The Traveler: A Taste of Vigan and Everything North
By The Parodist | May 29, 2007
Here are a few notes and snapshots of my recent trip up North aboard the campaign caravan organised by the party of Senator Kiko Pangilinan. I’d like to note, however, that I’m in no way a political blogger, so, be warned that this is merely a traveler’s scribbled encoded thoughts and observations. 
I agreed to go on this trip out of curiosity and the allure of the open road. Hehehe. How does it feel like to be part of something like it? I had asked myself and sure enough, I got my answer. Not that I regretted coming, it’s simply that I came ill-prepared. 
Though, it was a unique and educational trip.
Things I loved about it were getting to see places I’ve never been to before. My family and I traveled around the country a lot but there were still areas that we had meant visiting but never had the chance.
The caravan was like it said it was — a caravan. It took us twelve hours traveling from Mandaluyong to Ilocos Norte. And, you guessed it, my arse hurt from sitting in the cramped coaster for that looong time! Arrggh. Anyway, when we reached Ilocos Norte and after getting the press conference with the Senator out of the way, the motorcade started.
These photos are some of the things I was able to capture while I was peering out of an open window of the coaster. I saw the awesome colours and interesting shapes of the place. Twas great!
And, now, for a taste of the traditional meeting de avance (this one was in Batac City) —
Hundreds flocked the venue to see the stars like Gary Valenciano and Sharon Cuneta but to tell you the truth, I was more starstruck when I saw politicos like Bong-Bong Marcos!
It was pretty exciting, actually. It felt like you’re a part of something. You’ve got to admit, these sort of things — anything that’s related to the government, in particular — goes into textbooks. Well, I’m not talking literal here, just the idea. Anyway, I learned a couple of things from Abe when I asked about towns wanting to become cities and vice-governors wanting to run for congressmen, a lower rank in government hierarchy. Wouldn’t you wonder, too? Well, I learned that the answer had one major component in common and it’s money responsibility.
Oh, btw, one perk I have to note about joining this particular political caravan is getting to see and stay in Fort Ilocandia. Gawd. The place is the only 5-star hotel in town — heck, scratch that — in the region!
Well, I’ve had enough of politics, so, I move on to travel. 
We broke off the caravan and stayed behind when we reached Vigan. Can you blame us? With the place’s gorgeous architecture seen in their town plaza, church, restaurants and, yes, even their streets.
I’m glad we did it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have seen and photographed these things. And even when we didn’t hang around Vigan long since we headed out to La Union that same afternoon (where we intended to spend the night and ended up doing the 3rd BoB Ladies Bikini photoshoot ), getting to experience it all with the likes of Aileen, Abe and Lauren contributed to its value and originality.
Nope. Sorry. I’m not posting the bikini photos. You had better ask the two ladies if they want them shown. Perhaps you can schedule a private viewing.
Whew! This is by far the longest post I’ve ever done. Hope you enjoyed the photos and the ramblings.
Humour Me:
- Get a Taste of Asia this July!
- The Traveler: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- The Traveler: Puerto Princesa, Palawan
- Mindoro Slings, Blogging Chismis, Bikini Photoshoots and a Drunken Podcast
Topics: Gallyvanting Episodes, Photography, The Traveler |
May 29th, 2007 at 8:04 am
Did you get the chance to try the Vigan empanada? I overstuffed myself with those yummy patties when I made the Vigan trip in 1997.
Also love the Vigan longganiza.. and of course, the spooky but lovely old Spanish houses.
Lovely pictures, by the way.
May 29th, 2007 at 8:27 am
Connie: Gawd. I just found out that I missed out on tsokolate de Vigan and now it’s empanada and longganiza?! I definitely need to go back there! Waaah!
Thanks, Connie, at least knowing you liked my photos made me feel better. 
May 29th, 2007 at 8:34 am
[...] And I had wanted it for my backpacking trip up North with the Kiko Karavan, er, well a portion of the way, I mean. [...]
May 29th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
i’ve been to vigan once in 99 but it was side trip of a soil sampling trip in batac and banaue. guess what, i didn’t have a camera then. those who brought cameras went home to Denmark after the trip and i never got a copy of the photos. he he. anyway, once reason to go back there one time, just to take pictures. i loved Vigan!
May 29th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Vigan has been on my list of my must-go-to’s for a very long time. the church pics are great! regards sasha:)
May 29th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
Gloria: Yea, going back to Vigan just for the photos is worth the trip. However, I’m not too keen on taking that long a roadtrip just yet. Can we take the plane out?
Vigan should be in everyone’s must-see-before-I-die list. 
Ajay: Thanks! Yea, I’ve been bugging my mum to take us there for the longest time that I practically gave up and focused on asking my friends instead! LOL.
May 30th, 2007 at 7:33 am
Oh, and when you get the chance to come back, check out the Potters Village too! You can make your own clay pot there… a la Demi Moore
May 30th, 2007 at 7:43 am
Connie: Waaah! Now, you’re making me feel bad again cuz I’m beginning to realise just how much of Vigan I didn’t get to experience! I’ve always wanted to do that — with matching music “Unchained Melody” playing in the background.
Kidding. But seriously, I am interested to do something like it for the experience or even just for photo ops sake! 
May 30th, 2007 at 11:24 pm
Finally, you posted out-of-town locations that I’ve actually been to. Hehehe.
Back the the late 90’s we had a family vacation to Ilocos and looked around Fort Ilocandia and strolled along Calle Crisologo in Vigan.
May 31st, 2007 at 7:26 am
Eugene: That’s good to know!
Calle Crisologo? Is that the name of the street we were on? 
Dear me. I feel such a dimwit for failing to note significant information about the place. Gah. 
May 31st, 2007 at 11:18 pm
Sasha, Vista Pinas to the rescue!
http://www.vistapinas.com/article/fort-ilocandia
http://www.vistapinas.com/article/calle-crisologo-vigan
May 31st, 2007 at 11:55 pm
Eugene: LOL.
Thanks! Good posts! 
June 3rd, 2007 at 8:45 pm
yes, definitely mag-plane na tayo next time. ayoko na din ng super-long bus rides. he he.
June 4th, 2007 at 9:20 am
Glo: Yay! Kelan kaya tayo punta no?
December 27th, 2007 at 8:37 am
[...] May BBN Launches Vista Pinas! The Beach Monger: Bohol The Traveler: A Taste of Vigan and Everything North The Bayanihan Blog Network was soft-launched at the beginning of the year and Vista Pinas was a great new addition to the roster. And this month involved a lot of travels to places I’ve never been to before (except Cebu). I love traveling! [...]