Get to Know Philippines in Madrid

Puerta de Alcalá

PinoyExplorer is now in Spain's Capital---Madrid. We have stayed in a small province of Guadalajara, a 45-minutes travel from the city of Madrid. It feels like you are living in northern part of Bulacan and traveling via the NLEX. While in Madrid, I feel like home. For me, it's like the suburban Ayala in Makati City area but has wider highways, medieval architectural buildings plus the presence the statue of our great hero Dr. José Rizal. Yes, the replica statue of Rizal is standing proud at Santander Park. It is in corner of Calle Santander and Avenida de las Islas Filipinas. The mere sight of Rizal is already a relief for me.

So why is Rizal's statue was here in Spain? You might ever wonder why the Spanish government was convinced enough that Rizal deserve a monument to his honor. It was in 1996 in commemoration of his death centenary when it was erected. The story behind this is really monumental work but i don't think it would fit on this blog, so better have your research :)

Islas Filipinas in Metro de Madrid

If you are a usual commuter in Manila via MRT, this is a very familiar scene. But unlike the usual passing through the metropolis, watching all the billboards in every stations, here in Madrid all rail stations are organized via its subway transit. They can be considered as underground worms roaming around the healthy land of Madrid. This is the first thing that calls my attention while wandering inside our rented car with my camera. At first, I thought it was just an underground pass but through its signage, I have concluded that indeed, its a train station.

They call it "Metro" which I think where our concept of MRT have been patterned. They are located beside the sidewalks that can easily be seen and has an elevator up to 4 levels if I am not mistaken. These 231 stations has a locator map that can be seen upon entrance and is color coded so you would know in which stations you would hop for your connecting destinations. Yes, you heard me right., a Metro subways are connecting all destinations in Madrid and other country side of Spain including the famous city of Barcelona which is my next destination for 5 days.

I was impressed with how they build the Metro subways of Spain. It is well planned and automated. The stations are well equipped with ticket vending machine, and mind you, these tickets can also be used for a bus ride. Time here is very precious for trains really come on time or else, you have to wait for the next ride. It is the fast and easy mode of transportation and they seldom ride a bus. I have noticed, bus routes here are also very limited.

One of the station that is very significant to me is the station named after our dear country "Islas Filipinas". It is part of the station line 7 of the Madrid Metro beneath the street Cea Bermudez, between the Plaza de Cristo Rey and the intersection with Avenida de las Islas Filipinas, in the Madrid district of Chamberi. This station was opened for business on February 12, 1999. Adjacent to it, you can see our national hero "Jose Rizal" standing tall on its Luneta statue replica.

And while searching through the web about Metro in Madrid, I have encountered this video commercial and mind you..it was shoot in the Philippines.

Pinoy Guide to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport

Schiphol is a European mainport located in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. It connects most of european travel. According to wikipedia, in 2007, Schiphol handled 47,793,602 passengers, ranking fifth in Europe behind London, Paris, Frankfurt and Madrid.

If you are first timer like me, for sure will like this sleek, modern (and the world's oldest airport), serving 50million passengers a year! It is the home base of KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) and one of the cleanest, most efficient airports I've been in. As I went through my assigned gate for my connecting flight to Madrid, I have found out that the airport is connected directly to rail trains which will take you right into the city (Central Station, facing the Damrak). This station also is a stop for the international high-speed train Thalys, connecting the airport with a direct train connection to Antwerp, Brussels and Paris. For a wired person like me, the airport has a Wi-Fi hot spots and almost 100 internet stations...whew..its really something to show. (How I wish NAIA 3 in Manila is now open and let's see the difference they have made)

Anyway, according to reports, this airport has won all kinds of international awards for design, people-friendliness, accessibility, etc; including best airport in the world, and best tax-free shopping. Yes, you heard it right, this airport is like a mall, wherein they have integrated all the amenities they can offer in one roof.

As first timer, I find it easy to navigate. Signs are well-lit in yellow and flight schedule kiosk are place strategically as aid to all travelers. Customer service stands are also very prominent and moving walkways helps a lot to those who are on the rush.

Before I go, this airport has main terminal and five concourses:

• Arrivals and Schiphol Plaza is located on the lower level of the terminal. This area contains hotel, shuttles, car rental booths, public transportation, baggage claim, and Passport control.
  
