Balay Da Blas in Laoag city is a gem. It was truly comforting to have found a place where we could rest our weary bodies. Sure, going around the different towns of Ilocos for 4 straight days (1 night in Vigan, 2 nights in Pagudpud) was a lot of fun. But finding a place where we could really stay for some R&R can also give a different high when traveling non-stop.
I've always had a soft spot for enthusiastic, generous and hardworking people, as I've always found them very admirable. They seem to be the ones who persevere despite the changing times, and of course, despite social status. That's why it wasn't hard for me to really like Mrs. Cathy Respicio -- part-owner of Cathy's Homestay at Saud, Pagudpud.
The room at the back was our haven for 2 nights. :] (Please pardon my 'bagong gising' look! Lol)
I fell in love with Vigan immediately after setting my eyes on this particular inn -- one that exuded an old-fashioned attractiveness to it. On a cultural perspective, this beautiful lodge displayed classic and antique exteriors, and of decades old yet well-preserved items. It also had that vintage-y smell that was very welcoming to the senses. Rubel and I truly felt like we were being transported back in the 15th century (Spanish time), as we were witnessing all of these remarkable pieces that surrounded us. Grandpa's Inn instantly became our "home away from home."
Just wanted to share what Budget Biyahera did over the weekend, as Ms. Ysobel, Aix and the rest of the Meet Manila team invited me once again to another awesome event. It was actually a collaboration of Writing Manila with 4 university organizations -- and I was oh-so humbled to be asked to share about traveling and blogging (eventhough I really sucked in public speaking!) with a very fun crowd. =P The venue was set at Conspiracy Garden Cafe.
I already heard about the #7SUPERSHOTS trendinga few months ago. So this made me want to join right after seeing the compilations from some of the blogs that I followed. But in order to participate in this super fun activity, one must actually be tagged first. Well, as for me.. no one was tagging me! *LOL* But when a fellow travel blogger (Francis of PALA-LAGAW) finally asked if I wanted to join, of course, I immediately said "YES"! Oh, and if I may add.. fellow blogger Edmar of Edmaration.com also tagged me sometime ago! So thank you Edmar! :P
Anyhow, to continue on with my excitement to finally be a part of this game, let's start with...
Makes Me Think...
Window of the World, Shenzhen, China (April 2010)
A few months ago, I wrote something about 'turning my rejections into a positive'.
It was about getting rejected for the third time. If you must know, I
applied countless times for a US Visa, yet I got denied over and over. I actually thought about visiting Canada instead, since friends advised that it was easier to get a visa from that country.
Just maybe, it can be my first time to fly via Air Canada when given the chance to travel in North America. Anyway, this specific photo made me think if I'll ever get the opportunity to
see this part of the world. I was already excited when I saw this
miniature structure of the Statue of Liberty in Shenzhen's Window of the World park. But of course, I wanted to see the actual one in New York City!
My father has instilled in me his passion for traveling, as he loved exploring on his own. He has been to different places, and has always felt contentment from every travel.
Most of the buses in Pagudpud usually leave town in 15-minute intervals. So you won't have a hard time getting a ride to Laoag, if ever you're heading there. Anyway, Kuya Raphie picked us up at Cathy's Homestay and dropped us off at the terminal. He waited until our bus left, which was at 9:50 in the morning.
Budget Biyahera is about finding fun and distinct food and destinations, accommodations, products/gears and activities that people can enjoy on a ‘regular’ person’s budget and schedule.
