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

Day 4 in Seoul (A Private Tour : Seoul ~ Sanjeong Lake, Pocheon Art Valley and Herb Island)

Our Day 4 in South Korea was in the outskirt of Seoul ~ Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do.  As it was a little difficult to reach I contacted, "This is Korea" Tours to customize a private tour for my family.

Andy, our Tour Specialist (TS) cum driver and photographer picked us up at the Metro Hotel at 11am as agreed.  It was an easy ride on board a 7-seater limousine van for our family of 4. 

Our tour was personalized based on what we wanted so long as the entire trip is all within the 10 hours we've commissioned.  For our trip, we've decided on Sanjeong Lake, Pocheon Art Valley and Herb Island.



SANJEONG LAKE

Sanjeong Lake is situated between Myeongseongsan and Mangbongsan Mountain.  Its name means "as clear as a mountain well". It was built in 1925 as a reservoir to supply to farmlands in Pocheon.

Reached Sanjeong Lake Park early afternoon ~ perfect weather for a cup of hot coffee 

Lots of things to do in the lake park.  We took a paddle boat and walked the lake promenade.

I am the designated photographer, while the big boys paddle

The view of the  Sanjeong Lake is calm and relaxing.  I could kill hours here, just be looking at the lake.  During winter the lake freezes and turns into a huge skating rink (that would be fun).

Every turn ~ is picture perfect.

POCHEON ART VALLEY
The Cheonjuho Lake in Pocheon Art Valley is a one of the filming site for the Korean telenovela Legend of the Blue Sea. 

There are 2 ways to reach the main attractions, walking a steep hill or via the monorail. It was an easy choice for us ~ via the monorail.  

The Pocheon Art Valley used to be a quarry and later transformed into a culture and art gallery.  

#FeelingLikeAMermaid

My once little boy, again fooling around.

Click here if you want to see a video of

Cheonjuho Lake and Art Valley.

THE HERB ISLAND
This attraction is an herbs complex complete with a museum, arts and crafts center and beautiful herbs garden.  We specifically mentioned to our guide, that we wanted to visit this attraction last to see the night garden illumination (which is timed at sunset).

Oh and if you are into Kdramas ~ scenes from Hyde, Jekyll and I; Criminal  Mind, Oh my Venus where shot here.

We had early dinner in one the restaurants located inside the Herb Island complex.

Us with our Tour Specialist (TS).

Upon the recommendation of our TS, we tried Bulgogi and Mushroom Hotpot.

Even the food is "Instagram worthy". Our TS insisted we try bulgogi with flowers ~Yes, we tried it... the meat and spices overpowered the flower so it was okay with me.  However, my hubby doesn't like it with flowers.  He liked the soup though and wont stop talking about how flavorful it is. 

Jalapeno anyone? 

Pictures from the Herbs Island Garden ~

We enjoyed our private tour of Pocheon ~ it was every bit the relaxing and  de-stressing trip we have hoped for.  Our TS genuinely cared for our interests and appeal. 

For customized and hassle free tour of Seoul, we highly recommended "This Is Korea".

For inquiries please check This is Korea webpage at 

This Is Korea Tours

Or contact them via email to:

inquiries@thisiskoreatours.com