"A picture paints a thousand words." said the very famous and over-used quote. But true to its meaning, you could not appreciate a place in just plain words. One should experience, touch and feel it to be appreciated. Since 2014, we have this yearly habit to visit at least one province of our country, Philippines - we always choose Summer season because we find it a perfect time to escape from each of our daily busy lives. Together with my relatives and cousins, we decided to conquer (I guess not the appropriate word) Vigan City, one of the Seven New Urban Cities Wonder of the World and its neighbor municipalities and cities.
A post shared by Mark Monta (FaceCebu.net) (@mmonta) on
Why did we choose these places this year? I'm Mark Monta, FaceCebu Author and welcome to your tape! Luh! Not amazing enough to copy Hannah Baker but hey, here are my 13 reasons why you should visit Ilocos Province of Luzon, specifically places like Vigan, Laoag, Paoay, Burgos, Bangui and Pagudpud.
1. VIGAN: Vigan City is One of 7 New Urban Wonders of the World and if you wish to get a romantic and more dramatic view of Calle Crisologo, visit the street at night before dawn (12 midnight) so that there will be fewer people. Enjoy Calle Crisologo!
A post shared by Mark Monta (FaceCebu.net) (@mmonta) on
Vigan City
Vigan City
Mark Monta in Calle Crisologo, Vigan City
2. VIGAN: Bantay Bell Tower is one of the most visited Church Tower in Ilocos. It is where Saint Augustine of Hippo Parish Church, Shrine of Our Lady of Charity is located.
A post shared by Mark Monta (FaceCebu.net) (@mmonta) on
FaceCebu Blogger in Bantay Bell Tower
Wacky pose with Cuz and friends at Bantay Bell Tower
Timex Expedition Pose at Bantay Bell Tower
3. VIGAN: When in Vigan, Baluarte Zoo is one of the must-visits. It is owned by Chavit Singson. They got animals big and small, flying or crawling! They got tigers and a lot which cannot be seen in other zoos!
Baluarte Trees got selfied!
FaceCebu Blogger, Mark Monta under the colorful shades!
Coz we need to have a pic with the dinosaurs!
4. PAOAY : The most perfect baroque-inspired Church in the Philippines is standing in the province of Paoay, The St. Augustine Church.
Signature pose in this Cambodia-ish architecture of the Church
It was very hot, an ice cream fixed it!
Mark Monta infront of the amazing Paoay Church Ilocos
Coz a tourist needs this pose!
A must-do selfie!
5. LAOAG : La Paz Sand Dunes is one for the books! Riding the 4X4 going to the Boarding spot is enough to experience and witness the amazing creation of nature, the sand dunes. But a plus to that experience is to ride or board in the sand! It brought childhood memories, so enjoyable ride!
A post shared by Mark Monta (FaceCebu.net) (@mmonta) on
A 4 x 4 Ride pose!
Groupfie before that bumpy ride!
The Titas and Cuz!
Groupfie with 4X4 Rides!
Another group pic!
Sorry!
Amazing shot by yours truly!
Bumpy rides!
Jump shot with cuz and friends!
Wacky pose at the sand!
My signature pose!
Raise your hands everyone!
6. LAOAG : Sinking Bell Tower of St. William Cathedral has all the angles for your instagram.
FaceCebu Author, Mark Monta in the Sinking Bell Tower
Got my pose!
7. BURGOS : The only Lighthouse in the province of Ilocos can be found in Burgos, the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. Burgos Lighthouse is over 100 years old and is still functioning!
Blogger pose!
Hey there beautiful!
Chill pose!
A groupfie shot!
8. BURGOS: Because we got a mini-Yeh Liu Geopark of Taiwan here in Ilocos, they call it Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. There's an entrance fee but if you got an agency, they got this covered. You can also ride a horse to tour the area. This is one of the must-visit in Ilocos! Btw, kapurpurawan means white!
A post shared by Mark Monta (FaceCebu.net) (@mmonta) on
On our way to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
A much needed pose with that statue!
That's Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in Ilocos (in my background) !
I'm off to do a blogger pose!
Hey there windmills!
Up! Up! And Away!
Groupie with Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in Ilocos
Not your pre-nup shot!
Yes! Not a pre-nup!
So cute this groupie! hahahha
Flexing while going up! hahahah
9. BANGUI: This municipality got two picturesque spots, the Bangui Wind Farm and the Bangui Bay (facing the West Philippines Sea). Check these photos for some proofs.
we ate in this little resto in front of the Bangui Bay.
A post shared by Mark Monta (FaceCebu.net) (@mmonta) on
FaceCebu Blogger Pose
Hey!
Yes yo!
Blogger pose!
10. PAGUDPUD : They got the fourth longest bridge in the country, the Patapat Viaduct!
Patapat Viaduct
Patapat Viaduct In Ilocos
Coz I need a picture with that viaduct!
11. PAGUDPUD : Another instagrammable scene in the province is Bantay Abot Cave.
Bantay Abot Cave can be seen while going to Pagudpud Blue Lagoon. Pic By OJ Tizon
12. PAGUDPUD : The only white beach tourist destination in Ilocos province can be found in this province, it's called Pagudpud Blue Lagoon.
A must group shot in Hannah Beach in Pagudpud!
Pagudpud Blue Lagoon in Ilocos
Sakit ulo pose!
Pagudpud Blue Lagoon in Ilocos
13. VIGAN : I got this in my end of the list as one of the highlights at night in Plaza Salcedo, the most visited Vigan's Dancing Fountain Show. It's really a must-visit during at night right after dinner with your friends.
Dancing Fountain Show in Plaza Salcedo. Photo by LakadPilipinas
Who to contact for an Ilocos Travel? We chose Q10 Travel and Tours. Here's the details.
