Marcos Ancestral House

This was our fifth destination in Ilocos Sur/Norte: 1,300KM, 10 Destinations within 57 Hours.

Since we were all clean and fresh, time to for a heritage site that was used by a powerful family of Ilocos and even the whole Philippines.  We traveled more than two hours from Blue Lagoon going to this must-visit site of the province.  The highway wasn't that crowded because that day was Sunday.

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We parked the van just beside the highway near the ancestral house.  Parking space was for free.  After getting off the van, we stretched our muscles and bought cold soda and water.  It was Sunday, so the ancestral was filled with tourists and locals trying to see what's inside the house. 

We paid 50 pesos per head and proceeded to the main lobby.  First thing that captured my eyes was: on the right side of the ground floor, the old wooden stair case can be found, covered with red carpet.  On the left side, the presidential table, with three arm chairs.  Then, the management provided mono-block chairs in front of the wide screen showing the history of the late President Ferdinand Marcos.  Then, the whole second floor is divided into different panels, please see the photos below.

This house served as the office of the late Don Mariano Marcos, the president's father when he was the congressman.  It was also used as an office of Imee Marcos, the president's daughter, when she was the Ilocos Norte Representative.  She even lived in this mansion within her term.  Bongbong Marcos, the presidential son, also moved into this house when he was the governor of Ilocos.

The three gorgeous dresses of my idol, Imelda Marcos, were displayed on the second floor.  I had a chance to touch and smell the fabrics of each dresses and they were so extravagant.  Those ternos are so imeldific, the cuts and styles are both extraordinary, the designs embroidered on the fabrics were perfectly done.  Look at the photo above - I am still looking forward to a chance to meet Imelda, Imee and Bongbong in person, I hope someday!

Another part of the house which I can't forget are plate numbers attached to the vertical column.  Each plates has a number 8 on it, which is the license plate number for Ferdinand E. Marcos in 1959.  

The medals awarded to the late president Marcos were also displayed on the second floor.  There were cut outs from old newspaper  and magazines showing the results of the bar exam in 1939.  There were large paintings, portraits and other memorabilia almost in every panel on the second floor.  The bullets and other ammunition were also displayed in an enclosed glass cabinets.

Adjacent to the mansion is the mausoleum (if you will check on the first photo on the upper left side of this post - that's' the way going to the entrance of the mausoleum.)  This mausoleum is the dwelling place of the remains of the late President Marcos.  Cameras can be brought inside the mausoleum, BUT picture taking is not allowed.  Inside the mausoleum has a pure black walls and ceiling.  The remains of the president is inside the glass casket (I don't know if it's refrigerated or not) and the white flowers were properly arranged in a rectangular position.  I am not so sure about this, but I think the floor is made up of stone-like ceramics forming a mosaic on the ground - this is where the tourists walk.  The mausoleum closes at 4PM.

Zamboanga City: List of Tourist Spots and Destinations

Zamboanga City owns the title as "The Latin City of Asia" because of their language that is very similar to Spanish. And aside from their language, Zamboanga City also has a lot to offer. Tourist spots and destinations are: Zamboanga City Hall, Fort Pilar, Rizal Park, Paseo del Mar, Plaza Pershing and many more. If you are looking for beach, you can visit Sta. Cruz Island (the pink beach).

CLICK HERE FOR THE LIST OF TOURIST SPOTS, DESTINATIONS, TRAVEL GUIDE, ITINERARY, EXPENSES, DIY, HOW TO GET HERE, TIPS AND REMINDERS IN ZAMBOANGA CITY

Guimaras: Travel Guide

According to survey, the Sweetest Mangoes in the Philippines can be found in Guimaras, an island province in Eastern Visayas region. Guimaras is small, thus, tourists can visit all the tourist spots, attractions, destinations and resorts in the province for five to six hours. Then, taste their local delicacies, with mangoes, at The Pitstop Restaurant.

 

LIST OF TOURIST SPOTS, ATTRACTIONS, DESTINATIONS, CHEAP HOTELS AND RESORTS IN GUIMARAS

HOW TO GET TO GUIMARAS:

Cebu Pacific, Air Asia and Philippine Airlines have their regular trips to Ilo Ilo airport. Then, ride a taxi to Parola Port.

Roxas City: Capiz Travel Guide

No offense but honestly, the Capiz is associated with "aswang" or "manananggal." Today, the province brought these into reality by organizing an annual Aswang Festival which is one of the most awaited festivals in the Philippines. Aside from festivities, Roxas City, the capital of Capiz, holds some historical landmarks in Eastern Visayas region. Roxas City is definitely one of the must visit tourist spots, attractions, and destinations in Capiz.

