Nauuso ang ganito!

Delay

Ilang weeks or almost months na akong hindi nakakapag-jogging. Mahirap makabawi pag ganito dahil back from the start na naman ako. Nauunahan ng katamaran at iniisip na kelangan muna ipahinga ang paa kagaya ng sabi ng Rehab Doc. Kelangan paghandaan ang May 27 trail run at sa May 6 naman eh merong visit sa trail na gaganapan. Kelangan this week, makapag simula na ulit, nakabili na naman ako ng heel cushion at hinay hinay lang siguro.

Para sa Cushion

Ginala ang Trinoma at SM North, makahanap lang ng murang heel cushion. Halos LP ang brand at ang mahal niya, around 800-900. Buti nalang at meron akong nakita sa Department Store na cheaper version.

Unhappy

Naruto Shippuden #584

MOlested!

parental guidance lang po, graphic violence/words..

25th Anniversary - "The X-Files"

Heritage City of Vigan (Part 4)

The museum used to be the residence of Floro “Flor” Crisologo and his family. The Crisologo clan is one of the principal families of Vigan and Flor Crisologo was a congressman who worked towards the ratification of the Tobacco Law and the establishment of the Social Security System. On October 18, 1970, Crisologo was standing in a communion line in the Vigan Cathedral when a lone gunman entered and shot him in the head. The assassin escaped during the panic that ensued and the murder remains unsolved to this day, but it is generally believed to have been politically motivated. In memory of Crisologo, his family turned his ancestral home into a museum which maintains the statesman’s memorabilia, with particular focus on an exhibit of items relating to his murder. (Source: WikiPilipinas)

portrait of the late Floro Crisologo on the entrance of the museum

active duty uniform

didn't knew na iba pala ang helmet na ginamit during World War 2 and Vietnam War!

preserved office adorned with plaques and numerous awards and citations during his times

stairs that lead to nowhere, lol!

family

the main room

i was amazed na talagang meron palang ganito at lumalamig daw siya, weh!

the "viewing" room

This museum is the ancestral house and birthplace of priest patriot Fr. Jose Burgos. Known as Padre Burgos House, it is one of the notable historic structures of Vigan, the capital of the province of Ilocos Sur. It is a two-story structure located near the Provincial Capitol and close to St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral. It was renovated by the Filipinas Foundation, Inc. and inaugurated on May 3, 1975. In January 1989, a Contract of Lease was executed by the Ilocos Sur Historical and Cultural Foundation, Inc. leasing the memorabilia for 50 years, and turning over the administration to the National Museum. (Source: PhilMuseum)

replica of a galleon during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade

depiction of martyrdom of GomBurZa

the Fall of Tirad Pass, dramatic end

eskapularyos

telephone, Spanish era

"poso"

enjoying "langka" during at our "bisita" to Aunt Patricia's neighbor

Maraming maraming salamat po Tita Patricia and to your kin (sorry forgot to remember their names), for a very warm hospitality, accomodation, transportation and folk information about Vigan. Sobrang hassle-free ng trip namin at wala na kaming problems na na encounter during out stay. Hope to see you again sometime.

Heritage City of Vigan (Part 3)

The Syquia Mansion which houses President Qurino’s extensive memorabilia is actually owned by his
wife, Dona Alicia Quirino. Her ancestor was a Chinese who made his fortune in the robust trading in Vigan. Sy Kia’s pride in his Asian heritage can be seen by visitors to the Syquia mansion where they can view a portrait of him with his braided long hair and traditional Chinese robes. His descendants adopted the hispanized Syquia surname later on. Inside the Syquia Mansion one will marvel at the huge rooms filled with not only Philippine antiques but also those from countries all over the world. There are huge oil portraits of the family, with three identified as being done by national artist Fernando Amorsolo. There is even a huge replica of Juan Luna’s Spolarium, which was painted by the national hero and painter’s assistant. (Source: Vigan.ph)

one of the century old antiques found on the mansion

dragon jar dates back to the Ming Dynasty as a gift of the Emperor to the Syquia's

