions of his spectators. His goal now is to instill acceptance. On how he will receive acceptance in this society with set of rules and standards depends on the fruit of his actions.

[DAGUPAN] ► HE LOOKED AT ME EYE TO EYE.

[DAGUPAN] ► EXPLAINING HIS HEALING SKILLS

Did he ask for donations or fee? That, I didn't know. I never asked but several pesos were present in his tray. The crowd was growing and with a suspicious woman insisting (implied) to see my photos, it was a social signal for me to distance myself. I'm not judgmental. I just don't trust clingy street strangers. I had to leave this faith healer although I wanted to hear more of his stories.

Should I believe his healing power anchored in faith? Honestly, its doubtful. And like what I said, clashing opinions on what is right, wrong, acceptable and doubtful in our society is expected to arise when someone breaks the thin lining of the norm. But I don't judge him on what he does. I know he has a purpose, and if his purpose is overt, much better—it would be easy to understand and help him. The only thing that I wish is for him to find contentment and happiness in life. I'm praying he'll soon find the true road to happiness and success, unless, this is already his definition of success and happiness.

As I left the crowd, he held the hand of his patient in the gesture of a woman. His fingertips compressed altogether and his hand flapped like a feather. The nail polish on his finger nails has faded. He needs to put new layer of colors, or maybe a nail art. There were doubts on his healing power but there is one thing I was sure about him: He was a man pushing his right to become/appear like a woman in the midst of a judgmental society that challenges the morality and acceptance of the smaller community where he belongs.| end |

11 JANUARY 2017: A.B. FERNANDEZ AVENUE
DAGUPAN, PANGASINAN PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES

[DAGUPAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO DAGUPAN!

► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post was filed under the category "People" There is a section below where you can see other related posts from this category.

[2] The maps I used on this post are from maps.google.com.ph.

[3] All photos are mine.

[4] The insights, condition and name of places or properties I mentioned here are based on the facts and situation on the day of my visit. Take note that you may have a different experience when you try or see the properties or places mentioned here. Names of places and properties may also change by time so it's not my responsibility to update all the information on this blog because once published, I already consider it an archive and I won't update my narratives because I want them to become my references of what have happened in the past. I'm very particular of the dates because I want my amazing readers to understand that I am writing stories based on my perspective and insights on the day of my visit. You can see dates almost everywhere on this blog. Exempted from this rule are my travel guide posts that need to be updated.

Map Showing the Location of #Dagupan

YOU MIGHT LIKE: MORE TOWN EXPLORATIONS COVERING PANGASINAN PROVINCE

MORE TOWNS YOU MIGHT LIKE TO EXPLORE

Latest Contents Covering 'Feature Stories'

Thank you for visiting my travel blog!

EDMAR GUQUIB, Travel Blogger
EDMARATION #TownExplorer

| This is the latest post

↧

[Pangasinan] ► After the Birth of 2017 in Pangasinan Province

February 15, 2017, 9:35 am

≫ Next: [Dagupan] ► Golden Mami House: Chinese Restaurant in Dagupan

≪ Previous: [Dagupan] ► The "Beki" (Gay) Faith Healer at AB Fernandez Avenue

"Dagupan's chaos and hot weather have become a charm for me throughout the years because the city elements I just mentioned have made Dagupan the sweet madness that it is now."

[PANGASINAN, PHILIPPINES] ► The year 2017 came rushing like a wildfire but my travel spirit was still stuck in 2016. My 2016 blog backlog was a heavy problem to deal with. I don't know how could I finish it now that 2017 travel opportunities are starting to paint my 2016 travels 50 shades darker. It's hard to ignore the vibrant shades of my 2017 travel calendar which started on 01.11.2017.

[PANGASINAN] ▬ AFTER THE BIRTH OF 2017 IN PANGASINAN PROVINCE Photos taken by Edmar Guquib on 11-January-2017 in Pangasinan Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Group, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

[PANGASINAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO PANGASINAN!

Exactly 11 days after the birth of 2017, I was in Pangasinan to continue my search for truth. The year was young in this good old destination of mine. I entered the province via San Fabian town with youthful enthusiasms to grow more as an individual and a student of the universe.

Mangaldan

I passed by the town of Mangaldan. It was bustling. It was busy. It's following the footsteps of its neighbor Dagupan as a commercial hub.

[MANGALDAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO MANGALDAN!

Approaching the Mangaldan Public Market means a worsening traffic. Vehicles slow down. Road becomes congested. Mangaldan, being a lowland town that is close to the sea (not a coastal town but yeah, close to Lingayen Gulf), the heat added more discomfort to me. But yeah, I don't complain. Each town in the Philippines is beautiful with different qualities to inspire you depending on what you are passionate about.

Anyway, the economic growth of Pangasinan towns is impressive. Mangaldan is one of them. Actually, I've explored Mangaldan's quieter side in the past years but I haven't blogged them since. Shame on my laziness.

