Travel North Ph

14/08/2024

When in San Juan , don't miss trying out The Best Souvlaki in Town - GEFSEIS Greek Grill!

Fine, authentic Greek food and I love how you can have a mix of their - beef, pork, lamb or chicken.

The grilled salmon is also a runaway winner 🏆

It's on McArthur hway Brgy Urbiztondo, San Juan, Right between EZ Hotel and San Juan Surf Camp and a 30 second walk from the SeBay 711 😁😎

13/08/2024

The Great Ilocos Food Trip! 🥰😎

Mangilan-ngilan lang sa buong Pilipinas ang mga probinsyang may maipagmamalaking kilala at sariling lutuin. Sa magkambal na probinsya ng Ilocos Norte at Sur ay talaga namang signature na nila ang mga pagkaing nasa larawan. Hindi kumpleto ang tour mo dito Kung hindi mo masusubukan ang mga ito 🥰

At Hindi pa yan lahat! Marami pang hindi naisama (hindi nga namin naubos Yan lahat eh!)

Ikaw ano ang favorite Ilocano Food mo?

Next... !

12/08/2024

So sad to hear that the legendary Halo Halo de iLoko in San Fernando La Union - one of the most highly recommended restaurants in the entire province and on the bucket list of every foodie in the country, not to mention, part of the itinerary of a majority of travel operators... is finally closing its doors after 19 years.

Happy to have been part of the journey and to have visited a few times.

Care to share your memories below?

11/08/2024

You know you're in Ilocos when...

with

08/08/2024

# # # **Balingasay River in Bolinao**
The Balingasay River, often dubbed as the **cleanest and greenest river in Region 1**, is a pristine waterway in Bolinao, Pangasinan. This river has received multiple awards for its cleanliness and conservation efforts, including the prestigious **Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran Award**.

The Balingasay River is surrounded by a rich ecosystem, including century-old mangroves, nipa palms, and a variety of wildlife such as migratory birds and marine species. Visitors can enjoy a **mangrove expedition by boat**, bird watching, and even a river cruise that offers dining experiences on floating restaurants like the Bolinao Sungayan Grill.
A Tale of Two Rivers in Pangasinan

# # # **Dawel River in Dagupan**
The Dawel River is a significant waterway in Dagupan City, known for its scenic beauty and ecological importance. One of the highlights is the **Dawel River Cruise**, which offers a relaxing journey through the river's lush mangrove forests. This cruise is not only a visual treat but also an educational experience, showcasing the local efforts in mangrove conservation and sustainable fish farming.

Dagupan is famously known as the **Bangus (milkfish) capital of the Philippines**, and the Dawel River plays a crucial role in this industry. The river's clean waters and active tidal movements create an ideal environment for bangus farming. Visitors on the cruise can witness the traditional methods of bangus harvesting, which is a fascinating sight.

Both rivers highlight the natural beauty and ecological significance of Pangasinan, offering unique experiences that blend relaxation, education, and adventure. Have you had the chance to visit either of these rivers? If so, what was your favorite part?

07/08/2024

Banaoang Bridge, also known as the Quirino Bridge, is an iconic structure and a standard stop for packaged tours in Ilocos - .

Spanning the Abra River, it used to connect the towns of Santa and Bantay before it was destroyed by typhoon Egay in 2023.
Fun fact, Andun kami ng July 24, 2 days before it was partially destroyed. We were practically on the road, making our way out of Ilocos Norte as Signal number 4 Egay pounded on the province. By the time na nakarating kami ng Bantay, July 26, nawash out na yung middle part. Thankfully, we were all safe.

The bridge is named after the late President Elpidio Quirino, a native of Ilocos Sur.

This picturesque bridge still offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The original bridge, built during the American colonial period, was heavily damaged by a typhoon in 1989. It was subsequently reconstructed, and a new, more modern bridge was built alongside the old one.

Message us now for an unforgettable and Great Ilocos Escapade with Captain J

07/08/2024

These road signs in Ilocos Sur are sure to give you a laugh, kung hindi ka wholesome-minded :P

Va**na Falls, located in Suyo, Ilocos Sur, is a stunning waterfall known for its cool and clear waters. It is a perfect spot for those seeking adventure and relaxation. Surrounded by lush greenery and rock formations, the area is popular among locals, and a known destination for nature lovers and backpackers.

Suso Beach is located in Barangay Suso, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur. It’s a serene and accessible beach along the Maharlika Highway, making it a convenient stopover on the way to Vigan or Laoag.

The beach is known for its wide, cream-colored sands and gentle waves, although parang mas malaki yung rocky part. Nowadays, na-improve na yung boardwalk along the highway.

04/08/2024

Huwaaaaaaaat???!!!! 2 GOLDS FROM THE SAME FILIPINO ATHLETE!

