Going to Vigan when I was still in 9th grade is definitely one of the most memorable experiences of my life so far. When I first found out that we were going to Vigan for our annual “Sangkan” which is a competition among seminaries, I was so excited because this would be my first time going out of town.

DEPARTURE DAY

The day when we were about to leave, our coach in Volleyball had us play one more game so that we would keep calm before the competition and have fun before we left.The travel time really took a toll on my body. It’s a good thing I did not get car sick on the way or things would have gotten messy.

Our First Destination, PAGUDPUD

As the name implies, we really felt “Pagud” upon arriving at Pagudpud. The trip took almost 12-13 hours because of bad traffic. We got off the bus, then checked in to our rooms. It was already 4 in the morning at that time. Once we securely put all our stuff in the room, we decided not to go to sleep and played card games instead.

 

A few minutes before 6 in the morning came, we decided to go out for a swim at the beach. The beach really looked beautiful and the water was really cold but we did not care anyways cause we just wanted to enjoy the moment.

BANGUI WIND FARM

They called it a wind farm for a reason. And the name does live up to its reputation. It was so windy that I even had a hard time trying to keep my eyes open. The windmills were enormous! It was my first time seeing a windmill that big in person. It was really awesome and I just knew I had to take a photo with my old man cause I knew that experiences like these would only come once in a lifetime.

BANTAY CHURCH AND BANTAY BELLTOWER

Bantay Church and Bell Tower is one of the famous landmarks in the town/barrio of Bantay (Ili ti Bantay in Ilokano) in Ilocos Sur. The church is also known as “St. Augustine Parish” and “Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de La Caridad.

Since it was my first visit in the church, I prayed and asked some wishes. I did it because someone told me if it’s my first time in a church wherever I go, I can ask for wish (I got nothing to lose anyway).

The Bantay Bell Tower structures really impressed me. The architectural design is really unique and artistic. Taking photos on this magnificent tower is really a must. These are the rich reminders of the history of the Philippines. Let us preserve its beauty for the future generations to see.

BALUARTE ZOO

If you love animals, then once you are able to visit Vigan, this is definitely one place that you should go to with your friends and family.

For all the animal lovers out there, I hope you get to visit this place soon.

HIDDEN GARDEN

LILONG AND LILANG RESTAURANT

After having visited these places, my dad and I had already worked up an appetite. So we visited this specific restaurant. It was like I was eating the food my mom cooked back home. What made it even better was that I was there to eat with my dad.
After all, everything is best spent with the ones that you love the most.

ALL BEGINNINGS COME TO AN END AND ALL ENDS LEAD TO NEW BEGINNINGS

After 3 days and 2 nights, we went home. I had hangovers from that trip. It was really worthwhile and really fun while it lasted.

I really hope I get to do something like this again (once I have enough money anyways). Home is where your heart is and I’ll always feel happy whenever I am around those that I love. Cherish your loved ones and never make them feel that they are insignificant. I hope you get to experience something like this too one day.