"It's not how many years you put into life, but how much life you put into years"
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Going Loco over Ilocos
This was my second time to avail the service of travelfactor.org, again they did not disappoint. Aside from crossing Ilocos Escapade off my bucket list , they gave us a vacation we cannot forget.
We were instructed to proceed to Maria de Leon Transit Terminal in Manila for departure. Bien and I are very surprised to see that we will be having a very comfortable trip to Ilocos Province. It's really best to take the night trip for long travel hours.
We were fetched by another Van in Laoag City to start off the tour very early in the morning. After having our breakfast, we proceeded to visit Pasuquin Salt Factory. Our driver/tour guide was very informative. He kept on informing us how the Marcoses made the province progressive. (I set aside my political stand against the Marcos while having this vacation)
Still in the area of Burgos, Ilocos Norte resides the famed Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. The place is magnificent. I felt I am somewhere in the middle east with such view.
After spending quite a lot of time in Kapurpurawan, we then navigated our way to Patapat Viaduct.
We had our lunch at Hannah's Resort. After taking a break, one of our fellow vacationer braved to try the zipline over Pagudpud beach. For me and Bien, we just wanted to have a pictorial in the Helicopter. :)
We have to cut short our beach bumming experience to witness sunset at Bangui Windmills. It was very windy during that time and the waves in the beach were really strong. That made me very fearful to go near the edge of the beach. Good thing the scenery channeled calmness in me.
The following morning, we started the day very early for another jam-packed itinerary. Our first stop was a visit at Fort Ilocandia. In here I learned how the late president had built an entire property for the reception of his daughter. Too much grandeur indeed.
After exploring the area, we were brought to the Malacanang of the North. We were able also to see the remains of Marcos in his Photo Gallery before he was brought to Libingan ng Mga Bayani.
One of my favorite part of the trip was the visit to Paoay Church. Credits to our driver/tour guide for taking this picture with mi amor.
We passed by Juan Luna Shrine to get to know more the Luna Brothers.
We traveled to Ilocos Sur to explore the heritage sites in Vigan. We had our lunch in an ancestral house. Yummy Bagnet! :)
Our first stop after lunch was Baluarter ni Chavit where unfortunately mi amor had an asthma attack due to the smell of animals in the area.
After filling up our stomach with the famed Ilocos Empanada, we rushed to the Bantay Bell Tower before closing time.
We were instructed to proceed to Maria de Leon Transit Terminal in Manila for departure. Bien and I are very surprised to see that we will be having a very comfortable trip to Ilocos Province. It's really best to take the night trip for long travel hours.
We were fetched by another Van in Laoag City to start off the tour very early in the morning. After having our breakfast, we proceeded to visit Pasuquin Salt Factory. Our driver/tour guide was very informative. He kept on informing us how the Marcoses made the province progressive. (I set aside my political stand against the Marcos while having this vacation)
We are having fun with the sea of salts in the area
Cape Bojeador is really an amazing place to visit in Northern Ilocos. It still serves function to guide international ships entering Philippine Archipelago.
Still in the area of Burgos, Ilocos Norte resides the famed Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. The place is magnificent. I felt I am somewhere in the middle east with such view.
Nature, you are really amazing!
We had our lunch at Hannah's Resort. After taking a break, one of our fellow vacationer braved to try the zipline over Pagudpud beach. For me and Bien, we just wanted to have a pictorial in the Helicopter. :)
Loving how crystal clear the water is in Pagudpud. They all have fine sands.
Having the "I was here in Pagudpud" shot.
Good way to cap off an exhausting day
Me and Bien taking time to utilize the interior of Fort Ilocandia
After exploring the area, we were brought to the Malacanang of the North. We were able also to see the remains of Marcos in his Photo Gallery before he was brought to Libingan ng Mga Bayani.
One of my favorite part of the trip was the visit to Paoay Church. Credits to our driver/tour guide for taking this picture with mi amor.
We passed by Juan Luna Shrine to get to know more the Luna Brothers.
We traveled to Ilocos Sur to explore the heritage sites in Vigan. We had our lunch in an ancestral house. Yummy Bagnet! :)
Our first stop after lunch was Baluarter ni Chavit where unfortunately mi amor had an asthma attack due to the smell of animals in the area.
We were then brought to Hidden Garden for a more relaxing vibes.
We were also brought to Pagburnayan to witness some pottery making. After that, we were brought to the famous Calle Crisologo for some shopping.
After filling up our stomach with the famed Ilocos Empanada, we rushed to the Bantay Bell Tower before closing time.
