I always look forward to traveling North during long breaks and holidays, and even before I married my Ilocano husband I’m partial to road-tripping going at the Northern region. I love the beautiful sceneries, the unending lush of greens and the friendly people, the delicious food and the unique experience –ze unforgettable first times. And spending the Holy Week break in Ilocos always brings a different story.
Sadly, I’ll be missing this year’s trip because I have tons of commitment back in my hometown that related to my batch reunion the most. Likewise, we really didn’t plan seriously for the trip this year because we have no sponsor to cover the big part of expected expenses –gas, toll fees, food, other fees, etc. If it’s only the husband and me and the fur kids, we’ll probably survive the holiday, but I have in-laws who wouldn’t pay even a fast-food meal, so travelling with extra baggage is extra expensive as well, considering as well the length of our stay.
So this was how we spent last year’s, with all its drama and bliss and escapade.
Because the BIL, our major sponsor last year, arrived in Manila by Maundy Thursday already our trip was delayed from the usual Wednesday mor-night. Tho leaving that day had its own advantage because traffic was very light. And the highway extension up north, TPLEX, was a big plus because it really cut our travel time. The usual 3-4 hours drive from NLEX to Pangasinan was reduced to 1.5 hours only. I remember arriving at Tagudin by midnight already tho tired and sleepy, I was happy to see the old folks.
And my B who was again part of the trip was delighted with all the kisses and hugs from Manang Linda. Oh, and ate SAM was part of this Ilocos trip for the first time.
Daybreak of Good Friday. I always love the lush of greens welcoming me in the morning and that day the sight of rice fields and corn fields and mountains didn’t failed me, I was really on vacay!
We spent the day lazing around the house, ate SAM exploring what it’s like life in Ilocos, and her discovery of camote was something she thought she missed for the past 14 years. By mid-afternoon, I cooked my famed Spanish-sardine pasta, I thought we could still eat something deli despite the call to abstain that day, also to simply celebrate Manang Linda’s belated birthday.
St. Agustine Parish Church
In the afternoon, we drove to the town plaza to visit the church, there’s nothing really exceptional except that we had our time and my itchy feet was pleased at last.
Before heading home, we had a 7-11 feast of sorts –rice meals, hotdogs and ice cream.
Black Saturday in LU. Since we had this bunch of extended family visiting Ilocos that time, we scheduled a trip to La Union beaches, we’d love them to experience the sand and salty beach water, the sexy dudes and princely surfer, who else but my love –Lucas! Hehehe.
But Lucas was nowhere in sight that day, only his stinky old pal River was there to keep the beachgoers entertained.
Anyhow, we had fun at the beach. Ate SAM surely did. 😀
And even Manong & my Leoncio, especially when we chance upon Beauty Gonzales basking on the beach on her sexy bikini and sexy bod. She was so kinis!
We stayed until sundown, and it was an amazing sight, the orange-sky never failed to give me goose bumps and I miss my old buddy and our first and last trip to LU.
For dinner that day, we checked out one of LU’s famed eatery –Halo Halo de Iloko. Actually, the first choice was Midway Grill because it’s nearer coming from Urbiztondo plus we’ve tried it already in the past, and it was a hit other than the place was heavily packed that night and waiting was not an option for us.
Seafood Kare-Kare
Pancit En Grande
Halo Halo de Iloko was a recommended stop by many because of its must-try halo-halo but apart from the cold mix cum dessert the food was something you’d like to go back again and again. They serve authentic Ilocano dishes, that alone I’m solved. We had Seafood Kare-Kare, Sinampalukang Kambing, Pork Iloko Sisig, Sinigang na Baboy (requested by ate SAM), Pancit En Grande and lots of inapoy (rice in Ilocano). Amongst, the stand out for me was the Seafood Kare-Kare, it was thick and sweet and savory, and it was also loaded with seafood (squids, shrimps and fish) and vegetables. And the bagoong alamang was perfect for this peanut-based stew. I ended up inquiring if they sell bagoong alamang, unfortunately not. How sad?
I could have eaten aplenty and ordered more but my party was timid and shy, I intentionally skipped ordering the much raved Halo-Halo because we’re too full to gobble up a glass. I’m saving it on my next visit with people I’m more comfortable with. On a second note, prices were affordable and serving was big.
And the place is love, festive and unique; the restaurant’s vibes go well with food. I’m definitely coming back.
Back in Tagudin, the town folks were already gathered at the town plaza for the customary coronation of young lass as new Queen and Princesses. Tho popularity contest in nature this yearly tradition is something everyone looks forward to. However, for the second time we missed the parade and dancing later on. Blame that trip on the beach and the yummy treats at Halo Halo de Iloko, we dozed off too early. Hehehe.
Back in LU on Easter Sunday. The house guests went to Vigan but we didn’t join them because it wasn’t part of our itinerary this time and no impromptu trip for us, period.
We savor the last day of our vacay at the beach once more, this time with Leoncio’s nephew and nieces, with B and ate SAM too. LU’s coastline was almost back to normal compared to Black Saturday, it was rather clearer with only few surfers hovering around.
And as usual, B can’t be stopped from chasing and catching the waves, her happiness we couldn’t explain. She’s always the happiest and the liveliest living on earth, err LU that time.
B bumped with River, their first time to run into each other but the handsome boy wasn’t too interested with my pretty B because he was flirting with some Aspin. Well, I could almost hear my B say, “Oh, you’re stinky and old! Eeeww!” You know my B can be bratty at times, parang Momi lang. Hahaha.
The sundown that day was one of the beautiful I’ve witnessed, it was breathtaking, calming and peaceful. I can’t help but envy the locals who enjoyed the limitless view of the ocean, the stunning sunrise and mystical sunset…and surfer dudes on their sexy board shorts. Hahaha.
I know I am no swimmer and I will never be but as I aged I came to embrace the natural scenery and loved the slap of waves, that sun-kissed skin and the phenomenon of summer. Thank you to my beach-goer family and friends.
This year as we observe the Holy Week there will be no beach, no long trips either, I will commemorate the occasion back at my hometown and I guess nothing can match that wonderful feel of being just home and with my dear family.
Have a blessed and meaningful Holy Week ya all! 🙂
- Halo Halo de Iloko | 12 Zandueta St., 2500 San Fernando, La Union | M. +63 9178527919
- St. Agustine Parish Church | Tagudin, Ilocos Sur
- Beach | Bgy. Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union
january 
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