The Bell Tower of Bantay Ilocos Sur

The Bantay Bell Tower of Ilocos Sur.

A Belfry built in 1591 – Ilocos Sur is home of old Spanish Colonial architectures that survived through time. These structures exhibit traces of our Spanish Era ancestry centuries ago. The Philippines is a Christian country with Roman Catholicism as the most dominant faith. A lot of edifices in the country include churches boasting beautiful designs with rich stories about the past. One of the province of Ilocos Sur is the Bantay Church located at Manila-North Road, Zone 5, Bantay, Ilocos Sur. It is also known as Saint Augustine Parish Church of Bantay with Nuestra Senyora de la Caridad ( Our Lady of Charity ) as its patron. The statue of the Blessed Virgin is said to perform miracles so as answered prayers. Standing with its handsome sturdy gothic look that was damaged by wars then restored, it has been a witness to many important events in our history.

When the country was still a colony of Spain, this steeple served as a watch tower to monitor pirates. It is also a defence structure against the enemies that the place got its name “Bantay” that means guard. Still erect with all its glory, the tower also survived World War II. It was then restored in the 1950s.

Our Lady of Charity Church of Bantay Ilocos Sur.

Pilgrimage Site.

Photo-op Bench at the Entrance.

A reminder to pray.

Climbing the stairs feels like you are traveling way back in time. Then we climbed the narrow stairway surrounded by bright orange brick walls. I can imagine our forefathers building the tower long ago thinking how intricate the process had been. The large bell is a huge metal which is almost my size. If only that bell could talk, it has been a witness to so many battles, rang thousands of masses from the Spanish Era to the present.

Going up. Look at those bright orange bricks.

The Bell.

Me with one of the bells in one of the windows.

A view from the top.

Going Down.

The view at the top is breath taking. Endearing fresh wind blows overlooking small houses, trees and structures. You can see the province of Abra as well as the western seas.

You can visit the Bantay Bell Tower between 6AM to 6PM. In the entrance, there is a donation box for the church and tower maintenance, you can give any amount you want. Photo-ops are better taken in the bench located near the entrance, beside the bell and in the windows.

A visit to Bell Tower: Achieved!

Overall, the Bell Tower experience is one of a kind. It was also memorable for me because it was my first time to actually climb and go atop seeing it only in movies and pictures. I also get to see a real church bell up close, touched it and look though the beautiful province of Ilocos Sur at the top.

Special Thanks to my friend Karen Feaster some of the pictures, for taking my pictures and touring me around.

Read More

[Food] The Vigan Empanada of Ilocos Sur

The Vigan Empanada cut in Half. The ingredients are mainly of ground meat of longganisa, papaya and egg yolks.

Visiting Ilocos Sur would not be complete without tasting some of their native foods like Bagnet, Longganisa and the equally famous empanadas. There are two famous delicious empanadas in the province; one is the Batac/ Laoag Empanada and the Vigan Empanada which I just tasted for the first time. The unique taste of this Empanada makes tourist want to go back just to have a bite again. The rich flavor comes from its ingredients as well as the preparation.

Served hot with vinegar (Ilocano Vinegar)

Tourists and locals doing some food trip.

Some of its notable ingredients are papaya, carrots, the egg yolks (the Vigan version has only eggyolk unlike the one in Batac that includes the egg white) and ground meat, at times their Longganisa. The dough of the crust is made of rice flour. It is prepared deep fried. Better to eat this when it is hot dipped in Iloko Vinegar with chillies, chopped onions, garlic and pepper. I had my try when we strolled by the Burgos Plaza near the church. There is ample number of empanada and street food stalls there as well as benches for eating.

Not just the empanada is available here, there are also Okoys and street foods.

Very delectable to the taste, this native empanada recipe is addictive. The texture is soft inside with its crispy dough wrap. The price ranges from 25Pphp-40Php depending on the size or the stall. If you are planning of a visit to this famous wonder city of northern Philippines, then you should take a bite of this delicious but affordable delicacy.

Read More

Sagada's Yoghurt House: A Food Experience

The Yoghurt House with the colorful and artsy sign.

