Signages: It's More Fun in the Philippines

Here's a dose of funny signages, only in the Philippines!

Jollibee - the No. Fastfood chain in this side of the world!

Filipinos love the unlimited, bottomless and buffet!

Asar panalo! 

Animal Welfare - It's More Fun in the Philippines! 

Does this mean, "Don't step on fallen objects?"

Is this a beerhouse? Hehehe.

Turn it off, sir!

Minimum fear? Where is this jeepney heading?

Ok, ok, ok. Got it!

Manager, are you sure about this?

This signage is under repair.

Smokers don't go to hell, bad news?

Filipinos are the friendliest people in the world!

Did you say "wet"? Or wait, the paint is wet?

My Ilocos Sojourn - Destination: Vigan (Part 2 of 2)

The Vigan Heritage Village

The Vigan Heritage Village is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, because of its famous Hispanic houses and well-preserved Spanish colonial town, and is well-known for its cobblestone streets, and a unique architecture that fuses Philippine building design, and construction with colonial European architecture.

This is the preserved tourist attraction of Vigan, Ilocos Sur . This is the only place in Vigan where the cobblestone street have been preserved and the houses/buildings retained their relic-like appearances .

Only calesas (a horse driven carriage, transportation used during Spanish era) are allowed to pass through this street. It is a short stretch that people are encouraged to walk and enjoy exploring the souvenir stores, eating the famous Vigan Empanada or Vigan Longganisa!


The view from the Cordillera Inn.

Another view of the Calle Crisologo.

Calle Crisologo at night.

                                                    Trees are adorned with colorful lantern at Plaza Maestro.

Souvenir shops lined the side street of Caller Crisilogo



Kalesa (horse driven carriage) in front of Cordillera Inn.

Wooden souvenirs and antiques at Calle Crisologo.

Signage of one of the souvenir shops along Calle Crisologo.



My Ilocos Sojourn - Destination: Vigan (Part 1 of 2)

Background

The City of Vigan (Ilokano: Ciudad ti Bigan; Tagalog: Vīgân; is a 5th class city in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It is the capital of the Province of Ilocos Sur. The city is located on the western coast of the large island of Luzon, facing the South China Sea.

It is a World Heritage Site in that it is one of the few Hispanic towns left in the Philippines, and is well known for its cobblestone streets, and a unique architecture that fuses Philippine and Oriental building designs and construction, with colonial European architecture.

According to the latest Philippines census, it has a population of 47,246 people in 9,193 households.
Former Philippine president Elpidio Quirino, the sixth president of the Philippines, was born in Vigan, at the current location of the Provincial Jail (his father was a warden); and resided in the Syquia Mansion.

The area of Vigan was originally a settlement of traders coming from the Fujian Province, China. At the time of Spanish colonisation, the Chinese settlers, whose language was Southern Fujianese (Min Nan, often referred to as "Hokkien" by most Filipinos), referred to the area as "Bee Gan" (Chinese: 美岸; pinyin: Měi'àn), which means "Beautiful Shore." Since the Castillian and Basque Spanish conquistadors interchanged V and the B to refer to the B sound, they spelled the Hokkien Chinese name "Bee Gan" as "Vigan", which is the name used to this day.
Vigan's Chinese heritage is still evident from the numerous elite Chinese creole families who come from the area, many of whom adopted Hispanic family names. Others, such as the Sy-Quia family, have retained Chinese-derived surnames, though most, if not all, of the Christian Chinese creole families fully Hispanicised themselves culturally.

The most commonly known source of the city's name is from the Biga'a plant, which once grew abundantly along the banks of the Meztiso River, from which captain Juan de Salcedo derived the city's name (after a misunderstanding with the locals, thinking he was asking the name of the plants).

The area of Vigan was originally a settlement of traders coming from the Fujian Province, China. At the time of Spanish colonisation, the Chinese settlers, whose language was Southern Fujianese (Min Nan, often referred to as "Hokkien" by most Filipinos), referred to the area as "Bee Gan" (Chinese: 美岸; pinyin: Měi'àn), which means "Beautiful Shore." Since the Castillian and Basque Spanish conquistadors interchanged V and the B to refer to the B sound, they spelled the Hokkien Chinese name "Bee Gan" as "Vigan", which is the name used to this day.

Vigan's Chinese heritage is still evident from the numerous elite Chinese creole families who come from the area, many of whom adopted Hispanic family names. Others, such as the Sy-Quia family, have retained Chinese-derived surnames, though most, if not all, of the Christian Chinese creole families fully Hispanicised themselves culturally.

