Figure Eight

When Reymond and I first got together, it wasn't ideal at all. He had just come off a 7-year relationship and I was in the middle of a stormy phase in my life. Reymond was quite persistent and determined and I was of course drawn to him almost immediately. Ika nga, I was swept off my feet -- literally. It was truly a whirlwind romance that raised a lot of eyebrows and we had a number of critics who were sure our relationship would not last. I can't blame them. As I said, we didn't have the most ideal of beginnings. But Reymond and I withstood all the trials that were thrown our way and in the end, we remained together. I'm proud to say that we have been together for 9 years now, 8 of which as husband and wife. To celebrate, we flew to Ilocos--just the two of us! Primarily, it was to cover for my parents and stand in as principal sponsors for a wedding in Laoag. On the side, it was to celebrate 8 years of married life with, hopefully, more to come. As a treat, we get to explore and discover this side of the world together (although I have already been here once before).

We spent two nights at the huge and lavish Fort Ilocandia. We arrived very late and so we spent our first night just lounging so we would be ready for the long day ahead.




Since the wedding was still at 2:30pm, we spent the whole morning going around Laoag with our reliable driver for hire, Jaime.



The Malacanang of the North is found on the banks of the Paoay Lake. It is a huge palatial home that was actually used by the Marcoses in the late 70s until the early 80s. After the Edsa Revolution, the house was sequestered and was converted to a historical museum. Recently, the caretaker tells us that the house has been awarded back to the Marcoses although they have yet to take possession of the same.

Next stop was the Church of Paoay. Of all the images of Ilocos, this is the one that is most seen and photographed. With its massive buttresses used to support the church to its unique architecture, the church is a must-see when in Ilocos.







We move on over to Batac where the body of Marcos lies in a glass viewing case inside a refrigerated crypt. He is on perpetual view and a constant entourage of mourners and viewers come to pay their respects. His family refuses to bury him until he is allowed full military honors provided by the government. Around the crypt, you will find pictures of Marcos during his presidency. Truth be told, I admire Marcos despite his many flaws. He was highly intelligent, charismatic, charming and for some, inspirational. Despite his shortcomings, he has shaped a great part of our history.



Over at Sarrat, you will find the house where Dona Josefa Edralin gave birth to Ferdinand and the famous church where Marcos's youngest daughter Irene married Greggy Araneta. Since time was running out on us, we needed to go back to Laoag and have a quick lunch at La Preciosa before preparing for the wedding.



I had actually eaten here last year but I did not take note of the name of the restaurant. All I knew was that it was in front of La Elliana where the PATTS employees had stayed the year prior. I read it in Nena's blog and decided that it would be the perfect place to have our first lunch. The place did not disappoint! The old residence converted into a quaint bistro was homey, quiet and the service was great! We had the crispiest bagnet paired with an Ilocano dish called the puqui puqui. As the server said, mabaho man ang pangalan pero masarap naman. Heehee. The puqui puqui is actually eggplant mixed with scrambled eggs, tomatoes and onions and it complimented the bagnet perfectly. We also had their sisig but it was just regular. After a great Ilocano meal, we rushed back to the FIR to prepare for the wedding at 2:30pm.

Just a short background: Mom and Dad were on their first trip to Dubai last Feb. 2007 when they are met by a cheerful and pleasant lady at the lobby of Marriott. The lady recognized my parents as the owners of the school where she had graduated! She was a proud alum and she showed her gratitude by arranging for all the needs of my parents while in Dubai. She also organized the first get-together of PATTS alums which really warmed the hearts of my parents. That lady turned out to be Minvi, the bride to be. So when she called asking my parents to be her principal sponsors, they wanted so much to be there for her. But since it was physically impossible for them to make it (the sweethearts/my parents are on a month long South American cruise), they asked Minvi if it would be alright to send me and Reymond instead. She obliged and so here we were at the St. Williams Cathedral (otherwise known as the Laoag Church) to witness Minvi's union with Garry, her boyfriend of 11 years.

I love the Laoag Church! It was bright and beautiful and it served as a perfect backdrop for the young couple. As Reymond and I were walking down the aisle, we felt like we were getting married all over again. Heehee. We were both very giddy and it just seemed perfect as we were celebrating our anniversary too.

