June 2012

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Photos, videos and stories of town explorations.
"Ruined structures mean beauty before my eyes. Each ruined structure has its own story to tell and beauty to share." 

I have to say that you don't need to go far to consider yourself a traveler because being a traveler doesn't mean you have to set foot to the farthest island, most remote community, the 81 provinces of the Philippines or to the 7 continents of the world.



Sometimes, many individuals get excited too much in going to places far from their homebase without being excited first to discover and explore the destinations near them -- and that doesn't make them cool travelers (just my two cents).

Personally, I have been wanting to explore and discover the 32 towns of my province and the towns of nearby provinces that 's why the #112on2012 goal was born earlier this year.

Right now, I am halfway of the goal and will be posting the summary of that 112 towns at the end of the year.

Ruins
With my urge to explore and discover the things that are not considered "mainstream" in the travel industry, I roamed around the town of Badoc for several hours and found out some interesting landmarks like the La Virgen Milagrosa Church of Badoc and the Juan Luna Shrine, the birthplace of Juan Luna.

As I always do, I prefered to walk in roaming around the poblacion area with the hope to discover more spots that are not mainstream and not considered as a tourist spot. I am not a tourist though, so I was not looking for a tourist spot but anything that might interest me. 

I don't even consider myself as a traveler because what I am doing these days is a hobby. So I have to better say this is really me. I am not a traveler, not a tourist, but it is simply me. I travel and explore because it is a part of me.

Ilocos Norte Ruins
During my walk, I was energized that instant when I saw an old house and it made my effort worthy. I don't know what is the name of that ruin and what is the story behind that but the mere fact that I am seeing it made the day complete.

I love the past... the good things of the past. Ruined structures mean beauty before my eyes. Each ruined structure has its own story to tell, and beauty to share.

The ruin I discovered in Badoc was wonderful! I noticed the doors, it was sank to the ground. But I saw some modifications in it.

The old arched doors were blocked with hollow blocks so I can not enter. At the leftmost part of the ruined structure, there was a roof. I landed into conclusion that there was an effort to preserve the remaining "functional" parts of the structure.

Badoc Ilocos Norte Old Structures

Some parts are totally dilapidated. This structure must have been a big one! The growing aerial plants are evidence that the bricks are so old.

It is not known to many. However, whether it is famous or not, it is already a great contenmment that I have seen it before it is totally gone because once an old structure is gone, it is gone forever. /end

Badoc #TownExploration Series

Badoc Church | Black Belfry Over White FaçadeI Discovered a Beautiful Ruin in Badoc, Ilocos NorteI Discovered a Beautiful Ruin in Badoc, Ilocos Norte

Map Showing the Location of #Badoc

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NAGUSTUAM DIAY NABASAM/NAKITAM? MABALIN MO MET I-LIKE.
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"Should we want to explore what's inside the Mansion, we were just prohibited to do so. It was for our eyes only."

One of the most talked about destinations in Baguio City, the Mansion is probably a landmark that every tourist wants to see. The Mansion has been built in 1908 to serve as the official summer residence of US Governor-Generals. Yes, you heard it right. It was originally designed to house the American Governors to the Philippines and not as a summer residence for Philippine presidents.

The Mansion Baguio
Malakas lang talaga ang trip namin dito

We were welcomed by a towering gate which made me think that this place is highly guarded -- there must be something precious inside.

We wanted to come inside but the gate was closed so we just stayed outside disappointed. Suddenly a guard came near and we asked him if we could enter the premises of The Mansion, luckily he allowed us but he instructed us to not go beyond the limits he was pointing.

The mansion baguio
The tall gate of The Mansion Baguio
The Mansion Marker - written in Ilocano

During World War II, it was badly damaged but was rebuilt on 1947. Since its revival on 1947, The Mansion Baguio became the official working home and office of the President of the Philippines.