• Departures, Lounges, and Holland's Blvd are located on the middle level of the terminal. This area contains check-in, Post Office Service, and concourses.
  

1. Concourse B contains gates B1 - B19.
   
2. Concourse C contains gates C2 - C18.
   
3. Concourse D contains gates D1 - D58.
   
4. Concourse E contains gates E2 - E24.
   
5. Concourse F contains gates F2 - F9.
   
6. Concourse G contains gates G2 - G9.
   

• The upper level contains gates D59-D87.
  

Airport maps are also available at the information desk or while still on board, if your are in a KLM flight, flip the magazine pages and you will find it there. Or.. download it here!

Got to go and congrats to Schiphol...it will be celebrating its 92th birthday this year.

On the Air to Amsterdam

It was so amazing to know that while you are on air for almost 11 hours, the sun never sets and its getting more intense as I expected. Europe particularly Madrid and Barcelona where I am intended to visit is 6 hours late and that's the reason why KLM jet is flying the other side of the clock.

The plane leaves Manila at 10:45 am and when we passed by China around 9 pm (manila time), the sun is still high and getting more intense. I have decided not to adjust my time so I can see the transition of time in this part of the world. I have been monitoring the flight status in a mini TV in front of me from time to time and I can see clearly the simulation of day and night in the virtual global map.

I feel so excited every time I see the position of the plane to its course and I can't help myself peeping through the window and see how the plane passed through the fly zone of Moscow. At 2 am (Manila) the sun is still up but its like 5 pm in Philippine time. So, while flying, you will have this notion that sun never sets in these areas.

I have been counting the time and keep on looking to my flight itinerary to verify the time that I suppose to land. I have selected a seat beside a window and from time to time I open the window and still its blinding light out there.

I tried to keep myself asleep but I'm just being bothered by things I have left behind. Sometimes, it's healthy to have this moment of your life when you are faraway from your usual routines and take some reflections. I may sound sentimental but this is only the time you can think more about yourself, what you have done so far and what you gonna do in the future...about 30,000 feet above sea level.I remember all the people that helped me process my documents, the people that supported me all way to pursue this travel opportunity and to all people who believe in me. I think about my son, my lovely wife, my friends and relatives. That's how I consume my hours while I'm on top of the world.

Hah.. I miss the Philippines now..

Flight to Amsterdam via KLM

I'm the early flying bird being at the boarding Gate 11 at 7:57 for a scheduled 10:45 flight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). This is where KLM 804 flight going to Amsterdam is boarding. Do you think that's cool? Well, I'm may be excited that I have never run through the lines. To tell you the secret, I took advantage of KLM online check-in and manage to line up first in the business class.

The good thing about the online check-in is that it enables you to bypass the usual long lines and allows you to select your desired seating number. This is one of the features that we cannot see in our local airlines. It's the web support facilities that made our travel becomes an experience. I have selected my seat by the window side to have a view of the hemisphere going to Amsterdam and of course took a bit of aerial photos which I think is very seldom seen.

Now, as you read this. I'm already seating at the boarding area, had opened my notebook and tinker this notes while waiting for the gate's call. As time go nearer, seats are being filled by those I see in the long line who had braced the immigration officer and check-in counters. I am leaving for Madrid and have my connecting flight to Amsterdam.

At around 8:55, KLM flight 804 had already docked and now waiting for us to go aboard. It's a shining light blue color majestically stage herself to the awaiting passengers and its like weaving its wings for us. Passengers started to embark and suddenly, a group of high footed blond ladies in blue uniform parade the hallway. They are the stewardess of KLM flight and with them the captain and some flight crews whose looks can be compared ala James Bond or Tom Cruise. They are the superstar of today's flight and glad to see them on their snappy uniforms and greeted everyone with a happy smile. Now..I'm relieve..I know this would be a great flight :)

Pinoy's Guide in Acquiring a Schengen Visa

If you heard about the word Schengen, it could mean that a person is securing a visa or is traveling to Europe. It may sounds like Chinese to you, but it is actually a village in Luxembourg who became famous because it is the place the Schengen Agreement was signed on June 15, 1985 by the five countries —Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg.. Today, it is the unifying factor that contributes to two agreements among European states in 1985 and 1990.