The reception was held at the FIR and since the new owners of the FIR were Taiwanese, Minvi arranged for a chinese lauriat dinner. It made sense! The chefs were authentic and the meal was oh so delicious! Ang sarap! Reymond and I could not stop raving about it! After the reception, Reymond and I had a few drinks at the lobby where a piano player/crooner was singing some romantic ballads. I tell you, talagang romantic! Perfect, perfect day.

Femme Fafel

M's creative juices are on overdrive again! My good friend gifted me with this beautiful card set that's supposed to be an animated figure of myself. I love it! From the shoes to the bag to the blog --- she was right on target.

You can actually order one for yourself! Just go to www.mybabycakes.multiply.com and she'll guide you on how to get these personalized cards.

Enjoy!

U-Turn

Waking up and looking out your window at endless rows of plants and trees really does wonders for your soul. I was feeling really upbeat and ready to head to our next destination!

Despite its namesake, the Taytay falls is not found in Rizal. Its located in the town of Majayjay in Laguna, just at the tip of Quezon. Since the roads were narrow and winding, we had to leave our buses behind and hire limo-jeeps, extra long passenger jeeps which I failed to take a picture of. We are made to park at a designated area afterwhich we go down a really steep staircase before beginning our 20-minute trek through a 1/3 muddy, 1/3 rocky and 1/3 cemented walkway towards the falls. Along the way, you will see campers with their tents set-up, their food cooking on GAS STOVES and their trash scattered all around them. I even saw a parent holding his kid ready to use one of the rock formations as their bathroom if not for my timely evil eye. Not only that, there was actually construction going on for a 3-storey building within the immediate vicinity of the falls. Didn't I just say I woke up in a good mood this morning? Pwes, nawala nung nakita ko 'to! Calling on the Mayor of Majayjay! This is a travesty. For such a beautiful piece of nature, I believe it should be nurtured and protected. Besides, I think the falls has the potential of being a great tourist destination if it is properly cared for and preserved. Sayang ang Taytay Falls. Tsk tsk.

I was not wearing the right footwear so I stopped short of going down to the actual falls. The PATTS people though tell me that the water was extremely cold. In fact, those swimming were taking shots of Fundador so that their bodies would heat up. Ahem. Again, what is liquor doing in an area where numerous children were swimming and walking around. Ewan ko ba. This place really did not leave a good impression on me.

After taking all the pictures we could possible take, we made our way back to Lucban for some downtime in the town proper. Everyone was free to roam the streets until 12 noon which gave us an hour and a half to find the perfect Lucban longganisa!





We made the rounds and since we couldn't decide on which one had the best longganisa, we bought from three separate stores! The first one was from the Abcede Restaurant which was the one recommended by our tour provider. We then crossed the street to the store directly in front of Abcede and bought some more. Not content, about 10 stores down, we bought another set. So now you know the contents of my freezer! After the longganisa search, we decided to have some of their famous pancit hab-hab or pancit lucban right before lunch! Very bad. Anyway, we ended up in Buddy's which my brother says can be found all around Metro Manila. Apparently, Buddy's has its origin in this town. When I tasted their pancit, naku, let's just say I was happy they have a branch in Manila! Super sarap! Their pancit is masabaw, malaman and very tasty. I can't wait to try their pancit again.

We head back to the Batis Aramin for lunch, do our last minute thing, check-out then cross the main road to reach the Kamay ni Hesus Memorial. The statue sits on top of a hill on property donated by the landed folk of Lucban. At first glance, I am reminded (ever so slightly) of the Christ the Redeemer monument in Brazil. But while the one in Rio is all white, our local version has Christ draped in a red cape and his hair and beard are colored as well.




It was a gruelling 291 steps to the top of the statue. It was 2:00 in the afternoon, the sun was burning and yet I felt the urge to climb up those steps. And when you get to the top, the feeling is indescribable. You will see a vast area of land covered with everything green. It was beautiful and truly breathtaking.

Next stop was the Tayabas Basilica also known as the St. Michael the Archangel Church. The first thing I noticed about the church was that it was really long! From the door to the altar, it was quite a walk. There happened to be a wedding going on so it made for a beautiful backdrop. Take note, despite the heat, naka-tux pa si groom.





The trip to the Tayabas Basilica was the last stop of our summer tour of the South. Next year, we are looking forward to visiting Bicol or maybe even flying to Boracay! We are all keeping our fingers crossed. Hope for the best!