Escape to Pagudpud-Ilocos Norte's finest Beach

Got tired of the hustle and bustle of the city life and here comes an invite for Pagudpud. I instantly got excited but worried as I might not keep up with the long travel. Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte is a 12 hour drive from Manila. Pagudpud is believed to be the Boracay of the North, for me it should not be associated with Boracay. Pagudpud is the pride of Ilocos and has it's own beauty. 

My First Time to Ride a Sleeper Bus, sometimes I call it a  Slipper Bus

You can also travel via air,Laoag bound, it'll only take you like an hour to reach Laoag, Ilocos Norte and from there you can take a bus ride to Pagudpud. I opted to take a bus because it's cheaper, I think it costs me only 800 pesos(one way). My boyfriend by the way is from Ilocos, Norte. Luckily his parents lend as their car key because I can't think of a better way to enjoy Ilocos as their best places are miles apart. 

This is my second time in Ilocos Norte and my first time in Pagudpud. My first impression of Pagudpud was "oh okay" because I arrived there during the night. The best time to appreciate the beach of Pagudpud is at the break of dawn or when the sky is red during sunset and you can just throw away your slippers and run to the shore barefooted. It's like running on a polvoron.

The beach is so peaceful and the sand feels like flour

If you are a beach lover, I would suggest the White Beaches of Pagudpud, there are a lot of accomodation options, you just have to be picky. lol! There's only one shore,only different hotel accomodations. Also, it's like what you see is what you get. Pagudpud is not just about the white powdery like beaches, it offers more, you just have to travel as the best places are kilometers apart

We also went to the so called Blue Lagoon, a different white beach located at the heart of Pagudpud. The place is jaw-dropper I must say. The beach is too rocky and the waves are strong but I like the way it is that's why for me it's perfect. But for some, rocky beach is a no no.

Blue Lagoon-the Heart of Pagudpud

Blue Lagoon

 For those who love the nightlife better start wanting bonfire activities as Pagudpud is not like Boracay or Puerto Galera with bars everywhere. Lucky me, I enjoy simple things.

Hannah's Beach Resort is Wonderland

Hannah's Beach Resort Located at the Heart of Pagupud is such a darling. It's the place to view the beach, the mountains and the goodness of nature. It's like a themed park situated on a higher ground, such a great place. I enjoyed my stay really.

My initial plan is to rent a room but most accommodations (from hotel rooms to homestay) are pricey and it's hard to decide during the night so I was thinking of spending the night in the car until I found a place just beside the entrance of Hannah's, The owner gave me 50% discount after our chitchat, It's really so nice of her, my bad I forgot her name.

These are my phone's camshots, no enhancements and not sugar coated

Blue Lagoon

Overlooking the Beach from the Upper Deck

          The waves are fantastic,It'll make you want to surf

And there, my personal assistant's shadow lol!

You just don't how much I love the idea of Weddings, and I think Hannah's Beach Resort is one great venue. I hope my photos showed how much I enjoyed. Much Love.♥

Side Trip to Vigan-Empanada Why Can't I Resist You?

Vigan Here I come

They said authentic Empanada is from Vigan and hey it's one of my favorite from the North  so when I had an invite to explore Vigan, I didn't think twice. Our main itinerary is Pagudpud, we just side trip to Vigan. I'm a big fan of "Empanada', it's so yummy that you'll dream of it.lol! 

Empanada is in the City

I'm from Quezon City and I happen to like Maria's Ilocos Empanada located in Dahlia, Fairview, They sell authentic Empanada, I assure you. Well I'm planning to put up the same business, kidding!

Maria's Ilocos Empanada

When I was in Ilocos, I tried different variations, Vigan Ilocos' Empanada is yummy but Batac Ilocos' Empanada is the best for me, it satisfied my taste.

Another thing I love about Ilocos is their Crispy Dinuguan...Please stop me as I might talk much about food.

Okay enough for that, here's my side trip to Vigan, first stop-over is in Baluarte, It's actually a zoo owned by Chavit Singson. I will let the photos speak for myself .

It's my first time to Feed an Ostrich haha!

...And yes I got tired and hungry so we immediately head to Lilong and Lilang Coffee Shop. We had a hard time finding this place in Vigan

also known as the Hidden Garden Restaurant

Everything in the garden is for sale. They also sell nice pots.

I wish my wish come true

And here I am wondering in Vigan. It's like I'm in a Spanish Era. I think the houses here were well-preserved so we could reminisce how it is during the time when Spain colonized Philippines. Oh well, I'm not good in history but I love how history molded us.

They said it looks good during the night but I prefer to come during daytime so I can  shop.

Souvenir Shop it is

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Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel-the only 5 Star Hotel in the North

Fort Ilocandia is included in my Ilocos Itinerary. It's actually 10 minutes away from Laoag Airport. I didn't stay there, I just ate and viewed the place. I find it calm and refreshing as it is surrounded by trees and when you look around, you'll find sand dunes as if you're in a desert.

Fort Ilocandia makes me think of Madame Imeldific, Imelda Marcos. Unfortunately I wasn't able to see her and ask for a pair of shoes.lol!

Forgive me for my unpleasant look, It was so hot that  I look terrible. 

My Forest Adventure

By the way, They have a swimming pool just behind this building

                         

My final verdict: Fort Ilocandia is a soothing place to stay in Ilocos.