That's why, if you're traveling to a European country such as Madrid or Barcelona, you need a Schengen visa. With this visa, it allows you to have a multiple entry to any country of the member European states. So, I can go to France to see the famous Eiffel tower or see the romantic city of Italy or perhaps in Switzerland to see the Einstein Museum in Berne.

Two years ago, the Spanish Consulate in the Philippines have implemented the courier delivery service so all visas that was processed can now be delivered at your door steps. But if you are like me who had expedite the visa processing, you will be personally have to get your visa at their office in Makati. If you are a new applicant, you need to prepare documents prior to submission to the Spanish Embassy in Manila. You can see application form here. In my case, I'm on a short stay and for business purposes, I have prepared the following:

* Schengen Visa Application Form ( xerox in 3 copies)

* 2 x 2 photo (blue or white background)

* Passport (xerox in 3 copies)

* An Invitation letter from my host (Conference invitation)

* Airfare tickets and Itenerary

* Travel Insurance

* Hotel Booking

Before I miss, you need to pay P3,600 for your visa. But when I go there to fetch my visa, Effective July 3, they have raised the amount to P4,100. Yes, you have read it right, I have already my visa.. thank God and that's exactlly 10 days of processing.

PinoyExplorer goes to Spain

For my next travel blog series, I am quite hesitant to write about my travel abroad because it is not in line with my advocacy in promoting all about the wonders of Philippine travel. But, upon the advice of my friends, I got a second thought since according to them, I'm still tackling a topic of a Pinoy who explore the other side of the world and experiencing how it is to be and live in a foreign land...interacting with people of different culture and traditions.

Pinoy Explorer would like to feature Spain as my next stop and discover to myself as a Pinoy, how it is to be in the land of once a colonizer of the my motherland for centuries. I will also be discovering new things about this country in the the world of globalization and what it can offer that would allow me appreciate its unique beauty and as spiritual sibling of mixed culture and traditions.

So this time, as I have gone through sleepless nights waiting for my Schengen Visa, I am preparing myself for this long trip. But before that, I would like to thank Vibal Foundation for giving me a chance to be part of its delegation that will attend and present to an international conference on Free Software, Free Technology that will happen in Barcelona, Spain. Also, I would like to give thanks in advance for the generosity of GAV and EAV down to the Excom who have supported me all out up to securing my papers.

God..help me expedite my visa..

Philippine Travel Stats that you need to Know

If you love the Philippines and want to know some important facts of our local tourism industry, I have discovered a published article research compiled by Kate Pedroso of Inquirer.

• There are 276,809 total of tourists who arrived in the Philippines in February this year.

• We have 2, 419 total number of domestic flights per week

• There are around 285,533 number of available seats in domestic flight per week

• There are 55.6 percent of Filipinos who traveled within the country to visit their relatives or friends in 2005.

• Filipinos spend in an average of P1,200 in domestic travel accommodation in 2005

• 9 million are estimated number of households that received visitors between April and September in 2005

• In Bicol region, there are 4.1 percentage growth of the influx of tourism from 2006 to 2007

• There are 411,285 total numbers of domestic tourist who visit Camarines Sur in 2007

• There are an estimated 5,000 plus numbers of Korean transients in Baguio as of March 2008

• 35 homestay facilities in Pagudpud has been accredited by the Department of Tourism

• 128 percent influx of Russian tourist arrival was recorded in 2007

• An estimated 7,000 number of guest who visited Marinduque for the Moriones Festival in Holy Week of 2007

• There are already 38 number of hotels and resort in Marinduque

Cebu: The ICT Capital of the Philippines

Cebu City as we all know, is the queen city of the south. The home of the famous Sinulog fiesta, dangit and beaches. Today, Cebu offers more than that and is going beyond as it surge to the next level and making its wave in the 21st century as it transformed itself into a new hub for ICT. Cebu is now a famous venue for an International Conferences and recently, host to the first International Philippine Open Source Summit that PinoyExplorer had attended last July 23-24, 2008. This time, It reunites all IT practioners who advocate on the use open source softwares.

