Calinawan Cave

Calinawan Cave is one of the most recommended tourist spots in Tanay. It is located at Barangay Tandang, Kutyo, Tanay Rizal. The road going here is rougher and tougher as we expected. No worries though as construction is on the way.

Tour guide Tibs told us that Calinawan comes from the root word "linaw", meaning clear. This cave used to be the meeting place to settle disagreements among warring parties and also served as hiding place for Filipinos during the Japanese invasion.

Entrance to the cave is twenty pesos per head, plus the tourist guide. The nice old lady charged as P200.00 for the 2 tour guides but we gave more because the trip was so worth it!

Fun and friendly DENR peeps we met

DENR Ladies preparing meal for their group, hmmm, kakagutom!

With tour guides, Ernie and Tibs.

Tips: Bring flashlights, lots of bottled water. Wear comfortable rubber shoes.

Nature Trip at Liliw Resort

My husband first went to Liliw Resort in 2001. For more than 10 years, he kept telling me to find this place where a beautiful stream is but I couldn't because he can't tell me the name of the resort. We googled photos many times in the past but it was not the exact place he's looking for. Finally last week, I saw the post of Teacher Shali in Facebook, asked my husband to look at it and John said, "that's it, that's the place I'm telling you about". I immediately sent message to Teacher Shali asking for the contact number of this place. Booked right after, then off we went yesterday.

I booked for an overnight stay at a cottage with 3 bedrooms, 1 toilet and bath and 1 veranda for Php3,000. Day rate for the same room we got is P2,200. Whether staying overnight or not, an entrance fee of Php50.00 per head is required. Though we plan to stay for the night, we've decided to hit the road for another adventure to maximize the time.

The kids felt that they were on an adventure going up and down the stream.

Us - moms, enjoyed taking pictures while enjoying the beauty of nature.

There are no air-condions, televisions, wi-fi and other amenities in all rooms but the sound of running water from upstream is sort of relaxing in its own way.

Joyful and satisfied travellers we met, Mr. and Mrs. Rolly and Ethel Campang.

If you want to experience the same high from nature you may contact Ms. Maye at (049) 563-1123

or at 0916-2142529. Liliw Resort is located at Gate 2, Kanlurang Bukal, Liliw, Laguna.

Pagudpud

We didn't know what plan my friend had when we visited Pagudpud. I was actually looking forward to staying in a grand resort where we can bask and enjoy the sun.

Instead of a private resort my friend brought us in a public beach where we paid just Php20 per head. Kids below 6 are free.

I thought we'd never enjoy for there were plenty of tourists that day, I was wrong. We, especially the kids, enjoyed swimming and playing.

Watching the sun go down was one of the highlights of our stay.

Pagudpud sunset is comparable to that of Boracay sunset, maybe even better.

Bangui Windmill

Bangui Windmill in Ilocos is called Northwind Bagui Bay Project. It is 70 meters tall and the bases are four meters square. It contributes nearly 40% of the Ilocos province's electrical power.

There's not much to do when visiting the Windmill except to take photos to your hearts content. Swimming is also allowed, but our group left as soon as we've taken enough pictures. It is a project of Northwind Development Corporation to help alleviate the greenhouse gases that causes global warming.

How to get there:

From Laoag, approximately an hour or two, depending how fast one drives. Take Laoag Cagayan route towards Burgos. Upon reaching Burgos watch out for sign and follow the road leading to bay.

Baluarte Zoo

One of the fun places to visit when up North is Baluarte Zoo in Vigan. It is owned by Chavit Singson. What's great about this place is that entrance and rides are absolutely free!

Baluarte is open everyday from 7am to 6pm. It is best to visit from 7am to 9am as the temperature rises at 10am.

The owners and staff of Baluarte are dedicated in protecting and conserving the endangered species. The set-up is not just a zoo but an interactive wildlife sanctuary and facility that educates guests and tourists alike.

It seems that the animals here are fed and taken cared of very well. They are free to roam in big grounds.

We indulged riding the "tiburin", a small horse-drawn carriage.

I have heard many stories in the past about this yellow submarine. It is proudly displayed in one corner, I just don't know if it still works. We forgot to ask the person-in-charge.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse, situated in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, was established during the Spanish regime. It was declared a National Historical Landmark on August 13, 2004 and a National Cultural Treasure on June 20, 2005 by the Philippine Government.

From the parking lot, tourists walk up a number of steps to reach the main entrance. Once on the top, the place offers a good view of the South China.

If one is seeking basic accommodation, tourists can stay for lodging at the pavilion at a minimal rate. Just don't expect anything grand for there are no amenities except from shared cooking facilities and water.

Access to the tower depends on the outside wind condition and only a certain number of people are allowed in the tower at a time.

We visited Cape Bojeador Lighthouse on the month of April. It was humid. To feel and enjoy the cold winds coming from China’s winter, the residents recommended the best months to visit is from November to January.