LIST OF TOURIST SPOTS, ATTRACTIONS, DESTINATIONS, CHEAP HOTELS AND RESORTS IN ROXAS CITY, CAPIZ

HOW TO GET TO ROXAS CITY, CAPIZ:

 

Cebu Pacific, Air Asia and Philippine Airlines have their regular trips to Roxas City Airport. Then, charter a tricycle to wherever you want to visit in the city.

Whang Od | The Oldest Mambabatok in Kalinga

Apo Whang Od is the oldest mambabatok from the But-But tribe is Buscalan, Kalinga. Batok is the oldest way of tattooing where she uses an ink omposed of a mixture of powdered charcoal and water, then, tapped into the skin using sticks with a thorn of a calamansi or pomelo tree at the end. Continue Reading >>>

Taal Basilica | One of the Largest in Asia

Taal Basilica is one of the largest Catholic church in Asia or known as the Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tour. This church is one of the must visit tourist spots and attractions in the entire Province of Batangas. This gigantic structure also contains significance in history of the province. Continue Reading >>>

Paco Park in Manila

Paco Park is a recreational garden area and served as Manila's municipal cemetery during Spanish colonial period. This structure was built in the 18th century and was completed in 1822. Its original design is to be a municipal cemetery for the influential and aristocratic Spanish families living in Manila and Intramuros but also served as the peaceful dwelling place for those victims of cholera epidemic. Continue Reading >>>

Baluarte de San Diego | Intramuros

This is part of Celebrating the World Tourism Day 2017 in Intramuros and Baluarte de San Diego was my last destination. From Manila Cathedral, I used Google Map to locate the exact location of Baluarte de San Diego, didn't think that I already  passed by its gate during my previous visit. Anyway, I planned to visit this side of the walled city but due to its entrance fee and I am in a financial hardship status, this plan didn't pushed through. But today, finally made it! Continue Reading >>>

The Walls of Fort Santiago

This is part of Celebrating the World Tourism Day 2017 in Intramuros; Fort Santiago was my first destination. Walking beside this gigantic wall is absolutely remarkable as it embarks the significance of the past to current. Just by reading on the writings placed by the management in different corner, you can foresee what have transpired inside this wall centuries ago. Also, we can distinguish who are the prominent people imprisoned and tortured here, like Jose Rizal. Photos below will give you more excitement. Continue Reading >>>

Tourist Spots in Cebu

Cebu City is situated on the eastern shore of Cebu Island, which is also the city capital of the island. Cebu is one of the largest islands in the Philippine Archipelago.  It is considered as the “Queen City of the South” because of its economic stability and other factors. So in terms of Philippine history, this province can contribute more, especially in religion. Continue Reading >>>

Bacolor Church

Bacolor Church or the San Guillermo Church in Pampanga is considered as the Cagsawa of the North. More then twenty years ago, Mt. Pinatubo erupted and many municipalities were left devastated, including Bacolor, Pampanga. This church was built in 1576 and was named after Bacolor's patron saint San Guillermo Ermitaño. Destroyed by earthquakes and fire then was rebuilt in 1886. Continue Reading >>>

Barasoain Church

Barasoain Church is also known as (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish) is a Roman Catholic church built in 1630 in Malolos City, Bulacan.    This church housed the revolutionary congress which was inaugurated on September 15, 1898,  Pedro A. Paterno was the President. It was here, that the congress, among other measures discussed and approved the Malolos Constitution. More of the Bulacan Tourist Spots, Click Here >>>

Paoay Church

Paoay Church is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, in the Philippines. The structure is made up of baked bricks, coral rocks, tree sap and solid lumber.  The 24 buttresses were also placed on each side of the church for support and those are the reason why it is still standing after the quakes in 17th century up to this generation. Continue Reading >>>

Tourist Spots in Camiguin

Every time I hear Camiguin, I usually think of the best lanzones in the Philippines and the underwater cemetery. But during our visit, we found the hidden wealth that Camiguin can be proud of. It is truly that the province is one of the best tourist spots, tourist destinations and tourist attractions in the Philippines. Backpacking is not a big problem here because at the port of Camiguin, multi-cab, with a driver, can be chartered for the whole day tour (that’s what we did). Continue Reading >>>

