WHERE HAVE I BEEN ALL MY LIFE?

Travel

To start off with. I began travelling when I was a toddler. Yes. Without all the bluffing. And how do I remember, you may ask? I honestly do not. I just go and imagine the old times through several photos my parents kept for long. But I am not saying that I am some sort of a jetsetter or a frequent flyer who has all these stamps on her PP. Nope, I am just a normal traveller who makes the most out of every destination and experience. And besides, I only fly domestic as I have promised to know my own land before visiting others.

With these, I came up with a list of must-go places in the Philippines, where I have been to. Of course, I cannot suggest a place foreign to my senses.

ILOCOS 

Where to go?

1. Pagudpud beach -  Personally, open seas are undeniably picturesque. A good place to shoot your winning photographs. though I should warn those who might not know that open-sea beaches are more dangerous. The waters are treacherous especially on high-tides.
   (I checked in at Villa del Mar Resort and I was very pleased with the customer service and facilities)
2. Patapat Viaduct - The viaduct connects the province of Ilocos Norte and Cagayan.
   (If you are lucky enough to come until the ruins of a cargo ship is still visible then I say it's really worth the motion sickness you might get from the road curves)
3. Baluarte - A privately-owned tourist attraction which houses variety of wild animals in its mini-zoo, a butterfly garden and a resort hotel.
   (Baluarte is owned by Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson)
4. Heritage Village - World's Heritage Site that shows the fusion of Filipino materials and European design.
   (A "kalesa" ride around Heritage will complete your visit,  plus a good dine on nearby restaurants that offer Ilokano dishes.)
5. Bangui windmills (NorthWind Bangui Bay Project) -  The turbines are located in Bangui Bay facing South China sea.

What to eat?  

1. Vigan longganisa - Vigan's Native Sausage
2. Empanada - A very famous street food for Ilokanos; a dough filled with vigan longganisa and other ingredients that go well together!
3. Bagnet - Deep fried pork meat or Ilokano version of lechong kawali and pork liempo
4. Tinubong - A sweet Ilokano delicacy cooked inside a young bamboo or tubong

*credits to owners of food photographs*

PANGASINAN

Where to go?

1. Patar Beach - Often tagged as the Boracay of the North. Beaches around Patar have fascinating rock formations where waves rush to, creating a breathtaking view for tourists, most especially to travel videographers and photographers.
2. Bolinao Lighthouse - The lighthouse that guides vessels and serves as a tourist attraction in Patar. It is atop Punta Piedra Point where visitors can take a full panoramic shot of the ocean.
3. Hundred Islands - Located in the city of Alaminos, Pangasinan. Island-hoppers' must! So, if the Republic of the Philippines has 7, 107 islands in its territory, who wouldn't love to take a hundred in one shot?

What to eat?

1. .Puto calasiao - Steamed rice cake goodness that comes in different sizes and colors, but definitely fluffy and sweet.

                                             

BAGUIO

Where to go?

1. Mines view Park - One of the most visited places in Baguio because of its open deck where you can have the perfect view of nature's beauty and a one of a kind experience dancing with the natives of Baguio. More than a spot for tourist, Mines view is also a spot that overlooks the mining town of Itogon.
2. Burham Park - Named after Daniel Burnham who was one of the key developers of the city, Burham park has wide open spaces for biking, boating and different types of recreation fit for all ages.
3. Camp John Hay - For tourists who look for the extremes, the Tree Top Adventure is a must-visit and must-try in the camp. Adventures like zipline, tree-drop, trekking, and canopy ride await every adventurer who visits the camp.
4. The Mansion and Wright Park - The official residence of the president whenever he visits Baguio, more often during summer. The mansion was built in 1908.
5. Eastern Weaving Room - One of the eye-catching culture and arts finests of  Benguet is its weaving industry. The EWR houses the weavers of Benguet who artistically select colors and patterns as they weave blankets, native costumes, ponchos and etc.
   
   (The finish products are sold in the first and second floor of the ERW. Perfect for collectors.)

What to eat?

1. Peanut Brittle
2. Ube and Stawberry Jam
3. Flavored crinkles and Lenggua de Gato
4. Baguio also offer the cheapest price for fruits and vegetables so if you come across any of your faves, I suggest you buy them all the way or bargain.

*credits to owners of food photographs*

DAPITAN, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE

Where to go?

