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HRM EDUCATIONAL TOUR UP NORTH – A REDISCOVERY

The students of Hotel & Restaurant Mgt headed by its Coordinator Dr. Danilo M. Pascual  feasted their eyes and took pleasure as they visit the historical places in Vigan in Ilocos Sur &Laog in Ilocos Norte with Pagudpud Beach on the side.  The group departed on Jan. 26, 2012 at 10 pm arriving 7:30 am in Vigan, the capital of Ilocos Sur.

Historical Places visited include :

Vigan, Ilocos Sur

1. Heritage Village – also known as the Mestizo District where Spanish-Mexican houses stand along cobble-stone streets

2. Sta. Maria Church – nestled atop a hill with a 180-step stairway declared as the National Landmark

3. Bantay Church – features a baroque and gothic designs, its belfry atop nearby hill

4. Paburnayan – The famous “burnay”( terra cotta jar) factories

5. Crisologo Museum – residence of Floro Crisologo’s family converted into a museum

6. Plaza Salcedo – location of the Provincial Capitol Bldg., Vigan Municipal Hall, Vigan Public Market, Calesa Ride along the old streets

7. Plaza Burgos – boasts of the famous Vigan empanada

8. Balwarte Zoo – owned and operated by no less than Mr Chavit Singson where rare animals are maintained like ostrich, baby tigers, iguanas, and a lot more. Pony-driven carts are used to ferry guests around

Laog, Ilocos Norte

1. Malacańang of the North (Balay ti Amianan) the house of the family of the deposed Ex-President Marcos – a showcase of  how  well-off a family can be
2. Marcos Museum – records and memorabilia of the late Pres. Marcos was kept
3. Marcos Mausoleum -  air-conditioned mausoleum where the late Pres. Marcos laid inside a glass casket
4. Sta. Monica Church in Sarrat – where Irene Marcos & Gregorio Araneta were married
5. Paoay Church  -considered as the pinnacle of earthquake Baroque architecture.
6. Burgos Light Tower House – Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse, is a cultural heritage structure in Burgos, Ilocos Norte
7. Bangui Windmill – renewable energy resources. It sells 40% electricity to Ilocos Norte and is contributing to reduce the greenhouse effect which causes global warming.
8. Paraiso ni Anton –  said to be guarded by an enchanted lady where miraculous water falls from the falls and streams
9. Patapat Bridge -c onsidered as the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines and the second northermost road of the island of Luzon.
10. Abel iloko – refers to the process of weaving fabrics , the final product inabel iloko are blankets,, table runners, placemats, towels, bags, etc

11. Pagudpud Beach – considered as the “Boracay of the North’ because of its white sand.

The group stayed overnight first at RF Aniceto Mansion and secondly at Playa Resort Hotel. Savoring the town’s delicacies like longganisa, chichacorn, sukang iloko, tinubong, -sticky rice dessert snack stuck inside a hollow bamboo. Other notable delicacies (mostly rice-based) are dudol, bibingka, patupat, and suman can be had at the Kankanen makers of Barangay San Jose in Vigan. Bagnet (deep-fried pork and a huge personal favorite) and Empanadas (egg, ground meat, shredded vegetables fried in paper thin pastry is to die for.

Sugar cane juice, a refreshing drink is a must-try  beverage.

Inabel Iloko are  blankets, towels, table runners, placemats, baskets, bags, purses and wallets are commonly in   display along the streets of Vigan Heritage Villages.

The final night was all fun for everybody as they walk in the white sand of the beach shoreline and  frolic in the pool of Playa Resort Hotel.

Student Amateur and sub professional photographers all had a wonderful time clicking their cameras, what with the enticing  view that these towns have to offer.

All sleepy heads, they arrived at 3 am Jan. 30,2012 . Everybody has but only one-line to say– “ worth the long journey, worth the price!”