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
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.
It was a long tiring day for us!
Check out the summary of our Ilocos trip here: November Travel 2011: Ilocos, Philippines
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