Ilocandia

Since I'm a newbie on Blogger, I'd like to post some of my past. (NOT like a bitter who can't move on from the past!) But sharing with you some interesting moments and adventures which have turned out to be wonderful memories. And there's no better time to throw this but on a THROWBACK THURSDAY right? ;)

Back in February 2013, it was our first time to explore the great Northern region of the Philippines. Roadtrips excite me, so a long-haul drive of 12 hours Manila to Ilocos didn't bug me, at all! It's in times like these that my inner wanderlust awakens ;) We passed by several other provinces too like Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, La Union, Pangasinan and.... please refer to Philippine Map! I could imagine us driving along Luzon's coastal borders given the views of rocky shores and the infinite West Philippine Sea on your side.

Inset: My Mom and I, Walking down memory lane in Calle Crisologo

Our first pit stop was Vigan, Ilocos Norte at the old Hispanic Calle Crisologo at night. It was beautiful... takes you back in time. The place seemed to be a small community of warm-hearted people. Well-preserved Spanish houses and kalesas surround you and it feels you're taken from era to era. I wish I had a photo in a Filipiniana, that would be nice :)

 

Another climb up, and we landed at Laoag, Ilocos Norte. We visited the ginormous windmills of Bangui, Ilocos Norte which was very scenic. Didn't they look gorgeous against all the beautiful shades of blue?! The grandiose baroque Paoay Church, which façade looked like a painting against a blue backdrop sky (to me). Among other places we went to were Chavit Singson's Baluarte and Mini Malacañan where the Marcoses have once resided. Couldn't stop the camera from clicking! Ilocos also had me mouth-watering by their delicious Bagnet, Pinakbet, Okoy and Empanada among their cuisine! An instant fave to my Filipino Dishes ;) I'd definitely keep coming back. There's so much to discover!

This one's a first! Sometimes it's okay to be nostalgic and reminisce the experiences that have made you "woah!" and "wow!"  in your life. Taking pictures is one way of immortalizing that feeling you had at that particular time, place and moment while the shot is being taken, to help you remember :) I'm excited to share you more of my throwback moments and photos! 

My iconic jump! (Insert grinning emoticon here)

And I've witnessed the greatness of the oceans, right before my very eyes.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we won't be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas; though its waters roar and the mountains tremble with their swelling. God lives within it, it cannot be moved. God rescues it at the break of dawn." Psalm 46:1-3, 5