Day 3: Sand Dunes, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Bangui Windmills and Pagudpod

I woke up early this morning to fix my stuffs, had a very early breakfast and bid goodbye to the gorgeous Fort Ilocandia!  The reason why we woke up super early because we wanted to check out the Sand Dunes, thanks to the "Weather God" the rain stopped right when we reached the Sand Dunes.  I was worried that the sand won't look as good but the rain did help us a bit as it wasn't as slippery as I've expected. 

The 3 Vaseline Bloggers enjoying the Sand Dunes!

We played around a bit and took a couple of shots before we head on to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.

The lighthouse was built during the Spanish period and it was also known as the Burgos Lighthouse!  I've also done some research prior to going to the destination and learned that the lighthouse is the highest elevated lighthouse in the Philippines!

To those who can read Tagalog,  you can click photo to enlarge :)

A mini museum inside the Lighthouse

I was expecting the steps to be steeper but it ain't bad at all.  I was told by the "old man" that it's better to have 6-8 people to go up the Lighthouse for safety reasons. Took a quick shot on the overview.

Here's another steps going to the lighthouse!  I seriously wanted to stay here longer.  Such a gorgeous place!  Perfect 360 degrees view of Ilocos Norte.

 Finally reached the top!

Took one last shot before we left the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse!  Don't we look happy? I'm grinning ear to ear!

Last shot prior to going down

We also visited the Bangui Windmills.  This took my breathe away.  I don't care about the scorching heat of the sun, all I want to do is to get near these windmills and look straight up and appreciate "man-made beauty"

L-R Hannah, Ada and myself

Not scared to pose under a clear umbrella as I've got SPF 24 lotion from Vaseline. 

 

After lunch at Terra Rika, don't worry, will create a special post for all the Ilocano dishes I've tried.  We went to Paraiso ni Anton (Paradise of Anton), I was quite excited for this because I was told the water have healing powers! 

I am serious about looking for healing powers :P

After reaching the top most part would you believe it rained?  Blessings I believe!  I don't mind getting soaked wet because its an experience I wouldn't want to miss.  Yup!  Getting wet included!

Here's the "magical water" from Paraiso ni Anton :)

Oh yeah, forgot to add that we went to Pagudpod as well!  Check out the shot the photographer took for us! I love this!  This is my favorite!

What do you think about our Road Tripping?
Don't worry, as soon as I'm back in Manila, I'll give you girls more details on how to win your own road trip with your friends soon!!!
As for now, do  not forgot to be glued to our adventure!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(photos without watermark courtesy of Jeck Simbulan for Vaseline Philippines)

Paoay Church, Sitio Remedios + Day 2 Contest

Good day!!!  I've been running around with the energy I can't explain, it must be the sites, the tour and the feel of Road Tripping!!!  I've been a road tripper most of the time but it's always out of the country!  I can't believe I missed so much for 3 decades + one of my life!!!  And guys...it's never too late to start exploring!  I promise you!

Continuation of Day 2 at Laoag City.  We visited the famous Paoay Church, I've only been seeing photos of this lovely structure and I swear....it's 1 million times better looking in person!  Anyone who's single would love to get married right there and then and to those who are already married would love to renew their vows!  *sigh*

Side view, of the Church, who in the world with great minds could think of building a Church this way?  Definitely NOT me, people have creative minds even way back in the past for sure!  I had my jaw dropped open when I learned that large coral stones where use for the lower level of the church and bricks on the upper levels!  And to add it's "Impressive List",  I was told that this church is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.  Double impressive!

The bell tower near the church sits there like a little guardian to the huge church.  Hannah and myself took the stairs up and we were holding on to our dear life as the steps were original from way back!  But the moment you reach to the topmost level, you forget all your troubles! 

I've read somewhere that the bell tower serves as an observation "deck" by the Katipuneros, as for Hannah and myself, this place serves as a best place to take a shot!