The St. Augustine Parish Church (also known as Bantay Church) in the town of Bantay. This baroque-gothic style church is one of the oldest in Ilocos Sur (built in 1590) and features a separate belfry on top of a small hill a few meters away- which affords a superb view of the mountains in neighboring province of Abra on one side and with the South China Sea on the opposite side. The church was damaged during World War II and was reconstructed in 1950 with the restored façade now with a neo-gothic design with touches of Romanesque elements. The belfry, which also served as a lookout for approaching enemies (thus the word Bantay means “to guard”), along with the church was constructed using forced labor. (Source: Flicker)

Shrine of our Lady of Charity, St. Augustine Church, Bantay, Ilocos Sur

panoramic view of Bantay cemetery from Bantay Bell tower

Santino wannabee

Panoramic view of Mindoro Beach
Mindoro Beach is not exactly a beach paradise. Tourists most likely would prefer going to the more popular white beaches of Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte (northernmost part of Luzon). The sand is dark (reportedly due to magnetite), the water is far from calm, and the waves can be intimidating. In fact, the shore is lined with Xbloc breakwater armors, and the resort building itself is elevated to protect it from the strong waves. Even so, what Mindoro Beach lacks, it makes up for with breath-taking views, calming beach sounds, and friendly locals. Some people even say that if you offer to help the fishermen haul their catch towards the shore, they will give you some of their fish for free! (Source: Lomography)

though it's not as beautiful as other white sand baches found in Ilocos, i would still like this area because of tranquility and breathtaking sunset scenes plus hindi pa siya crowded and mararanasan mo talaga ang peace of mind

enjoying the sand!

planking, kitang kita ang taba, haha!

Mira Hills is a favorite picnic spot because it is filled with trees and is home to some species of birds kept in an aviary. There is also a swimming pool and amphitheater at the park to tempt visitors to take more than just a walk and a quiet sit under a tree. Its elevated location also makes it a great place for a panoramic view of the city and its surrounding barangays, mountains and sea. (Source: Vigan.ph)

na stuck ata yun gulong ng kalesa

i dunno kung para saan ang tower na ito or decoration lang siya

Heritage City of Vigan (Part 2)

12:00mn-6:00am
Biyahe pa rin, nasiraan ng gulong along the way, na-delay rin kami ng 30 minutes dahil dun. Nag stop over sa Sison, Pangasinan, nag stay nalang ako sa bus at nag-Wifi nang kaunti. Thanks nga pala Jay sa drinks and food at hindi ako nakabili. Si Mark na katabi ko, hindi rin makatulog despite na kung anu-ano nalang ang ginagawa namin gaya ng pagtalukbong, pilit na pagpikit, pero wala talaga, hindi lang sanay matulog sa bus kaya nakakainggit yung mga himbing matulog.

6:00am
Nadaanan ang Santa, Ilocos Sur, gusto sana namin bumaba para magpakuha ng pics pero nasa public bus kami kaya sayang. Yung father ko me picture nito dun sa town marker nila na 2 isda. Sayang at hindi ako nakapag pakuha, next time nalang siguro pag nakasama ako sa road trip.

6:30am
Woot! Vigan na! Daming plantation ng tabako along the way bago mag Vigan. Pagka-unload ng mga bagahe sa bus, nagaabang na si Uncle na brother ni Tita Patricia sa tricycle kaya no hassle rin ang pagpunta namin sa bahay nila.

7:00am
After mag refresh at breakfast sa bahay nila Uncle eh nag prep up na kami sa Vigan Tour and again swerte namin, bukod sa free accomodation eh pati na rin ang transportation, napagpasyahan nalang namin na shoulder ang gasolina para ma maximize na rin namin ang Vigan visit namin.

The Baluarte or fortress is a must-see attraction for first time visitors, and even for those who have visited Vigan before. The reasons for its being on the list of places to visit are two. First is that it has a mini zoo with animals from other countries and others endemic to the Philippines. It is a private collection and is therefore continuously being improved. The second reason is that it is owned by Mr. Chavit Singson, a well-loved son of Vigan and well-known to most Filipinos and foreigners who follow the Philippine political scene. (source: Vigan.ph)

kulit ng parrot na ito, buti nalang at naka-cap ako!

honglaki ng ostrich, kala ko maliit lang siya pag nakikita ko sa TV

ang lulusog ng mga tiger dito, sarap alagaan sa bahay!

