Malacañang of the North: A look inside Pres. Marcos House

Malacañang Ti Amianan, as the locals called it, is located in Ilocos Norte, northern part of the Philippines. This wonderfully built house was the official residence of the 10th President of the Philippines, Pres. Ferdinand Marcos in the north. As history may tell, the former president faced many controversies during his reign but he also made the country known to the world and helped shaped the nation to what it is today. At present, the Malacañang of the North was opened to the public and converted into a museum. It now served as a window for Filipinos at this time to have look inside the lives of the people in the past, to reflect on  and to share to the world.

Sand Dunes 4x4 Adventure

PAOAY -

A wonderful municipality in the province of Ilocos Norte, located in the northern part of the Philippines. The place is home to the famous Paoay Church (San Agustin Church) and the Sand Dunes (4x4 and sandboarding adventure). 

PAOAY SAND DUNES 4X4 ADVENTURE

For thrill seekers out there Paoay Sand dunes 4x4 adventure is the most sought after activity here in Ilocos Norte, I for one was looking forward to try out this extreme sport. Me and my berks went here to experience the thrill and excitement first hand. 

The sand dunes was by the way a favorite for filmmakers. Movies like "Panday" and "Born on the 4th of July" were shot here.

The Magical Enchanted Kingdom

The Magnificent World of Enchanted Kingdom

Enchanted Kingdom is the only amusement park in the Philippines. This can be compared to that of the Universal Studios and the famous Disneyland. The face of Enchanted Kingdom is a wizard named Eldarl which can be seen at the main entrance of the park, on paper cups, plastic bags, souvenir items, and many more. Enchanted Kingdom is located in the province of Laguna. Going here is very easy if coming from Manila. Buses are available anytime.

Every time I come here, the park never fails to surprise me. I have different companions each time I visit Enchanted Kingdom though the rides were the same, the feeling is always different. There will always be thrill, excitement and childlike happiness.

Bacolod the City of Smiles

BACOLOD CITY - 

the "City of Smiles" as they say. Bacolod city is the capital city of Negros Occidental, located in Western Visayas region in the Philippines. Me and my gang went here in time for the "Maskara Festival", the famous festival known for the capital city. 

It was last October 26, 2013 where we experienced the place. It was tiring in coming here since we didn't took a plane. Since we were adventure seekers, from hometown Cebu City, we took a bus, then a slow boat, then bus again for total of 8 hours until we reached Bacolod City. 

Visita Iglesia 2013

Visita Iglesia 2013 - 

Visita Iglesia is a solemn religious activity by Catholics. This was my first time ever to have done this spiritual activity. The feeling was very rewarding and I'm fulfilled in a very spiritual way. It is best to start in the morning so you'll finish by twilight. During this time, most people assemble in groups and they would walk their way to the church with a megaphone, praying the rosary as they marched. For some, private cars were a means in hopping from one church to the other and because of this parking lots surrounding the church area were packed with variety of private vehicles. But nevertheless, the feeling that you've accomplished such act was very uplifting. So, I'm hoping to do this again next year and hopefully with a new set of itinerary.

Accompanied with my three gorgeous friends; Darlyn, Angelie, and Era, these were our itinerary of the fourteen Churches we've visited:

1. San Lorenzo Ruiz Church - Located in Brgy. Tisa Cebu City. Going here was navigable. you can ride a jeepney from wherever you were and then just walk or take a pedicab going to the church. For those with a car, the parking area was not so spacious. The church area was specifically surrounded with residential homes, so it was like going inside a village and there you can find this church. The interior is modern, the distance from the entrance to the altar was short, it was pretty much a typical barangay church.

2. Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church - 

Located in Brgy. Punta Princesa Cebu City. This Church and the 1st one were neighborhood churches. Brgy. Tisa and Labangon were right next to each other.