... Bangui Windmills, Ilocos Norte .. ;)

          After visiting Vigan, Ilocos Sur its now time to explore the beauty of Ilocos Norte. For our first stop , we are now visiting the famous Bangui Windmills. The wind turbines are located along the nine-kilometer shoreline of Bangui Bay, facing the South China Sea. It became one of the best tourist attraction since this is the  first windmill built in the country. If you really want to have good pictures, the best time to go here is during morning or when the sun strikes because you can really capture the beauty of the place. ;)

... the wind turbines ...

...mmg

..Bantay Church and Bell Tower , Ilocos Sur .. ;D

        For our last destination, we are now headed to Bantay Church and Bell Tower. Another tourist attraction in Ilocos Sur. The church looks magnificent with its Spanish like architecture. 

           As much as we were drawn with the beauty of the Church we were more amazed with their Bell Tower. It looks perfectly beautiful. We didn't waste any of our time, we took our camera and took some pictures. A guy came to us, introduced his self as one of the tour guide of the place. He offered to guide us, at first we were hesitant, but he said that the service is for free, so why not? Too bad I forgot his name but he was really a great help for my mom and I. He became our tourist guide and the most important thing, he also became our photographer. The tour ends in church gallery then after that I gave "manong"  100 pesos, a simple thank you for his great help. 

...mmg

.... city of Vigan, Ilocos Sur .. ;)

        After visiting Calle Crisologo, we decided to take "kalesa" instead of tricycle going to some of their tourist attraction,  churches, museums and etc. We have to pay 150 pesos per hour with that "kalesa" ride. But it was all worth it, it was a different feeling especially it's our first time to ride a "kalesa".

... Vigan Cathedral ...

... Father Burgos museum...

... parking area of "kalesa" ;)

to be continued...

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"Macau ng Pilipinas"... Calle Crisologo in Vigan.. ;D

        Now we're off to the famous  Calle Crisologo were all the old houses are being preserved and the number one tourist destination in Vigan. We took a tricycle ride from Baluarte going to Calle Crisologo. This place is famous for their cobblestone streets with the unique architecture of the different houses that was preserved by their government. Tourist come here to have their picture taken, to buy souvenirs, and to see this beautiful place, "Macau ng Pilipinas" as what i called it.

...my mom enjoying the place while eating... ;D

        This place looks different during night but i never got the chance to see it since i have to catch the three o'clock bus ride back to Laoag City.

... to be continued..

...mmg

Baluarte in Ilcos Sur.. ;)

      We are on bus heading to Vigan, Ilocos Sur. A two hour drive from Laoag Ilocos Norte. For our Vigan adventures, our first stop is Balaurte. We took a tricycle and the driver brought us there after 15 minutes of travel. This is actually the newest attraction in the area owned by the Governor. Upon entering , the first thing that welcomes you are white tigers inside a cage of course. They are personally owned by the owner even before he started opening his place for public. Then there's this bird just standing on a branch that you could have your picture taken with them.

           Then a pony is waiting for us to explore around the area. Pony? Its actually my first time to see a smaller version of a horse. The pony brought us to this open area where ostrich, camels, and

 deer run freely. 

... my first pony ride..

         After the pony ride we watched the animals show. We had the chance to have our picture taken with some animals including tiger, snake, bearcat and bird. We also had our pictures taken with their enormous man-made dinosaur statues. 

...the animals.. ;)

.. the huge dinosaurs ...

to be continued...

...mmg

...night at Laoag, Ilocos Norte .. :)

       Every year my mom and I wanted to have a vacation, to unwind, to relax and to take a rest from our busy schedules. Last year, we decided to explore the beauty of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. From iloilo city we took a flight going to manila then from manila another airplane ride going to laoag city, the capital of Ilocos Norte. We arrived around 6:00 pm since our flight was delayed for about an hour. I went directly to the receptionist and asked directions about going to our hotel but luckily the city offers free ride from the airport going to any hotels in the city to all the tourists who visits their place, it was very nice for them to do that. 

      After checking-in at the hotel, we ate our dinner and took some pictures of the city. The mode of transportation there are motorcycles and "kalesa". I visited their Capitol, museum, plaza and etc.

... Capitol grounds ...

...plaza ...

...museum..

to be continued...

...mmg

... Garin Farm, San Joaquin Iloilo .. ;D

        Few kilometers away from Iloilo City, a newly opened attraction called Garin Farm is our next destination. Me and my family decided to visit this place and see whats in store for us. When we entered the farm,  we saw animals such as chicken, goats, pigs, quails, birds, etc. Then we reached the fruits and vegetables area. You can actually choose to walk or to ride a golf cart in exploring the farm but we opt to walk since its kinda fun to enjoy the place while walking and taking pictures in every corner. 

The place also offers zipline, boating, and swimming which children and adults could enjoy. 

        Another attraction that we surely enjoyed is the Pilgrimage, a 456 steps towards the Divine Mercy Cross. Before reaching the top, you will have the chance to see first the life-size and life-like statues of Noah's Ark, The Ten Commandments and the 9 major events of the Life of Jesus Christ. 

.. can't place all the pictures.. ;)

...mmg