I love Ilocandia

I have been traveling all over with friends, and even alone. And so now I'm primed to usher my family's travel adventure for 2010! And it was soooo much fun!!!! I love the holidays and I love Ilocandia!

Unlike most travelers who make a beeline to Laoag first, our journey led us first to Vigan Ilocos Sur because my father was hailed in San Vicente, a town near Vigan.  Holidays is all about family right? What could be a perfect reason to travel with the fam than to spend the holidays with my relatives on my father's side?

 parroting Baluarte

 me in the Heritage Village in Vigan

 Papa and Mommy infront of Sta. Maria Church in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur

Batac Empanada

Before reaching Vigan, we made stops along the way. The most noteworthy is the Sta. Maria Church located in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur which is a UNESCO World Heritage Church in the Philippines - (we only have four in the Philippines). This is the third UNESCO World Heritage Church I have been to, the first one is San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila and the second one is the Santo Tomas Villanueva Church in Miag-Ao, Iloilo. Then we went straight to Vigan, the Heritage Village of Calle Crisologo which is also a UNESCO World Hertitage Site. (More on this later) Baluarte came in next, then a Burnayan Village.

I have been always lured by the sea ever since Magical Marinduque and over the holidays I and my family boarded our van and set off on a journey from Vigan Ilocos Sur (Papa's home town) to Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte which is 75 km far. But after traveling for about 4 hours I also have 4 words to to describe the whole journey: It's all worth it.

I got no words to say really so let the photos speak. This journey was perfect hassle free and breathtaking. So Pagudpud I christen you as the perfect beach for me as of the moment - wide beach stretches, azure waters, white sand...I know I will come back to you soon!

papa and mommy

me and cousin Lhowella

Not to mention I met Candelaria and Herman Zapp right smack behind our hotel in Pagudpud!!!! who would've thought?!  Well first things first, who are Candelaria and Herman Zapp? They are the world famous traveling couple who have been on the road for about 10 years now. They were originally from Argentina and they travelled from there to Alaska in 2007. With barely no funds, they managed to achieve the feat, and eversince they continued to travel all over the world. Candelaria even got pregnant and had babies while on the road! And now, the family of six is still traveling all over the world and as of press time they are here in the Philippines. Apparently they spent their Christmas here.

What's more unique about Cande and Herman is that they are not just travelers, but they are traveling all over the world using their vintage car!

Check out Candelaria and Herman Zapp's website here and they announced that they are indeed in the Philippines! Never thought that I would get to meet them!!!

After staying in Pagudpud, we went to Bangui bay. Located in Bangui Bay are the huge and powerful windmills that generate power for some areas in Ilocos Norte. I was amazed, they are so huuuuuge!!!!!

Heading to Ilocos Norte wouldn't be complete without making a pilgrimage at the magnificent Paoay Church! -- which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Church which means I've completed my personal journey to the four World Heritage Churches in the Philippines!

Traveling with family to one of the scenic and culturally rich destinations in the country over the holidays is one of the best experiences ever. Thankful also to spend not just a weekend, but one whole week in Ilocandia! Indeed I love Ilocandia and the holidays! What can be more perfect than that? More posts soon!!!