"Open source” refers to software or application whose users need no license to operate or use. Open source is not popular in the Philippines and one of the summit's aim is to unite its supporters and spread the news about it. CICT Chairman Ray Anthony Roxas-Chua also supported the campaign and looking forward for a government and private sectors cooperation in propagating open source awareness among Filipinos and use it as alternative against proprietary software. He pointed out during his speech at the Plenary Hall of Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) the government had also choosen the open source software when it implements ICT projects such as the e-Governance, iSchool and eSkwela projects. Private institutions, NGO's and universities were already starting to use open source software in the development of their own projects. One good project was the initiative being done by Vibal Foundation in opening educational resources over the internet. Their projects such as the WikiPilipinas, an open encyclopedia, Filipiniana.net, a digital library, Philippine Online Chronicles (POC), free news resource for new breed of readers and currently the E-turo project which provide teacher's and learner's resource materials for free were running using open source softwares.


With these development in IT, Cebu moves forward through the leadership of the Summit organizer by planning to organize an organization that will finally unite all open source practitioners and developers. This organization shall represents the country and make a mark in the International open source community.

For your information, Philippines becomes the 7th in the outsourcing business. Cebu is now taking the lead and pushing its initial initiative to put the Philippines in the map of another area of information technology. No wonder that every time I went to Cebu's IT park to treat myself a brewed coffee, I saw group of yuppies coming back and forth from those newly established high rise buildings in the vicinity on the rush or taking their breaks. Some of them works in the outsourcing business and some in the software development companies. This is also shows that Cebu is becoming the new hub for more foreign investors and a lot of business related projects that would help our own economy.

Cebu's CICC now becomes the symbol of a new economy in the southern part of the Philippines. With this particular event and by recognizing that Open Source is one huge wave of the future in the field of ICT, the CCCI now turns its focus to bring together the world-renowned players of various global Open Source initiatives.

Father's Day 2008

It been 3 years and a half already and enjoyed myself for being a father of a very cute boy I named Chadmartin. But did I really enjoyed him as he grow day by day? Sad to say that I really missed some monumental events of his life. Like his first time to draw a cat, first time to hear him recite his mathematical skills and his first day in a nursery school this year. I'm guilty about it and I'm so blessed that I have a very understanding wife who really work hard and took care of our little boy.

This picture reminds me during his first year of life. Taken by my wife while we visit the Sampaloc lake in her home town in Laguna. Nevertheless, as a father, I see to it that every time I finished my projects in the office, I took time to give them my precious time and treat them in a place where we can enjoy as a family. And today, its Father's Day again and so glad that I have already reserved myself to be with them this very day. I gonna treat them to Manila Ocean Park and let my boy wonder the big fishes that he always seen on National Geographic Channel. :)

WikiPilipinas: Java Hotel Accommodation

Strolling for 5 hours in various destinations of Ilocos is quite tiring, good enough there's a nearby hotel along the busy highway of Laoag. Truly, you have to stay at least 2 days in Ilocos to have treat yourself to the wonders of Ilocandia.

We arrive at Java Hotel by 5:38 pm and its like you've been transported to Bali, Indonesia. This hotel is an Indonesian-inspired and its architectural influence was a combination of Malaysia and Singapore. From a popular airline cliche, I can also say that "It is truly Asia".

The only drawback or big turn off, is the gasoline station that is blocking its facade. It cannot rectitude its architectural beauty if tourist see this kind of blockage that is very awkward to look at. Anyway, what is important for now is the kind of accommodation that we savor for a night of stay in this first class hotel in Ilocos.

While Jerry embarked our luggage in our room, I manage to room around and documented its facility. I have found out their unique Eagle's Nest bar as if I have not gone far from the white sands of Pagudpud. I refresh myself a bit while local beauties of ilocandia treat me with an ice cold SMB : ) haaaaah..sarap. Inside the bar, you can be entertained by 58 in TV monitor playing live concert series or play videoke with friends while chirping family of cute breed of parrots is an alternative view to look at. The Balinese style dining can be seen adjacent to it and for sure, we will have our dinner there. Wait, the hotel is a wi-fi zone and thanks to it, so i can have time to update this blog.



After awhile, I went to our room and Gus and George was taking a zip of brandy relaxing themselves while watching cable show. Our room was nice and its like any other hotel suits in Makati complete with bath tub and hot and cold shower. Mind you, rooms here are also card activated with mini bar and a veranda.

I woke up at 7:00 am and immediately went to veranda with George who is busy cleaning his DSLR camera. The back view of this hotel is lush green vegetation and you can see early farmers tendering the rice fields. I stroll again and navigated the other side of the hotel. I have found out that the back entrance is a more picturesque than its front. From here, you can really appreciate the place and its architectural design. I can see from its details and its structure was simulated as if you're in the beach front of the famous Bali resort.

