Day 1 ~ Back in Vigan

The extended New Year's vacation was a perfect excuse for some much needed family road trip adventure ~ up North.

The last time, we've ventured this far out Metro Manila by land was five (5) years ago, however traffic was horrendous then and we were only able to reach up to Vigan ~ Sharing here my blog post from our Vigan Road Trip  in 2013.

Five years later, we are back, determined to reach Pagudpod.

We travelled with my children ages 14 and 10; my parents ~ seniors ages 73 and 75 and my sister's family ~ her husband, their 5 year old daughter and her yaya, on board  2 SUVs driven by my husband and my brother-in-law. 

The Plan
~ 4 days/3 nights tour of Ilocos Province, 1 night in Vigan and 2 nights in Laoag/Pagudpod.
We were to spend New Year in Ilocos Norte to escape the rainy Manila weather brought about by typhoon Usman.

To make the most of our trip, we hired a local guide for our Day 2 and 3 trip. We used our own cars, with my husband driving and our guide navigating and my brother-in-law on convoy.

It was one of the best decisions we made for this trip as it made our travel convenient.  

We got insiders tips on where to eat, where to buy "pasalubong" cheapest, fastest way from one attraction to another and even got ourselves a photographer.  If you are looking for a local guide, I highly recommend Raymond. 

You can contact him via mobile number 0926-2589397.

TIP: If you are thinking of buying bagnet and Vigan longaniza feel free to ask him. He can get it for you cheaper. 

Day 1 ~ VIGAN

We left Rizal at 12 midnight and reached Vigan at 11am+.  Our travel time is included: 2 hours stop over for breakfast and restrooms breaks.

As it was almost  lunch when we arrived in Vigan, and our hotel check-in time was not until 2pm, we decided to have lunch first.  

Lunch was at Hidden Garden.  We obviously enjoyed our visit  the last time.  It was good that we came early ~ queue was piling up fast.  With so many guest lined up,  I really think they should think about changing their name to Public Garden...

We ordered for 3 families (2 children and 8 adults) and paid P2300 (net of senior citizen discount) - not bad!

• Vigan Empanada (here is a trivia, the difference between the Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte empanada is the color of the empanada crust. Ilocos Norte empanada is tinted orange)
• Okoy (shrimp omelette) 
• Bagnet Sisig
• Sinigang na Bagnet (yes, there is a bagnet dish for everyone) 
• Vigan Longanisa
• Hidden Garden Fried Rice
• Poqui~Poqui 

Do you wonder, how Hidden Garden was like 5 years ago?  Check my 2013 restaurant review here: Hidden Garden 2013.

After lunch we headed to our accommodation "Paradores de Vigan" to check-in and rest a bit before heading out again to tour the famed Calle Crisologo.   

(Please click here for our review of our stay at Paradores de Vigan >>> Paradores de Vigan Review ~ 2018)

We did not bother touring the rest of Vigan as we've been here before, but we can't pass the opportunity to go back to Calle Crisologo.

PS.  I bought here weaved abel blankets.  I love these blankets, they are very well made. The ones I bought 5 years ago are still in good condition.   

Our pictures at Calle Crisologo

There are lots of dining options in Vigan, but somehow my parents have a fondness for Max Restaurant ~ Personally, I would have opted for the local restaurants.   

We ended the night with coffee Café Tribu (located near ~  they were all out of dessert so my girl scout sister had to "scout" for take out :P

Coffee was okay, but a bit to bland for my taste.  I like my coffee strong (with a kick)!  It was good though with the "Senorita Dulce" Royal Bibingka my sister bought. 

Follow Café Tribu's facebook page for inquiries: Cafe Tribu Vigan. 

The seniors are tired and so are our drivers, so we were back to our sack once more.  

Please follow our tour of Ilocos Province  ~  
Day 2 ~ Laoag Adventure
and Day 3 ~ Pagudpod