The most commonly known source of the city's name is from the Biga'a plant, which once grew abundantly along the banks of the Meztiso River, from which captain Juan de Salcedo derived the city's name (after a misunderstanding with the locals, thinking he was asking the name of the plants).

Vigan is an island which is separated from the mainland by three bodies of water: the Abra River, the Mestizo River, and the Govantes River. The city is unique in the Philippines because it is one of many extensive surviving Philippine historic cities, dating back to the 16th century.

Vigan was a coastal trading post long before the Spaniards arrived; Chinese traders sailing from the South China Sea came to Isla de Vigan (Island of Vigan) via the Mestizo River that surrounded the island. On board their ships were seafaring merchants that came to trade goods from other Asian kingdoms in exchange for gold, beeswax, and other mountain products brought by the indigenous peoples from the Cordilleras region.

In the book The Philippine Island (Vol. III, p. 276, Blair and Robertson) two letters from Governor General Guido de Lavezaris to King Philip II of Spain mention: "It seemed best to send Captain Juan de Salcedo with 70 or 80 soldiers to explore the coast of Los Ilocanos on the shores of the river called Bigan." The Spaniards marched north from Manila on May 20, 1572, and arrived in Vigan on June 12, 1572.

Thus, after the successful expedition and the exploration of the North, Juan de Salcedo founded "Villa Fernandina de Vigan" in honor of King Philip II’s son, Prince Ferdinand, who died at the age of four. From Vigan, Salcedo rounded the tip of Luzón and proceeded to pacify Camarines, Albay, and Catanduanes.

As a reward for his services to the King of Spain, Salcedo was awarded the old province of Ilocos, which consisted of the modern provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, La Unión and part of Mountain Province as his hacienda (estate), and was accorded the title of "Justicia Mayor de esta Provincia de Ylocos" (Province Mayor of Ilocos).

In 1576, Salcedo returned to the capital of his encomienda (trusteeship), Vigan, bringing with him his soldiers, and some Augustinian missionaries to pioneer the evangelization of the Ilocos region. He established a Spanish city for the purpose of controlling the neighboring country.

Governor General Gómez Pérez Dasmariñas, in his Account of encomienda dated in Manila on May 31, 1591, states: "The town of Vigan called Villa Fernandina consisted of Spanish settlers; a priest; a Justice Alcalde Mayor (Governor); and a Deputy. The King collects 800 tributes (equivalent to 3,200 subjects)." During this period, Vigan was composed of 19 barrios (districts).

Between 1645 to 1660, Vigan was divided into 21 "Cabezas de Barrio" (Town Mayors) as mentioned in the Libro de Casamiento (Book of Marriage); from the records of the parish house of Vigan found in its Archives. Separated from the indigenous population, the Chinese migrants were residents in a neighbourhood called El Pariancillo, los Sangleyes del parian (The Sangleyes of the Parian); and the Spanish settlers were residents in a town called Los Españoles de la Villa (The Town´ Spaniards).

During the Philippine Revolution of 1896 to 1898, Philippine Revolutionary forces, supported by the Ilocano rebels, attacked and defeated the Spanish Colonial forces and captured the city in the Siege of Vigan. Starting from the Philippine-American War from 1899 to 1901, American Colonial troops occupied the city. Forces led by Col. James Parker occupied the Cathedral.

During World War II, Japanese Imperial Army planes bombed Vigan on December 1941 and Japanese troops occupied the town in 1942. In 1945, combined U.S. and Philippine Commonwealth ground troops, aided by Ilocano resistance fighters, defeated the Japanese Imperial forces and liberated Vigan.

The Movie by Bonda Fajardo "ILIW", 2010 [1]: Colonel Takahashi & Fr. Joseph Klecamf protected "VIGAN" neither to be burned by Japanese Army nor attacked by US Army.

2007 Vigan City was listed by UNESCO as the best preserved example of Spanish colonial towns in Asia. Its architecture is the conglomeration of cultural elements from the Philippines, China, and Spain, making it unique to the rest of the world.

The Experience

I lived in Caoayan, a coastal town that used to be a barangay of Vigan, for almost six years. This is where I spent my last two years of grade school and my entire high school life. Locals from nearby towns including Vigan usually visit this place for a taste of grilled delicacies. Caoayan is also famous for its hand-wooven textiles or abel Iloco.


