Summer in the North

"People forget years and remember memories."

31 March 2018

- The most awaited time of the year. Cause what?! Hey! It's our:

YEAR END TOUR!

For this year, we will go to a very enchanted, classic, antique place in the Philippines, Ilocos Sur. BTW, this is gonna be long, so if you wanna continue reading, I'll do my best, I'll make it right with you! So buckle up and join me in this ride! 🧡

Ilocos Sur, as shown in the map ⬅ it's gonna be a 1,575 km journey and I AM FREAKING EXCITED! Yes, this is my first farthest place to travel yet, and I can't wait! Yahooo!!!🎉

9 : 00 PM - Assembly time at ROLACI, (My beloved school) Then head out to Nasipit seaport and waited for like 7 hours to get to our ship cause it was delayed due to weather stuff, but look at us ⬇ we're cool like a snow. 😴

Here she comes!!! This was my first 2GO ride I highly recommend it! Though they are not paying me to advertise them, but their service to us was really a lit 🔥 and the ship was somewhat first class, in a way.'

We arrived at Cebu sea port around 13:40 and waited for around 3 hours, bound to Manila port. We had to practice our dance steps at the ship, for our surprise presentation, cause it's the birthday of our beloved president (The owner of the School), and trust me, we are like zombies (so dizzy!), as we were having our practice, some took a video of us, thinking like we are gonna audition in showtime! 😂 At night, some of my colleagues were sleeping already, some are still practicing, again, and some like me goes to the "Ship Bar", we exactly didn't know the ship has that, but it was announced like: "Hey, we are having singing contest now at blah.. blah..." and with just a PM "see you there, and there we were!

Teacher Jeric said:"Cher, try na ug kanta talagsa rabaya ka makasakay ani, wala ta kabalo ug makasakay paka utro." And so, this happens:

That was one of a kind experience really, like it's a bar full of teachers (lol), with a mini singing contest in the ship, t'was cool!

2 April 2018 14:10 - Arrival MANILA SEAPORT

We're like in the fast break here; "Get your bags, Find our bus! Gogogo!"

- Teacher Rose💓

Today is the birthday of our Atty. President, obviously we're late! So, we have to go directly to the venue, with our "palaban outfit." And boom WOW! Foods, band, swimming pool, we're like: "This is getting wower everytime!" While having the program, one of the teacher said: "Teacher Ruth will sing, she performs last night at the ship!" I was like: Knock it off! But more like "rock it on!" Atty. President was already looking at me! Omooo! 😱 So, I was there once again on the stage ( the band was super & good looking too!) . Of course, damaydamay na this, I also point out my colleagues to sing, it makes everything colorful! 😉

After the party, we finally are going to ... Sleep! A normal not floating one, if you you can relate after you've been on a ship for quite sometime!💤😖

3 April 2018 - 18:00, Pasay Terminal bound to Ilocos Sur.

4 April 2018 - 2:43

I L O C O S S U R

Yes, we are so fresh! 🤣

From Pasay to Vigan, Ilocos Sur is like 9 hours, evening ride. We are waiting for our local tour bus to come pick us up at not so early 2:43, Yes! lol, This was all part of the amazing stories in travelling, I'm telling you! Well, we arrived ahead of time so we're like HA-HA!

1st Destination - Vigan

V I G A N

ENCHANTED🏰

If there is one word to describe this place, that's it! Really! Like, all I really want to write in here is: "I am sure to come back!"

If you love history and old stuffs like houses, roads, hotels and basically anything antiques this place is so perfect to let you time travel through the years of Philippine history. I love the tourism here, the government makes it a goal to truly impress its visitors local and international.

My first hand experience why it makes me say "enchanted" because really it's like a small kingdom in a Nation. At night, lots of people are still waking around, and stores are widely open, every corner has its majestic charm! Wanna feel like being truly in a kingdom, with its place like a palace itself? Come and visit Vigan, and let your enchanted journey began!

I L O C O S N O R T E

2nd Destination - Laog

ADVENTURE! 🏄

"AM GONNA DIE!" Kuya pagtarong ug drive maluoy!

But yes, we're alive! That was just really one of a heck drive! Tip to all who wanna do the Sandunes, the best place to put yourself is in the middle, back part is very tough as well with the both sides, yes you'll be sandwich, but at least, your bones are still on it's position! For those who love front seats like I, just don't even think about it! Or if you wanna swallow all the sands, but friend just don't! And don't forget to bring your sunglasses, this are life saver here.

Malacañang Palace of the North, it's beautiful! Everything is well reserved. While going to the palace, the tour guide is pro Marcos (obviously) he explained that even before everything in politics, Marcos family are abundantly rich. I am happy they finally got their wishes, to bury the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in the hero's grave Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB).Well, it's basically in the law, all president and soldier have this right! Let's all heal and move forward!

Laog, Ilocos Norte have lots of fun, memorable adventure and history to offer! This place is a must to go. Why? Because it's a place where you feel traveling outside of the country, and that it enriches your love to your beloved motherland, for whatever reason, I felt it here in Laog. 💞

3rd Destination - Pagudpud

WOW! 👀

Last destination and definitely has something to offer that will in awe, mind blow and drop your jaw!

As we're riding the bus, we saw a lot of big electric fan, "Windmills." My eyes glowed, I only see these on pictures and now, it's on my eyes, for real! That was an amazing feeling, like a child finally receiving a Christmas gift. We did a lot of hiking in the scorching heat of the sun and every step of it was WORTH IT! While approaching the mills, we pass by lots of beautiful rock formation, all were just a touch of God's art! Even in these things God is so detailed about it, beautiful rock formations, the Artist of them all! 🙌

We felt like we're models here! Everything is just beautiful and so it radiates everyone, we feel connected! Indeed, nature at its finest is healing to the inner soul! So, travel the farthest, as you can and while you can!

(Photo/Editor: J.P Alimiento)

We did more things than what I have written in here. Some are memories that are kept in a special box, even though how far you've been to, how beautiful the place maybe, it's still gonna be the people you're with who will put spice and meaning to it. These people, memories we made together on the bus, on the terminal, on the ship, on the table, on the bed, on the road, guys that was really beautiful! I love this travel and I always come back from time to time in my memory of how wonderful it was, because of you! 🧡

April 8, 2018 - Home.

Until then! God Speed!