Snapshots of our Ilocos Tour 2012

Now that we’re done with most of the Christmas reunions and cleaning our apartment, I can relax a bit and organize the rest of the pictures from our Ilocos tour. You’ve seen most of the highlights of our tour: the picturesque Kapurpurawan Rock Formation and Kabigan Falls, and the impressively designed Malacanang of the North.

Below are the other highlights of our Ilocos Tour:

Paoay Sand Dunes. We went back here to experience (again!) the magical, powdery sand dunes that you will find only here in Paoay.

Our "jump shot" - taken by our tour guide/driver hehe — Our not-so-perfect “jump shot” – taken by our tour guide/driver hehe

This is a new attraction in the area. It's an art installation showing 2 faces of a fish (look for them!), made purely of bamboo canes. — This is a new attraction in the area. It’s an art installation showing 2 faces of a fish (look for them!), made purely of bamboo canes.

Church of San Agustin (Paoay Church). It is also our second time to visit this church. The first time we were in Paoay, it was very early in the morning and the church was still closed. This time around, we were able to go inside (with a wedding taking place) and say our prayers.

Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Lovely beaches up in Pagudpud with clear blue water and pristine sands. But the big waves and strong winds does not make it very ideal for swimming (especially for non-swimmers like me hehe!). But I’d love to relax here, anytime.

That's me running away from the strong currents hehe. — That’s me running away from the strong currents hehe.

Enjoying life at the beach. We had grilled fish for lunch, among many others.

Patapat Viaduct. Nothing fancy here, but it is one of the popular tourist spots in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. The viaduct connects Ilocos to the Cagayan Valley region.

AJ at Patapat Viaduct. I cannot make myself go anywhere near here because of my fear of heights hehe.

Carrot Cake at La Preciosa. We cannot not have dinner at La Preciosa, known for serving the best-tasting Ilocano food in Laoag City. But more than the best-tasting local food, it’s their carrot cake that you should not miss. It’s to die for!

Heritage Village in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Our last stop before heading home to Manila. We took the early morning bus from Laoag to Vigan, and stayed in Vigan until lunch. We never tire of walking around the Heritage Village, where we also shopped for some pasalubongs / souvenirs to bring back home.

An image of St. Therese of Liseux carved into one of the walls along Calle Crisologo.

Mini version of Ilocos furniture made of hard wood. Perfect for doll houses. — Mini version of Ilocos furniture made of hard wood. Perfect for doll houses or as jewelry boxes. I’d love to take some home but they’re too bulky to bring (and we’re just taking the bus).

Cute ref magnets! Some are being sold at P100 for 3 pieces. A steal!

And that summed up our Ilocos tour, folks. It took us 2 holiday trips (2011 and 2012) just to complete the tour hehe! Next year it will be in the southernmost part of the country! Can’t wait!