Finally! Despite all the odds we've met through the planning and preparation, this dream ride did come true. We wanted to share with you our journey as detailed and informative as possible so we decided to tackle this ride in 3 parts. As an appetizer, experience the historical past with us as we rolled our wheels to Vigan.
Day 1 : A Trip to the Past - Vigan Ilocos Sur
We hardly slept the past night because of stress and maybe, of too much excitement for this ride. We left our home at around 4:00 in the morning. This is the first time we experienced traveling this early and we were so surprised when we reached Paniqui Tarlac in just about an hour and 30 minutes! We had our first stop and energized ourselves with chocolates and gatorade at 7 eleven.
We hardly slept the past night because of stress and maybe, of too much excitement for this ride. We left our home at around 4:00 in the morning. This is the first time we experienced traveling this early and we were so surprised when we reached Paniqui Tarlac in just about an hour and 30 minutes! We had our first stop and energized ourselves with chocolates and gatorade at 7 eleven.
We then continued our journey until we saw this familiar bridge approaching La Union and as usual, we did our poses and took some pictures. It was around 8:00 in the morning when we had our breakfast at Chowking Sto. Tomas.
We ordered 2 bowls of hot, sumptuous Beef Noodles to prepare ourselves for the long ride ahead.
To be able for us to reach Vigan from this point, we need to take this route: Sto.Tomas-Agoo-Caba-Bauang-San Fernando-Bacnotan-Balaoan-Bangar-Sta. Cruz-Sta. Lucia-Candon City-Santiago-Sta. Maria-Narvacan-Santa-Caoayan-Vigan.
The weather that time was very hot and it felt like a never ending journey. In San Fernando La Union, we stopped over at Mc Donald's to refresh.
When we saw this boundary arc, we had the same thing on our minds. We both uttered " Sa Wakas!" (Finally!) then we enthusiastically took photos, boredom forgotten and excited to see more of Ilocos.
Lunch time it was and we couldn't wait to taste Ilocos' famous "sinanglaw". In choosing where to eat, take this little tip from us, choose the one with the most number of customers, crowded as it is but you can be sure the food is delicious and affordable. We had 2 orders of rice, "papaitan", "sinanglaw", then gatorade for drinks.
Food Cost: 140php
After eating, we took some time to rest and checked how far we were still from Vigan through the saved maps on our PSP, and yes, there's GT Express up to this point of Luzon. We were just amazed by that fact.
Somewhere down the road, we found this paradise so beautiful and picturesque. We took this chance to rest for a while as we enjoyed the view.
These truck workers had also chosen this place to eat lunch and rest. They were surprised when we told them that we were off to Vigan with our motorcycle and the fact that we were from Bulacan. These people knew the place very well so we asked them helpful information before we continued on our journey.
We had read a lot about the Quirino Bridge on travel blogs and motorcycle rides forums but it was a different feeling when you're actually on the place. The view was breath-taking and indeed, it's one of the most beautiful bridges in the Philippines.
3:00 pm it was and finally, we're in Vigan City. We bought some drinks from the gasoline station's convenience store and we noticed that the goods there were quite expensive than the usual. There were tour maps available inside and you can have them for free.
Both of us were not feeling well at that time because of the long ride and the weather but we still continued on our purpose. We found it difficult to find the century-old houses of Calle Crisologo so after taking some pictures on the BANTAY BELL TOWER, we then headed straight to Chavit Singson's BALUARTE.
Admission was free, we were just asked to sign in our name on their logbook. We had the "mini calesa" ride and it was also for free, but tip would be very much appreciated.
We then went to find a place to stay when we unintentionally saw CALLE CRISOLOGO. Motor vehicles were not allowed to pass through so we left our motorcycle on the sidewalk then started to tour the place.
Take a look at those people under the big umbrella. They were selling the famous "Empanada", of course, we bought some to taste it and indeed their empanada is just exceptionally delicious.
You can have a "Calesa Ride" for 150php per hour. It would tour you around the historical places and cultural centers in Vigan, but we did't try it, we had our own "horse" anyway (hehe). We went around, bought some souvenirs then headed to MINDORO BEACH, hoping to find an affordable place to stay for the night.
We we're so lucky because there's a place called PLAYA DE ORO RESORT near the beach, needing so badly to rest, we immediately got a room then slept.
The service at Playa de Oro was great. We just ordered dinner at the counter then somebody delivered it to our room. Vigan Longganisa, dried fish, rice, eggs and coffee. We went outside after eating to catch some fresh air then went back to watched tv. We felt hungry again and ordered crab and corn soup for midnight snack. Before going to sleep, I thanked God for giving me the best Birthday experience ever. We then fell into a deep slumber, both excited for the next day's journey.
The service at Playa de Oro was great. We just ordered dinner at the counter then somebody delivered it to our room. Vigan Longganisa, dried fish, rice, eggs and coffee. We went outside after eating to catch some fresh air then went back to watched tv. We felt hungry again and ordered crab and corn soup for midnight snack. Before going to sleep, I thanked God for giving me the best Birthday experience ever. We then fell into a deep slumber, both excited for the next day's journey.