Ilocos

Sumasabog na Kalan. Explore, explode, experience.

We were literally serious in coining SNK as our group's name in 2006.

We explored. It all started with the group's first out of town trip to Ilocos. We were just five then---myself, Dee-aye, RC, Clai and Errol. We were college blockmates turned friends because of the school paper. It was a very random trip, in the midst of everyone's busy work schedule. Our itinerary began after touching down in Vigan after an 8-10 hour bus ride. The adventure started after I almost fell off a manhole after alighting from the bus! Will be forever thankful to Dee-aye for saving me not only once but more than three times in my lifetime. We were able to visit several historical destinations and took our time taking pics of:

1. The well-preserved Spanish monuments and edifices of the Vigan UNESCO World Heritage Site

2. The Baluarte zoo owned by Chavit Singson

3. The iconic Bantay Bell Tower and Church first built in 1591 and also the location of the 'Ang Panday' movie and TV series

Our last stop for the day was Pagudpud also known as the "Boracay of the North." We endured a 2-hour non-aircon bus ride from Laoag. After checking into Saud Beach Resort, our bodies ached for the sun-sand-sea embrace. That day's afternoon dip was heavenly!

And then, it exploded. I meant the portable stove we used in cooking Adobo for dinner that fateful night. It started an encompassing bond between friends who were all out for adventure.

After almost a decade, our hunger for experience continues. Since 2006, SNK has explored, exploded and experienced at least 13 destinations around the Philippines. Oh, how time flies! See Borawan, Hundred Islands, Coron, Puerto Princesa, Anawangin Cove, Nagsasa Cove, Bohol, Boracay, Bantayan, Iloilo, Cagayan De Oro, Camiguin.

In 2012, I was back in Ilocos with Ling, Jean and Yna. We toured two of my visiting Japanese friends, Misa and Ayako. We all tried sand boarding in La Paz Sand Dunes for the first time with Ilocos Sand Boarding Adventures. Riding the 4x4 while going up and down the sand slopes were exhilarating. Not to mention the thrill of sliding down the sand. Woohoo!

In two days, we were able to do both the Burgos (north) and Pagudpud (south) tour of the area by simply riding a tricycle that will take you around the sight-seeing destinations for only P600:

1. Cape Bojeador known as the country's highest lighthouse

2. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation built thousands of years ago by forces of sea waves and wind

3. Bangui Windmills providing 50% of Ilocos Norte's electricity

4. The isolated white sand beach of the Blue Lagoon

5. Dipped in the ice-cold Kabigan Falls

6. Rode through the country's 5th longest bridge known as the Patapat Viaduct

7. Visited Agua Grande's eco-friendly and non-carbon producing hydro electric power plant

8. Seen Paraiso ni Anton's miraculous flowing water

9. Dropped by the Bantay Abot Cave formation or the mountain with a hole

10. And lastly, saw the bell-shaped Timmangtang Rock.

For inquiries on sand boarding tours, contact Glenn Guerrero at this number: 0908-885-3669.

Cathy's Homestay in Pagudpud: 0919-571-6680