Tag: Travel and adventrure

Feather White Pampass Grass Farm / Piat Cagayan

By livelifeandlove on November 19, 2018

We passed by Feather White Pampass Grass Farm on our way back to Piat from Tuguegarao. I was amazed to see the feathery grasses, I can’t pass without taking a few shots, it’s just so great not to miss these gorgeous shots for a simple souvenir.

From the attractive edge on a bright sunny day, what a dramatic backdrop by the view of the orange-purple glow of the sun above, I’m enjoying hiking trails into the areas set amidst a roadside under laid with beds of ornamental grasses.
Gorgeous photos taken on a bright sunny day, it’s particularly unique and full of life. I don’t see the same kind of ornamental grasses everyday.

The Piat Hill-Itawes Landmark

By livelifeandlove on November 9, 2018

It was once covered with vast dense of forest, Challenges abound steep and slope hikes, it was so remote that wildlife often strolls through. The people of Piat before consider this hill to be a mountain because of range does consider to be a combination of both.

Growing up in Piat, the hills, mountains and nature have always been a part of my life. In my childhood, I spent great time playing outdoors, climbing mountains accessible nearby, our house itself sits on top of the mountain and from our house window overlooking from a distance with a great level of clarity, the hilltop looks like within reach.

Looking back into the past, this hill is not new to me, it was year 1972 when we first explored it, it was the beginning of my childhood adventure and first climb. Despite its beautiful view, this hill has earned its reputation as typical threat because of the presence of monkeys and snakes around and strong winds can literally blow climbers away but just like any other kids our age, we were carefree and innocent to ignore the danger side. Me with fellow classmates climbed this rugged hill before. Our group is composed of grade school classmates; Maritess, May, Librada, myself, Stella and Divina. From an early age of 11, we were the youngest mountain explorers in Piat, we went there to gather, ”Bat Ayong”(monkey fruit) I don’t know, it was curiosity that drives us there. way up was so tiring that involves hiking and trekking through. It took us 45 minutes to reach the summit and while there, we stayed for an hour to enjoy mountain fruits. There’s one thing we learned here aside from breaking parent rules, we all learned how to conquer our fears as we all had fun. Climbing the hills and mountains before was even worth it, you’ll be rewarded by the sweetness of wild fruits full of nutrients. Believe it or not, the ”Bat Ayong” tastes is heavenly. I don’t know the scientific name of this fruit, it is oval in form, soft and red in color. Bat Ayong is just an edible fruit for wild monkeys and birds. After my childhood adventure, that’s exactly why I started to love hills and mountains.

Happy days happened during childhood. We only get to be young once. Reminiscing the past, it feels I’m mentally 10 years old in energy and suddenly…. it brings tears to my eyes.

It had been nearly a year since my last visit in Piat, that was October of 2018. I was amazed at how Piat progressed. With the arrival of new developments, you’ll be energized by its variety of offerings and new attractions. Today, the dangerous hill has transformed into a beautiful landmark in the sky, ”The Piat Hill” It is now a prominent Itawes landmark that offers a scenic view of the town. The awe-inspiring scenery above the hill attracts many visitors, the view on top is truly spectacular!

In the past, parents disallow their children to climb the hilltop because it is not safe. Nowadays, it is a must-visit, a must-climb and trekking. The Piat hill is now a beautiful climbing site.

Stairs and trails leading to the hilltop. Series of spectacular scenery above far more awe-inspiring.

Taken October of 2018 during my first visit. My trip wouldn’t be complete without paying a visit to this beautiful landmark. I’m happy to be back, I feel the same admiration as before.

The viewing deck at the top of Piat hill. I’m here reminiscing the past, the event that took place before to connect with the present. The old part of me is back! How fast time flies! From where I’m standing, my memories of childhood so different from the way it is now. My hometown has changed a lot over the years.

The aerial view of the Black Water Lagoon from the hilltop.