One thing that is a must to do Sagada is visit its famous restaurants and eateries. The town with all its fresh and healthy vegetation offers delicious nutritious foods. After sight-seeing on lush green trees or adventure on its caves and falls, for sure all we want is a very fulfilling dinner on a cozy place where relaxation and craving satisfactions co-exist. The colourful signage of Sagada’s Yoghurt house is one of Sagada’s easy to find establishment that is just few meters from the Municipal Hall. If you are heading to or from the Sumaguing and Lumiang caves, then it is easy to find and dine at this very delightful restaurant.  It is found in South Road, Sagada 2619.

Their very rich menu.

Cozy and warm feel.

We had the chance to eat dinner on our first night in Sagada, it was then a peak season as evidenced by overflowing customers in the first and second floors so we patiently waited for a vacant table for four. Still, the ambiance gives a very comfortable feel with all the lights, furniture and exciting menu.  Because we dined there in night time, we did not see the views in the second floor. Surely, I will come back again for that. There were wonderful photos of the history of Sagada, their respected tribesmen and artefacts hanging on the walls in black and white but there is a note saying that taking pictures of the frames were prohibited.

Sagada Honey Yoghurt.

My meal, Bolognese.

Chicken Cashew Favorite.

Looking at the menu could just make your mouth water as the foods vary from pancakes, pastas to chicken recipes and many more. Of course, from its name, there are their famed Yoghurts which make the food experience complete. The price range is not so cheap but not so expensive either.  I could guarantee that it is sulit because of large servings plus sumptuous taste. A pasta lover myself, I ordered Spaghetti Bolognese while my friends had their Baked Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Vegetable Salad, (I posted the pictures of the orders together with this blog) we ordered the sweet unique Sagada Honey Yoghurt and the tasty Banana Granola Strawberry Preserves for dessert. The dishes do have bright colors with rich taste. I love how they serve with large amount of vegetables since it the vegetation in Sagada is one of their main sources of economy and pride.

Roasted Pork with Brown Sauce Vegetable and Rice.

Baked Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Vegetable Salad.

Banana, Granola Preserves.

Overall, your stay in Sagada will not be complete if you do not try their specialty eating establishments especially the Yoghurt House. In the end is a full healthy tummy. It is also one of the reasons why I want to go back there again.

PHOTO CREDITS:

Denise Marie Domingo (She remembered all the long names of foods we ordered. Thanks to her.).

Kristine Marla Guevarra (For that picture in the front view because I failed to take one since we came on night time. She went there during daytime.).

Read More

Sagada's Sumaguing Cave: Explore and Experience

View from the bottom to the starting entrance. Adventurers are like fairies in their lamps.

The Philippines is a very rich country in terms of natural resources and breath taking wonders of nature. As time goes by, unfound wonders were revealed to give pride that our native land is home of Mother Nature’s precious gifts. As the Underground River became one of the new seven wonders of nature, tourists from all over the world had their eyes not just in Palawan but other wonders as well. If you loved the Underground River then you should visit up north to experience Sagada’s Sumaguing Cave. This adventure may require some efforts but the feeling of touring inside will give you a very satisfying and unforgettable experience.

Heading on.

Where is Sumaguing Cave?

The Sumaguing Cave is found in South Road, Sagada, 2619, Mountain Province. If on an arranged tour, your tour guide will guide you on a walk or usually ride a vehicle on the way. On our backpacking, our tour guide organized the ride so we headed there through a van. Make sure your tour guide is experienced, more importantly registered so you will have no worries on the trip. You have to head on to the town’s tourism office in their municipal hall to register. The cave is open between 9AM to 5PM. There were travel tours that are pre-arranged with inclusion of these fees in their packages.

Down Below.

Kuya Tour Guide preparing his important lamp. There is my friend's bottled water too.

Me before the caving. The look of anxiety? That was kuya Tour Guide's red cap that he lent me.

What to prepare before the caving?

1.       YOUR SELF: Exploring a cave is an adventure with dangerous risks. This means that you have to prepare yourself mentally and physically. Make sure your physique is ready for climbing and going down on large slippery rocks. Mental alertness is also required to focus on the spelunking or you might get lost or face serious injuries inside. Always follow the instructions of your tour guides.

