Kathleen's Daily Musings http://kathmadula.com Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:16:14 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 Monopod Manila http://kathmadula.com/2012/02/monopod-manila/ http://kathmadula.com/2012/02/monopod-manila/#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:16:14 +0000 Kathleen http://kathmadula.com/?p=3064 Since Tuesdays are meant for travelling posts, I’m sharing one of the essential “gadgets” you need when exploring the world. This can help you take good photos of you and your friends as well as situations when you need to tip toe to be able to get a peek of what’s happening. Well, this would help me a lot though considering my height. Hahaha!

Recently I purchased my very first Monopod from Monopod Manila. I’ve been seeing posts by Patty Laurel about this awesome gadget. Little did I know, it was her bff Alessandra Lanot’s business. (I just assumed ... [ Continue reading Monopod Manila ]]]> Since Tuesdays are meant for travelling posts, I’m sharing one of the essential “gadgets” you need when exploring the world. This can help you take good photos of you and your friends as well as situations when you need to tip toe to be able to get a peek of what’s happening. Well, this would help me a lot though considering my height. Hahaha!

Recently I purchased my very first Monopod from Monopod Manila. I’ve been seeing posts by Patty Laurel about this awesome gadget. Little did I know, it was her bff Alessandra Lanot’s business. (I just assumed since the account name where the money will be deposited is hers)

Anyway, I thought that it is big and bulky like that of what I normally see in Photography stores. I was literally shocked when I saw how small it is. As in “ito na yon? Kaya pala Php 650 lang!”. Hahaha! I didn’t read the dimensions because I am confident that this is a great device since I’ve heard a lot of people using this already.

I do have my DSLR but seriously I sometimes don’t get to use it as much because I find it heavy and irritating. Though you really get good pictures from it, it’s not practical at times. This weekend, I’ll be having my first international trip and I won’t be bringing the DSLR with me. I will just use a normal digital camera and would bring this monopod with me. Let’s see the outcome of this in a week’s time.

 

To order Monopod, you can contact: monopodmanila@gmail.com or visit their website at Monopod Manila

]]> http://kathmadula.com/2012/02/monopod-manila/feed/ 0 FOR SALE: Baby Dresses for GIRLS http://kathmadula.com/2012/02/for-sale-baby-dresses-for-girls/ http://kathmadula.com/2012/02/for-sale-baby-dresses-for-girls/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:06:11 +0000 Kathleen http://kathmadula.com/?p=3052 I was able to get some cute baby dresses from a supplier who exports overseas! These dresses are all made in the Philippines and has designs similar to Periwinkle’s.

If you want to buy or be a reseller, kindly send me an email at me@kathmadula.com for inquiries.

For the mean time, check out the photos section of my Facebook page for sample dresses. Available sizes are from infant, meaning 0-1month up until the age of 8!

]]> I was able to get some cute baby dresses from a supplier who exports overseas! These dresses are all made in the Philippines and has designs similar to Periwinkle’s.

If you want to buy or be a reseller, kindly send me an email at me@kathmadula.com for inquiries.

For the mean time, check out the photos section of my Facebook page for sample dresses. Available sizes are from infant, meaning 0-1month up until the age of 8!

]]> http://kathmadula.com/2012/02/for-sale-baby-dresses-for-girls/feed/ 0 November Travel 2011: Ilocos Day 4 – Laoag http://kathmadula.com/2012/02/november-travel-2011-ilocos-day-4-laoag/ http://kathmadula.com/2012/02/november-travel-2011-ilocos-day-4-laoag/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:49:56 +0000 Kathleen http://kathmadula.com/?p=2904 Our last day was spent within the city of Laoag. We just maximized our stay and roam around the city.

Here’s what we did on our last day.

1. La Preciousa

We first had our lunch in one of the famous restaurants that serves authentic Ilocano dishes. We were so excited because we wanted to have Bagnet for lunch! Hahaha! We had the following dishes for lunch.

Hhigadu Php 160 Our version of bopis, perfect for sumptous meal

This tastes better than what we had in Continue reading November Travel 2011: Ilocos Day 4 – Laoag ]]]> Our last day was spent within the city of Laoag. We just maximized our stay and roam around the city.