The last day for our Ilocos Escapade was our 4x4 Sand Dunes Experience. I have adrenaline rush all through out the experience. Never thought it would be that hard to ride a 4x4. I am glad I got to experience this with the love of my life.
I am glad I was able to try sand boarding even if I did not reach the bottom of the path :)
Aside from witnessing the actual beauty of my country, I am more than happy to experience the best of memories with the love of my life.
Kay Ganda ng Pilipinas! :)
Macau and HK Photowalk
I chanced upon a promo fare to Macau via Cebu Pacific and booked it right away since doing a Macau Photo-walk had been long enough in my bucket list.
And yeah, there were A LOT of TOURISTS in the area. :( I wasn't able to fully appreciate the beauty. Maybe next time, I'll come here very early in the morning. Hope to have some quality moment with this beauty.
Off we walk to Monte Fort to witness series of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It has an overview of the Peninsula. The area was built to survive a 2 year siege. It was a military base until 1965.
The Museo de Macao is located within the area. It was unfortunate, I was not able to enter the place.
The Senado Square really gave European feels. I am fascinated by the architectures. I loved how everything was preserved.
Santa Casa de Macau serves as an orphanage and refuge for widows of sailors lost at sea.
The Macau Cathedral is the current Diocese of Macau. I was fortunate to go inside to say prayers.
St. Agustine Church is under renovation when we visited. The roof had collapsed so it must be repaired accordingly.
St. Lawrence Church is a neo-classical Church. It is situated in the southern coastline of Macau, overlooking the sea. Families of sailors used to wait and pray here for the return of their loved ones.
In a narrow street, we ventured into the Mandarin House. This is home to famous Ideologist - Zheng GuanYing. The building was predominantly in Chinese style with subtle European influences.
Lilau Square. Lilau means "moutain spring". It turns out that the groundwater in Lalau had been the main source of spring water in Macau.
Moorish Barracks. It was built to accommodate a regiment from Goa, Portuguese India. It was later turned into Macau's Port Authority HQ. To date, it is now the HQ of Macau Marine and Water Bureau.
Of course I will never let the visit to Museu Maritmo slip away our itinerary. I wanted to get to know more on the maritime life of my mi amor.
Kun Iam Temple is one of the three richest and largest Buddhist temple in Macau. There were a lot of people who paid their respect during our visit.
After the historic walking tour, we checked in to another hotel - Casa Real. We were dead tired from the morning activities so we decided to have a slower phasing this time. We went out late afternoon already to go to Macau Tower and explore Taipa Night Life.
I truly enjoyed exploring Macao Museum of Art. Everything inside is amazing.
We needed to catch the next ferry to Hong Kong for the second part of our escapade. We boarded via the outer harbor terminal towards Kowloon.
After Checking-in, we just relaxed for a bit before going out to check the HK skyline in Avenue of Stars. Too bad Avenue of Stars was closed during our visit.
The following morning, we started very early to visit the Ngong Ping. This is my third time to be in HK but this will be the only time I will see the majestic Giant Buddha. There's also a much to see in Ngong Ping Village but I was not able to take shots since I was busy discovering the place.
Since the arrival in Macau is quite late already, I decided to book via airbnb for a budget night stay. Caleena's place is really nice and comfortable. The following morning, my friend and I woke up early to start our Photo-walk tour.
To date, I must say that this trip was the most times I got lost. My navigation skills were not at its best. Luckily, my patience were still in place so we were still able to find those iconic places around Macau Peninsula.
We started our photo-walk at St. Dominic Church since we had missed the nearest bus stop to Ruins of St. Paul. The church was still closed because we had arrived too early.
It was always a dream to see the grandeur of the Ruins of St. Paul. I was inspired by the hit Taiwanese Series, Meteor Garden. I felt like I was Shan Chai waiting for Dao Ming Tze to regain memories when I was there.
To date, I must say that this trip was the most times I got lost. My navigation skills were not at its best. Luckily, my patience were still in place so we were still able to find those iconic places around Macau Peninsula.
We started our photo-walk at St. Dominic Church since we had missed the nearest bus stop to Ruins of St. Paul. The church was still closed because we had arrived too early.
It was always a dream to see the grandeur of the Ruins of St. Paul. I was inspired by the hit Taiwanese Series, Meteor Garden. I felt like I was Shan Chai waiting for Dao Ming Tze to regain memories when I was there.