For a dramatic setting, go during twilight hours, the skyline is quiet colorful and vibrant overlooking the Basilica Minore Nuestra Senora De Piat belfry, Chico river and the towering mountains down to the beautiful Black water Lagoon.

The scenic splendor of surrounding landscape, the nearby mountains and farms on one side. This is the current picturesque view of the town.

I would like to extend my thanks to my grade school classmates who invited me to climb with them before. I wish to reconnect with former classmates I haven’t seen in many years.

Transforming vision into reality. Thank you mayor for your consistent efforts and hard work. Municipal Mayor of Piat Atty. Carmelo Villacete.

Note: Itawes or Itawis, Itawit, Tawit is a northern language spoken by Itawes people. (Take note of the endonym or autonym)

Thank you for reading my blog!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Kabigan Falls Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

By livelifeandlove on September 6, 2018

The hiking trail goes up Kabigan falls would take 45 mins, a tour guide will lead you all the way from the entrance to the waterfall and back. Taking the easier route, we passed by a long stretch of large plantations and vegetation. The hiking path crosses a river, 2 streams and small hanging bridges along the stony land and climbing above mountains of evergreen forest, a rugged stairs will lead you up to the waterfall.

Kabigan Falls (Barangay Balaoi Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte) a cascade of water flowing down a steep rocky slope and situated inside an evergreen forest on top of the mountain. The refreshing pool at the bottom of the falls is quiet perfect for swimming, you’ll enjoy not only swimming but climbing Kabigan mountains with river flows in to the embrace of the plains.

Crossing out rivers and streams with big stones, a mountain surrounded by tropical trees, small waterfalls right in the middle of the jungle but Kabigan falls offers a spectacular view over the entire mountains and farmlands.

Thanks to our tour guide for the first 30 mins. Manang ( friendly tourist guide) who accompanied us all the way to the first station and from there, another one will take over.

Despite the rugged trail on this route goes through… 11:00 am is an unfavorable time to hike. I’m carrying 2 bottles of water and cookies, the extreme heat of the sun as the hot temperature hovering underneath, this is the reason why not to forget to bring all your travel essentials like sunblock, umbrellas, hat, friendly shoes and sunglasses, you’ll really need it as the sun causes problems.

An eagle appeared out of nowhere diving and gliding around in circular flight. What a scenic view but I’ve missed to shoot.

Breathtaking! This would be an ideal place where people could get together in harmony with nature.

A few minutes stop to give time for the animals, seems I’m welcomed. So nice to bond with the cows and other cattle around.

The rugged trek is just a part of mountaineering.

Deep into the forest is quiet dark and bit cold but I feel excited and comfortable over rugged terrain, it is an exciting experience with mother nature.

Exhausting!. Considered as strenuous trek.

Trekking up and down the mountain, A climb upwards is difficult.

We finally reached our destination Kabigan Falls.

It’s a beautiful mother nature. Inside the forest you can hear not only the birds but also the hissing, whistling noise of the bugs, crickets and cicadas in chorus, just like an ultrasonic sound with a full volume.

It’s really worth the effort to visit. It was a rewarding hike!

Photos taken along the way. What a beautiful experience to see the beauty of nature. Hope to be back again soon…

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Patapat Viaduct

By livelifeandlove on September 1, 2018

We got the chance to visit Patapat viaduct as part of Ilocos tour. Patapat viaduct,a curved bridge built on the side of the mountains with a spectacular view of the coastline,it connects Ilocos highway to Cagayan valley.The winding viaduct is a tourist attraction situated in Pagudpud,Ilocos Norte.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Ilocos Tour Guide 2018

By livelifeandlove on July 16, 2018

Going to the northern part of the country is basically a long drive that takes 7-8 hours to get there. There’s much more to explore and lot more notable features to catch your attention aside from the scenic routes in between stops. To those who are willing to explore the fun and exciting adventure, nothing can give you more pleasure and surprises than a great tour to Ilocos. Gaining more popularity, it offers everything one would expect of a beautiful destination.