Here’s what we did on our last day.

1. La Preciousa

We first had our lunch in one of the famous restaurants that serves authentic Ilocano dishes. We were so excited because we wanted to have Bagnet for lunch! Hahaha! We had the following dishes for lunch.

Hhigadu Php 160
Our version of bopis, perfect for sumptous meal

This tastes better than what we had in Papa Nards!

Bagnet with KBL Php 160
Real mouth watering delicacy-deep fried pork belly served with Kamatis, Bagoong and Lazona

The ultimate dish! Hahaha! Sooo delicious, a must try for everyone! The crispy pork belly sauced with KBL makes you want to eat some more. You really can’t stop eating. Hahaha! Too bad their serving is not that many so we all have our fair share.

Pinakbet
* wasn’t able to take note of this *

This one tastes a lot different from the Pinakbet that I know. Maybe Ilocano style means adding tomato sauce in it? I don’t know. It’s red and a little sour. I didn’t like the taste at first but as you get some more you’ll get used to it.

the after math

The next time we go there, we’ll try their cakes and pastries.

cakes and pastries

2. Laoag Church
Since we already heard mass in Batac, we just visited Laoag Church to pray. Did you know that when you visit a Church for the first time, you’re entitled of one wish! ^_^ So, the more new Churches you visit, the more wishes you have! I can’t remember who and when I learned of that but I do practice it every time.

Laoag Church

inside Laoag Church

a beautiful grotto on the side of the Church

3. Sinking Bell Tower
I can’t remember the first time I saw this tower. It seems like an old tower in the middle of the city. Nothing much to brag about though.

4. Fort Ilocandia Resort
The best resort in the North I guess. The landscape was superb and the surroundings were clean. Everything seems like it’s organized and maintained very well. However, I wonder how many customers they have in average? We didn’t see anyone roaming around and enjoying the beauty of the place.

nice landscape

place where you can do the ATV ride

After a while, we realized that Sightseeing was already prohibited. I don’t know why. Maybe for security reasons? Well, at least we managed to see almost the entire place.

warning sign

After touring the city of Laoag, we packed our things and waited for our flight back home. We booked a PAL flight since we all used our miles for the fare.

We all had fun and was satisfied with our trip. Hoping to have more adventures like this in the next few months. :)

La Preciousa
Rizal St., Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Tel No. 773-1162
Branch: Robinson’s Mall, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte

Check out the summary of our Ilocos trip here: November Travel 2011: Ilocos, Philippines

]]> http://kathmadula.com/2012/02/november-travel-2011-ilocos-day-4-laoag/feed/ 0 ParaSaTabi.com – Public Transportation Guide in the Philippines http://kathmadula.com/2012/02/parasatabi-com-public-transportation-guide-in-the-philippines/ http://kathmadula.com/2012/02/parasatabi-com-public-transportation-guide-in-the-philippines/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:56:56 +0000 Kathleen http://kathmadula.com/?p=3041 Have you ever experienced going to some place in Manila but you don’t know where it is?

Do you ever wish there is a GPS installed in your brain?

Did you have a hard time trying to check how to go from one place to another?

Well, here’s a website for you: ParaSaTabi.com!

It is an effort of Cholo Asis whose aim is to help students, job seekers, and people living in provinces to be familiar with the public transportation system in the Philippines. Though it’s still in the beta stage, you can actually ... [ Continue reading ParaSaTabi.com – Public Transportation Guide in the Philippines ]]]> Have you ever experienced going to some place in Manila but you don’t know where it is?

Do you ever wish there is a GPS installed in your brain?

Did you have a hard time trying to check how to go from one place to another?

Well, here’s a website for you: ParaSaTabi.com!

It is an effort of Cholo Asis whose aim is to help students, job seekers, and people living in provinces to be familiar with the public transportation system in the Philippines. Though it’s still in the beta stage, you can actually use it already. The site was also featured in iBopAsia.

website's screenshot

To help the developers, you can send them comments, suggestions or even report a bug if you’ve encountered one.

