My ABRAmazing Adventure

My Abramazing Adventure

“One way to make the most out of life is to look at it as an adventure.”~William Feather

My most recent blog about Kaparkan Falls in Tineg is just one of the many
interesting places you’ll find in Abra.

I might sound redundant but I’m really thankful to discover Kaparkan falls leading me to a lot more exciting places to see in this specific province that’s sometimes patented to be unsafe. Actually it is safe. We didn’t encounter anything shaky the whole time we were there. But of course, we always pray for safety each time we go out right?

So the news we’ve been hearing (mostly politics related), didn’t deter our eagerness to visit this province.

On top of Kaparkan Falls, here are some of the places our travel agency flaunted to us. These and the team spirit (good vibes) made this trip a memorable one.

Don Mariano Marcos bridge (Abra Kalinga National Road)

Don Mariano Marcos bridge on our way to Tineg where Kaparkan falls is.

San Lorenzo Ruiz church (Bangued, Abra)

Bangued is the capital of Abra.

San Lorenzo Ruiz church at the Camposanto, Bangued. The churchyard have been constructed as a cemetery as well. It is beautiful because of those red bricks and the twin bell towers. =)

St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral (Tayum, Abra)

A 19th century Baroque church (Augustinian)

St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral

Both churches are still closed, and since it’s my first time being there, I made my wishes and prayers. =)

Tangadan Welcome Tunnel (San Quintin, Abra)

Built in 1934, this more than 50 meter tunnel took two years to be operational.

Gabriela Silang Monument (San Quintin, Abra)

One of the tributes dedicated to the first Filipina, fearless enough to fight for freedom. 

Abra Pasalubong Center (San Quintin, Abra)

Where we got the famous noodles, mascuvado sugar, local coffee, shirts and some souvenirs. =)

Open Theater at Victoria Park (Bangued, Abra)

View deck at Victoria Park (Bangued, Abra)

Good vibes only! #millennials

Balay ni Gian/ Carl Louie (for the longganiza and bagnet)

Gabriela Silang Carino Gallery of Fine Arts (Tayum, Abra)

Come lunch time, we had ours at “Hidden Garden” – Vigan City

I dropped a coin and made a wish. =)

We had Bagnet na sinigang and they’re version of Igado. And fruit shakes too.

We also had empanada while waiting for our orders.

Crisologo Street – Vigan City

Jen! No smoking! =p

Grace on the right, is our Travel agency co-owner, the 2 other equally pretty girls: Sandy and Clarisse, were my seatmates during our “rough road ride” to Kaparkan falls. They’re kind enough to share with me their shawl to cover our legs since we’re exposed to the scorching heat of the sun. =) I didn’t bring anything then, just my phone and my wallet. Jen and I at the background eating ice cream too. =)

It was great to see this famous street again. =)

On our way back to Manila, they were already discussing when and where to go next. Most of our photos are with hashtag: #wheretonext

Traveler point PH – please take charge! lol!

Batanes…Beyond expectations

Batanes – Beyond Our Expectations

I am so fortunate to witnessed the unspoiled and undisturbed beauty of Batanes, if not for the Ivatan’s (True Insulares) uniformed goal to preserve mother nature, this will not be achieved. Thanks to my soul buddy, for this once in a lifetime experience. (–,) ♥♥♥

Photo grabbed from: http://attyreycdar.blogspot.com/2014/07/wonders-of-batanes.html

It means “The goodness of God be with you.”

My soul sissy brought this for me claiming it must be part of my wardrobe.

We only spend a few days in Batanes though it is enough to leave me lifetime memories to cherish. It was raining most of the time on that first week of December. It is very cold, windy and wintery. We can’t go out without layers then.

I imagine Batanes during Summer yet since it is not when we visit, I see Batanes as fascinating during the Rainy Season. They control the number of visitors so we felt like having the island all on ourselves. It was a unique feeling, since more often than not traveling usually requires us to deal with other visitors too.

There is bliss when we arrived and all through out our stay.

 

Of Windows, Doors and More

Of Windows, Doors and More – Breathtaking Batanes

“Be an opener of doors.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

I am so fortunate to witness the unspoiled and undisturbed beauty of Batanes, if not for the Ivatan’s (True Insulares) uniformed goal to preserve mother nature, this will not be achieved. Thanks to my soul buddy, for this once in a lifetime experience. =)

Batanes is one of those few provinces, the smallest one in the Philippines, yet, with the most unique way of living and not to forget highlighting the breathtaking natural beauty of the whole island. Setting your foot there is awe-inspiring and truly unforgettable. A laid-back province yet is very rich in culture and natural resources.

The Architecture is unique too since they are situated along the typhoon belt. They created roofs made of cogon grass that are sturdy enough to weather storms especially during the rainy season. Because the islands are surrounded by the South China Sea and Pacific Ocean, they are oftentimes exposed to very strong winds.

Here is a collection of doors and windows I’ve witnessed in the stone houses of Savitug in Sabtang island.

There are endless ways to enjoy your visit to Batanes. For me, this is just one of those.