december-2011

PHILIPPINES
LAOAG
AREA CODE (77)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN You can hire a van, jeepney
or tricycle from the Laoag airport to get to your
destination in town. However, an eco-friendly
means of getting around the city is the kalesa or
horse-drawn carriage.
BY DAY Wait up for the sunrise at the La Paz
sand dunes. An alternative way to enjoy the
dunes is to ride through them on a 4x4 or go sand
boarding. After which, enjoy a kalesa ride around
the city and try the street foods along the way.
BY NIGHT For dinner, visit La Preciosa for their
amazing menu of Ilocano and international
cuisines. Visit the Provincial Capitol, which is best
viewed in the evening with its picturesque fountain
and lights.
SLEEP Renzo Hotel is located within the vicinity
of Laoag Centro. For your convenience, it has a
supermarket, souvenir and coffee shop inside.
www.laoagrenzohotel.com
Marie Stella
U. Gaspar
student
BEST DINNER The Bagbet (a
mix of bagnet and pinakbet) and
Puqui-Puqui at La Preciosa.
BEST SOUVENIRS Basi and
Bugnay wines, sukang (vinegar)
Iluko, longganisa and bawang.
INSIDER TIP The weather in
the city is unpredictable, so it is best
to bring an umbrella at all times, to
be prepared.
trip journal
PHILIPPINES
TUGUEGARAO
AREA CODE (78)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN To get to town, you take two
tricycles: one from the airport to the main road,
and then another to the town proper. It should cost
you no more than just PHP10 per ride. And the
rides are fairly short.
BY DAY For the spiritual, there are a number of
churches to visit: Sts Peter and Paul Cathedral; the
San Jacinto Church; St Paul University Church;
and the Basilica of Piat. For the adventurous, try
spelunking at the Callao Caves.
BY NIGHT Enjoy a delicious dinner at Kainang
Pilipino, where you can taste local fare. Don’t miss
out on their specialty, crispy pata. After dinner,
head to nearby Hotel Carmelita for a fun night of
karaoke.
SLEEP Las Palmas de San Jose is a
Mediterranean-inspired hotel and resort in San
Jose Village. It offers clean rooms and a homey
atmosphere. www.laspalmas.com.ph
LOCAL SPEAK Use “silya”
(left) and “manu” (right) when giving
directions to a local driver.
BEST SOUVENIRS Machetes
and knives can be bought along the
highway in Brgy Larion.
INSIDER TIP Know that
you have three choices when riding
a tricycle: capacity, special or
double pay.
{ 191 }
Jeremy
Villasis
travel
photographer
LESTER LEDESMA