]]> http://kathmadula.com/2012/02/parasatabi-com-public-transportation-guide-in-the-philippines/feed/ 0 November Travel 2011: Ilocos Day 3 – Paoay and Batac http://kathmadula.com/2012/01/november-travel-2011-ilocos-day-3-paoay-and-batac/ http://kathmadula.com/2012/01/november-travel-2011-ilocos-day-3-paoay-and-batac/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:20:10 +0000 Kathleen http://kathmadula.com/?p=2902 We left Pagudpud before lunch so we can still roam around Laoag. Again we thought of riding an air conditioned bus or van but we failed. The only available transportation is an ordinary bus. It costs Php 180/pax and good thing the Northern part of the Philippines is not that polluted so being in an ordinary bus is not that bad.

Since we had a bad experience with local tricycle drivers who charge us more than the normal fare, we asked the bus driver for directions for ... [ Continue reading November Travel 2011: Ilocos Day 3 – Paoay and Batac ]]]> We left Pagudpud before lunch so we can still roam around Laoag. Again we thought of riding an air conditioned bus or van but we failed. The only available transportation is an ordinary bus. It costs Php 180/pax and good thing the Northern part of the Philippines is not that polluted so being in an ordinary bus is not that bad.

Since we had a bad experience with local tricycle drivers who charge us more than the normal fare, we asked the bus driver for directions for our hotel. We stayed in Hotel Tiffany, very near the bus station. The hotel is just beside the Macy’s diner that looks like one of the old school fancy diners. After checking in, we went directly to the diner to have lunch. We’re starving already that time!

Our planned stops for that day are 4 places but we didn’t get to go inside the Marcos museum since it was already closed. However, we managed to see his mausoleum because we came just in time for the final viewing. No picture taking allowed inside so I can’t share to you how he looks like.

Anyway, here are the pictures and some information of our 3rd day adventure.

1. Nana Rosa’s Chichacorn

It was really our first stop when we get to Paoay because we might ran out of stock. True enough, when we arrived there, the only available size was the small one in garlic flavor. We had no choice but to wait for the next batch of chichacorn which will be available by 7pm. It was only 4pm that time so we went back downtown and took pictures in Paoay Church.

You might ask why the craze? It’s one of the best chichacorns in Laoag. It is not readily available elsewhere so you really have to go and get some for yourself. Some nearby local stores sell them too but with a higher price, around Php20-30 difference. It’s the perfect pasalubong for your friends and family!

How to get there? Just ask the local tricycle drivers to bring you to Nana Rosa’s factory. They charge Php50/trip since it’s quite far.

2. Paoay Church

Nothing much to tell, we just took a picture with the old famous church and went to Batac afterwards. We wanted to try the restaurant nearby that serves unique Ilocano pizza but we were already full when we went back to claim the chichacorns.

3. Marcos Museum

As I’ve said, we arrived late in the afternoon so it was already closed. We happened to be there for the last viewing of the mausoleum so that’s the only thing we saw there.

4. Batac Riverside Empanadaan

The famous alley where they sell Ilocano empanadas. There were a number of options where to buy empanada so we just went to the store where everybody seems to be ordering empanada. Hahaha! And we also ate Mami but we didn’t like it. Although a lot of people looks like they’re enjoying the noodles, we really don’t. Maybe it’s an acquired taste? I’m really not sure. :p

Laoag Empanada

Mami (Noodles)

5. Batac Church

Luckily, there was an anticipated mass in Batac Church. So after we had our little food trip, we heard mass in Ilocano. I don’t understand a thing the priest said in his homily but some parts of the mass were in Tagalog. We just interpret it in our minds though.

Finally, after the mass we headed to the chichacorn factory again to claim our orders. It was dark already so we really wanted to go back to the hotel.

cornik! :) )

It was a long tiring day for us!