The New Caoayan Town Hall and the Caoayan Bridge.

One of the main attractions of Vigan is Baluarte. It is a 10-minute drive from the city proper and is very near to Caoayan's poblacion or town proper. Baluarte is 80 hectares of gently rolling terrains, hills and mountain sides, the structures of facilities and amenities, its phases of construction is in its best possible realistic and natural habitat for good and sound animal care.

Zoo patrons are given free admission and free use of its facilities in the picnic areas. It is open daily from 7am to 6pm. You are free to bring your food and be at the picnic place of your choice. We have enough comfort rooms available at the entrance. Baluarte staff can accommodate educational tours, please feel free to contact us via email on this website or call 6377-722-7186.

Ostrich at Baluarte in Vigan, Ilocos Sur

A small lagoon with gold fish at Baluarte in Vigan, Ilocos Sur



Tiger at Baluarte in Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Camel at Baluarte in Vigan, Ilocos Sur

This greets the visitors when entering Baluarte in Vigan, Ilocos Sur



A white donkey at Baluarte in Vigan, Ilocos Sur



Pagudpud Two-Day Itinerary



Saud Beach, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Pagudpud can be reached by a 10-12 hour drive or bus ride from Manila. Another alternative is by plane through the Laoag City Airport.

Pagudpud is part of most Ilocos tour packages. Here's a sample itinerary on how one could maximize a two-day stay in this northern paradise.

To Do's
     Day 1
          0930PM Estimated Time of Departure from Manila.
          0830AM Estimated Time of Arrival in Pagudpud.
          0930AM Check-in at hotel, resort or homestay in Saud Beach, Pagaudpud.
          1030AM Explore the beach.
          1200PM Lunch in one of the beach-front restaurants.
          0100PM Rest at hotel.
          0300PM Explore the beach and enjoy the sun, sand and water of the West Philippine Sea.
          0600PM Enjoy the view of the sunset.
          0700PM Dinner in one of the beach-front restaurants.
          0900PM Party, party, party.
          1100PM Sleep at hotel.

     Day 2
          0700AM Breakfast at hotel.
          0800AM Start of South Pagudpud Tour.
          0900AM Buy fresh produce from Bangui Market.
          1000AM Explore Bangui Windmills.
          1100AM Back to hotel for lunch using fresh buys from Bangui market.
          1200PM Lunch at hotel.
          0100PM Start of the North Pagdpud Tour.
          0130PM Start of a 30-minute trek to Kabigan Falls.
          0200PM Enjoy the cold water of Kabigan Falls.
          0230PM Start of trek back to the main road.
          0330PM Stopver at Patapat Viaduct.
          0400PM Visit Paraiso ni Anton and the Agua Grande River Park.
          0430PM See the Bantay Abot Cave.
          0500PM Explore the Blue Lagoon beach.
          0600PM Enjoy the sunset at Blue Lagoon.
          0700PM Check out.
          0800PM Bus ride to Manila.

Budget
     Transportation
          Bus (RCJ Lines or Florida) - P600.00 (one-way)
          Tricycle (from Town Proper to Saud Beach) - P50.00
          Traysi Tour - P1,200 (includes South and North Pagudpud Tours good for 3), P800.00 (South and North Pagudpud tour excluding Burgos Light House and Kapurpurawan)
         
     Accommodation
          Homestay (Cathy's Homestay) - P800.00/day (air-conditioned room good for 4).

     Food
          Restaurants in front of the beach - P100.00 to P200.00 per meal.

     Estimated Budget
          P4,000.00 to P5,000.00 per head.

Contact Information
     Florida Bus Lines
          Sampaloc, Manila
          +63 2 749 4862
          Manila to Pagudpud Schedule: 930PM
          Pagudpud to Manila Schedule: 800PM
          Fare: P500.00 (De Luxe with Comfort Room)

     RCJ Lines
          Sampaloc, Manila
          +63 2 781 9306
          Manila to Pagudpud VV: 430PM, 630PM, 830PM
          Fare: P600.00 (Regular Air-Conditioned)

     Cathy's Homestay
           Saud Beach, Pagudpud

           +63 919 571 6680

Sprint Account Wins TP EDSA's Giant Easter Egg Making Contest

Sprint Account won Teleperformance EDSA's Giant Easter Egg Hunting Contest besting 3 entries from other accounts. The winner was adjudged based on size (40%), design *30%) and use of recycled and indigenous materials (30%).