San Francisco Church in Naga City

Naga City is famous in terms of religious fluvial procession that usually starts and ends to a church. Speaking of which, did you know that Bicol region also has their own historical and heritage churches? Let’s start with the San Francisco Church in Naga City. I wasn’t able to touch or enter this old structure because we literally passed by this church. Good thing that my shutter was quick and was able to capture this gorgeous church. I did a research online and found out that this church was erected in 1578. Same as with the other old church in the Philippines, it was made up of bamboo, wood then reconstructed into a brick in 17th century. The structure that we are seeing today was constructed in 1957, after  the Second World War. Historically speaking, the church’s parish served as the interrogation and persecution site during the Spanish colonization in the Philippines. Read our Caramoan escapade, Click Here >>>

Mt. Samat | Dambana nang Kagitingan | Bataan

 Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) is located on the summit of Mt. Samat.  This Historical landmark is a 302-ft Memorial Cross that symbolizes  as a fitting memorial to the heroic struggle and sacrifices of those soldiers who fought and died in that historic bastion of freedom - wikipedia.org.

Honestly, the trip to this historical site wasn't planned properly.  Out plan that time was to have a good time at the beach.  Doing some swimming and island hopping wearing our swim suit.   The weather that day wasn't inviting! I promise.  The sky was dark, raining hard during our travel from Manila, the lighting shines brightly like a sun, the thunder was roaring like a lion in the forest.  And so? we don't care about the weather, we felt more excited for those challenges.

This was my second adventure with some Batang Hamog Mountaineers, and I know from the start that I will enjoy everything despite of the bad weather.  We conquered this site after our Bagac, Bataan Adventure.  The people of Bataan are really great, they let us sleep in their own houses even we don't know them.  So thanks a lot!

The stairs up to the entrance of the Museum.

This is the main entrance going to top of the cross.  No need to worry if you don't want to walk hundred steps, there is elevator that can bring you to the top.

gorgeous art work!

top view of the Museum

the bottom shot of the cross

the Entrance

                                         

Enjoy the video, taken at the Shrine of Valor

Visiting this historical landmark was an amazing experience, with the Batang Hamog Mountaineers.  Although we walked on the 8 kilometer road going to the Shrine of Valor, but then it was a remarkable experience.  We experienced heavy rains and destructive  sun rays.  But in total: that was amazing experience!

Fort Santiago | Intramuros | Manila

Fort Santiago is a fortress which is a part of the structures of Intramuros walls.  This historical structure was first built by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi for the newly founded city of Manila, Philippines. This fort is the most important historical sites in Manila as Dr. Jose Rizal was imprisoned here before he was executed in 1896. 

At the early years, Fort Santiago was a part of the side of a stake wall of Raja Sulaiman, a Muslim chieftain.  It was destroyed by Martin de Goiti (maestre de campo or master of camp) from Cebu on 1570. 

Then the Spaniards started building this Fort after the city of Manila was established and made it as the capital of the Philippines under Spanish colonization on June 24, 1571.  

The first fort was a structure of palm logs and earth but it was destroyed during the Chinese invasion led by Limahong.  Then Martin de Goiti was killed during the fight.  The name itself, came from Saint James the Great (or Santiago in Spanish) the patron saint of Spain, where his image can be found in the facade of the main entrance.  Fort Santiago was made from the volcanic stones from Guadalupe, together with the walls of Intramuros in 1590 and was finished in 1593 during Gomez Perez Dasmarinas reign.

The gate of Fort Santiago was erected in 1714 with some military bases.  Due to an earthquakes in the year 1880, the city of Manila was destroyed including the structure resulting in changing the character due to damage.

During the American rule in August 13, 1898, their flag was raised in this fort, which means the start of their rule in the Philippines.  It also served as the headquarters of the US Army, who made several changes to the fort.  In World War 2, Fort Santiago was captured by the Japanese Imperial Army and used the prisons, dungeons and cells for the prisoners who were killed near the end of the war.

Final steps of Dr. Jose Rizal before the execution.

Today, at the entrance of Fort Santiago, you can find the bronze foot marks on the ground representing  the final walk of Dr. Jose Rizal from his cell to the location of his actual execution.  This historical structure embraces the heroism of all the Filipino's who fought and gave their lives for the Philippines.  Information taken from wikipedia.org.

Dakip | A Lenten tradition of Bulakan

March 28, 2013 at Bulakan, Bulacan - " Dakip " is a Filipino word which means to arrest or to abduct.  This is a special event happening every holy week or during lenten seasons, only in the municipality of Bulakan, Bulacan.  From the word itself, you can easily identify what does this event signifies.  It is a play that portrays on how Jesus Crist was captured.

According to the residents, it's been a part of their rich culture.  It is just one of their tradition which gives a huge impact to their religious beliefs.  Not all the barangays of Bulakan needs to do it, but the local parish is the one who gives location where this event could be held.

