Ilocos…a history class that’s not boring – Pagudpud, Pansian

I have invited another guest blogger to share his personal account of his visit to Ilocos. He is Bong Sare, a wedding videographer, who first came to Ilocos “single” and wants to go back with his own family soon…Read on…

“It was December of 1996 when John, Benz & I decided to spend christmas and new year with a good friend (Constantine) in Ilocos. An eventful 12 hour drive, we would occasionally stop to take pictures (as well as rest and answer nature’s calls) of places I can only describe as picturesque.

I’m no church-goer nor a critic of architectural structures, but Ilocos’ old churches left me in awe. It’s like being in a history class with one slight difference, it was never boring.

Ilocos is not only about churches, up to this day, Pagudpud, is still one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen.

Clear blue water and fine white sand, it was an undiscovered haven for beach lovers (like me) back then. I never had the chance to go there again, but I am pretty sure that Ilocanos would never let something as beautiful as Pagudpud be ruined by commercialism.

You’ll always find something different, unique and interesting in Ilocos. Historical churches, beautiful beaches, yummy food, name it and you might just find it there.In fact, we even chanced upon a shipwreck docked in one of Ilocos’ beaches.

And now that I’m married with two beautiful daughters, I would never deprive them of experiencing something as wonderful as Ilocos. It’s one place we’ll surely visit.”

Postscript: The “shipwreck” was found in ”Pansian” near the boundary of Pagudpud and Cagayan Valley. It’s so unfortunate that it may no longer be there because the last time I passed by the place about two years ago, there was only an iron pole left, the lone remnant of the shipwreck. You wouldn’t know that it was once as seen in the picture above (I presume it was ransacked by modern-day pirates because of the growing demand for steel in the market.)

Life’s a Beach – Pasuquin

I have published a couple of pictures reflecting Ilocanos’ love of the beach. Here’s another one.

I was thinking if there was a disaster that just hit Ilocos when I took this image. They took the pain of building a shelter and at closer look, have several provisions to last them for a couple of days, complete with table and chairs. I would understand if someone presumes that they have been displaced from their abode.

Evacuees? Seems like but not quite. They are actually having a good time at the beach. Ilocanos love to do this especially during summer. They usually do it when a relative comes home especially from abroad or during special occasions like birthday and graduation. I noticed that when they go out for picnic, they do not only bring their immediate family but also its “extensions” — a trait which is not only Ilocano but very Filipino. You miss it don’t you!

So, the next time you visit Ilocos and you see something like this, then you know that most probably, there is someone in the family who arrived from abroad or they are just celebrating a special occasion.

“A taste of Laoag” in SM Mall of Asia

A day after SM Mall of Asia opened to the public last May 20(I was in “viaje del sol” that time, besides I was not lucky to get an invite from Henry Sy!)I was able to roam around the biggest SM in the country (no longer the Megamall) and one of the biggest shopping malls in Asia!

Fascade of the Mall at Night:

When I go to the mall (which I do usually for leisure and never to shop) I often stop by the food court for some fuddies and drinks. I was surprised to see a fastfood along the line of many others called “A taste of Laoag.” It was not noticeable at first because its neon sign was off.I thought that the owner might be saving on electricity but upon verification with the cashier, I was informed that it “sparked” earlier, thus they put it off.

When I checked the menu, it was indeed very Ilocano. It includes “Bibingka” (but not the sticky rice cake; it’s more of the puffed one which made me think it’s not the Ilocos bibingka), “Laoag canton,” “Batac miki,” “Batac empanada” (the orange one, not the white because the white comes from Vigan-there’s one in Tiendesitas; haven’t tried it but I was told it was “oily”), “longanisa,” “crispy dinuguan,” “sinanglaw” and their best seller “bagnet.” Oh, one thing more which I almost forgot to include.(DISCLAIMER: some words may be offensive) I was definitely surprised because for the longest time I never thought that this food is called the “puqui-puqui!” Who could forget that! It’s not one but two “puquis!” It’s the “inihaw na talong salad.” I did not order not because I didn’t like it but because I might be asked later how my “puqui-puqui” tasted!…And the other dialogues are at your discretion for If I will continue, I may run out of space.

I learned that there are already four branches of this fastfood. Two in Baguio, one in Valenzuela, another in the SM Mall of Asia and their Subic branch is coming up.There must really be something great in the menu why they keep growing, huh!

Speaking of SM Mall of Asia, I am posting hereunder some shots I took with a little bit of information about the place.

Inside the mall; View of the ceiling:

View of the Makati skyline from the deck parking:

This is SM’s 25th mall, 21 years after the first was established. It seats on a 6-hectare reclaimed area along Manila Bay. It is presently composed of four buildings (with provisions for expansion) which are the main mall, the north and south parking, and the entertainment area. Advice: for now, take the south parking because there are more shops open in that area and it’s where the department store is. Otherwise, you may have a difficult time navigating from the north parking to the south and back after a tiring shopping.