 

Check out the summary of our Ilocos trip here: November Travel 2011: Ilocos, Philippines

]]> http://kathmadula.com/2012/01/november-travel-2011-ilocos-day-3-paoay-and-batac/feed/ 0 November Travel 2011: Ilocos Day 2 – Pagudpud http://kathmadula.com/2012/01/november-travel-2011-ilocos-day-2-pagudpud/ http://kathmadula.com/2012/01/november-travel-2011-ilocos-day-2-pagudpud/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:10:07 +0000 Kathleen http://kathmadula.com/?p=2900 A full day of touring Northern and Southern Ilocos. We hired a tour guide for Php 1000, good for 3 persons. However, since he’s using a tricycle it is recommended that you bring a cap and long sleeves for the person who would be sitting at the back of the driver. It’s a long ride and the heat of the sun might burn your skin.

check out the plate number! it's the reverse of our Vigan's kalesa plate number!

We visited around 7 places in one day. See the places we’ve been to in chronological order.

... [ Continue reading November Travel 2011: Ilocos Day 2 – Pagudpud ]]]> A full day of touring Northern and Southern Ilocos. We hired a tour guide for Php 1000, good for 3 persons. However, since he’s using a tricycle it is recommended that you bring a cap and long sleeves for the person who would be sitting at the back of the driver. It’s a long ride and the heat of the sun might burn your skin.

check out the plate number! it's the reverse of our Vigan's kalesa plate number! :)

We visited around 7 places in one day. See the places we’ve been to in chronological order.

1. Bangui Windmills
The first time I went to Ilocos, these are not yet built. It was also my first time to see a windmill up close. I don’t know how tall it was but it’s really gigantic.

2. Cape Bojeador
The lighthouse was open to the public before, however this time it was already closed. I’m really not sure what the reason was but maybe for safety reasons. Nothing much to see though.

3. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
Another wonderful creation. This was formed because of the sea waves. I never thought that there could be anything like this in the Philippines. It would be nicer if there were numerous rock formation but this was the only one created by nature. The tryk parked somewhere and we have to walk for about 15-30mins just to reach these rocks. It’s worth it. A wonderful nature’s view coupled with a windy atmosphere. It makes us want not to go back the tryk. Hahaha!

4. Picture taking at Pagudpud landmark
A Pagudpud landmark was built near Saud beach. We had our pictures taken for souvenir! ^_^

We had a lunch break after that. We ate in Papa Nards, a small carinderia near the Municipal Hall. We then ordered some Ilocano cuisine but I can only remember Higado. Afterwards, we continued our adventure. Though the weather was not that cooperative that time, it didn’t stop us to explore the region. Here are the sites we’ve been to after lunch.

Ilocano cuisine

5. Patapat Viaduct
A long winding road going to Cagayan Valleys. We were lucky to see a rainbow that day.

6. Bukal (Paraiso ni Anton)
A very cold water used by tryk drivers as well as the locals for cleaning and sometimes drinking. However, we are advised not to drink from it because we’re not used to. We might end up with an upset stomach afterwards.

7. Hannah’s Resort, Blue Lagoon
Since the weather was not that good, we didn’t appreciate the famous Blue Lagoon. I hope the next time I go back to this place, I would be able to see the heavenly blue lagoon.

We stayed in Blue Lagoon for an hour and went back to our stay. We wanted to witness the sunset in Saud beach that’s why we opted to go back early.

making empanada

By dinner time, we headed to the Municipal Hall vicinity for some food trip. They say that empanadas were sold during the night so we went there to taste the famous Ilocano empanada. We also had barbies and balut that time. It was such a cool way to end the day.

bbq and balut while waiting for the empanada

Check out the summary of our Ilocos trip here: November Travel 2011: Ilocos, Philippines

]]> http://kathmadula.com/2012/01/november-travel-2011-ilocos-day-2-pagudpud/feed/ 0 Don Bosco Fun Run 2012 http://kathmadula.com/2012/01/don-bosco-fun-run-2012-3510k-manila-and-other-provinces/ http://kathmadula.com/2012/01/don-bosco-fun-run-2012-3510k-manila-and-other-provinces/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:30:58 +0000 Kathleen http://kathmadula.com/?p=3013 Calling all Bosconians out there, there would be a Don Bosco Fun Run 2012!