In front of a green field, the Mansion stands with grandeur. Should we want to explore what's inside the Mansion, we were just prohibited to do so. It was for our eyes only.

the mansion baguio

the
Since our visit was only limited outside, we just posed for a funny photo souvenir to turn our disappointing experience memorable. Anyway, I don't question the security being imposed inside this Mansion and I respect that. I am just merely telling that we were just so disappointed of not seeing what's inside the Mansion.

We walked away from the Mansion after taking some photographs. Somehow, we were happy to see it. With some funny poses on our photos, I believe this will make our memories at the Mansion happy. /end

Baguio #TownExploration Series

What to Eat in Baguio | The Fruits of FragariaWhat a Wacky Igorot!ABaguio City | Lady Horsie GagaBaguio City | Exclusive Igorot Fashion ExperienceBaguio City | Stolen at BaguioBaguio City | Baguio Botanical Garden in Full BloomBaguio City | Romance at the Burnham ParkBurnham Lake | Man-Made Lake Within a City in the Mountains Mines View Park, Baguio | Becoming an Igorot for 30 minutesBaguio Cathedral | The Low-Degree AmbianceThe Mansion, Baguio | For Your Eyes Only

Map Showing the Location of #Baguio

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Photos, videos and stories of town explorations.
"My brother was wearing a long-sleeved polo and tight-fitting jeans. I was also wearing a polo shirt with an unzipped sweater. It was just too inconvenient for some but we managed to wear them with ease!"

With my brother Edison, we trekked, hiked and walked to chase a waterfall. We were going to the most remote part of the town and was welcomed by the sounds of gushing streams and wild birds.

Pinsal Falls
With my brother, we decided to visit Pinsal Falls. It was his first time, it was my second time. I didn't know what happened to us but we were wearing clothes not suitable for trekking.

My brother was wearing a long-sleeved polo and tight-fitting jeans. I was also wearing a polo shirt with an unzipped sweater. It was just too inconvenient for some but we managed to wear them with ease!

We were just so weird to trek a dehydrating trail to that waterfall with those clothes but it didn't bother us.

I was browsing some of our photos until I found out these materials which make me laughing right now -- and decided to blog about it.

Sta. Maria ilocos sur
This was the second time I trekked Pinsal Falls and it was a disappointing one. The photo above should be filled with freshwater but this time it was dry.

I was longing to see the view I saw when I first came in this barrio called Baballasi-oan. I wanted my brother to see the beauty of the place the way I saw it but it was not just possible.

Pinsal Falls

My brother in long-sleeved polo, tight-fitting jeans and black shoes

The nature was in trouble that time, the waterfall was not alive. The waterfall had limited water.
Pinsal Falls

It was disappointing before my eyes but for my brother, it was an amazing view because it was his first time to see Pinsal Falls. He had no previous experience to compare.

Well, 'san ka pa! My bro was with a formal attire. I must say he was wearing his favorite shoes and jeans this time. I can not blame him if he wanted to enjoy the trek with that attire.

Pinsal
Well at least he was comfortable with that formal clothes -- most people may find it weird. In fact, my brother Edison is really weird. He goes to church with t-shirts and sneakers but wears formal clothes when he drives a motorcycle.

When he drives a motorbike, he prefers to use long-sleeved polo than using jacket or other long-sleeved tees. I don't know why.

Anyway let me show you some of the views we have to enjoy while trekking.

Pinsal Falls

Pinsal Falls
alt
I have to admit that although some parts of the trail is concreted, there are difficult parts you have to take especially those portions that are not concreted yet.

So I can not imagine myself wearing the clothes my brother has worn while trekking the difficult parts of the trail.


Pinsal Falls

Pinsal Falls
Maps by Wikipedia
Location Highlighted in Red
All I can say is, my brother enjoyed the trekking as evidenced by the expressions in his face.

He smiled, he laughed, he jumped, he wandered!