According to my research, a group from the local parish will create a list that contains the names of the men who are member of their group.  And then they will pick a name of who will be abducted on the selected date (mostly moundy Thursday) at around 6PM.  The other group members will find the chosen one and will be brought to the church, where the event will start.  It will be followed by repentance while some of the people were hitting the chosen one by a palm leaves.  The chosen one will bring the huge cross put on his shoulder and will walk few meters going to a parish church where the play will end.  

 

For this year, I was able to witness how this event was held.  Church of Sta. Ana was the start of the play where earlier than 6PM, the people were waiting for the announcement if who's gonna be the chosen one.  While the pasyon singers were doing their job, the number of the crowd multiplied.  When the chosen one was ready for his journey, the crowd occupied even the middle of the road holding the rope encircling the members of the play.

Another procession from the other baranggay

 

The chosen one was bringing a brown cross made up of wood, with dimension 2 inches by five inches but the total length, I am sure about it, but maybe five meters.  While the cross was on his shoulder, and was walking on the road, barefooted, the other member were hitting him a young palm leaves to his different part of the body.  There were several times that the chosen one fell to the cemented road, then the cross fell to his body.  please see the photo above.  It happened several time, but the chosen one continued. 

I and my friend Wewen were together with the marshals few meters in front of the procession.  The marshals were kind to us and it seemed that we were the organizers.  But anyway, we were capturing videos and photos the whole time up to Our Lady of the Assumption.

This kind of event is a proof that the Filipinos, despite of their problems, are solid Christians, regardless religious affiliations.  Torturing our body is NOT a good idea, even the CBCP is not in favor for this event.  Let us be thankful that God gave us our perfect body and we need to cherish it.  Remember that our body is the house of our spirit.  If you are asking me if what is the other option?  Help the less fortunate - and it will be a huge investment.

Special thanks to Crisologo Cruz & Family! they were so accommodating during our 7-hour stay in Bulakan, Bulacan.  Everything was appreciated! See you soon!

Calle Crisologo | Vigan City

Calle Cristolo or Mena Crisologo  Street is name after Mena Pecson Crisologo who is the most respected sons of Ilocos.  He actually wrote Mining wenno Ayat ti Kararwa which is compared to Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere; he is also the author of Don Calixtofaro de la Kota Caballero de la Luna and Codigo Municipal.

According to some travellers I spoke to, this street is said to be one of the most beautiful in the Philippines.  This street is close to any type of motor vehicles, but some calesa operates is some parts of the streets.  At first, I smell something I can't recognized in the area, but when I saw the horses, I thought it was the reason of the smell.

The street itself is made up of cobblestone then lined with the heritage houses of the former Filipino-Chinese traders.  Majority of the houses have thick walls made of cement, brown and red bricks; the doors are wide made up of shiny and solid woods; the sliding windows are perfectly made from capiz shells designed with iron grills and wood.  The ceilings are created higher, maybe this is for ventilation purposes.

Today, some of the century-old houses were converted into commercial shops, museums, restaurants, cafe and hotels.  Each shops are selling antiques, woven products, bags, basi, chicharon, jewelry, woodcraft and many more.  In night time, the gorgeous light in different colors in each shops added an additional effects that registers in the camera.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

This was our first destination in Ilocos Sur/Norte: 1,300KM, 10 Destinations within 57 Hours.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse (Burgos Lighthouse) is situated in Burgos, Ilocos Norte.  It is a cultural heritage that was erected during the Spanish era in the Philippines.  It's a 66-foot-tall octagonal stone tower on Vigia de Nagpartian Hill with an overlooking scene of Cape Bojeador.

The lighthouse was first designed by Magin Pers and Pers in 1887 and finished by the Lighthouse Service under Guillermo Brockman.  The lighthouse is made up of bricks, the tower is topped with a bronze cupola then the gallery is surrounded by iron grills in different formations.  This site was first lit on March 30, 1892,  but as of right now, it is more than a century years old yet it is still working and still serving as a guide to every ship that enters the Philippines.

If you will check the photos below, the whole structure of this lighthouse is covered with rust-like color that makes the structure old-looking.  The stairs going up to the main entrance of the lighthouse somehow have damages, maybe because of its age.  At the side and rear part of the lighthouse is a cliff with trees that covers the area from strong wind and other possibilities like the thieves.  For more info and photos of each destination, just click the phrases written in yellow.

There are two gates entering the structure; one from the entrance and one on the right side.  There is an open space upon entering the main building.  Two stair cases can also be found beside the open space.  That stair case connects the main building to the tower.  The history of this heritage site can be found in the entrance area and engraved on an iron plates.