The judging and awarding ceremonies were held at the Teleperformance EDSA's Excutive Lobby. There was also an Easter Egg Hunting activity for the kids who visited the site.

Israel Marcelo, the master planner and designer of the Easter Egg holds the certificate of the winning Easter Egg.

The 7.6-foot Easter Egg on display.

Employees from other accounts also had their pictures taken with the Giant Easter Egg.

Used plywood served at the Easter Egg's base. 

Used crepe papers were used to decorate the Giant Easter Egg.

My Ilocos Sojourn - Destination: Pagudpud

Background

Pagudpud a fourth class municipality and a coastal resort town of Ilocos Norte province, in the northern Ilocos Region of the Philippines. According to the latest census, Pagudpud has a population of 20,385 people in 3,804 households. It is the northernmost settlement on Luzon Island.

The town is bounded to the south by the town of Bangui and to the east by the Cordillera Mountain Range, the town of Adams and the province of Cagayan. The South China Sea lies to the west and north. The town rolls over mountains, hills, valleys and flat coastal land. It lies 45 miles (72 km) north of Laoag City, the provincial capital, and about 350 miles (560 km) north of Manila. They reside in 3,804 homes that are spread across 83 square miles (210 km²). Most make their living through farming, fishing and subsistence retailing. Tourism is a growing part of the economy.

Pagudpud was made a municipality on February 3, 1954. Unlike Laoag City, the province's only autonomous city, Pagudpud derives its authority from the provincial government. It had previously been a part of the neighboring town of Bangui.

There are no ATM"s in Pagudpud. The nearest ATM is in Loang which is about 2 hours on a local bus.

Attractions

Its white-sand beaches and crystal-blue water makes Pagudpud a haven for tourists. Maira-Ira Point is also an emerging attraction with its secluded beach known as the Blue Lagoon, as well as kilometer-long Saud Beach. Access to this public beach is from a secondary concrete road on the north side of the Maharlika Highway just before approaching the Patapat Viaduct. On the way to the Blue Lagoon, a sea arch can be seen. Coconut trees line much of the town's coast. On a clear day, the Babuyan Islands are visible from Patapat National Park.
The Patapat Viaduct, elevated 31 metres (102 ft) above sea level, is 1.3 kilometres (0.81 mi) concrete coastal viaduct that connects the Maharlika Highway from Laoag to the Cagayan Valley Region. It rises along the town's coastal mountains, which is the starting point of the Cordillera Mountain Range that snakes through Northern Luzon. It is the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines. Located more than 16 kilometers from the town proper, it offers a scenic view of Pasaleng Bay- a view that leads towards wide and pristine beaches backed by mountains with breathtaking waterfalls Kabigan and Mabaga, along with the many cool, refreshing springs waiting to be discovered within.

Kabigan Falls is surrounded by thick forest and well known for its concaved basin, located at the eastern part of Barangay Balaoi, about 1.8 kilometres (1.1 mi) away from the national highway. Kabigan falls is also part of the town of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte and a trek going to this falls is usually included in the tricycle tour offered in the area. There is a 20 Pesos/pax entrance fee at the jump-off point where you will be assigned your official trek guide going to the falls. You don't have to worry about being lost or being conned in the area because the locals organized their official group to guide tourist and receive payment. The trek going to Kabigan Falls takes 30 to 40 minutes mostly of flat area so you'll have time to enjoy the verdant panorama. Although there is a visible trail going to the falls, you'll still need a tour guide if it's your first time there just to be safe.

Transportation

By land, Pagudpud is approximately a 90 minute bus ride from Laoag City. Several bus lines serve the Manila-Laoag route, namely Partas, Florida, Farinas, and Maria de Leon among others.

(Reference: Wikipedia)

The Experience
If you love white sand, sun and waves without the crowd, Pagudpud in the Northern tip of Luzon, Province of Ilocos Norte, is the place to be. But Pagudpud is not just about beaches. Aside from the stunning beaches, Pagudpud offers a lot of other attractions as well. 

Pagudpud was the final destination of our northern summer getaway. We first went to Vigan then Laoag then Pagudpud with side trip to Bangui, the town right before Pagudpud, where the famous Bangui Windmills are.

The Bangui Windmills.

The Bangui Windmills.

Our home for two days - Saud is where all the resorts are. The beach is long, palm-fringed and the water is emerald. The waters can be rough and dangerous during the rainy season as Saud faces the open sea and the current can be very treacherous so adequate caution is needed. Also, there are sudden drops a few meters from the shore. Resorts lined the shore and several houses also offer homestay, the cheaper way of accommodation in this idyllic town.

