[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.

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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.

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Sagada Lemon Pie House

The famous Sagada Lemon Pie House Cafe & Resto

One of the country's gem in lush green trees, beautiful mountains and many natural scenic spots, the town of Sagada in the province of Mountain Province has been a new well commended travel spot in the Philippines for those who want to detoxify their minds from the noise and stressful environment in the cities. Aside from these wonderful natural treasures, the area also is a must visit for Food Bloggers because of the many delicacies and food houses to give a try.

My friend Denise at the entrance.

Look at those artworks and the woods!

Having a cold climate contributes to growing many vegetables and fruits that makes it obvious that farming is one of the main production and livelihood among its people. One the many fruits that they are growing there are the Meyer Lemons; this species of lemons were just imported from the US then cultivated in the town. Joseph Daoas, son of an Ilocano woman, the one who formulated the recipe of the popular Lemon Pie then passed it on her son and a native of Sagada, his father Bartolome founded The Lemon Pie House in 2008 having its own public opening.

My friend Angie feeling cozy.

To die for menu.

Those yellow lights are relaxing.

The restaurant has been very popular among tourist for it carrier delicacy, their Lemon Pie. I am indeed very lucky to have tasted it when we had our vacation there. After anticipating the sunrise (which did not happen because of the cloudy skies) in Mount Kiltepan, we headed to the Lemon Pie House to eat breakfast. The ambiance is cozy, a little bit dark but the endearing yellow lights along with its shining floors and well crafted hard wooden furniture give a relaxing feel. The menu at that time were mostly breakfast meal, I ordered Onion and Cheese Omelet with Garlic Rice, Longganisa and Hotdog all for 100Php, a reasonable price for the taste and the time of the day. Next time, when I come back, I should try their famous new Red Spicy Chicken.

Lemon Pies! Oh so divine!!!

It was overwhelming to taste the Lemon Pie for the first time. There is a sour taste with a mix of sweetness for the pie was said to be made by citrus, obviously lemons so the taste was dominated by bizarre sourness making it unique. The texture is smooth in texture and the crust is tasty too because of the thick liquid. You can have a slice at 25Php and 180Php if you want a pan. Aside from this tasty Pie, there are also other pie delicacies like their Egg Pies and Blueberry Pies.

For sure I will comeback!

Their address in Atey, Daoangan, Sagada found in the heart area of the tourist spots and inns walking distance near to the Municipal Hall. -FAF

You can visit their blogsite at: http://sagadalemonpiehouse.blogspot.com/

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The Magnificent Calle Crisologo of Vigan City at Night

The Philippines is a very rich country in terms of natural wonders and cultural sites. Named as one of the New Seven Wonder Cities of the world, Vigan City gives us Filipinos pride with its rich cultures and gateways to our history. One of the most famous is its endearing Calle Crisologo.

A district well known for its Spanish style houses that are still standing throughout time, it is a mirror of what Vigan City way back as a major trade place in the North during and before the Spanish Colonial Era.

Calle Crisologo in Vigan City is where we will find Spanish Colonial type houses. 

Long ago, Filipinos in the northern part of the Philippines trade products, mainly from Chinese traders in the island surrounded by rivers. When the Spaniards came, the city became more financially flourished because of the Manila Acapulco trade. No wonder why the houses on the street were elegant and sturdy as what we were appreciating today. Built with strong bricks on the roof and high quality woods and classy architecture, those houses are indeed the treasures that connect us to the past.

Filipinos have been taking care and restoring these treasured heritage buildings.

Every corner will give you feels of the remnants of what wasVigan City like centuries ago.

Walking at this street feels like being transported in the past.

This is my favorite shot. The image of the lamp with its yellow glowing light gives such a surreal feeling.

Bright Lights.

Black and White.

My first time in Vigan City started on night time. A friend who happens to live nearby served as my guide in exploring the gem of the north. Seeing those houses with bright yellow wonderful lamp lights and posts gave me amazement, that surreal feeling that once upon a time, our forefathers used to live and trade in that area. As a history junkie myself, I cannot help but to picture in my mind that I was transported by a time machine to the time we were still a colony of Spain, when life is still simple.

This is where ladies in terno used to stare way back or maybe still are, who knows?

Those times when Roman Catholicism ruled and shaped the only Christian country in Southeast Asia back then.

Woods. Lots of woods.

Some houses were transformed into inns, souvenir shops, museums, restaurants and cafes. They give a lot of historical feels unlike modern establishments in other cities.

Horses souvenirs.

Souvenirs can be bought from Shirts to bags and key chains.

This wooden figurines would make a good additions to your collections and home decors.

Want some antiques?

Look at those bricks!

My shots were taken mostly at night time because we were so busy buying souvenirs strolling at daytime. The place is perfectly romantic at night with all the lights synchronising with darkness and serenity although there were active cafes and restaurants all over. Daytime is the best time to take portrait pictures because the houses were in real full colors. Shopping goodies, souvenir items like printed shirts, key chains, riding a kalesa and buying food specialties like Bagnets, kakanins and sweets is a must do at day.

Selfie with the horsey!

The wooden door.

The feels.

with Karen, Kath and Ralph.

My amiga Karen who had served as my tour guide. Their family's home had been my staycation. What a good and kindhearted family.

My friend pretty friend Krystine.

with a Kalesa.

For Filipinos and tourists, this heritage site is an interesting place to add on your travel bucket list. Not only will you learn more about culture but also experience and feel what living in our country had been like centuries ago.

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