Don Bosco will be celebrating its 60th Anniversary in the Philippines with a fun run. This is a fundraising project for the 8 Don Bosco TVET Centers in its efforts to educate the marginalized youth.

I just saw this ad in Takbo.ph but no complete details yet. This is pretty exciting ‘coz this year I want to try fun runs for physical exercise. I hope I can join this one.

For those interested here are the details posted in Takbo.ph website.

WHAT: Don ... [ Continue reading Don Bosco Fun Run 2012 ]]]> Calling all Bosconians out there, there would be a Don Bosco Fun Run 2012!

Don Bosco will be celebrating its 60th Anniversary in the Philippines with a fun run. This is a fundraising project for the 8 Don Bosco TVET Centers in its efforts to educate the marginalized youth.

I just saw this ad in Takbo.ph but no complete details yet. This is pretty exciting ‘coz this year I want to try fun runs for physical exercise. I hope I can join this one.

For those interested here are the details posted in Takbo.ph website.

WHAT: Don Bosco Fun Run 2012 – Run, Jump and Make Noise

WHEN: February 26, 2012, Sunday

WHERE: Quirino Grandstand.

EVENTS

3K, 5K, 10K

REGISTRATION FEE

350 Php for all categories
inclusive of Singlet, Race Bib, and RFID*

100% of the proceeds will go to the beneficiary

*RFID for Manila Leg only

WHERE TO REGISTER

details to follow

CONTACT

For more information look for Jeff Gomez 09166113970

DON BOSCO FUN RUN SINGLET

Don Bosco Fun Run Singlet

 

]]> http://kathmadula.com/2012/01/don-bosco-fun-run-2012-3510k-manila-and-other-provinces/feed/ 0 Kung Hei Fat Choi 2012 http://kathmadula.com/2012/01/kung-hei-fat-choi-2012/ http://kathmadula.com/2012/01/kung-hei-fat-choi-2012/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:49:18 +0000 Kathleen http://kathmadula.com/?p=3007 Today marks the start of the Chinese New Year 2012. It’s the year of the Dragon. I’m not a Chinese but sometimes I read horoscopes for fun. Let’s see what’s in store for me for the rest of the year.

First off, let’s learn more about the Dragon. According to the Chinese Zodiac, it occupies the 5th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon is the mightiest of the signs. It is also the only mythological creature in the Chinese zodiac. Dragons prefer to live by their own rules and if left on their own, are usually successful. They’re ... [ Continue reading Kung Hei Fat Choi 2012 ]]]> Today marks the start of the Chinese New Year 2012. It’s the year of the Dragon. I’m not a Chinese but sometimes I read horoscopes for fun. Let’s see what’s in store for me for the rest of the year.

First off, let’s learn more about the Dragon. According to the Chinese Zodiac, it occupies the 5th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon is the mightiest of the signs. It is also the only mythological creature in the Chinese zodiac. Dragons prefer to live by their own rules and if left on their own, are usually successful. They’re driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. They’re passionate in all they do and they do things in grand fashion. Unfortunately, this passion and enthusiasm can leave Dragons feeling exhausted and interestingly, unfulfilled.

Water Dragons – Years 1952 and 2012

Water calms the Dragon’s fire. Water Dragons are able to see things from other points of view. They don’t have the need to always be right. Their decisions, if well-researched, are usually better since they allow other’s to become involved.

So I thought it’s just a simple year of the Dragon, little did I know that Dragons have 5 elements: metal, water, wood, firs and earth. And as stated above, this year is specifically the “Water Dragon“.

Now let’s see what’s my horoscope for the year having the Zodiac sign: Rat. I did some research and the horoscope from the Chinese Fortune Calendar was the nicest so far. Hahaha!

image by: gotohoroscope.com

Rat people’s fortune in 2012 Dragon year is fair. It shouldn’t have a very exciting result or a very sad ending. Rat is in the Water group of Chinese Five Elements astrology. Dragon contains Earth, Water and Wood. In Chinese astrology, Dragon has a nickname, the Water Dam. When Rat Water enters the Dragon Water Dam, then the water will stop and stay inside. This implies Rat people won’t see outstanding achievement in the Dragon year, but it doesn’t mean that you have trouble in career, money or love. It only means you might get less return than you expected even if you put more effort in it. As long as you don’t aim too high, you will be satisfied with what you will do in 2012.

