Vigan is famous for its Spanish-era mansions, cobblestone streets, a thick-walled centuries old church, exquisite potteries and horse-drawn carriages. In my few hours stay there, I wasted no time exploring the place and I hope that I have captured the essence of Vigan in this single post. 
Located just in front of Plaza Salcedo, St. Paul Church was built in earthquake baroque style after an earlier incarnation was damaged by two quakes in 1619 and 1627. The construction of the original wooden, thatched church is believed to have been supervised by Salcedo himself in 1574.
On the left side of the church is a separate octagonal belltower.It was built 15 meters away from the main building so that if one structure was destroyed in an earthquake, then the other might still remain standing. The belltower is about 25 meters high and it is surmounted by a large bronze weathercock that is said to symbolize St Peter.
Undoubtedly, Vigan's most famous place is "Kasanglayan" more popularly known as the Mestizo District. Although generally considered Spanish, the architecture is actually a combination of Mexican and Chinese styles with Filipino flourishes such as sliding capiz-shell windows.
This district contains the largest concentration of ancestral homes and other colonial-era architecture. While couple of mansions have been converted into museums, most are private homes. Most of the first-floor, however, of these mansions were converted into souvenir and antique shops. The entire district is closed to vehicular traffic, giving it an old-Europe feel so tourists could either walk or ride in kalesa or horse-drawn carriages.
Vigan is also famous for its potteries. This is due to the abundant clay in the area. Most notable of the jars made in Vigan is the burnay or earthen jars used in the fermentation of sugarcane wine.
A few hours in Vigan is definitely not enough if you want to explore its culture and history in details but I believe that few hours is enough for it will leave you wanting to go back for more. For now, I leave Vigan with chichacorn, bagnet, a souvenir jar and a handful of memories.
Hope you enjoyed these pics as much as I had fun taking them.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Heritage of Vigan
Monday, May 19, 2008
Enchanted Cave, Bolinao
A must-see for the tourists of Bolinao is the Enchanted Cave. It is a coral cave located in Barangay Patar featuring a fresh-water pool, an unusual thing for a coral cave to have. A wanderer can dip himself at the clear waters while exploring the natural beauty of the cave.
After swimming and/or exploring the cave, tourists can roam around the area which has lush garden and cool nipa and bamboo cottages.
Here are photos I have taken of the place: 
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Patar Beach, Bolinao
Finally, my first Beach of the year and my first time also in Bolinao, Pangasinan.
Famous for great sunsets and rolling breakers, Bolinao has the most enticing beaches in the entire province of Pangasinan. And if you go to Bolinao, the best destination is Patar Beach, a long stretch of narrow sand linking it with barangay Patar.
The best swimming place however is in Patar centre where there is a beautiful White Beach overlooked by the towering Spanish-built Cape Bolinao Lighthouse.
Here are some photos I have taken while walking on the shores of Patar Beach:
Bolinao is about seven hours away from Manila by bus and maybe lesser if you take private vehicle. The best place to stay in there is in Puerto Del Sol Beach Resort (0920-9507105). Initially, we intended to check-in at Treasure's of Bolinao (02-375-8884) but the place was fully reserved. (The price we pay for not reserving ahead.) However, it was a blessing in disguise since we were referred to a three-room somewhat private beach resort (Rhoda 09157796917) and we had the beach and the place all to ourselves. A deserted, uncrowded beach - just the Beach I like.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Cape Bolinao Lighthouse
On my way to my first beach destination of the year (and its already May), I have passed by the towering Spanish-built Cape Bolinao Lighthouse in Barangay Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan.
Built in 1905, it is one of the five major lighthouses in the country and the second tallest, next to the Cape Bojeador lighthouse in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It has become a prominent landmark that tourists frequent.
Although the 101-foot tower itself is off-limits to visitors, the view deck below provides a beautiful panoramic view colors of the place - blue sea, white beaches, green hills, and brown and gray rock formations. Certainly, putting another big smile on Lawstude's face.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Angels Brought Me Here
Do you believe in love at first sight? Or have you ever experienced wanting something that you can't take your eyes of them the first time you see them? Well, that's what happened to me when I saw these six wooden angels in the flower festival of Baguio City. I have taken a shot of these angels and feature them briefly a couple of posts back but I have decided to show them individually in this post.