Entertainment Area:

Imax Theater from outside at Night:

The entertainment area includes the IMAX Theater which has the biggest screen in the world at 22 by 33 square meters. Press realeases say that the screen is as high as an 8-storey building but by the looks of it, the structure itself is just as tall as the main building which is only 2-storey (unless the screen is from the floor to the wall to the roof and back to the floor, then they are right!)

It has an olympic size ice-skating rink and golf carts roaming inside (yes, inside) and outside the mall primarily to serve the oldies (but as I noticed, people ride for leisure; they might be thinking they went to an amusement park.)

Sunset from the Mall:

Ceiling of the Main Lobby:

There, when you go visit the place make sure you have enough energy to explore the place. More than shopping, now there is a better place to view the famous sunset of Manila Bay; there is enough space for everyone. Parking is never a problem. And don’t forget to check “A Taste of Laoag” to see how the “puqui=puqui” looks like and tastes like.

Is the “Barrel Man” gone?

This is just for laughs – On our way back to Manila from our “Viaje del Sol” trip (Disclaimer: the image may be offensive), I was looking for a nursery to check out some “herbs” which I can grow in my apartment to help drive insects away (and so they say, which I believe anyway). And so we pulled over one. I crossed upon these statues in the nursery which I thought was just one of those wooden ornaments for the garden.

Because of it’s worn out appearance and I thought it was neatly done, I held one until I noticed that the “thing” it front of the statue was moving. I was a bit scared because I thought I have broken it and the owner may demand payment for something which I did not intend to buy in the first place. The caretaker approached me which made me more scared but he was helpful enough to lend a hand and took out the “thing” that was moving to reveal this…

I remember the “barrel man” from Baguio, a tiny statue (of a native of Baguio) inside a barrel; if you take out the barrel it will reveal a “very proud, hard and shaky man”! Is the barrel man gone? Did this shy, flaccid but long man took its place? If there was a barrel man, how do you call this? The Peanutman?

I was informed that the finer version is for export, I just don’t know where. It reminded me of Japan where they have this yearly festival of the “phallic” (nicer word for you know what…) for fertility.

Viaje del Sol: sunny experience on a rainy day (Part III)

Fourth Stop: Carlito’s Workshop:
This is located in Barrio Sta. Ana, San Pablo City. Carlito Ortega is a sculptor whose medium include welded steel, brass and hard wood. He is also known for his landcape. His residence/worshop/gallery in San Pablo is a showcase of his well rounded talent. Below are some of his works of art you can find in his backyard. He has also a gallery at the Megamall.

I am not qualified to review his works because I do not have the talent to do so. However, personally, I saw his sculptures as very elaborate in emotions, and that for me is enough to appreciate what Carlito is trying to impart.
Contact Numbers: (0919) 837-77-55 or (049) 246-33-29

Fifth Stop: Sitio de Amor Farm Resort:
This is near Carlito’s Workshop. “Amor” is the wife of the owner, George, both of whom we met and personally attended to us when we visited. The place is a “rambutan” and “lazones” plantation and resort in one. Several huts are scattered all over the place which George plans to be massage sanctuaries like in Bali he says. The lagoon is huge and the infinity pool is breathtaking. The pool was almost done when we visited and can’t wait to see it finally done. It has platforms for water massage which makes it more exciting.

Garden:

Tree House:

A tree house was also being finished and it’s comparable to a five star hotel room because of its architecture and planned interior. The bathroom has a jacuzi overlooking a river and the greeneries. There are a lot of activities being planned by the owners once the resort is finally done. However, visitors are now welcomed to visit the place and you can stay over if you wish to.

Floor Tiles in the Huts:

One of Amor’s Collections:

Contact Numbers: (02) 550-1275 or (0918) 927-4346 or sitiodeamor@yahoo.com

Sixth Stop: Kinabuhayan Cafe:
Located in the Poblacion of Dolores,Quezon, this cafe is suppose to be the jump off point for trekkers of Mt. Banahaw. However, Mt. Banahaw is temporarily closed to trekkers but even then, Kinabuhayan Cafe offers meals and picnics to Kubli Springs upon prior arrangements. They also offer massage for the tired body.

Entrance of Kinabuhayan Cafe:

The name “Kinabuhayan” may have been taken from “Brgy. Kinabuhayan,” the place where Mt. Banahaw is located. A word of advice, when you go to the place, don’t ask directions to (just) “Kinabuhayan,” otherwise, you will be lead to Brgy. Kinabuhayan which is way too far to the mountains from the Poblacion. Reiterate on the “Cafe,” not the village. The Cafe should be within the poblacion only.Better yet, ask for the place of Jay Herrera, because not many locals as of this moment know it as |Kinabuhayan Cafe yet.