Dagupan

Remnants of the past Christmas season were still decorating the busy streets of Dagupan when I visited the city for the first time in 2017. In front of the city museum was a tall Christmas tree.

[DAGUPAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO DAGUPAN!

It's same old, brand new. Old city, new year. Dagupan's chaos and hot weather have become a charm for me throughout the years because the city elements I just mentioned have made Dagupan the sweet madness that it is now.

It's overpopulated during the day yet you have the opportunity to learn and be inspired by the people you might meet somewhere, over there. The busy streets with hundreds of jeeps that emit enormous dark smoke are noisy and stressing but you would learn that every commuter with body-squeezing skills could endure the commuter-congested jeep during rush hour because he/she has a mission to accomplish.

Jeeps are part of the lives of every Pangasinense and they use these transport vehicles to achieve their dreams, to empower people, to educate the youth and to be responsible parents. Professionals, students, working moms, the rich and the poor all join the chaos of Dagupan to improve their lives. The thick crowd inside the jeeps and in the markets of Dagupan is the reason why the busy Dagupan I have known is alive and awake and each soul therein consider Dagupan as their home and a provider of opportunities for their lives to improve.

[DAGUPAN] ► ZAMORA STREET FOOD STRIP

[DAGUPAN] ► PANTAL BRIDGE

[DAGUPAN] ► PANTAL RIVER + STAR PLAZA HOTEL

But Dagupan is not just about the stressful heat and noisy streets (in my case though 'cause I live in a less commercially-developed smaller city which still has rice fields). It also has its peaceful side that I personally love. The city plaza is a good place to relax for me. Near the plaza is the equally peaceful and relaxing premises of the new Saint John the Evangelist Cathedral.

[DAGUPAN] ► THE NEWER SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST CATHEDRAL

Zamora Street played its rightful role during this visit as a street for foodies. Every time I visit this street, I usually see a food strip. As usual, it's a favorite place for the locals.

The bridge over the Pantal River was still decorated with Christmas-related stuff during my visit and the spirit of Christmas in Dagupan continued to be felt 11 days after the birth of 2017.

On my walk around the downtown of Dagupan, I noticed that the bibingka vendors near the corner of Burgos Street and AB Fernandez Avenue are back; so with their tupigs.

I also noticed horse-drawn carriages running on the streets of the city. I'm not sure if this is a recent addition or not. If not, I probably haven't noticed them before.

Dagupan was a perfect city to kick-off my 2017 travel calendar. Hoping for more fruitful travel line-up this year. Minus my laziness, I have more stories to tell from this trip. | end |

11 JANUARY 2017: PANGASINAN
PANGASINAN PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES

[PANGASINAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO PANGASINAN!

► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post was filed under the category "Special Features." There is a section below where you can see other related posts from this category.

[2] The maps I used on this post are from maps.google.com.ph.

[3] All photos are mine.

[4] The insights, condition and name of places or properties I mentioned here are based on the facts and situation on the day of my visit. Take note that you may have a different experience when you try or see the properties or places mentioned here. Names of places and properties may also change by time so it's not my responsibility to update all the information on this blog because once published, I already consider it an archive and I won't update my narratives because I want them to become my references of what have happened in the past. I'm very particular of the dates because I want my amazing readers to understand that I am writing stories based on my perspective and insights on the day of my visit. You can see dates almost everywhere on this blog. Exempted from this rule are my travel guide posts that need to be updated.

Map Showing the Location of Pangasinan Province

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Thank you for visiting my travel blog!

EDMAR GUQUIB, Travel Blogger
EDMARATION #TownExplorer

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[Dagupan] ► Golden Mami House: Chinese Restaurant in Dagupan

February 21, 2017, 7:39 am

≫ Next: [Dagupan] ► Tupig and Bibingka: Local Tastes Near the City Plaza

≪ Previous: [Pangasinan] ► After the Birth of 2017 in Pangasinan Province

"...this is the first serving of the blog menu I'll be offering soon covering food and restaurants in Dagupan City."

[DAGUPAN, PANGASINAN, PHILIPPINES] ► This post is the start of my long overdue plan to blog all the restaurants I've tried in Dagupan. Now that I'm less lazy to do it, I'm taking advantage of the hot and brewing motivation I'm feeling now before it's gone.

[DAGUPAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO DAGUPAN!

Dagupan is a lovely city in the contemporary food scene. There are many restaurants here and café‎‎s of different genres. In my case, it's not really disappointing to visit Dagupan if you're looking for places to eat. Fusion dishes, innovative recipes as well as traditional dishes are not hard to find in Dagupan.

By the way, this is not about the typical restaurant review that we've known. You're reading a travel diary and my experiences and feelings are the highlights here, not the restaurant or the food. Anyway, I would like to start my Dagupan restaurants compilations with Golden Mami House.

Year 2015: First Experience in Golden Mami House

THE FIRST TIME I ENTERED THISRESTAURANT was on 08 May 2015. I came here because it was the restaurant suggested by a random tricycle driver I hired when I told him that I was looking for a Chinese restaurant or anything oriental.