Each angel play an instrument. An accordion, trumpet, harp, tambourine, banduria and a flute. And if you align them, its like watching an angel orchestra. Of course, the music is provided by my ever reliable ipod playing hits of Miles Davis and one of my fave pop song Angels Brought Me Here by Guy Sebastian.
So let me take a side trip from my usual travels and law posts and bring you photos of these angels together with the above song.
It's been a long and winding journey, but I'm finally here tonightPicking up the pieces, and walking back into the light
Into the sunset of your glory, where my heart and future lies
There's nothing like that feeling, when i look into your eyes...
My dreams came true, when i found you
I found you, my miracle...
If you could see, what i see, that you're the answer to my prayers
And if you could feel, the tenderness i feel
You would know, it would be clear, that angels brought me here...
Standing here before you, feels like i've been born again
Every breath is your love, every heartbeat speaks your name...
My dreams came true, right here in front of youMy miracle...
If you could see, what i see, you're the answer to my prayers
And if you could feel, the tenderness i feel
You would know, it would be clear, that angels brought me here...
Brought me here to be with you,I'll be forever grateful (oh forever Faithful)
My dreams came true
When I found you
My miracle...
If you could see, what i see, you're the answer to my prayersAnd if you could feel, the tenderness i feel
You would know, it would be clear, that angels brought me here...
Yes they brought me here...
If you could feel, the tenderness i feel...
You would know, it would be clear, that angels brought me here...
I know its still Friday but I might be off again two days from now so...
...TO THE GREATEST ANGEL OF ALL - MY MOM, HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!
Monday, May 05, 2008
Two Butterfly Gardens
The Butterfly Sanctuary is a small garden full of well, butterflies. It is located inside Camp John Hay and entrance fee is only Php 40 per person. On the time I was there, there are only few butterflies around and I have seen only a couple of varieties. The place also features lots of flowers and a small pond with a little mermaid fountain. The place is perfect for kids because these butterflies can be placed on your shirt, on your hand, and even on your nose. I even had a shot taken with butterfly on my lips. Such sweet creatures.
The Butterfly Garden in Subic is located just in from of the Zoobic Safari in Subic Bay. For an entrance fee of Php 50, one can play with more than a dozen variety of day-time butterflies. These butterflies seem to be well acquainted with visitors because as soon as you enter the garden, these butterflies fly everywhere and eventually rest on your head, shoulders and shirts. And if you wear perfume, there is a strong possibility that they will swarm you.
Butterflies... beautiful little creatures!!!
Friday, May 02, 2008
Tam-awan Village
Tam-awan Village is an artists' haven. It is found at the northwestern part of Baguio City. It is one of the less famous place in the City but really worth-seeing if you are tired of visiting the City's tourists traps. Although it is a hectic work-week, a friend invited me to see the place which I really appreciated. 
The place features a number of Igorot huts which will allow you to see how the homes of the mountain people really look like. You do get a chance to climb up the wooden ladder and see what is inside each hut. This will give you a chance to feel what it is like to be living in one of these huts. Since these huts were set up on different locations on a hillside, visitors have to climb up the steep pathways to go from one hut to another. For those lowlanders who are not accustomed to Baguio's high elevation, it does get to be quite an exhilarating experience to visit the Tam-Awan village. One will surely find a need to rest at each hut just to catch a breathe before climbing further up.
And since the place is an Artists' Haven, lots of excellent artworks adorn the place. Here are some photos I have taken on the village:
To come near the children's pain
Perhaps because
It opens us up to our own pain
Which we would rather deny.
In Tam-awan
Beauty was seed
In brokenness darkness
And even in garbage
It really takes an artist
We learned,
To let us see beauty
In everything, and everyone.
The welcome and warmth
Was unconditional and palpable
Which provided a secure place
Like a womb.