Contact Numbers: (0917)327-1106 or (0917) 368-0054 or (o42) 565-6828
See more of Kinabuhayan Cafe.

Here ends my series on “Viaje del Sol.” It’s advisable to plan your travel and that you call the establishments first because most of them require reservations. Calling for reservations is already an experience because you get to talk to the owners themselves and you will be surprised how warm and helpful they are. Once you get to any of them, make sure you get the brouchure of Viaje del Sol to guide and give you more information about your travel “to the sun…”

Viaje del Sol: sunny experience on a rainy day (Part II)

Third Stop: Casa San Pablo
We spent the night at Casa San Pablo, in San Pablo City. The main cottage has eleven country inspired bedrooms of different themes and sizes. We stayed at the “Birdhouse” while the “Hotwheels” is also very cozy, among other themes. Aside from the main cottage, there is also a “honeymoon cottage” for newlyweds as well as forever “honeymooners.”

(Fascade of the main cottage)

(“Duyan” with the house of Vin Alcantara in the background)

I had the “sleep of my life” in Casa San Pablo. Something I experience everytime I go to Ilocos. I have not slept the way I did in the casa for a long time and it was just so rewarding. I may have been tired but whatever it is, the casa sent me to the deepest slumber which anybody would envy. In fact, as Ajing observed, Kite (7-yrs old) would like to stay another night despite the fact that there was no TV in the room.

(The dining and function cottage)

(Entrance of the honeymoon cottage)

(Lawn)

The place has the feel of Baguio because of the pine trees around but when I was there, it was more of the “hacienda” feeling where guests were treated very well by the host and her people.During our stay, we were able to meet and chat with the matriach of the “casa”, Vin Alcantara. We got lucky that she gave us a tour of her house which was very awesome.

Lastly, I learned that the place grants special residency to artists for the purpose of finishing their work.

Contacts: 0917-5268628 or casasanpablo@pldtdsl.net
See more of Casa San Pablo.

Viaje del Sol: sunny experience on a rainy day (Part I)

Before I go to Cagayan Valley to see Callao Caves and other sights that comes along the way, me and some friends decided to check Viaje del Sol (“the way of the sun”). This is a travel guide to sixteen (16) various destinations in Laguna, Quezon and Batangas. Because of limited time, me and my friends (Ajing, Benz and John and their daughter Kite) were able to visit only some of the places featured in the trip.

Even then, the experience was overwhelming because “it exceeded all our expectations” as Benz would put it. It rained but it did not spoil our trip. Viaje del sol made us feel the sun was out, all the time. Now, there are not only some that can be visited South of Manila, but there are already a lot because of “viaje del sol.” We have decided to continue with the travel sometime, and we will not mind going back the places places we’ve been to.

First stop:Kusina Salud
The place is owned by Patis Tesoro, located at Brgy. Sta. Cruz/Putol, San Pablo City. Known for her advocacy on local fabric, the resto is very Filipino with a touch of Balinese and Bohemia.

Backdoor Entrance

One of the oriental corners

The place has similarities to a typical Ilocano home. It has big capiz windows and the furnitures are antique wood. I noticed that the flooring on the second floor is made of bamboo strips, called “basar” – very Ilocano.That was the flooring of the house where I grew up (in the farm). I never thought that after 36 years, I can see it in a fine dining restaurant!

Staircase to the Second Floor

Window at the Dining Area

The place offers fine dining at an affordable price; buffet on Sundays; and serves budget meals for yayas and drivers (for they usually have shy souls to join the long table!) Their menu includes “pinakbet” and if you’re Ilocano, you may not help comparing it to the authentic Ilocano “pinakbet”.

Entrance to the Dining Area

Fountain at the Garden

Contacts: (02) 699-5035 (049) 246-6878Second Stop:Potter’s Garden by Ugu Bigyan
This is located in Tiaong, Quezon. Ugu is known for his pots, wood and ceramic pieces, and wall tiles. It is said that his creations can be seen in the interiors of Amanpulo Resort, Campo Travieza, Casa Patricia, El Nido and Villa Escudero – these are some of the top (and more expensive) resorts in the country. So if you go to Ugu, it would be nice if you can get a piece that suits your budget, just make sure you get the one with his authentic signature (I was informed that he signs all his pieces).
 

Yard

Leaf Tiles

Lawn

Being here, I immediately thought of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte and San Juan, Ilocos Sur, where people also make clay pots. If only they are introduced to Ugu’s art then maybe they will be inspired to imrpove and “overhaul” their products – knowing how creative Ilocanos are, they may do something better with their clay if they see Ugu. Alao, some of the structures around Ugu’s place are made of bricks which did not make me feel too far from Ilocos.