The three of us decided to have our early breakfast while the staff are still on their respected rooms. After a brief chat and plan for our next stop, we decided to go swimming in a mini-pool at the right side of the hotel and experience the warm sunny morning and a bit of water massage to have my back ready for another long drive back home.

By 9:am, we packed up and decided to proceed to Vigan.

WikiPilipinas: Marvellous Cape Bojeador

This is a continuation of my pending blog series on WikiPilipinas Northern Adventure and I'm so happy that I have managed to squeeze a bit of my time to make this post...

As WikiPilipinas team drove its way to Burgos, we find time to drop by to another historic landmark in Ilocos Norte. Famously called as Faro Cabo Cape Bojeador, this lighthouse was already a century old and it set majestically on a hill overlooking the South China Sea.

It is located approximately 35 kilometres north of the City of Laoag and it is the most accessible of all lighthouses in the north of the Island of Luzon. It was built in 1892 and mind you, it is still functioning up to now, serving ships passing by the northern part of South China Sea. This is one of the famous historical landmark that you should not missed when visiting Ilocandia. It is the highest lighthouse in the Philippines above sea level on top of a hill named Vigia de Nagparitan with an estimated total height of around 160 meters high ( tower height = 17 meters approximate) .

We climb the stairs and see for ourselves the old remnants of locally made bricks. The Lighthouse at present, assists ships heading towards the ports of Salomangue in Ilocos Sur which is 87 kilometres south from the lighthouse, and Curmimao, which is 60 kilometres away in Ilocos Norte. According to local folks here, the light flash once in every minute. How I wish to see that in the evening :)

As we reach the entrance, I saw this little museum, which has collections of published articles about this place and some historical artifact. Directing your eyes to the physique of the tower, you can recognized its octagonal-shape which has an inner dimension of two meters and an exterior dimension of three and half meters. I just can't imagine that this light house was a product of a pre-hispanic era. I just can't imagine the structures of othe famous lighthouses in the country such as that of Capones and Cape Enga.

I see a photo of the caretaker in the musuem and I am trying to find out how he manage to maintain the mechanical parts of the light house. For sure, it's all manually configured specially the continuous rotation of the lens throughout the night.

This lighthouse is the most visited among other lighthouses in the country because of its accessibility. It has already a concrete roads and well maintained by the local government. Today, its pavilion although so old, was already converted into a mini-museum. The adjacent quarters is said to be lodging for people seeking basic accommodation. Its tower is quite accessible but our visit is not timely for the light keeper was not around at that time and the door that leads to it was locked. May be if fortunate enough, next time I would be able to have access to its lantern and feel the winds from the perch of its overhanging balcony.

This place becomes a major tourist attraction in a politically powerful province, the lighthouse of Cape Bojeador should be ensured by its local government and pass a policy for its preservation and protection for years to come.

Getting There:

From Laoag/Baguio/Vigan or La union : Follow the northwestern coastal national highway that is commonly used going to Ilocos provinces until you've reached some dramatic and exhilirating view of the sea and upon reaching the town of Burgos in Ilocos Norte. There is a sign board at the right side of the highway indicating the entrance to the winding road leading to the base of cape Bojeador Lighthouse.

WikiPilipinas: Bangui Windmill Stopover

One of the finest scene to visit if you're travelling from Pagudpud or coming from Laoag City is the pride of Bangui Bay in Ilocos Norte. A giant alien-looking windmills are its newest attraction after it was constructed in 2005. I just can't imagine that after two years, Ilocos had produced a truly a magnificent scene that you can't imagine and that can be found in the Philippines.

WikiPilipinas team make this as its 3rd stop and to take a glance of these marvelous structure. We had so much fun watching every 6-meter wind turbines spins above our heads. According to PAGASA, the Philippines wind power density can produce about 31 watts per square meter (W/m2). So, just imagine how many watts these 15 turbines can produce from this site.

Bangui Windmills stands more sexier than the model I manage to shoot :)

With this project, Ilocos for sure can have another portfolio to show not just in postcards. The results of my photos as shown here is a truly an assessment that Gov. Bongbong Marcos Jr have shown his leadership and political will to prove to the world that Ilocandia has something to offer. The 15 wind turbines that I call "Sentinels of Bangui Bay" is just a start and hopefully finished its phase 2 project by adding 5 more turbines to complete the natural and technological elegance of Bangui Bay.