YOU DESERVE IT ALL CARLOS YULO

02/08/2024

Wow, the GLOW UP! Tourists who have not visited the new in are awestruck by the transformation it has gone through - it was almost unrecognizable!

The water has certainly become clearer and the corals have noticeably started to look healthier!

Instead of straw huts were world-class cabanas and guests may even spend the night in air-conditioned cottages in some of the islands.

Quezon Island - the biggest and most popular in the national park now boasts of a three-storey pavilion and it has become a jump off point for various water activities such as regular and Crystal Kayaking, Zip line, Snorkelling, Bana boat, Paragliding and many more! To top it all off - it has become a major stop on a few international cruises!

Add to your travel bucket list this year! With Travel North Ph!

01/08/2024

Have you ever been to the Bell Church in Baguio City?

Quietly situated between the bustling city of Baguio and the verdant La Trinidad, the Bell Church stands as a serene sanctuary, blending Chinese architectural finesse with Filipino cultural warmth.

This Taoist temple, adorned with intricate dragon motifs and surrounded by tranquil lotus ponds, offers a peaceful retreat from the city's clamor.

Visitors are welcomed by the vibrant reds and greens of its gates, leading to a complex where the air is perfumed with incense, reminiscent of the rich heritage of the Chinese Filipino community.

The Bell Church is not just a place of worship but a cultural gem that beckons travelers seeking solace and a touch of the mystic East in the heart of the Philippines.

28/07/2024

Nestled in the heart of Nueva Ecija, Minalungao National Park is a pristine natural sanctuary that promises adventure and tranquility. This hidden gem, known for its breathtaking limestone formations and the emerald green waters of the Peñaranda River, is a perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Getting There By Car: From Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and exit at Sta. Rita. Continue on Maharlika Highway until you reach Gapan City. From there, follow the signs leading to General Tinio and Minalungao National Park. The entire journey takes approximately 3-4 hours.

From Pangasinan (Dagupan City or Urdaneta City) Via Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX):
Take TPLEX from your starting point in .
Exit at the Victoria Exit. Head towards the Santa Ignacia-Pura Road, then take the Concepcion-Floridablanca Road. Follow signs to Gapan City in Nueva Ecija.From Gapan City, proceed to General Tinio. Follow local signs leading to .

23/07/2024

Sa umagang maulan, masarap mag...

Good morning ! Be safe and dry 🙏🥰

10/07/2024

Blue Lagoon in Brgy Balaoi, Pagudpud Ilocos Norte is most beautiful in the morning with bursts of golden sunrises that are almost out-of-this-world!

Pagupud is one of the staple destinations on The Great Ilocos Escapade, a signature packaged (joiner/exclusive) tour of by

09/07/2024

The Summer Capital of Pangasinan!
Also proposed that the town of San Nicolas be the Christmas Capital of Pangasinan

09/07/2024

To date, this is ’s biggest and grandest hotel, ready to cater to your exquisite taste and to impress visitors from out of town.

Levo Hotel offers both double rooms (single queen bed) and family rooms (twin queen beds) with lots of floor space to spare. Yes it has some of the most spacious rooms I've ever been in!

Beyond words, the images speak for themselves - every inch enveloped in minimalist modern luxury.

Levo Hotel also boasts of an entire floor of function rooms ranging from standard rooms for 8 pax to their largest room for up to 30 pax plus my favorite, the executive board room ass if you're in a skyscraper office somewhere in Makati or BGC!

For parties and other events, they have event halls at the top floor for up to 200pax.

Aaaand we are holding our breaths for the soon to open grand Ballroom for up to 500 guests! Hopefully we get to book an large even here in September

02/07/2024

Last time I was in , I wanted to cross on foot over to the isalnd in the background as the water was supposedly shallow enough (about waist deep) but I chickened out! Could this year be the year?

Also, I have added the nearby Panacalan sandbar, dubbed the to my bucket list!

Still not many people know that this lone island town in Pangasinan is actually the mother island of the famed in the nearby town of Alaminos.

But the most special thing about Anda, especially is how the water recedes far out in the distance during low tide! No worries, it happens everyday and does not pre-empt a tsunami!

There are lots of resorts and different kinds of accommodations in the area and because of the type of beach that it has, it makes for a perfect family-friendly overnight getaway.

It is close to the very edge of the province and only a few kilometers before its more famous neighbor, the town of Bolinao. It is a good 6 to 7 hours drive from Manila during the day (Via SCTEX/TPLEX) so it is wise to leave in the early hours. From , a 3-hour drive is considered very good!

I will be going back to Anda before the end of the year. You should visit it at least once!

TravelPangasinan

29/06/2024

The Town of in the 5th District of Pangasinan, which celebrated its 154th founding anniversary this year (January) already has a solid claim to being Pangasinan's Patupat Capital.

However, unbeknownst to many, it is also trying to grab a hold to becoming a top producer of chocolate and mango products. As a matter of fact, The municipal government is very supportive of the development of products such as chocolate and tablea by local cooperatives. Likewise for mango products such as mango ketchup, jam, etc.