During Spain’s colonization of the Philippines, Vigan’s Mestizo District (where Calle Crisologo is located) was known as Kasanglayan (Chinese Quarters) from the word sangley which was used to classify a pure Chinese person. If a person was of an ancestry mixed between Chinese and indigenous (called indio), he was classified as mestizo de sangley, the finest example of which was Dr. Jose Rizal (it should be noted though that it was his wish to be classified as an indio instead). It was on the Mestizo District where some of these rich Chinese-Filipinos built their houses, which are still intact today and can be observed on Calle Crisologo. (source: Serial Tripper)

glimpse at century old houses

trip back to Old Spanish colonial time thru a callesa

antiqued religious artifacts

Leona Florentino (April 19, 1849-October 4, 1884) was a Filipino poet in the Spanish and Ilocano languages. She is considered as the "mother of Philippine women's literature" and the "bridge from oral to literary tradition". Born to a wealthy and prominent family in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Florentino began to write her first verses in Ilocano at a young age. Despite her potential, she was not allowed to receive a university education because of her gender. Florentino was instead tutored by her mother, and then a series of private teachers. An educated Ilocano priest taught her advanced Spanish and encouraged her to develop her voice in poetry. Her lyrical poetry in Spanish, especially in Ilocano, gained attention with their exhibition in various international forums in Spain, Paris and St. Louis, Missouri. Her literary contributions - particularly 22 preserved poems - were recognized when she was included in the Encyclopedia Internationale des Oeuvres des Femmes (International Encyclopedia of Women’s Works) in 1889. She is believed to be the first Filipino to receive this international recognition, a homage that occurred only after her untimely death. (source: Wikipedia)

Vigan Cathedral (also known as St Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral) faces Plaza Salcedo, and is an imposing creamy-white building built in the "earthquake baroque" style with thick buttresses to support it through earthquakes and typhoons. A separate belltower (or belfry) was built 15 meters away from the main building -- so that if one structure was destroyed in an earthquake, then the other might still remain standing. The belltower is about 25 meters high and it is surmounted by a large bronze weathercock that is said to symbolize St Peter. (source: Fabulous Philippines)

The Vigan jar is made in Barangay VII more popularly known as Pagburnayan. Up to this date, this southwesternmost part of the poblacion is where all the burnay camarin (cottage factories) are located. Unsurprisingly, the manufacture of burnay essentially remains faithful to the technique introduced some five hundred years ago by Chinese artisans. The primary material is the rich red Ilocos clay. When fashioned by hand on a potter’s wheel, mixed with find sand (“anay") as tempering material and baked at a high temperature in a huge brick-and-clay ground kiln, burnay is known to be stronger than ordinary terra cotta. (Source: Farl's Photojourneys)

If you are visiting Vigan, you shouldn’t miss to visit the Hidden Garden. Especially if you are a flower and plant lover. Experience the beauty of the garden. For sure you will fancy the floral collection, air plants growing on driftwood, and bonsai tree. It is a garden of lush tropical plants and coffee shop. They serve coffee, coconut juice, orange empanada, and fresh fruit shake. I loved the landscape of the garden, too! A lot of celebrity and prominent people have visited this place. You are next to discover this lovely garden of Vigan, too. (Source: Kreztin)

Website: www.hiddengardenvigan.com.ph

fellow explorers with Auntie Patricia and Mr. Francis "Bobot" Flores, owner of Hidden Garden

yummy Empanada de Iloko with Halo-Halo on a coconut shell - Ilocos style

one of the captivating flora found on the Hidden Garden

with Sir Flores, parang magkapatid lang, haha!

Many Thanks to Sir Flores for the warm hospitality and special mention during our stay at the Hidden Garden, ang sarap ng food nila and very accomdating ang staff plus super ganda ng garden!