Taking advantage of the wonderful backdrop, sky blue sky, the staff are so busy taking their pictures and having to embrace the 23 storey turbular tower. It's really a unique experience to hear the roaring 326 meters apart-turbines produced by the winds coming from the northeast of South China Sea. I can say that this place is must see by all tourist who visit Ilocos.

Lastly, I just hope that the marker that leads to the isolated area of Bangui Bay should be more visible from the national highway. A tourist attraction like this should be taken care of specially the rough and narrow street that leads to it.

Next stop..Laoag City
Related Post
* WikiPilipinas:Hanging Around Patatapat
* WikiPilipinas:Pagudpud Treat
* WikiPilipinas: The Road to Ilocadia
* WikiPilipinas:Summer Getaway

WikiPilipinas:Bantay Abot Cave

We almost had missed this place and thanks to the watchful eyes of George. He had been able to see the signage going to Blue Lagoon and so, we immediately went back to the place and find ourselves what's in there. Actually, we've been hunting the blue lagoon when we're having the boat ride in Pagudpud. If you want to see this place, and if you have your own vehicle its only 10 minutes away from Pagudpud .



Bantay Abot Cave based on my research means “a mountain with a hole.” A hole was found at the middle of the hill where the waves were free to flash into its walls just like an open shore until it was wrecked by an earthquake during the 80’s. It is also called “the underground sea” for on top of the cave is a lustrous vegetative cover. Inside the cave can hear the echoing sound of the waves, the chirping of the birds ameliorate by the cool breeze of the air. The cave is a very unique creation partly surrounded by the clear blue sea. The shore has white sand mixed with fragments of shells and rocks that can be made as a décor. Parts of the shore are forms of rocks where you can sit and relax and enjoy a lucid view of the wide sea and verdant mountains. My lens never missed this opportunity and I have manage to capture its beauty.



Bantay Abot Cave is located along the seacoast of Sitio Gaoa, Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.
Few meters away, you can see the Timmangtang rock that stands majestically in the lagoon. It is located along the shore and partly by the sea. Bantay Abot Cave and the Timmantang Rock are like lovers. Because of its natural formation, the former being the female (because it has a hole) and the later is the male. If you are on top of it, for sure, you could see the calm blue sea and the enchanting view of Sitio Gaoa. And to those backpackers out there, Campfire is a very ideal at the foot of this stunning rock.

Personally, I was stunned by its glorious beauty and I was thankful for being able to capture the secrets of this place. My only regrets is that, we have no ample time to go to Malingay Cove (Blue Lagoon). It is a hidden bay found at Maira-ira Point, which is a half-moon in shape edifice, by the Nacatnagan Cliff in the east and the Dos Hermanos in the north. According to my informant, reaching the place is quite tiresome for it is around 2.5o kilometers away from the highway with rigged roads and it is found at the interior part of Sitio Malingay.

Captions: Top to bottom (1)Bantay-abot cave, (2)The cave shot along the highway, (3)Gus and Richard, (4&5)View of Sitio Gaoa shoreline, and (6)shell abundance in seashores of Bantay-abot Cave

Next Bangui Windmills

Related post:

* WikiPilipinas:Hanging Around Patatapat
* WikiPilipinas:Pagudpud Treat
* WikiPilipinas: The Road to Ilocadia
* WikiPilipinas:Summer Getaway

WikiPilipinas: Hanging around Patapat Bridge

Painted blue sky seems a road to heaven

After our lunch, I requested to visit Patapat Viaduct before we proceed to Laoag City. From Pagudpud, its about 16 km zigzag road before you reach the famous bridge going to Isabela.

Upon reaching Patapat, we have seen lineup of vehicles parked on sideways and for a brief right turn, the 1.2 kilometers long Patapat bridge that I saw in my friends photos was finally witnessed by my naked eyes. This elevated bridge can be found at the foot of the cliff of the North Cordillera Mountain Ranges. Residence here and some tourist often referred this as the “French Riviera of the North”.

The Patapat road from our car's windshield

I have seen tourist like us who are also very busy taking group pictures and the picturesque view that encompass the whole scenery. Just like them, we also have our photo-op without noticing those vehicles who passed by our location. Motorist were already familiar with this particular scene so they manage to drive for about 40 kph.

group pix again...

