IX-PLATINUM: Ilocos, the home of history

I love travelling. For me, it's one way to enjoy my life. Every place has a beautiful meaning which will be unforgettable if you get there. You will carry the memories in your whole life.

One place I find really memorable is Ilocos. The fresh air, the clear sky, and the beautiful oceans will make your day better. You will feel heaven thinking you're living in paradise. Ilocos is known for its historic sites, beaches and the well-preserved Spanish colonial city of Vigan.

We went to Ilocos to celebrate my mom's co-teacher birthday. Her province is Ilocos and she took us there for us to see the beauty of the region. Well, if I'm her, I'll do the same thing.

We stayed at Monte Leah Resort located at Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. After a long drive, its a great place to rest! You should visit this resort, they have accommodating staffs and a beautiful view to relax your mind.

*picture credits to google*

Monte Leah Resort

*picture credits to google*

Monte Leah Resort

*picture credits to google*

Monte Leah Resort

After spending our night at Monte Leah Resort, we woke up early to visit Abra and that was a great morning to start! We dropped by Abra Alpha Phi Omega and took pictures. You will enjoy the view in there and after taking pictures, we immediately went to the Abra River to see the bridge. Good thing we were early that time, we were the only one in there so we took the chance to solo the beautiful view.

One of my fave shot

My mom and dad, the river and the mountains

Enjoying the view

Next, we went to Hidden Garden located at Katipunan St, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur to have our lunch. If you are an ecolover, better visit that place. You just have to eat there and you're free to roam inside the area. There foods are so satisfying, making you crave for more. And it is a place where tourists find it attractive and hospitality is felt. You can take pictures as many as you can. They provide a photobooth for free.

With my family

Their bonsai collection

Beautiful background indeed

Of course, the day wasn't over so we went to another place called Baluarte. Tourists usually find this attractive and for me, that place is just like Subic. Baluarte is a Zoo located in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Just like the other zoo, they have shows and souvenir shops. Baluarte is a large zoo. They even allowed jeep if you want to roam around the zoo, but of course you will pay. There's no free there except for shows but it has schedule so you have to wait if you want to watch it. If you are an animal lover, you should visit this place because you will discover how cute and adorable animals are.

Because the field is wide, they have animals relic at the top. You can ride a jeepney if you don't want to climb up there. You better pay for a ride because that's really exhausting! But that's worth it!

There were so many destinations in Vigan! You can get there in just one day. We did that, after baluarte we went to Museum, Crisologo Memorabilia located at Vigan, Ilocos Sur. That place was my favorite! I think I'm living in the past. The horse, the houses, the name of streets and the restaurants. We roamed around and I think old Philippines is better than now. And I also felt I'm in Spain. Visit this place for you to know what happened to Vigan during the Spanish colonization here in our country!

*photo credits to google*

Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Me and my auntie acting sweet inside the museum

Look, Carruaje!

Before the day end, we watched the dancing fountain in Vigan. We took a rest and also took a pictures that night. What a beautiful memory. I wish I can go back and visit Vigan again. That city is really attractive that's why there are so many people having their vacation at Vigan.

Dancing fountain behind us

The next day, we also woke up early to reach Pagudpod as early as possible so that we can also reach all the destinations we want to visit. In Ilocos Norte, there are also many place to explore. We're in a hurry that time so we made things possible in just a day. From Ilocos Sur to Ilocos Norte takes 2-4 hours to reach. That's a long drive so you have to make yourself comfortable. Bring extra clothes too because mostly beaches are found in Ilocos Norte!