Day 4: Leaving Pagudpod and off to Vigan!

I woke up early this morning and took a shot of Hannah's Beach Resort, Pagudpod before I left for Vigan.  It was really sunny and hot but I am ready as I had my sunblock on!

I've applied it 20 minutes prior to leaving my hotel room and I've given Vaseline Healthy White SPF24 Triple Lightening a test and so far I am quite impressed! 

The weather is getting back to it's hot, sunny state but I don't mind!  I am very excited to see Vigan! 

I've heard so many good things about the place and what made me even more excited is that there is an activity that I can do which I didn't know exist!  Pottery making!!! 

The burnay-making in Vigan was introduced by the Chinese immigrants.  The owner of the pottery is Mr. Go.  His dad owns the pottery place and he started pottery making as early as 12 years old!  He gamely took off his top and demonstrated pottery making, the real one!  I kind a have this picture of Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore!  Thank goodness it was finally erased and changed to Mr. Richard Gere *ahem* image.  Hahaha  I was in awe seeing him in action as he explained to us that using clay pot to store vineger will make it taste better overtime!

Checkout how easy it looks!

The clay amazingly changed its shape effortless

Almost done!  I  was quite impressed that he can answer questions, make a joke, look at us straight in the eye all at the same time while doing this masterpiece!  Thanks to Mr. Go for taking his time to show us the basics of pottery making.  He's a very busy man!

Here's my best stance trying to look like I know what I was doing.  The finish product isn't impressive at all!  Take my word on that!

Off we went to take Kalesa Ride (horse driven carriage).  The name of our horse is Dolly!  So beautiful!

The City of Vigan has more than 150 ancestral houses, structures and historical landmark.  I've heard from this trip that this city was the only surviving colonial town in the entire Philippines.  

Hannah, Ada and myself on a carriage.  We actually went through so much under the sun, looking at photos, it's amazing how our skin color did not change much!

We're not afraid to walk around the oven-heated City of Vigan with the right SPF!

I'll tell you guys more about my adventure on my next post! And please check  back for Day 4 Contest!  I'll be announcing the winners soon!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy! 

** Photos without watermark from Jeck Simbulan for Vaseline Philippines

Day 4: Hannah's Beach Resort + Contest for Day 3

You've read all my experiences in Day 3 and as you all know, I'm currently at Pagudpod.  I, together with Hannah and Ada, is staying right in front of the famous Blue Lagoon!  We had a short bonfire last night and bonded even more!

Though the weather acted like a girl (changes her mind quite often), we were quite excited to get into our "cottage" or rooms.  I love it that my room is near the entrance and next to a restaurant.  This girl ain't getting hungry for sure!

As I walked in the room, here's the view of the room!  Very cozy and I love it that they have 2 chandelier lights!  Oh yeah, can you see what's on top of the television?   Thanks to a dear friend (you know who you are) for gifting us a miniature Bangui Windmill. 

The restaurant we had our snacks and dinner!  They serve local Ilocano food again and too bad, they serve gorgeous looking prawns but I can't risk allergies!   I'll probably wait for Ada's feedback on the prawn, she ate quite a number!  Sorry Ada, I spilled the beans! *ooooppss*

I'll be off for another adventure....do you know where the Vaseline Bloggers will be next?  Take a guess!  But before I end this post, I have another contest for Day 3!

If you take a look at this photo, you'll know that I am trying to move my way up to Paraiso ni Anton, when I heard miraculous healing power, I don't care if I walk on fire or walk on nails barefooted as long as I give this healing water a try!

Question for the day!

"What was I thinking when I was on my to the waters from Paraiso ni Anton?"

take a pick!
a. "Have to try this anti-aging properties! I'm looking forward for Fountain of Youth!"
b. "This could heal my skin allergies!  I wonder if this works?"
c. "I lost my slipper, where is it???"

Contest mechanics: (For Local Female Readers Only)
1. Comment the answer/letter 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! I'm excited to read your answers!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

** Photo without watermark Jeck Simbulan for Vaseline Philippines

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)