For those seeking to just refresh for a few days to cool down from the noise of the city or for those adventure seekers looking for all points of interests with a full swing of thrilling escapades to experience sandboarding and the amazing 4×4 ride then, Ilocos is the best place to go! They are bound to thrill adventurers. Another important feature, there are other tourists spots where people visit to take picturesque photos of Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud.

This would be your reliable guide if you are interested to join a group tour, this blog will help you plan for your next destination. I joined this tour, Ilocos Tour package for only 3,300 PHP (except meals, sport/personal activity fees) 3 days and 2 nights where trips leave at 10:00 pm, it’s a group tour with other 8 participants. I’ve been to Ilocos many times but it’s over 3 years since my last visit, I didn’t have that many expectations until this scheduled group tour with complete itineraries. Ilocos today, they have completed so much more of it.

Ilocos Tour Package Itinerary

Day 00

We all meet at Centris station parking lot at around 9 pm, that’s the scheduled assembly place and pick-up time. We were a group of nine and my group was the last to arrive so we occupied the back seat. Traveled by van, we left Manila at around 9:30 pm. It was a worry-free tour, we just sit back and relax listening to music, it was a very peaceful moment inside the van. Everyone else was sleeping, others were snoring, I can hear different tunes but it’s still music to my ears, it’s ok as they are now my family. When you are on a tour away from home, people and friends become your family members, a home!

We had several stops at least 5 x for necessity and hot coffee. I can just recall the last stop-over we had at Marsha’s Delicacies, I bought a box of Sweet Royal Bibingka. I can’t wait but to take a few morning bites, it’s so sweet and delicious! Our driver was rushing to catch up Calle Crisologo before the sun shines, the best time to take photos there when it’s still dark. We arrived in Vigan at exactly 4:30 in the morning.

Join me as I travel around Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, my adventure starts here

Day 1

The first stop on our tour is the Casual landmark of Vigan where visitors can roam around the fountain area to take a few photos around Plaza Salcedo. A few walks away from here is Calle Crisologo, a street filled with Spanish inspired structures, they have maintained and fully restored the historical point of interest. Around Vigan, you can see here the earliest example of Spanish Architecture, the impressive remains carefully preserved antique culture up to the present. After Calle Crisologo we head to St Augustine church widely known as Paoay church and commonly known as ‘’earthquake Baroque’’ a roman catholic church in the Philippines. Beside the Paoay church is a bell tower dating from 1793, you can go upstairs to see the aerial view of the whole ground but first, look for the caretaker to assist you. Just beside St Augustine church and behind the Belltower is a beautiful San Augustine garden. I’m enjoying the views of the surrounding appreciating everything.

It’s almost 6:00 am, I need hot coffee! All restaurants and outlets are still closed at this time, no other options but a nearby nipa hut carinderia ‘’Park and Shop Resto’’ that serves Ilocano foods, we had our first meal of the day here. We ordered a few varieties of our chosen favorites; Pancit Canton, Vigan Longganisa with egg and fried rice, Beef tapa among others.. We did enjoy our first breakfast, it’s simple but tasty.

Following breakfast as it was already planned earlier, proceed directly to Culili Point- the extreme 4×4 ride and Sandboarding at Culili Point Sand Dunes, two of the most popular activities here in Ilocos. After the desert adventure, we stopped for a quick lunch along the way at Ilocano restaurant and again, it was simple and delicious. After lunch, we head to Malacanang of the North named after the presidential palace in Manila and the last place visited is the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.

We arrived at the hotel before five in the afternoon. We were all exhausted after a long day, ending the day with a relaxing warm bath. We spent our first night at 3’s Place Resort. The first day was full of energy and excitement, lots of surprises throughout the day, the first day was truly remarkable.

