Ciao Ifugao!

We left the inn an 11am. Had a take out lunch from McDonald's Solano and dropped by at Savemore to get some lacking stuff for our long vacation.

Then our journey to the Cordilleras began.
The road was alright... not steep not narrow, just alright. And everything was scenic. Trees adorn the verdant surroundings. perhaps, it's not like this during summer season.

We passed the towns of Lamut, Kiangan, Lagawe and several others I forgot to take down.

the two way road to Banaue

everything in green

Lamut, Ifugao

Kiangan

wowoweeee....Lagawe

We can't resist to stop when we the saw the approaching bridge crossing a river and a big rocky mountainside  just along the road.

the irresistible view

As HS drove, we noticed that we were gaining altitude. It began to rain and we scrambled outside to cover our luggage.Then there it was! The marker showing that we are now in Banaue.

After some turns along winding and confusing roads, we arrived at Banaue Homestay where we stayed for 4 nights.

Warm Welcome

Next post is our first day in Banaue and that scary trip to Batad.

Hurrah Vizcaya.!!!

This is a very late entry... 6 months in the making.
Last December 2014, we decided to spend our Christmas and New Year holidays in the Cordillera (for the second time since 2013) but this time passing through the eastern side of the country- the Cagayan route.

SW palnned and inquired about Palaui in Sta. Ana, Cagayan. However, I was advised by the tourism officer in Sta. Ana Cagayan that they cannot guarantee boat rides to and from the island of Palaui during season due to the Amihan winds. It's December and the northern winds tend to get strong that time of the year.

Mount Palali in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya was the second option then Ifugao province and crossing the Cordillera mountains going to Sagada (for the second time).

Book , book and book.I bumped into this inn called 24/7 Inn located in the town proper of Solano.The link is my review, by the way. The reviews in the TripAdvisor were good plus it was affordable. Solano was the jump off to Mt. Palali and we contacted the guide after some serious research in the net.
Off we go.
Leaving Manila at 530am on a Saturday (December 20) for  Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, bringing our bikes with us for some serious pedalling.  We were hopeful that the Amihan wont bring too much precipitation in the Northeastern side of PH. We arrived in Solano at 130PM. We enjoyed the scenic 8-hour drive passing by the provinces of Bulacan and Nueva Ecija.

Our bikes behind the truck. HS carefully calculated how to secure them firmly to the customized bike carrier.

 

Scenic ride in Nueva Vizcaya

 

Clouds at Mt. Palali peak

The facade of 24/7 Inn

 As expected, it was drizzling in Aritao and was cloudy in Solano when we arrived. We checked in at 24/7 Inn which is conveniently located about 50 meters from the national highway. The inn was clean and rooms were cozy. What i loved most was the hot shower!

The view from our own private terrace

After settling in, we relaxed from that very long trip.HS called our Mt. Palali guide to confirm and he advised that he will be in the hotel before 7am the following day  unless it rains. Well, our luck it did. He called at 630am and advised us not to proceed as the trail becomes slippery when it rains overnight. We can only give a deep sigh to our disappointment...travelling 8 hours just to get a cancellation. Change of plans but first we need to go back to bed and ponder on our next plan. After an hour of sleep, we explored the inn's premises. Of course, we also cancelled our additional night of stay. The original plan was an overnight stay in Palali then return to 24/7 Inn after our descent. 

Vizcayan farmers on a rush to harvest palay. This is just outside the fence in the pool area.

Pool side. HS and HP flashing their backs :)

 

Terrace from the pool. Our room is on the third floor (terrace third from right)

bed just enough for 2 plus a pull out

We packed at 10 am and left the inn at 11am on our way further north....to IFUGAO! Good thing the place we reserved for 2 nights in Banaue had another available room for our extra 2 nights.

Next post IFUGAO road trip

ISRI (Ilocos Sur Region I)

Okay, it was from a joke that an office colleague cracked (instead of INRI if place pertains to Ilocos Norte). We have been going to Ilocos region several times, especially when SW was still a child. Last summer ( a week prior to Holy Week), HS, SW and HP all went to Ilocos Sur to attend the wake of a relative. We stayed in a low budget hotel in Vigan called GREEN R Hotel . Basic amenities were provided ...no hot shower though, but who needs hot water in a hot summer.The hotel is located near the Vigan Public Market and close to the Heritage Village, banks, supermarkets and bus station. We parked just across the street.

sunrise seen from the window of Green R Hotel

 

Parking area

Upon waking up, we went to my relative's wake in Sto Domingo Ilocos Sur. We  headed to Poro  Beach in Magsingal. Poro used to be the "bagsakan" of goods that they call "chop-chop" . Back then (when SW and HS were in highschool) a scooter costs less than 5,000 pesos. But the local government became more strict as this illegal industry hurt the economy. Apart from this infamous reputation of the place, the beach is a refreshing sight. Water at the grey sand area was clean and with just the right temperature. The last time SW came here was 10 years ago. Other than the paved road, nothing much changed.
We came to a spot where water from north meets water from the south during typhoon season.We stayed for a while and HP dipped with his Lolo.

HP poses with Lolo. Behind them is the water coming from North.

Staying in a makeshift shelter. Beyond that sand dune where the black truck is, is the water from South.

North water

After getting a dip, we headed back to Vigan to explore the Heritage Village in the middle of the day. It was not crowded. We had lunch and took a "calesa" going back to Green R.

Not crowded.

Waking up from our afternoon nap, we decided to go to Mindoro Beach where the La Playa de Oro is. To get to Mindoro Beach, one must head to the road going to Vigan Airport. We arrived at sunset and the smell of the sea and magnificent sunset greeted us. It was one of the most dramatic sunsets we have seen. The black sand added drama to the orange and grey hues.

HP eager to test the water.

Lovely sunset

who wouldn't want to stay here

 As it was getting dark, we decided to go back to Vigan. HS couldn't stop himself from taking countless photos until his camera ran out of batteries.

Back to Vigan, emapana is waiting. Yum!

empanada from the plaza is Php35 a piece. Perfect with a cold soda

Our night was capped with an amazing fountain show!