When the Poor Traveler was planning this trip to Ilocos, I did not have much expectations. Sure I had heard about Ilocandia and all the raves about it before on TV but in all honesty, it did not really appeal to me. I just wanted to see the Bangui Windmills, Pagudpud and Vigan. That was all I wanted. But I got more than I bargained for. … [Read more...]
The Poor Traveler and his friends only had one destination in our itinerary for the third day of our Ilocos Tour --- Vigan! We actually had spent some time in this beautiful city on our first day but we had very limited time to see much of it. Because we had to be back in Manila by 7pm, we only had half a day to explore the old city and buy some pasalubong for our friends and relatives back in the capital. We woke up at 6am, had a quick breakfast and hit the road immediately after. Our tour guide dropped us off at a street adjacent the famed Calle Crisologo. We only had three things in our agenda that morning --- camwhore, shop, lunch. Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established … [Read more...]
After a blast from the past at the Crisologo Museum, the Poor Traveler and his poor group proceeded to the Pagburnayan. Our immediate reaction was wonder what "Pagburnayan" was but a few moments later we were already at this place where countless pots were piled up and lined up. I was thrilled with the idea that we could be throwing pots. It didn't happen. … [Read more...]
Straight from Baluarte, the Poor Traveler and his poor group were on our way to Crisologo Museum. Who are the Crisologos, you ask? Welcome to the club. That was also my first reaction when our tour guide announced where we were heading to. I'm not that familiar with the history of the Ilocos Region and so the place didn't appeal to me at first but it sure has some surprises in store for visitors, even those who are not really into history. … [Read more...]
After a hearty breakfast at Cafe Uno, the Poor Traveler and his friends drove to Baluarte. Baluarte is a relatively new attraction in Vigan. It used to be former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson's residence. That's why it is commonly dubbed "Baluarte ni Singson," "Baluarte ni Chavit," or "Chavit's Fortress." Today, it is a major tourist destination in the province. The best thing about this place --- NO ENTRANCE FEE. Chavit claims this place is his gift to the people. … [Read more...]
After camwhoring at Bantay Church, the Poor Traveler and his poor group decided to have breakfast that early. We headed to Bantay's neighbor city Vigan, capital of Ilocos Sur, for breakfast. … [Read more...]
When the Poor Traveler and his poor friends were planning a cheap trip to the Ilocandia, we weren't expecting much. We just wanted to see three things --- Vigan, Pagudpud and the Bangui Windmills. We hired a budget travel agency to take us on a road trip to Ilocos for only P3,300 per person and we had no idea what was in store for us. Thus, we were really surprised that the Ilocos Region had so much beautiful places to offer to tourists. One of these places was the Bantay Church and Belfry. After more than 8 hours on the road from Manila and about four wee-wee breaks throughout the night, we woke up to a magnificent view of a church and belfry in Bantay, Ilocos Sur. The Poor Traveler and … [Read more...]
I am not an authority in budget travel. What makes me a poor traveler isn't the lack of finances but the many troubles I meet on the road. This blog is a diary of a traveler whose time is always wasted getting lost, whose trips are always challenged by heavy rain, and whose bowel movement always gets in the way. I make mistakes, lots of them. Poor me. Yes, you'll find mistakes on this blog. But here's hoping you'll learn from them. More about me.
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