Comes dinner time, we got an  invite for a dinner at Sitio Remedios.  Thanks to the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Mr. Martin S. Valera, the Regional Director of Region 1, for the invite.  The resort Sitio Remedios is almost an hour drive from Fort Ilocandia. The resort overlooks South China Sea *double sigh*

The Scrumptious dinner was served, again thanks to DOT

Our dearest cute Ada with a Banana! *laughs* That seriously rhymes!

Pretty Hannah just finished her meal

Before I end this post!  Contest time once again!  As you all know, I am a beauty blogger so beauty products are definitely a must when I travel  A sneak peek, I've managed to squeeze in a couple of "must take along cosmetics to play makeup with my travels pals.  Would you believe I also taken along my nail art pens and polishes?  Addiction for sure!  

CONTEST TIME for Day 2!

To my local readers, our dear friends from Vaseline will give out exciting prizes daily for the duration of the Roadtrip!  I will be posting a question per day based on the adventure or post for the day! 

"Aside from sunblock, which beauty product do you think AMW re-applies  every now and then on this road trip?" 

(Ex: Face Powder, Eyeliner, Blush, Lipstick, Lip balm...etc...)

1. Comment the answer together with your name and email address.
3. Only 1 comment per person.
4. The entry with the correct answer will be randomly chosen and winners will be announced on this blog!
5. All the winners will be announced on a separate post AFTER my Road Trip! 
6. Read the Full Terms and Conditions by smiling and clicking HERE


Have fun reading!!!  I'm off for the next adventure!  Where will I go next?
Hmmm......

Keep smilin'!
Stay happy!

Day 2: Fun activities, Malacanang of the North and Paoay Lake

Hey there!  Day 2 started with a blast!  We ended the day with a lot of excitement!  Check out our "jump shot" below taken before the Day 1 activities ended.  This was taken at Fort Ilocandia.

Woke up early morning and had a nice buffet breakfast at Fort Ilocandia  They served local dishes plus the usual Continental Style breakfast.  I had a bit of everything and of course, COFFEE to start my day!

I got giddy like a kid when I was told our first activity for Day 2 Road Trip is to give ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) a try!  As a boring girl who works and lives in Manila most of my life!  I am only aware of "Go Carting" or "bump cars" *laughs*  This All-Terrain-Vehicle ride at the sandy dunes of the resort made me relax and enjoy the scenery and experience! 

What else but a quick pose before the ride

L-R Me, Ada and Hannah

That's me, smiling giddily even with a helmet.  Getting the hang of this and trying to show off my skill ... LOOKIE! No hands!!! The bragging only lasted a couple of seconds though..oh well!  Good times...

I have to say, today, there's so many firsts!  I also played golf and for a first timer?  Thank goodness I did not hit anyone!  I did not have a shot of this as I got my hands and head full!  The right posture, the right swing...and of course, making sure to  hit the golf ball! :P

We visited the Marcos's Residence in which they call the Malacanang of the North (Palace or White House of the North)

You can see the Paoay Lake at the Balcony!  If I live in a house that overlooks a nice lake, I will never leave my house! :D

As I was checking out the place, a cute dog greeted me and he's obviously happy with the wigging tail!  I wanted to touch him but he's scared!  I do miss my 3 Poms back home!

I will report back tomorrow about the remaining adventure of Day 2!  And of course, be sure to visit back as I will post another question for Day 2 Contest!  Again, it's Php1,000 worth of Vaseline Products!!!

And if I started this post with a jump shot, let me end this post with another shot for all of you! :D

** isn't Ada crazy great with jumpshots?

It's super hot and humid today, thank goodness I've done my part to protect my skin. (Thanks to Hannah for this shot)

Keep smilin'
Stay Happy!

(Photos without watermark courtesy of Jeck Simbulan for Vaseline Philippines)

First Sight of Laoag City

Hi people of the world!!! I am having the time of my life and let me share to you first what I visited on Day one.

The St. William's Cathedral is the largest Cathedral in South East Asia I believe.  This was built to support the Christians in Laoag.  Once you go to the entrance, you'll see short description about the Cathedral.