After a brief photo shoot, we decided to go back. When we reached the end of the bridge, behold, we have found out the Mabugabog Falls. It is said that it serves as a source of power for the mini hydroelectric plant. Residence there said that, it's only during the rainy days when you can see its splendor with its water dropping rhythmically to precipice on the rocky shore of the sea facing north bay.

While standing at the middle of the bridge, me and George watch the amazing view of the sea and the luxuriant mountains that is 200 meters above sea level. The bridge itself is a superb craft of men and the fabulous scenery that surrounds it makes it really a breathtaking to behold. According to Jerry, who once passed by this area during his heydays of deliveries said that they use the old road that is 20 feet above us. Drivers who passed here use to sing to enliven them while passing this very tricky and hazardous roads that is compared to the roads going to Sagada.

The exit-entrance point of the old road of Patatapat

This viaduct was constructed to solve the problem of landslides in the area which have caused so many vehicular accidents in the past. Footed on the rocky seashore just several meters from the mountain side it gives motorists a spectacular view of Pasaleng Bay.

Next..Bantay Abot cave

WikiPilipinas: Pagudpud Treat

Warm turquoise water of Pagudpud

WikiPilipinas and FilNet Team was treated by Gus Vibal, executive director of Vibal Foundation to the northernmost tip of the Philippines. It is a yearly adventure trip he gave to his staff as his token gift after the hurdles of projects he initiated for the foundation which he tagged as "knowledge sharing initiative".

PinoyExplorer was there and a witness to their merry making and island adventure in the comparatively perfect charms of Ilocandia. Gus who lived in New York for 25 years was amazed by the luxuriant hills, mountains and the very productive valleys when we're on Pagudpud. For your information, this marvelous tip of Ilocandia lies 45 miles north of Laoag City, its provincial capital and about 350 miles north of Manila -- about the equal distance between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Cinematic sunrise of Pagudpud

From the Laoag International Airport, we drove one and a half hour last night. Immediately, after our dinner we have some sort of recreation and treating his staffs with bottomless beers and delicious pulutan while some of them have befriended other visitors and treated the night with hip-hop music.

Gus with FilNet/Wiki team

The following morning (our hut is by the beach) we are treated by the powdery-like white sand, the tranquil blue water and the beautiful sunrise landscape of blue sky-tinted with warm pinkish color. After a toast of coffee, Gus and George proceeded to the beach and hang-up with the early fisherman's catch. They curiously tickle those big fishes that I can't recall its name.

Hoping to get more clues on what's on the other side of the island, I decided to walk by the shore lines with my Canon DSLR and took some photos. Facing the northwest, I saw the famous Bangui Wind Mills aligned like aliens patrolling the beach. The scene is very unique if compared to Boracay. Along its coastline you can see the coral rock formation over a turquoise water. The scene is very dramatic that if I am a cinematographer, this particular spot would be perfect for a romantic love scene :)

Another cinematic view in Pagudpud. Perfect for relaxation.

When I came back, the staff decided to walk the southern part of the island and to take a peek of other fine beaches of Pagudpud. From there, the staff and Gus who joined us for a walk goes swimming while George and myself decided to hire a boat to take us to the other side of the island. The boatman told us about the blue lagoon which excite us. So, we fetch the team from their 2 kilometer walk and we proceeded to our next destination. The water gets rough so we decided to drop by in a nearby beach shore and and coral garden mesmerize our eyes with its clear water and live seaweeds.

A walk in the beach :)

We return to our quarters around 12 noon and eat our lunch. Serve with their house specialty- pinakbet with bagnet plus other native Ilocano foods, our stomach can no longer find its way to digest our crave. After a while, we pack our things and we headed for Laoag.

lunch time with native Ilocano foods

Pagudpud is still unspoiled and tourist like me are treating it as a place for complete relaxation. It has a wide shore lines, the place is peaceful and not yet invaded by commercial establishments. Unlike Boracay, the beach is not overcrowded and you can really enjoy the water. Its powdery-like sands are its main attraction. The water are calm even during high tides.This is my second time to reach Pagudpud and if permitted, I will be coming back here for a more extended vacation. This time, I hope, with my own family.

Next...Patapat Viaduct

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