[DAGUPAN] ► IN FRONT OF GOLDEN MAMI HOUSE IN 2015

It was hard for me to choose for a food to eat here because their servings were usually for a group of at least three people. Yeah, they have big servings. Sadly, I was all alone.

Not wanting to waste more time, money and effort by looking for another restaurants, I chose to order a chicken meal named chokwe.

The first food that I ate here was named chokwe and God knows how un-knowledgeable I am about the name of Chinese food and on how they should appear. They first served me the condiments.

[DAGUPAN] ▬ GOLDEN MAMI HOUSE Photo taken by Edmar Guquib 08-May-2015 Dagupan, Pangasinan Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon IXUS 105

[DAGUPAN] ► SPICES/CONDIMENTS FOR CHOKWE

The price of the food I ordered was more than 100 pesos as far as I remember and I thought this would give me a good lunch! Before they served me the food, I really didn't know how it should look like. All I wanted that time was to eat a rice meal and I ordered this because, yeah, it had to be taken with rice, verbose. I didn't opt to order long-life meals that time.

I was first served with two pieces of calamansi, chili paste and an orange sauce that tasted sweet and sour (mixed taste). I loved the sauce. Afterwards, they served me what I ordered and that was the time I realized that chokwe was pieces of crispy fried chicken!

[DAGUPAN] ▬ GOLDEN MAMI HOUSE Photo taken by Edmar Guquib on 08-May-2015 in Dagupan, Pangasinan Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon IXUS 105

[DAGUPAN] ► SO THIS WAS THE CHOKWE

[DAGUPAN] ► IT'S FRIED CHICKEN WITH A CHINESE TOUCH I COULDN'T EXPLAIN.

[DAGUPAN] ► INTERIOR OF GOLDEN MAMI HOUSE

I thought it was just a regular fried chicken meal but the food, as far as I'm concerned, had its unique qualities that's hard to explain and put in detail. It was crispy but it was more refined (not the usual crisp in fastfood meals or elsewhere) and I actually considered that it was a good meal, better than those sold in fastfood chains. I got a satisfactory experience from what I paid.

The chunks were smaller like it was bite-sized. It was not really the chicken-joy brand we've known.

2017: Revisiting Golden Mami House

ALMOST TWO YEARS AFTER, I'M BACK HERE! It wasn't really an intended return. It was more of a random return. While walking the streets of Dagupan hungry and desperate for rice meals, I saw this restaurant once again. Since I was craving for a huge meal, I chose to eat here because of the satisfactory experience I had back in 2015.

[DAGUPAN] ▬ GOLDEN MAMI HOUSE Photo taken by Edmar Guquib on 11-January-2017 in Dagupan, Pangasinan Province, Ilocos Region, Luzon Island, Philippines Camera: Canon 1200D

[DAGUPAN] ► IT'S GOOD TO BE BACK!

On my return, I was confused of the entrance. I didn't know if it changed its location or I was just playing the stupid act not to recognize where should I enter. Anyway, I figured it out and guess what's next—I entered the door, of course. 😜😜😜

I ordered that same food!

[DAGUPAN] ► OH! I MISSED YOU MY CHOKWE!

[DAGUPAN] ► CHOKWE FOUND LOVE RIGHT WHERE WE ARE (CORNY)!

[DAGUPAN] ► SAME MEAL AFTER ALMOST TWO YEARS

[DAGUPAN] ► I GOT YA! 130 PESOS

[DAGUPAN] ► THE CANOPY IS NOW WHITE.

My hunger was relieved and I promised myself to try another dish on my third visit here.

So yeah, this is the first serving of the blog menu I'll be offering soon covering food and restaurants in Dagupan City. | end |

MAY 2015, JANUARY 2017: GOLDEN MAMI RESTAURANT
DAGUPAN, PANGASINAN PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES

[DAGUPAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO DAGUPAN!

► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post was filed under the category "Restaurants." There is a section below where you can see other related posts from this category.

[2] The maps I used on this post are from maps.google.com.ph.

[3] All photos are mine.

[4] The insights, condition and name of places or properties I mentioned here are based on the facts and situation on the day of my visit. Take note that you may have a different experience when you try or see the properties or places mentioned here. Names of places and properties may also change by time so it's not my responsibility to update all the information on this blog because once published, I already consider it an archive and I won't update my narratives because I want them to become my references of what have happened in the past. I'm very particular of the dates because I want my amazing readers to understand that I am writing stories based on my perspective and insights on the day of my visit. You can see dates almost everywhere on this blog. Exempted from this rule are my travel guide posts that need to be updated.

Map Showing the Location of #Dagupan

YOU MIGHT LIKE: MORE TOWN EXPLORATIONS COVERING PANGASINAN PROVINCE

MORE TOWNS YOU MIGHT LIKE TO EXPLORE

Latest Contents Covering 'Food and Dining'

Thank you for visiting my travel blog!

EDMAR GUQUIB, Travel Blogger
EDMARATION #TownExplorer

| This is the latest post.

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