A full shot of St. William's Cathedral, perfect with clear blue sky at the background.

Hannah, Ada and myself took time to appreciate the architecture of the church.  Everything was so serene and I took a moment to pray to thank the Lord for the wonderful blessings this year.  Being part of this Road Trip is a Jackpot itself!

A couple of walk away from the Cathedral is the famous Sinking Bell Tower which I was told sinks 1/4 inch a year! 

What does a girl do if there's a bazaar close by? Check out the stuffs that were on sale!  Hannah, Ada and myself took time to checkout the hats, the accessories and trinkets.  We actually bought bracelets for souvenir!  I am proud to say, I bargained and got a good deal!  Growing up a cheapo pays! LOL 

We also saw the Tobacco Monopoly Monument, after talking to a local, we learned that it was built to serve as a thanksgiving to the Crown of Spain.

We ended the afternoon with a well known "Pancit Canton" at La Moda Panciteria.  They are awarded as one of the best restaurants in Laoag and after tasting their "Pancit Canton" (noodles) with Bagnet, I can't help but agree.

Did you know that?
Our beauty blogger Shen, gave me a call last night and I was told this famous restaurant is owned by her family!!!  I should have known and asked for bigger servings! *laughs*

I have to say bye for now!  I'd love to share more about my adventure but I'm outside and laptop battery is dying down!!!

Keep that big smile coming and join me as I go through my Road trip and local readers (girls), please do not forget to join the daily contest!

What's in store?  Vaseline gift packs worth Php1,000!!!

Thanks everyone for being excited!
Love ya all!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Day 1: Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel + Day 1 Contest

Fort Ilocandia is the only 5-star deluxe resort hotel!  That's what I read on the website when I researched on the place I will spend 2 nights on.  And I agree when I arrived, we were welcomed by wonderful singers as I borrowed a tambourine and sing and dance like I was part of the team!

As you go inside the hotel, a nice chandelier greeted me!  The interior of the reception area is quite cozy.

A welcome drink!  Pineapple Orange juice! It was really hot so I sipped right through it!

I'm on Room 292 and see how huge this hotel room is!  And I am staying alone!  I can jump from one bed to another I swear!  :)

My huge bed!  I guess this room is a room for 3!  I feel so pampered!

Me and my girl friends inside my room applying Vaseline Healthy White SPF24 prior to leaving the room for a quick city tour.

Pool side plus the view of the rooms!

Golf course, a very nice shot from the lady in white!

A "Venetian-like" canal which reminded me of the recent Macau trip I had!

A lengthy pool!

Fort Ilocandia is quite huge!  I like it that they have "signs" on random areas!

No reason to get lost!

The wonderful beach that took my breathe away!  Waves aren't bad but it's super windy! I can literally taste sand!!!  It was really gorgeous and we took time to emote down here! :)

And what more could you ask for?  A nice photo-op with a local Carabao!  He's 12 years old by the way!  And he's super sweet!

Hannah

Ada

And of course, I don't want you to forget my face! lol

ME!  

The carabao's skin is quite warm!  Feels like summer! :)
It's a very nice place to stay and I'll enjoy it while it last!
I'll be off for another adventure tomorrow! 
Stay tuned!

CONTEST TIME!
To my local readers, our dear friends from Vaseline will give out exciting prizes daily for the duration of the Roadtrip!  I will be posting a question per day based on the adventure or post for the day!  The first question will be very easy!  

"Which part of Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel do you think is AMW's Favorite?"

1. Answer could be: "The room!  The pool!" etc...
2. Comment the answer together with your name and email address.
3. Only 1 comment per person.
4. The entry with the correct answer will be randomly chosen and winners will be announced on this blog!
5. All the winners will be announced on a separate post AFTER my Road Trip!  
6. Read the Full Terms and Conditions by smiling and clicking HERE

Goodluck!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

**Photo without watermark courtesy of Jeck Simbulan for Vaseline Philippines