And yeah, there were A LOT of TOURISTS in the area. :( I wasn't able to fully appreciate the beauty. Maybe next time, I'll come here very early in the morning. Hope to have some quality moment with this beauty.
The Museo de Macao is located within the area. It was unfortunate, I was not able to enter the place.
The Senado Square really gave European feels. I am fascinated by the architectures. I loved how everything was preserved.
Santa Casa de Macau serves as an orphanage and refuge for widows of sailors lost at sea.
The Macau Cathedral is the current Diocese of Macau. I was fortunate to go inside to say prayers.
St. Agustine Church is under renovation when we visited. The roof had collapsed so it must be repaired accordingly.
St. Lawrence Church is a neo-classical Church. It is situated in the southern coastline of Macau, overlooking the sea. Families of sailors used to wait and pray here for the return of their loved ones.
Something that had captured me - the artistic details of tile designs.
In a narrow street, we ventured into the Mandarin House. This is home to famous Ideologist - Zheng GuanYing. The building was predominantly in Chinese style with subtle European influences.
Lilau Square. Lilau means "moutain spring". It turns out that the groundwater in Lalau had been the main source of spring water in Macau.
Moorish Barracks. It was built to accommodate a regiment from Goa, Portuguese India. It was later turned into Macau's Port Authority HQ. To date, it is now the HQ of Macau Marine and Water Bureau.
This place reminded me of my mi-amor so much. :)
Of course I will never let the visit to Museu Maritmo slip away our itinerary. I wanted to get to know more on the maritime life of my mi amor.
Kun Iam Temple is one of the three richest and largest Buddhist temple in Macau. There were a lot of people who paid their respect during our visit.
After the historic walking tour, we checked in to another hotel - Casa Real. We were dead tired from the morning activities so we decided to have a slower phasing this time. We went out late afternoon already to go to Macau Tower and explore Taipa Night Life.
If this was 5 years me, I will definitely jump off that tower! :)
Loving the bridge view.
Bus transportation is not that tourist friendly in Taipa area from Macau tower so we decided to take a cab instead. It's really pricey! Good thing Venetian Macau did not disappoint! :)
It really feels like I am not inside a Hotel. Amazing interiors!
I was luck enough to watch the first night of Shrek the Musical. All good vibes! :)
After the show, I walked around Taipa to check the exterior of Galaxy Macau. I also tried to check the mall inside, but there is kind of fear in my mind that I might get lost again, so I just decided to go back to our hotel.
The following morning, we decided to do the Cultural and Science Center Tour before we leave for Hong Kong.
Macau Fisherman's Wharf definitely will let you feel you are in Europe
Macau Cultural Center
I truly enjoyed exploring Macao Museum of Art. Everything inside is amazing.
Passing by Kun Iam Ecumenical Center
We needed to catch the next ferry to Hong Kong for the second part of our escapade. We boarded via the outer harbor terminal towards Kowloon.
From Kowloon port, we just need to walk around 10-15 minutes to reach our Hostel located at Mirador Mansion. It is so relaxing even with our heavy luggage that we have this calming view of Kowloon Park,
After Checking-in, we just relaxed for a bit before going out to check the HK skyline in Avenue of Stars. Too bad Avenue of Stars was closed during our visit.
Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower
We also visited Po Lin Monastery
We then decided to take a 15min trail to the Wisdom Path
Crystal Cable Ride back to the nearest MTR station from Lantau Island
We were dead tired from our Lantau Trip so we rested a bit back in our hotel. Since we really wanted to utilize our time, we channeled our energy to find the Kowloon Walled City Park. Truly, it is worth the patience to find this secret place.
The following day, we took the morning ferry back to Macau for our last walking tour in Taipa.
Since this is the last part of our trip, our luggage are at the heaviest. We rode the free shuttle from the Outer Harbor to Venetian Hotel. We decided to avail of their luggage storage for a fee. Guess it's our luck, fellow Filipinos were in charge and waive the payment. :) Thank you, kind souls.
We venture to our Taipa Walking tour. Again we had missed our stop for the nth time, but it was a blessing we were able to see the Flower City Park.
I wasn't able to take pictures in Taipa Village, because I was again immersed to the beauty and culture. After dining to an Authentic Portuguese Restaurant, we started the walk back to Venetian Hotel.
Museum of Taipa and Coloane History
We availed the free shuttle to the Airport. On our way, we had peeked into this soon to open by then, Parisian Hotel.
This trip was quite tiring but everything is worthy! I need to go back to Macau to further explore its beauty. It is the nearest way to feel the architectural influence of Europe.
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