But then, my all-time favorite in this town, is the family of swordsmiths who have brought pride, not only to the province of Pangasinan, but the entire country! Based in the barangay of Palcpalac, the De Guzman family has been producing swords and other medieval weapons for major Hollywood hits such as The Last Samurai, Braveheart, Excalibur and TV greats such as Game of Thrones! Imagine Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson and Russel Crowe on set, practicing with these bad boys!

So you see, while Pozorrubio is not really in your register as a tourist destination, it is certainly a heavyweight in terms of interesting things to visit or perhaps a short stop, when you are in Pangasinan.

For more info, visit the Pozorrubio LGU Page: https://www.facebook.com/lgu.pozorrubio.5/

27/06/2024

I have been going to , better known as the in every year for the past 15 years at never ako nagsawa.

Some remain familiar but for the most part, there is a wonderful surprise each time I visit. The improvements are all worth coming back to. Talaga namang nakaka-proud maging kung ito ang ipapakita mo sa mga bisita, mapa-Pilipino man o banyaga.

As you can see in my favorite photos that I'm sharing, I've tried almost everything that this place has to offer - island hopping, overnight camping, jetski, banana boat... marami pa.

Though some photos are a few years old and that I haven't posted them before, it'd be a waste not to share. Better late than never.

Also kudos to the Tourism Authority that has one of the most organized registration and deployment that I've gone through, in all of Luzon, if not the entire .

It takes 4-5 hours drive from Manila to Alaminos via NLEX-SCTEX-TPLEX then through Camiling Tarlac-Mangatarem-Bugallon-Sual-Alaminos

26/06/2024

26/06/2024

Abagatanen Beach, nestled in a cove at the western edge of the town of , boasts of spectacular sunsets facing the and is close to the well-known .

Like many white beaches in , it features fine, creamy-colored sand and clear, salty waters. Cottages are available for both small and large families, and for day trips or overnight.

Tourists may need to bring their own food as there are limited restaurants or other amenities on-site. One option is to stop by the local markets to buy food and other supplies.

Abagatanen Beach is a 3-hour drive from via Dagupan, Lingayen and Alaminos. It is 5-6 hour drive from Manila, via Camiling, Tarlac and Bugallon.

Add to your bucket list and visit within the year!

26/06/2024

Cable Cars in Baguio? Why Not?

The Zippar system is slated for installation in Camp John Hay.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Japan-based Zip Infrastructure Co. Ltd. to conduct a feasibility study for a cable car system called Zippar, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

https://urdanetacity.blogspot.com/2024/06/cable-cars-in-baguio-why-not.html

24/06/2024

The Municipality of in the 6th District of boasts of Maranum Falls, one of the must-visit destinations in the area for waterfalls chasers, Maranum Falls.

The first time we visited in 2013, it was a 45-minute trek to the base of the falls through a dirt road that also involves a tiny bit of navigating through steep inclines and even a small creek.

Nowadays, it has been reduced to a 10-minute walk with available parking for vehicles, comfort rooms and even some sheds and cottages.

It remains a favorite among locals as well as people from neighboring towns.

The best time to visit is at the onset of the rainy season when there is more water that cascades down the falls yet it is still sunny most of the day. Just mind the weather forcasts and always be on the lookout for flashfloods.

A visit to Maranum falls is complimented by the nearby Sky Plaza that offers a breathtaking view of Eastern Pangasinan, highlighted by a local verrsion of Christ The Redeemer called Ayat Ni Apo Jesus.

The Municipality of Natividad is a good 45-55 minutes drive from via , and

You may also visit the popular mountain destination, Malico in the nearby town of .

19/06/2024

Urdaneta City People's Park, located beside the Urdaneta City Cultural and Sports Center looks magical at night!

18/06/2024

Somewhere in Baguio

17/06/2024

for by with

15/06/2024

One of the special treats along the Banaue-Bontoc Road, en route from banaue to Sagada is a short stop at Brgy Bay-yo and have a photo ops with manong.

Bay-yo Rice Terraces is located along the Bontoc-Banaue Road.

With

14/06/2024

Driving around Downtown .
Once in a rare while, it's quite pleasant to do a quick drive around the downtown area.

Life hack - do it early on a holiday when most people are not obligated to be on the road going to school or work 😛

10/06/2024

A proposed P250 fee may soon be implemented on motorists entering the central business district of Baguio City as part of the Smart Urban Mobility Project. This shall apply to both residents and visitors.

Your thoughts?

Read the summary of the project proposal here: https://baguiocityguide.com/residents-and-visitors-may-soon-pay-p250-to-enter-baguio-citys-central-business-district

08/06/2024

Somewhere in NCR...

07/06/2024

Dos Hermanos (The Two Brothers). Do you know where these twin peaks are? Somewhere up north