Heads of Garlic

I told the person beside me, "You don't wanna smell the breath on that girl." Pretty as she is, that is a whole bulb of garlic sitting on her skull. That must be a major hindrance to finding a decent guy.

Ilocos is really popular for the powerful garlic variety that we grow. Unfortunately, the Taiwan garlic, which is a thousand times milder in flavor and simply easier to cut because it is grande, has overtaken the Iloco variant in the preference scale of most Pinoys. The Iloco garlic is also more expensive, one more reason to not be too fond of it.

All is good, however, to the skilled cook and the hungry gourmand. This is why our province never became famous for aswangs and the like.

Sunny Smiles & More

The majestic Paoay Church whose buttresses are globally acclaimed...





The immaculately white sands of Pagudpud--- it's not a sugary fantasy because it's real, baby...





The familes and friends who frolic wearing smiles that undoubtedly come only from somewhere sunny...

This is the Northern Ilocandias, welcome!!

HOLY SPIRIT ACADEMY OF LAOAG

The HSAL is a steadfast educational institution unrivalled by most religious schools here in Laoag. The term is steadfast: through the years, its reputation has been as strong as its architecture and its yield. My own grandmother is a product of Holy Spirit Academy.

Located beside the Laoag Cathedral, HSAL boasts of a view of the Laoag River and the Gilbert Bridge. It is also within steps of the only McDonald's in the whole province. Many prominent families enrol their children to Holy Spirit.

The fees are very reasonable, considering that it is a well-esteemed school. My sister-in-law, whose daughter is about to enter the 4th grade this June, pays no more than Php10,000.00 for the entire school year, inclusive of book and uniforms.

Activities are also varied, from academic forums to sports and cultural presentations, as well as artistic endeavors such as the piano recital shown in the photo.

Sexy Beach of Pasuquin.

Nobody knows why it is named as such, because for the many times I have gone there, I have never seen anybody sexy.

If you say sexiness is an attitude, well, okay, then I was the only sexy person there.

Black sands but shallow waters.

Clarity may also be an issue, but hey, no sharks.

And no sexy people. so you don't need an extra-lucid underwater view,

so what the heck.

Cottages go from Php300.00 to as high as Php1,000.00 per day.

No toilets whatsoever.

Pearly Shakes

Oohlala, double dutch, hit the clutch

Rise to the 6th gear if there is such

Love this cooler so very much

Come Sea Badoc

Badoc is the fist town of Ilocos Norte.

Entering the town center literally becomes a sidetrip as more of its fields, hills, and coastal highlights are shown by the freeway.

This particular area is a resort owned by the Prieto-Calajate families. Several cottages are available for rentals, but you have to reserve them in advance as they often get filled up during the summer.

Sun block is a must even when you stay in the shade. The Ilocanosare legendary for the chocolate complexion, and the reason is obvious: this is a land kissed by the sun, where the sea could surround you without being in the water, and the sand could toast your heels just for playfulness' sake.

Fort Ilocandia

For some reason, vacationing in the Ilocandias is more expensive than in the more popular Cebu, Davao, Palawan.
Check out the newspapers and you'll see that travel agencies ask for more given a 3-day, 2-night arrangement.
So if you're really going to spend anyway.... JUST GO ALL THE WAY!


Fort Ilocandia is the only 5-star hotel in the region.

Translation: it is uber comfortable.

It will make you feel like you're on a pristine island, detached from all civilization.

Translation: WIFI technology has not yet arrived here.

Note, however, that I recommend you book through your trusted travel agent instead
of walking-in or emailing. Somebody once booked a room and heard a
quotation of Php9,600.+++... and then seeing the very same room on
the updated precisionrates.com for only US$64.

When Somebody inquired via email, Fort Ilocandia reps confirmed
the validity of precisionrates.com, then asked, "Are you a travel agent?"

Translation: the place is great, but the workers may annoy you somewhat.
Have a great time anyway (wear earplugs.)