In 2007, Sunday Herald Sun of Australia ranked Saud Beach as Number 1 on its list of the top ten best, lesser-known beaches of Asia besting Thailand’s Ko Adang, Sri Lanka’s Bentota, and Cambodia’s Occheuteal among others. 

Saud Beach, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Saud Beach, pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Saud Beach, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

But Pagudpud is not just about beaches. Aside from the stunning beaches, Pagudpud offers a lot of other attractions as well. The waterfalls of Kabigan is quite dramatic. It is an-80-feet falls surrounded by lush forest and a concave basin. The almost one-hour walk is all worth it once you reach the small lagoon in the greens!  

Kabigan Falls, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Kabigan Falls, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Another popular place to visit in this northern town. is the Patapat Viaduct, considered as the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines at 1.2 kilometers. This winding bridge hugs the cliffs of the Northern Cordillera Mountain Ranges with a breathtaking view of the beautiful coast on one side - the reason why it was dubbed as the “French Riviera of the North”. Another falls could be found just after the viaduct - the Mabugabog Falls, a source of power for the mini-hydroelectric plant. 

Shore at the Patapat Viaduct, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Patapat Viaduct, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Blue Lagoon, also known as Maira-ira, has a shorter beach but has calmer waters compared to Saud. It boasts of a mostly gently sloping beach into the ocean. For me, Blue Lagoon is more scenic than Saud - the beach forms a graceful arc, surrounded by magnificent rock formations and small islands. One of the best perks of the Blue Lagoon is one can actually lie down in sand and have your own little space of paradise - without being bothered by anyone.

Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Check out for my next post - The Pagudpud Itinerary - my way!

Puerto Galera - Do It Yourself Two-Day Itinerary

White Beach, Puerto Galera.

Summer months is here. It's time to experience the beach, sun, and well, the massage. Here's a suggested itinerary for a great and budget friendly weekend getaway at the White Beach, Puerto Galera.

Itinerary
Day 1
     0500AM Convene in any of the bus terminals in Cubao or Buendia going to Batangas City
     0600AM Estimated Time of Departure for Batangas Pier
     0830AM Estimated Time of Arrival at Batangas Pier
     0840AM Get a ticket from any of the ferries going to Puerto Galera. I recommend Father and Sons.
     0900AM Estimated Time of Departure for Puerto Galera.
     0950AM Estimated Time of Arrival at the Muelle Pier (first stop over), entry to the Pueto Galera town proper.
     1030AM Estimated Time of Arrival at the White Beach Resort
     1040AM Check-in at the hotel.
     1045AM Explore White Beach.
     1200PM Lunch at a beachfront restaurant
     0100PM Rest at the hotel.
     0200PM Explore the stores and familiarize the vicinity of the beach.
     0300PM Swim, swim, swim.
     0500PM Banana Boat ride.
     0600PM Scout for great dinner restaurant.
     0700PM Dinner.
     0830PM Swim or stroll the beach.
     0930PM Party, party, party.
     1200AM Back to hotel.
         
Day 2
     0700AM Breakfast.
     0800AM Swim, swim, swim.
     0900AM Souvenir Shopping.
     1000AM Packing Up.
     1100AM Hair Braiding.
     1200PM Estimated Time of Departure for Batangas Pier.
     0130PM Estimated Time of Arrival at Batangas Pier.
     0200PM Lunch with Batangas Bulalo or Lomi at Batangas Pier.

Budget
Getting There:
     Bus from Cubao or Buendia to Batangas Pier: P170.00
     Ferry Boat from Batangas Pier to Puerto Galera: P250.00 (one-way) / P450 (two-way)
     Environmental Fees: P50.00
     Terminal Fee: P30.00

Where to Stay:
     Peter's Inn: P700.00/head for a two-day stay

Where to Eat:
     Any of the beachfront restaurants: P100.00-P200/meal

What to Do:
     Banana Boat: P100.00-P200.00/head
     Massage: P250.00-P300.00/hour
     Hair Braiding: P100.00-P200.00

Estimated Budget:
     Transportation: P870.00
     Accomodation: P700.00
     Food: P400.00-P800.00
     Activities: P450.00-P700.00
     Total: P2500.00-P3000.00

Contact Information:
     Peter's Inn: +63.2.514-8838