Bell Chimes

Wall Tiles

Main Entrance to Ugu’s House

In Ugu, native lunch is offered as well as massage. You may find your place in one of the huts around and be treated to a relaxing experience.
Contacts: (042)545-9144

Know more of Ugu Bigyan.

(Blogger’s Note: The feature on “viaje del sol” shall be continued in the next posting.)

The dear meat of a deer!

This is how a (Philippine) deer looks like when still alive:

And this is how it looks like when sold in the market!

The deer meat (“ugsa” to Ilocanos) is indeed dear. It’s quite expensive. The last time I have checked, three thin strips of dried meat costs about P300.00 – that is P100.00 per strip. It is only in Ilocos that I find this kind of meat. In Manila, I’ve yet to see a resto which offers deer meat in its menu.

When I was still in college, I brought to Manila pre-cooked deer meat once. When I heated it for lunch, I heard my next door neighbor shouting, “What’s that, it stinks!” I knew very well that he was referring to what I was cooking but I was sure he didn’t know where it’s coming from. I was torn between halting the cooking or just let the potent gas of the deer meat takes its course. I choose the later. I can take the smell protest but I cannot take not eat my precious deer soup. Sometimes, I can’t understand why edibles with the most undesirable smell tastes the best! That’s the dear meat of a deer which I have come to like very dearly…

Whose bum it kissed – Batac

Hard wood furniture that comes from Ilocos are often referred to as “Vigan Furniture” even if they are not actually from Vigan. This kind of furniture may have been referred to as “Vigan” because of its distinct style inspired by “Old Ilocos” and that’s what Vigan is known for. However, not all hard-wood furniture in Ilocos come from Vigan. Many come from Cagayan Valley, Abra and Isabela because of their mountainous terrain where hard wood are abundant. The store below is not an exception. Their furnitures actually come from Isabela but sells well in Ilocos.

They sell well because of it’s quality. In fact, the “sala-set” in my sister’s house in Ilocos have witnessed many generations. If only it could tell stories on whose bum it kissed, it may have told terrible stories! While there are furniture shops in the city, there are also many just along the road like the one above where it sells at par or maybe even better than the shops in the city. The price is expensive (that if you don’t have a sponsor or enough savings, you may end up repairing your old furniture everytime!) depending on the wood used and on the design executed. The more intricate it is, the higher the price. They are also deadly heavy that it may pose danger to your limbs when moving or carrying them. They are not only for home but may even be borrowed during fiestas where the Miss Fiesta Queen and Mister Fiesta King shall seat the entire duration of their coronation!

(Notice the scooters at the background? That’s what’s “in” in Ilocos now. Just read through the banner (if you can ) to know more. They took the place of the “chop-chops” from Ilocos Sur.)

The Ilokano Hospitality and their “Kasilias”

This is another post by another guest blogger. I’ve known him since college with then girlfriend, Benz.They have travelled to Ilocos several times and he constantly helps in the layout of this blog. He is a friend, he is John Rana.

Below is a picture in one of their trips in December of 1996 by the Quirino Bridge of Santa Ilocos Sur before one of its “spans” was badly damaged by a typhoon in 2000.

Read on…

“Benz & I have been to Ilocos a number of times already. Aside from the scenic sites the region has to offer, it’s the kind hospitality we experience from the Agustin family that kept us coming back — not to mention the “kasilias” in their old house that’s a conversation piece on it’s own. It’s actually just an odd-looking concrete hole that one would squat over to answer nature’s call. A roll of toilet paper on a twig and just a trickle of water could flush one’s entire ‘load’. Coco leaves and tin roof serve as cover and actual usage takes some getting use to. How I wished they retained that depite the renovation.” =)

“Last year was the first time we brought our daugher Kite (then only 5 years young) and we were quite anxious how she’d react with the more than eight-hour road trip. Amazingly, the trip was a breeze with her. If she wasn’t playing, she is either sleeping or singing with us to survive the long (but nevertheless smooth) journey. I think she enjoyed Pagudpud beach the most. She still couldn’t understand what beauty we find in an old church such as Paoay.

Above is a souvenir pic of Kite & me from the trip that we display in our home. Taken by this blog’s owner, it was a shot by the courtyard of Sarrat Church (trivia: that’s where Irene Marcos & Greggy Araneta had their grand weddingback in the 80’s).”

Postcript: I was excited to read the post by John. I never thought he would notice and give so much attention to something which I think is just an ordinary thing. I did not know that he finds it so interesting. Now, I started to realize that it may have been a mistake taking that out of the new house.It’s so unfortunate that I do not have any image of the “kasilias” he is referring to. I will exert best efforts to upload an image as soon as I get one for the pleasure of those who may not have any idea.