2.       IDEAL OUTFIT: Wear comfortable shirts with bottoms that is stretchable for the climbing as well as crawling. In my case, my tour guide noticed that my hair is untied, I have no ponytail that time (yeah, so lousy!), so in his kindness, he let me borrow his red cap. I wonder what might happen because as manong warned, my hair would block my eyes in the middle of caving and made me prone to very serious dangers. Do bring slippers made of hard but strong material that provides more friction for wet surfaces due to flowing waters and bat wastes. As much as possible do not bring your precious belongings for you might not be able to find them when they were lost. For gadgets, use an action camera that could be strapped on your body so your hands will not be occupied while exploring.

3.       REGISTRATION AND TOURISM FEES: Sumaguing Cave is a natural wonder. This means that it also needs maintenance and adequate care. If you are on a backpacking trip, you must first head on to their municipal office as I said earlier to pay the registration and environment fee of more or less 35PHP.

4.       YOUR GROUP: It is better to explore the cave by group since there are a lot of actions with physical efforts. Much better to have friends or relatives to back you up. Guided by a registered tour guide, be sure to end the journey with a complete head count.

Sumaguing's Visitors.

The elephant. (Not sure of its name though, I forgot what manong said but it sure looks like one.)

Happy Birthday Cake!

Kuya Tour Guide helping me go down those slippery wet rocks.

Me being amazed of the fossils. This was my first time to feel one.

Tired but happy!

Our feet in cold crystal flowing water.

Cave Portrait.

What to expect?

Spelunking in the Sumaguing Cave may require much preparedness with extra care but in the end it really is very fulfilling. So many wonderful things could be found inside that you haven’t seen in your life especially for the first timers. Those very beautiful rock formations will put you in so much amazement of how very powerful God and Mother Nature formed them through time. Small water pools and beds were flowing all over.

My friend Edith on a rappel going up.

We came, we saw and we conquered!

Post caving picture.

What I felt after caving?

This experience is one of the most unforgettable adventures in my life. I feel so proud that I endured the challenge of getting through those rock formations with little anxiety. Nothing could beat nature. It is also my first time to see fossils which I believe were millions of years in the making. My gratitude is to our very accommodating tour guide for keeping us safe since we were all girls. If you are not faint hearted with a desire for challenge yet fulfilling adventure, I would recommend visiting this Nature’s treasure someday.

Read More

[Food] Intrafood's Jahe Susu Drink (Ginger Milk)

Intrafood's Jahe Susu

Jahe Susu in English means “Ginger Milk.” In Indonesia, ginger is considered as a super beneficial plant. Its parts especially its underground stem called rhizome has been used and consumed in many forms may it be dried, fresh, powdered, oil or as juice. The plant is famous along in history for relief in health problems like colds, nausea, aid in digestion, inflammation and degenerating joints. Studies show that drinking ginger juice may lower blood sugar also prevent heart diseases. Aside from these, there were more benefits yet to be discovered by researchers about this amazing wonder.

This tea product is new to my taste although in the Philippines it has been served as crushed and boiled with sugar or honey but with no milk. Our Indonesian friend gave us some taste from sachets she bought when she had her vacation recently. It is served either hot or cold. The drink is best taken in the morning for invigoration or in the evening for relaxation.

Jahe Susu Back Details.

This instant Jahe Susu (Ginger Milk) could be mixed with ice or extra sugar for refreshing feel in summer season and the warm version gives comfort in cold seasons e.g winter and rainy days.

The main ingredients of this product are ginger juice in powdered form, milk and pure sugar that are simple and natural.

Warm Jahe Susu served with cupcakes.

Intrafood’s Jahe Susu could be served in two ways:

HOT VERSION: Add one sachet into 150 ml of hot water then mix.

COLD VERSION: Add one sachet into 150 ml of hot water, stir. Place ice cubes then stir again.

For non-Indonesians who want to try this drink, you can see some available in E-Bay for online buying.

Read More