Day 2

After our breakfast, we head to the spectacular Kapurpurawan Rock Formation followed by Pagudpud Windmills. Chasing more excitement to the forest above mountains of Kabigan Falls. Around 4.6 km and 6 mins drive to reach Paraiso ni Anton. Nearby, 6 mins to reach the beautiful Patapat Viaduct and the enchanting Bantay-Abot Cave. We spent the whole afternoon swimming at Blue Lagoon beach. We had dinner at Fine Dining Resto around Saud, given the opportunity to drop by Saud beach to chase the sunset.

Tonight would be our last, hopefully, we can get on the road earlier tomorrow, we would be leaving in the afternoon. We’ve seen 10 beautiful attractions today, we were never in one place for a day. For 2 days, we found ways to genuinely bond with my tour mates and trying the best we could for the last day. Going on tour can be grueling, there’s not much time except for sightseeing, walking, sleeping, and eating. This is what tour is all about…

Day 3

It was an early wake-up call, 5:30 am. We head directly to the first and oldest Bangui Windmill followed by the impressive Sinking Bell tower of Laoag. After the close encounter with the animals at Baluarte ni Chavit and Safari Gallery. We had timely breakfast at Hidden Garden Lilong and Lilang restaurant in Vigan. From there, a chance to witness a part of history to visit the Bantay Belltower, Pagburnayan Jar Factory, and National Museum. We had a quick lunch at a food chain around Plaza Salcedo. Departing Vigan at 3:00 pm and we arrived Manila 9:30 pm. I had a great time as the tour was well-planned and organized. Everything’s fine to surpass all my expectations. We have visited more than 25 beautiful sites, more places to go, so little time…

It’s more exciting to join Ilocos tour, Ilocos is generally safe and package tour relatively affordable. When my Ilocos tour was about to end, I was reluctant to bid goodbye but I cannot go beyond as some responsibilities waiting for me back home. I’ve seen over 25 beautiful attractions, I’ve experienced a bit of Ilocano life and a chance to bond with the locals and tour mates with no language barrier.

Just after my Ilocos tour, I’ve been singing praises after my adventure. Ilocos allows you to explore a variety of historical and architectural attractions, it is only among many destinations options here in Northern Luzon. It was easy for me to communicate with the locals here, I can speak Ilocano. I’m from the Northern part of the country, ”Cagayan Valley” which is only a few hours drive to Ilocos but I’m now based here in Manila and that makes a journey of 7 hours going there. It’s not a hassle considering the new development of wide expressways that cut across. It’s now easier than before, the good navigation system to guide motorist to all routes, it helps spur economic development, tourists is greatly increased in the north.

The hotel ”3’s Place Hotel” where we stayed in during our Ilocos Tour.

Top 25 Attractions we visited in Ilocos Region

Vigan Ilocos Sur Landmark

Calle Crisologo Vigan, Ilocos Sur

St. Augustine Church Paoay, Ilocos Norte

St. Augustine Garden, Paoay, Ilocos Norte

Sandboarding Culili Point Paoay Sand Dunes Ilocos Norte

4×4 Ride Culili Point Paoay Sand Dunes Ilocos Norte

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse Burgos, Ilocos Norte

Saud Sunset Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation Burgos, Ilocos Norte

Bangui Windmills Ilocos Norte

Kabigan Falls Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Bantay Abot Cave Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Patapat Bridge Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Paraiso Ni Anton Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Blue Lagoon Beach Resort Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Malacañang of the North Paoay, Ilocos Norte

Sinking Bell Tower Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Bantay Abot Cave Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Bantay Watchtower Bantay, Ilocos Sur

Vigan Cathedral Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Hidden Garden Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Baluarte Zoo Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Saint Augustine Parish Church or Bantay Church Bantay, Ilocos Sur

Elpidio Quirino National Museum Burgos St, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Pagburnayan Jar Factory Vigan, Ilocos Sur