1. Municipal Hall - This might look and sound absurd, but yes, when you get there, you need not to be told to take a picture. The green-glass municipal hall catches the eyes of every visitor.
2. Gloria de Dapitan & Fantasyland - For fun-seeking tourists, extreme rides are not just in the country's capital, but also in the province of Zamboanga del Norte. Gloria de Dapitan is a commercial complex that has numerous bars, cafes, restaurants and a small Disneyland-like Fantasyland.
3. Dakak Park Beach Resort -  The south beach surrounded by mountains and white sand. Apart from the beach and the swimming pools, Dakak also offers activities like zipline, ATV and etc.
4. Ilihan Hill -  This hill is a sanctuary for Dapitanons, for it was the burial land of their ancestors. Ilihan is also the place to have a picture-perfect view of the city, the ocean and the nearby city of Dumaguete.
5. Aliguay and Silinog Islands -  These islands are a boat/ferry away from the mainland of Dapitan City, but they are no less interesting and worth-visiting. These islands are all-the-way surrounded by white sand beaches where you can enjoy a peaceful and more private vacation.
6. Sunset Boulevard - Based from experience, the boulevard never fails to make me stare in awe every sunset. And yes, this is where I took the stunning-gorgeous-magnificent-jaw-dropping picture of the sunset, and until then, no photograph came close to it.
7. Rizal Shrine - The national hero's exile home in Dapitan during the Spanish occupation.
8. Mt. Tapi - This is neither a well-known destination nor a part of the package. This is a risk-it-all adventure. Mt. Tapi is said to be the highest mountain in Dapitan. The only way to the summit (of course) is a trail (nope, not a well noticed trail). Thought risky, the adventure rewards you as soon as you get deep into the woods. The beauty of nature, the flowers, the sound of gushing waters, the singing birds and of course, the most awaited wind of the summit that takes 4-5 hours to feel. As soon as you get to the top, you'll forget about all you've been through, because all that matters is the fresh air and the not-everyone-can-see view of the city, neighboring provinces and islands.
   
   (Ladies, this adventure is not just for men. I tell you, I've been there and it made me feel like I can do everything from then on. And, yes, I burned a lot!)

What to eat?

1. Spanish Sardines - From the culture of baling or dragnet, the rich industry of sardines-making in Dapitan grew into large export-worthy business.
2. Lokot-lokot - A delicacy famous among Muslims which then caught the taste buds of every tourists who visits Zamboanga Peninsula. Lokot-lokot is a flour recipe which was pounded until fine and sweetened for flavor.

*credits to owners of food photographs*

                      

DAVAO

Where to go?

1. Jack's ridge - Located in the mountain slopes of Davao, Jack's ridge is the perfect place for night-outs, romantic dates and family dinners in Davao. Who wouldn't enjoy eating while having the perfect view of the city night lights?
2. Crocodile and Butterfly farm -  It's not just the crocodiles and butterflies, but also other animals like eagles, snakes, civets, sloths, ostriches and etc. And ooh, don't forget to try their Crocodile ice cream. Yes, you read it right! Your ordinary sweet addiction with a twist of crocodile eggs. Not everyone gets the chance, so have yours!
3. Samal Island (Island Garden City of Samal) - Say you're tired of the stress and pollution in the city and you're thinking of crossing-out Davao from your list. Think maybe, you should reconsider. Why? Davao is more than the southern city life. Samal island is just few minutes away. The one-ferry-ride island is the home of numerous beach resorts that offers modest to extravagant kinds of accommodations and relaxations.

What to eat?

1. Durian (fruit, ice cream, candy)
2. Mangosteen (fruit, ice cream, candy)
3. Crocodile ice cream

*credits to owners of food photographs*







So, in planning your next vacation make sure you'll make the most out of every peso (and vacation leaves filed).And you might want to share with me this tips:

• Take photos, may it be professional photography, groupie or selfie (it's for keeps anyway). 
• Try their delicacies (come on, enough of the food everyone can get in the supermarket). 
• Go more than tour buses (have some time to walk around, getting lost is good at times). 
• Talk with the natives (it's not just the eyes and the tummy that we're trying to fill here, but our minds as well).
• Respect the culture and religion (it is not the land that is foreign, it is you, so better know your place).
• Smell the place (sounds funny, yeah, funny how the memory reminds us of a place's smell).
• Spend time with nature (you might want to feel a first hand oxygen or a natural/universal connection).
•  Do not plan every step, every move, everything (the best wanders are the unplanned).

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

Bon voyage!

Note: Photos used in this article are writer's own photographs, unless disclaimed*