Northern Pilgrimage

Having a vacation to take a breather is a welcome change in my everyday routine. A long drive going to the north is way better than taking the road going to Ortigas just for once. To look at the mountains, beaches, greeneries of the province rather than the hustle and bustle of the metropolis; to be with friends and families rather than deal the drama of the urban life.

For this year’s Holy week, we packed our bags and our way to the hometown of my dad in San Vicente, Ilocos Sur. They have a different kind of celebration for this special holiday. We participated in the procession of different saints from the church going around the town. They also prepared some elevated stage made out of bamboos to re-enact the life of Jesus until His death.

My favorite activity was when we visited several churches for the Visita Iglesia. The churches in Ilocos are old but well preserved. The architecture is unique and truly breathtaking. We even went to the bell tower to take some pictures! And the finale was to enjoy halo-halo, empanada and corn in the church park under the shade of big trees.




I really appreciated the warm welcome of my family whenever we are there. They cook yummy foods for us and willingly tour us around. I really loved it when my Tito Ador and my cousin, Marnelli, gave us a calesa ride! Their farm was really charming with the animals, plants, nipa hut and the fresh air, it was the perfect place to unwind and relax.



Vigan City is the place to be when you are in Ilocos Sur. After a sumptuous dinner in the house of my Tita Luz, I hopped in a motorcycle driven by Marnelli and me and my other cousins made a convoy going to Vigan. We had a picnic eating Mc Donalds’ ice cream and Jolibee’s Ice Craze in Plaza Burgos while having a fun talk and being entertained by the ‘kakulitan’ of my young pamangkins Kyle and Princess with my cousin Joseph as the leader for trouble.



For our last night, we went to Heritage Street for a shopping trip and photo shoot. The place was like a time capsule with the calesas, brick roads and vintage houses. We were immersed with the culture and tradition that Ilocos has to offer. And the best part was when I received cute, quirky t-shirts from Tita Liza and my sister, Nica.





I really enjoyed this year’s vacation in Ilocos. I felt the sincerity of the people, I appreciated the beauty of the place and I had good memories to keep.