Vigan: Baluarte

Baluarte is a must-see attraction for first time visitors and perfect bonding time with kids.The resort complex lies in hectares of land that stretches from the rolling plain towards the hills, where former governor Chavit Singon's multi-storey house sits with a grand view of Vigan and the South China Sea. Within its private area is a landscaped garden complete with its own nature pools. However, the area open to the public has plenty more engaging attractions that visitors can busy themselves with aside from the mini zoo. There is a butterfly farm, a track for horse riding and a skeet shooting range.

Dinosaurs of Baluarte

On Conquering Roads

Road travel has been a favorite stress buster for me especially when the long drive passes by beautiful countrysides. For the past four years, I go around the city by means of commuting, learning to love the thrill of riding jeeps and the mrt. For so long, I have been accustomed to traveling by private car until the family decided to get rid of it to give way for the much needed cash at that time. Since then, I embrace the reality of becoming an independent road traveler.

Mall of Asia roads

Vigan, Ilocos Sur: A Stroll and Kalesa Tour at Heritage Village

We started off with our Vigan day tour on probably the most famous of all streets in Vigan, the Calle Crisologo at Heritage Village. A sojourn to the Ilocandia is incomplete without walking down the cobblestone streets and rows of ancestral houses in Vigan City, aptly called "Heritage Village." Built in varying Spanish-Mexican-Chinese architectural styles, thick brick walls, tile roofs and red clay, the mansions stand side by side to each other as if frozen in time.

Calle Crisologo signage

Baguio: Bell Church

Bell Church

Below are some photos taken during our visit to Bell Church in Baguio near the boundary of La Trinidad, Benguet. Our visit to Bell Church is part of our day tour prior to the Panagbenga Grand Float Parade. Click here to read more about our day tour.

Baguio: Tam-awan Village

Tam-awan Village

Tam-awan Village in Pinsao Proper, Baguio City uniquely blends indigenous aesthetics and exquisite Cordilleran craftsmanship with an artist’s concept for a village adapting to Baguio setting. Went there the day before the Panagbenga Grand Float Parade together with my friend, my cousin and her 5 year old kid. It's a unique blend of appreciating the culture and way of living of the Ifugao as well as masterpieces made by their local artists.

Baguio: Wright Park and The Mansion

Here are some photos taken during our recent trip to Baguio city. Wright Park and The Mansion are just two spots we've visited during our first day in Baguio.

Directly across The Mansion is Wright Park that features the much photographed Baguio landmark, the "Pool of Pines". One will see a gazebo and a long flight of stairs down the hill leading to the Wright Park Riding Circle, where hundreds of horses and ponies of various sizes are for hire.

Click here to read about our Baguio Day Trip (part 1) in my Travel Journal blog.

Baguio: Botanical Garden

If you want to bring home a picture of Baguio's famous Igorot Tribe, Botanical Garden is the place to go. Although one of the most visited sites in Baguio, I find our visit in the garden nothing really exceptional compared with other tourit spots. There's really not much to be seen and do especially if you've already visited Tam-awan and other garden like themes in Baguio. But one thing I'd like to mention though are the huge statues that can be seen in the park area as well as the chance to mingle with the Igorot Tribe. :)

La Trinidad: Strawberry Farm

Below are photos taken during our fresh strawberry harvest in Benguet, 30 minutes away from Baguio City.


Strawberry Farm

Baguio: Burnham Park During Panagbenga Festival 2011

Here are some photos taken in the vicinity of Rose Garden, Burnham Park during the Panagbenga Season showcasing Philippine Arts Festival 2011 - Baguio City's AX(iS) Art Project.


photographers in Baguio



A Walk inside BenCab Museum

Personally, our trip at the Bencab Museum is my favorite amongst other places we've visited in Baguio. I was able to meet the National artist himself, Benedicto Reyes Cabrera or BenCab.


Bencab Museum Facade

Baguio: Panagbenga Festival Grand Float Parade 2011 Photos

This 2011 was my first ever Panagbenga experience. It's really exciting to see Baguio in full bloom and watch the country's grandest flower floats as they parade the cool and crowded roads of Baguio. I will be posting more stories about our Panagbenga adventure and 5 Day North Luzon Trip on my Travel Journal blog, so stay tune for that. For now, check out this years participating companies and their colorful flower floats. Enjoy!

Panagbenga Float Parade 2011