Rat Water is connected to wisdom. In the Dragon year, Rat people can spend more time learning, improving job skills, and placing emphasis physical exercise. This way, you will have knowledge and energy to participate more network activities and build more people relationships. The network of resources will help you bring more income later. This is good time to charge yourself.

Career: When Rat meets Dragon, Dragon will be a very good advisor and it will bring wisdom to Rat. 2012 is a good opportunity for Rat people to perform their job duty, simply because Rat can do diligent work. Rat people will earn appreciation from their boss. Since the people relationship is good, Rat can get support and help from people around. The career opportunity might arrive suddenly. You can receive the benefit from the team work. Since Rat Water will enter Dragon Water Dam, people cannot see Rat after all. So remember that you should share credit to your partners to develop a deeper social network. Do not argue with people, otherwise you might lose your support.

Money: Money luck is fair and steady. 2012 is Water Dragon year. Rat people will be busy enjoying their social life. Either Rat people spend money on their friends, or their friends will help Rat people bring more income. Usually, if your astrology birth chart is lacking in Water, then your friend will provide you with financial advice or tell you about investment opportunities. The money luck will come better than you expected. If your astrology birth chart already has too much money, then your friends might ask a financial aid from you. Rat is Water and Dragon is Earth. Water is afraid of Earth. If Rat wants to spend too much money, then Dragon will stop it. It’s safe for Rat people to look for long-term investment. A short-term risk business won’t give you a satisfied result.

Love: Rat can get along with Dragon well. The Rat people’s emotional development in 2012 will go smoothly. It’s a good time for unmarried Rat people to find the ideal partner. Married couples should have a sweet memory of love in the Dragon year. However, Dragon is a Spiritual and Intelligent Star to Rat. Sometimes, Dragon needs quiet time and doesn’t focus on love. It’s possible that the one you love cannot spend too much time with you because of job or career reason. Therefore, if something unexpected happens to the love relationship, Rat people need to have some patience for a better timing of a romantic moment.

Health: The health luck is fair. Rat people should not have any big trouble in the Dragon year. 2012 is Water Dragon year. Dragon also contains Water. Therefore Rat people just have to pay attention on their cardiovascular system or watch for any kidney disease. It’s a good idea to emphasize on physical exercise to keep the body warm. Also, Rat people should stay away from alcohol and tobacco to make sure there is no minor disease to bother you in the year of Dragon.

 

This year would be a fair year for me according to the Chinese culture. Pretty nice year I guess. ^_^

What’s your horoscope says for you in the year 2012? I’d be glad if you can share yours. :)

 

]]> http://kathmadula.com/2012/01/kung-hei-fat-choi-2012/feed/ 0 November Travel 2011: Ilocos Day 1 – Vigan http://kathmadula.com/2012/01/november-travel-2011-ilocos-day-1-vigan/ http://kathmadula.com/2012/01/november-travel-2011-ilocos-day-1-vigan/#comments Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:30:25 +0000 Kathleen http://kathmadula.com/?p=2897 After last year’s All Saint’s Day, we headed to the North for some adventure! This was my 2nd time to be in Ilocos and my first was 9 years ago. So this is pretty exciting for me too.

ticketing booth at Partas

We rode the bus in Aurora Blvd, Partas around 9.30pm and started to depart Manila by 10:00pm. The bus fare was Php 685 each.

Partas bus

We arrived early morning in Vigan so we had our breakfast in one of the carinderias beside the Bell tower. Actually, we didn’t know that it ... [ Continue reading November Travel 2011: Ilocos Day 1 – Vigan ]]]> After last year’s All Saint’s Day, we headed to the North for some adventure! This was my 2nd time to be in Ilocos and my first was 9 years ago. So this is pretty exciting for me too. :)

ticketing booth at Partas

We rode the bus in Aurora Blvd, Partas around 9.30pm and started to depart Manila by 10:00pm. The bus fare was Php 685 each.