Where each one could gestate,
In four days... and believe
In some innate goodness in one's self.
Artist are healers too...
By their spirit and eye for truth
They touch and transform
Lives
And awaken spirits.
poem lifted from www.tamawanvillage.com
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Ships and Angels
Its hot in Subic. The scorching sun seem to penetrate every pore of your body. The beach is definitely inviting but sadly, I am in the opposite side of the island. No sand to play with here but big unserviceable ships docked in freeport's wharf. Subic, afterall, is a former american military base so remnants of base is still present here.
The fun in the beach has to wait another day because it is another working trip for me. However, I had the opportunity to take a breather and stroll in Subic's Bay Walk and had a view of a beautiful sun set. I was surprised at the outcome of these pics 'coz they are mostly grayish and metallic. I intended not to edit them to show you the peaceful, yet cutting beauty of the place. And I am pretty sure it is the opposite of the more colorful sunsets on the other side of the place.
And before I go, let me just share to you my new six angels which I have bought in Baguio during the festivals. I have placed them in my office beside my working desk and they are now the apples of the eyes of my officemates, clients and other visitors. These six angels are carved from wood and each one of them hold a musical instrument. They may be wooden but they definitely a joy to look at especially at the most stressful part of the day.
By the way, these photos are all taken using my Nokia N95 phone so the resolution ain't that great. I hope however that you enjoy looking at them as much as I had fun taking them.
It is going to be another working week-end for me so, to everyone I hope you all had fun and enjoy the summer.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Jungle Joe's World
First of all it is a FUN PLACE. A theme park for the family, Jungle Joe's World is located in the tropical forest area of Subic, Olongapo City and just a five minute ride from the Zoobic Safari.
At the entrance of the park, you will see a huge air-filled balloon character of Jungle Joe. Jungle Joe is a fictional Philippine Macaque Monkey-character. This monkey is native to Subic Bay area and in fact, you can see these monkeys alongside the roads and forests of the area.
For an entrance fee of Php 280, each visitor is entitled to 3 free coke and a train ride touring the various attractions of the 60-hectare park. After the ride, visitors can walk in the park and muse themselves in several bunkers such as Kiddy Play Zone, Indy 500 Racer, Playhouse Theater, Winter Wonderland, Jurassic Trail, Animal Park, Paintball Course and Sa Anaba Beach. Construction of other themed bunkers are still on-going.
Here are some shots I have taken while on the theme park:
Jungle Joe's world is a fun experience specially for the kids. It is both entertaining and educational. So if you happen to pass by Subic, go check the place out!!!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Zoobic Safari - Tiger Encounters
Zoobic Safari is the only tiger safari in the Philippines. If you want a close encounter with these ferocious felines, then this is the place to go. Located in Subic, Olongapo City, the safari houses more than two dozens of domesticated tigers. 
While tigers are it's main attraction, the zoo also houses several animals. There is a section for animals that can be petted such as rodents, pigs, goats, albino carabaos and even a bear.
There is also a section there for Serpents featuring snakes and other reptiles. 
The crocodile pit houses about three hundred Philippine Crocodiles known locally as "Buwaya". If you want these crocs to move, you can feed them chicken parts for Fifty pesos.
There is this little challenge at the zoo known as Hip Hop Bayawak where courageous guests could hop on cemented logs right in a pond full of monitor lizards. These lizards are quick and they even bite so it is quite a challenge to the participants.
There is also the Savannah known as the gaming part of the place. You will find a lot of ostriches, fowls, wild boars and potbellied pigs. You are not allowed to touch the animals thou or get-out from your vehicles. This part of the zoo is still undergoing development and the tour guide mentioned that management of the zoo is still in the process of importing animals to fill the place.
There is also an Aeta Trail in the place where native Ita put on a brief native dance show. After their performance, guests are free to take their pictures or get their pictures taken with them.
Subic was once a US military base. Sadly, the place almost became inactive when the Americans left them, but places and themes like these could certainly get Subic back at its feet.
