Pagudpud: Beauty Invasion in ILOCOS

I've never known my hometown to be this beautiful and inviting. Until we chanced to celebrate our family reunion last 2008 in Ilocos Norte. Since then I've been helping out friends on how to visit the place. Or if not, their travel buddy.

Here are the list of places to visit when in Ilocos arranged according to the farthest from the North.

PAGUDPUD, ILOCOS NORTE
There are 3 must see places in Pagudpud.
Patapat Viaduct / Patapat BridgeThis is a beautiful bridge that is zigzag in shape and attached to the mountain constructed to prevent accidents on the area. The bridge connects the tip of Ilocos Norte to Cagayan Valley Region.

Blue Lagoon BeachA hidden beach that is, for me, better than Saud Beach. The water is more calm and clean.Hannah Beach Resort is the common place to stay here.

Kabiga FallsKabiga Falls is a thirty (30) minute trek away from the national highway. You will be accompanied by tourist guide that waits on the station near the highway. You have to pay Php150 for the tour guide plus Php10 per head for the visit. There are about 70 tourist guide that goes back and forth for three times during April, their peak month.

Saud Beach by edcadenaEqually beautiful beach as that of Blue Lagoon is Saud Beach. Saud Beach is more famous because the views is more appealing compared to Blue Lagoon. There are about 5 resorts or more that you could stay and chose from.

BANGUI, ILOCOS NORTE

Bangui WindmillsThis amuses me because the structure is huge in size and in number. More details of Bangui windmill.

BURGOS, ILOCOS NORTE

Kapurpurawan Rocks from candymag.comAnother worth a visit is Kapurpurawan Rocks. The rock formation feel is like you have travelled to another country.

Cape Bojeador LighthouseThis lighthouse was built in 1892 but still functions and welcomes ships that enter the Philippines in the North. Now serves as a historical landmark and a cultural treasure.

PAOAY, ILOCOS NORTE

San Agustin Church / Paoay ChurchWe have four baroque churches that have been inscribed to UNESCO World Heritage List. Two (2) of them are from Ilocos, Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur and San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

How to get here:
By Bus
PARTAS VIGAN Tel.No.7223369
Vigan-Cubao approx. 8 hours
Schedules : every hour 24/7

PARTAS LAOAG Tel.No.7711514
Laoag-Cubao approx. 10 hours
Schedules : every hour 24/7

By Plane
Cebu Pacific Air
Laoag-Manila approx. 1 hour 30 minutes

Malayang Hakbang: Edsa Revolution on 25 Years

A lot of demonstrations and protests are happening around the world lately, especially on the Middle East. Tunisia and Egypt cried foul on their government and soon ousted their presidents. Inspired by this events, Libya as well is currently uprising with the government of Gaddafi. Algeria and Yemen are also on this undertaking.

But long before, Filipinos have aimed the same with all the countries mentioned earlier. Even if I was still a baby back then, it has already been part of our history and will always be part of every Filipinos lives as we impart it to our youth. In 1986, we have restored democracy by our very own people power that is now known as the EDSA Revolution, and headlined as the revolution that surprised the world. Now, we are on its 25th year of celebrating our democracy.

Mike, the kind of guy friend in twitter :) asked me about plans for EDSA celebration. I just replied back maybe I'd simply be free without any thing in mind how to be one. LOL

Yesterday, my brothers asked me to join a run in Vigan. It is a freedom fun run in celebration of the 25th anniversary of EDSA Revolution. So I did join and made it on a 5k run.. Cheers for freedom!!!

Maria Aragon and Lady Gaga is Born This Way

The leader of online video, YouTube, has yet again produced another star that can now be lined up with Charice Pempengco, Joseph Vincent and a lot more talents.

Maria Aragon is a 10 year old Filipino Canadian who made a cover of Lady Gaga's newest album and single entitled Born This Way where Gaga performed last week for the Grammys 2011.


Aragon's video is nearing 12 million hits already in just a week since it was uploaded. Lady Gaga tweeted,

"@ladygaga : Can't stop crying watching this. This is why I make music. She is the future. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG0wi1m-89o"

and soon invited Aragon to join in her concert in Toronto.

Just recently, Ellen De Generes also met the young youtube sensation, Maria Aragon who dreams to perform for Ellen too.

One thing I can say is that she's really good and I'm proud of her.

Tramway Buffet Plaza First and Last Bloody Date

Can you pile up plates this much?
Can you keep your stomach with unlimited foodies?

My friend Pepper and I just celebrated our first and last bloody date tonight. We tried the newly opened Tramway Buffet Plaza at Worldwide Corporate Center located along Shaw Boulevard. An eat-all-you-can restaurant similar to Tramway Buffet Garden in Timog Avenue, Quezon City where we used to have our team dinner and celebrations also. (I think they're somewhat related but with different management)

We kinda had a little struggle as we approached their reception area, they were hesitant that we go in by batch. We were not allowed to enter if we're not complete as not to confuse them. They also asked us to pay already before entering so I paid in cash (they are not yet accepting ATM and credit cards) and after that, they gave us our own weapon(spoon and fork). I told the receptionist if they can just let my officemates enter while I'll wait for the others. In fairness, they took them in. The receptionist was courteous. She explained to me that since they have a few resources yet, they would somehow do the kind of process for the first few operations.

Anyways, we had our buffet and we enjoyed it a lot. The food was average, the place is spacious, not that crowded yet and so we got more food. They also refill immediately. hehe They have function rooms charged for Php1600/3hours for the meantime, while they create menu set packages that will be consumable for the charge of function rooms.

Dining cost per head at Php218.






I believe they have their Valentine Opening Promo at Php118. Yeah, we should have gone there earlier. LOL

Tramway Buffet Plaza serves lunch at 11:30 am to 3:00 pm and dinner at 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. For your inquiries, you may call them at these numbers 7066351 / 8617129.

Egypt freedom has been served

Today marks another history not only for the Egyptians but also throughout the world as they rejoice and have all witnessed the power of the people.

After almost three decades, finally Hosni Mubarak steps down his post as President of Egypt transferring the authority to the Armed Forces. Challenged by his prolonged term with 18 days protests, he resigned, Vice President Omar Suleiman announced.

It’s all over (freedom have been served) and yes it’s all over the net. As I browse through the web from CNN to BBC, to Huffington Post and Yahoo, pictured the joys of Egypt, freedom and the world. Even to microblogging sites top trending is Congrats Egypt and Renunció Mubarak.

Well, as for me, it felt like I have witnessed another Edsa Revolution, our very own restoration of our democracy against President Marcos back in 1986. It is a great feeling when you see people unite for the common good. My heart felt so much happiness and joys for the people of Egypt and so I say.

Go now, Egypt. Fly your wings. You are Free! You Are Free!