In addition, Food Offerings, Pasalubong counter and Restaurants

Park and Shop Resto Vigan, Ilocos Sur

The birthplace of Pinakbet Pizza Herencia Restaurant Vigan, Ilocos Sur

My Favorite cold drinks in Ilocos ”Ice Crumble”

Fruits in Ilocos; Mangoes, siniguelas and duhat

Four Stars Native Delicacies counter; Ilocos native Tinubong, Bagnet, Vigan longganisa, Bagoong and many more…

Ilocos Tour Package

Interested to Join? Anyone can join as long as you are willing to be together with other groups to fill the desired number of 10 participants in the van. The van will leave earlier if all participants are already complete. For more Ilocos Tour Package details Rates/ Package Inclusions/ Accommodations/ Itinerary/ Terms and Conditions/Transport Unit with Driver /Different rate applies during Holidays and Peak season > Click this Link> Contact> Wayph Tour

Tour package without entrance fees/Not included in the Package are the following;

Meals, Entrance fee of Bojeador Lighthouse, Blue Lagoon Hut is 1K, Horse riding going Bantay Bell Tower, Shuttle Ride Baluarte, Animal Feeding/Rides, Zip Line, 4 x 4 Ride/Sandboarding 2,500 for 5 persons

Package Inclusions:

Accommodations
Van Transfers [Manila-Ilocos-Manila][Tour Around Ilocos]
Driver’s Meals and Accommodation
Government Taxes and Surcharges
Guide and Entrance Fees
Tour Coordinator

Assembly Time /Place: Centris Walk Parking Lot Quezon Avenue, MRT Station

Departure Every Thursday Night

Expected Time of Departure Manila to Ilocos 10: 00 pm

Expected Time of Arrival 6:00 am

Reliable and Safe driver

Note: You need to come early to choose the best seats

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

White Beach Sunset Puerto Galera

By livelifeandlove on May 17, 2018

White Beach Resort Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Another favorite island destination because of its flawless white sand with a crystal blue water, an outstanding dive spot, a gorgeous sunset, beautiful underwater delights and a haven for snorkelers and divers. Sunset attracting too many crowds, a truly memorable sunset scene of White Sand Beach Resort aim to bring everyone closer to his/her loved ones.

GGG standing in front of the beautiful sunset

The overhead cloudiness which is thick and low partly covered the right side of the sky, it’s partly cloudy at this moment but the sunset still remain gorgeous.

Romantic Love Scene

Sunset at dusk turns differently as it fades in the evening, we often see lovers holding hands together as the sun about to disappear in the horizon, details shows in black shadows that will create a warm glow. The location tends to convey a gentle mood in a very romantic setting. This is the best way to end the day…

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Beautiful Flowers of Baguio

By livelifeandlove on January 24, 2018

Just a small area beside the living room is the balcony, how can I resist to capture all these attractive flowers beside me? It seems it’s the right daylight to capture the nearest subject of photography; the dahlias, hybrid roses and the splendid blooming lavender flowers. Appreciating these December beauties, it’s just like springtime in Baguio.

Not a clearer dawn but I’m in the right mood to capture them. It’s interesting to include the landscape behind, with the low light camera adjustment, the background gives light and breathtaking effect. How tempting. Let me show you a few… Let’s get started!

Hybrid tea roses on sunrise and pine forest background. Constantly, you can see the good result in seasonal colors.

It looks darker red when the sun shines through it.

Another good choice are the Lavender flowers in individual containers on the balcony.

Early morning sun for the red Daisies.

Other aspects of photography and the best way to reconnect you with nature is to see these landscape photos I’ve captured around. You may also want to view Baguio landscapes and the tall pine trees.

Pine forest landscape

The natural beauty of the pine forest.

Other landscape nearby covered by brilliant mass of flowers. I took this photo up there when I was still in the highlands. More to come next post.. Thanks for viewing and reading my blog!