Partas bus

We arrived early morning in Vigan so we had our breakfast in one of the carinderias beside the Bell tower. Actually, we didn’t know that it was beside the tower. When we had our tour in the daylight, we realized that it was the Church’s bells beside us that were ringing while we were eating. Since it was almost sunrise, we went straight to Calle Crisologo to rent a Kalesa to tour us in Vigan. If I remembered it right, it was Php 200/hour.

Our Vigan destinations were as follows:

1. Calle Crisologo

my entry for DOT's more fun campaign. :) )

2. Bell Tower

inside the bell tower. (dyan daw kinuha yung espada ni Panday!)

3. Baluarte ni Singson

4. Island Souvenirs

my favorite souvenir shop

check out our Kalesa's plate number! *143*

After the tour, we went to the terminal to catch a bus going to Laoag. We thought that there was a straight bus ride from Vigan to Pagudpud in mid day but we were wrong. Their schedules are in the early morning and in the evening. If you plan to go to Pagudpud in midday, you have no choice but to ride the bus to Laoag then from there ride another bus or van to Pagudpud. Quite tiring really.

The bus ride from Vigan to Laoag is Php 141/pax via Partas again then transferred to a van in Laoag going to Pagudpud that cost us Php 80/pax. Just a word of caution, be aware of tricycle drivers that ask you to pay them more than the standard rate. It’s usually only Php 11/pax but we experienced being charged for Php 25/pax. Ask the locals to help you negotiate. They’re pretty helpful and accommodating when approached.

We arrived in Pagudpud Rinnovati Inn around 3pm. We’re dead tired so we decided to rest and had a quick nap. We woke up just in time for dinner! Hahaha! We ate dinner in a nearby restaurant since it’s already dark and we don’t know the area. It’s been a long day for us so we just stayed inside our room for our first night.

As for the rooms in Pagudpud Rinnovati, it’s pretty decent though our faucet is broken. We have to use the valve instead. The arrangement of the bed and the TV is quite unusual but it’s okay. The aircon was fine too but sometimes, ice comes out from the aircon. Hahahaha! We don’t know why. Since we’re not staying there the whole time and we’re not that picky because of our budget. The room is okay for us. By the way, they also have a wifi but if your room is upstairs like where we were accommodated, you’ll only get 1 bar of wifi connection. You have to go out to have a good signal.

inside our room 4pax

That would be pretty much our adventure for our first day in Ilocos. The next day would be a whole day of Pagudpud tour.

Check out the summary of our Ilocos trip here: November Travel 2011: Ilocos, Philippines

]]> http://kathmadula.com/2012/01/november-travel-2011-ilocos-day-1-vigan/feed/ 0 It’s More Fun In The Philippines http://kathmadula.com/2012/01/its-more-fun-in-the-philippines/ http://kathmadula.com/2012/01/its-more-fun-in-the-philippines/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:34:30 +0000 Kathleen http://kathmadula.com/?p=2994 The Philippine’s Department of Tourism came up with a wonderful campaign of promoting our country. This has been trending for quite some time now and it’s fun to participate. The original brand was “It’s More Fun In The Philippines“.

image from: http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com

And I created one too from scratch. Later, I knew that there is this facebook app called More Fun Meme Maker to produce a picture with the caption either on top or bottom. Oh well, it looks the same way to me. For those who want to create their own More ... [ Continue reading It’s More Fun In The Philippines ]]]> The Philippine’s Department of Tourism came up with a wonderful campaign of promoting our country. This has been trending for quite some time now and it’s fun to participate. The original brand was “It’s More Fun In The Philippines“.

image from: http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com

And I created one too from scratch. Later, I knew that there is this facebook app called More Fun Meme Maker to produce a picture with the caption either on top or bottom. Oh well, it looks the same way to me. For those who want to create their own More Fun pictures, you can download Harabara font and make the text opacity to 75% to produce similar output for the campaign.

picture taken in Vigan, Ilocos, Philippines

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