I can not question his "trip" in life but one thing is for sure, it was fun traveling and exploring with my brother.

I cherish the moment we were traveling and exploring together. The bonding we did as magkuya (brothers) was just priceless and can not be equaled even with the most expensive brand of clothes.
NAGUSTUAM DIAY NABASAM/NAKITAM? MABALIN MO MET I-LIKE.
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Photos, videos and stories of town explorations.

"Just imagine that, I was having a heritage tour without walking or riding. I just stayed at one place and just turned around for 360 degrees, it was already a heritage tour."

I was silenced by the charm of the sorrounding structures. The sound of tricycles and many other vehicles that traverse the busy streets of downton Laoag were mainstays but the dramatic fountains and the walls of old buildings I was seeing 360 degrees from the middle of Aurora Park hypnotized me. That what makes Aurora Park special to me.

Aurora Park Laoag
Yes, could it be a usual park but the ambiance of the park consumed my soul. The old buildings of Laoag surrounded me and because of these things I was seeing that time, I became virtually deaf to hear the noisy trikes and just had to be amazed by the charming old buildings that surround Aurora Park.

This is me, I love old buildings and old structures, valued or undervalued, famous or unknown, ruined or dilapidated, they occupy a space in my heart. 

That could be the reason why again, I turned to overact and over-emote in this post considering I'm just within a small and common park, lol!

marcos hall of justice
The simple fountains (simple is enough for me), the palms trees and the old buildings were present altogether for a perfect blend, as perfect as my favorite blend of coffee.

I was seeing arched windows, old-fashioned lamps placed at the walls and the endless cycle of the fountains being pumped from below.

The view put a big smile on my face thinking about the effort of the people of Laoag in preserving these old structures. They are indeed living testaments of the past.

Tobacco monopoly monument
Tower at the back: Tobacco Monopoly Monument
Aurora Park Laoag
Aurora Park was under refurnishing when I was here. I was able to see men-at-work at the park. At the middle of the park is a fountain. I was lucky enough that I was one of the first people to see the new fountain.

The new fountain was under a "trial" that time because it was [newly built (?) or rebuilt (?)]. After few minutes, they have turned the pump that makes the fountain into shape off. Yes! I captured the scene before it was turned off!

I was actually faced to the south and I saw two towers -- first is the Tobacco Monopoly Monument and second, the "golden arch." I Just scratched my head because McDonald's was also catching the attention of people leaving the Tobacco Monopoly Monument tower to sink.

I went close to that fountain and I saw 3 life-sized sculptures depicting the industry and perseverance of the Ilocano people. I saw a man carrying the whole weight of this fountain and two women seemingly busy with their business.

Marcos Hall of Justice
After facing to the south, I faced to the west and there I saw the Marcos Hall of Justice, another old structure that makes me smile.

This Marcos country continues to bring her charm before me.

At the east, I saw another tower and it is the sinking bell tower. I was truly surrounded by old buildings and structures this time.

The sinking bell tower soars high with might and beauty.

Aurora Park Laoag
Ilocos Norte Capitol
Maps by Wikipedia

Location Highlighted in Red
To the north, yes, you are seeing a giant Christmas tree. The reason is, I was here during December (2011) that's why there is a Christmas tree here. And of course to my north is the massive Ilocos Norte provincial capitol.

This is my 15-minute experience at the middle of Aurora Park in 360 degrees. Just imagine that, I was having a heritage tour without walking or riding. I just stayed at one place and just turned around for 360 degrees, it was already a heritage tour. So whenever you'll visit Laoag, try this!

The mere appreciation of these old structures can bring you back to life as what happened to me. My senses came into awakening by the beauty of those old buildings and with the fact that I didn't need to spend an energy, time and money for a heritage tour in Laoag because I was able to do it in one place -- effortlessly and simple.
NAGUSTUAM DIAY NABASAM/NAKITAM? MABALIN MO MET I-LIKE.
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