Discovery and re-discovering

Currimao, Ilocos Norte – In this sleepy town you will discover that imagination, daring, and craftsmanship can come together to build high-class tourists destinations.

Here in the middle of “nowhere” we discovered a small resort called Playa tropical that is reminiscent of postcards from Bali or perhaps Fiji. A row of High arched, thatch roofed houses dominate the scene and these structures are so impressive that they have become a “must see” for visitors to Currimao. Describing them with words does not do them justice so you would be better to check out their website.

Next to the impressive High houses you will find a wide infinity pool overlooking the shoreline. Completing this picture perfect combination is a serene garden that features, dining huts built over a shallow man-made pond where most guest choose to relax, many of whom just lull away the warm afternoons or catch up on the web with their Ipads.

For those who seek simpler accommodations, Playa Tropical also offers standard resort rooms, which we found up to par with many of the places we stayed at in previous trips. If you’re into spicy foods make sure you ask for their Pasta Serena for lunch and their spicy Mongolian rice bowl. While Playa Tropical has lots of area to improve on, we were very impressed with the humility and teachable attitude of the young couple Toni Carag and her “Bff” Kenji. We did our best to share our observations with them and they quickly responded and even made a list of all our suggestions.

“Next door” or about 5 minutes walk down the beach, we visited Sitio Remedios which is a recreation of what a tiny Ilocano coastal barangay would have looked like at the turn of the century.

Afraid of how much of the Ilocano way of life was disappearing, Dr. Joven Cuanang decided to recreate the Sitio by buying up old materials and houses, called on architect Rex Hofilena who designed the seven houses and the “old” church that has been the sight of many weddings. The result is a quaint piece of “history” you can stay at and experience the feeling of sleeping or living in an old house all to yourself. On the average, that would cost approximately 2 to 3 thousand per person.

Soon we made our way to Vigan. If you are planning to just pass-by Vigan, try to do it at night because the ambiance is ten times even better and is cooler as you walk through the heritage center. In the end we stayed overnight at the “My Vigan Hotel” which was a lucky break for us because finding a hotel room in Vigan was not easy due to so many visitors. In addition, My Vigan Hotel is supposed to be the second oldest “house” in Vigan so we did sleep in a very old house. We wasted no time to walk around the town, peering into antique stores, souvenir shops, and simply discovering the nooks and crannies of Vigan. By chance we even came across a tall statue of Benito Soliven, the father I think of Manong Max Soliven. Unfortunately it was quite late in the evening so we couldn’t read the inscription on the base of is statue.

While at the hotel we chanced upon Governor Chavit Singson who graciously hosted us for breakfast and a personal guided tour of his pride and joy the “BALUARTE” zoo which is less than ten minutes away by car from the heritage center.

Chavit Singson is many things to many people but here in Baluarte, in the company of his fellow Ilocano’s, Chavit reverts to the hometown boy relaxed, approachable and even revered. As he showed us his many pets around the only zoo I know that has free admission, Chavit would stop for pictures, handshakes, hugs and whispered appeals for help.

As an attraction, the Baluarte has an “animal encounter” where guests get to see various creatures the largest being Tigers and smallest one, a sugar glider. For us city folks, this may seem ho-hum, but many groups come from as far as Bataan province just to visit Baluarte, which in a way is an equalizer of sorts as far as animal encounters and fun stuff are concerned.

Looking back, what stood out on this part of the trip is the vision, boldness, and determination of people such as the Crag family, Doctor Cuanang and Chavit Singson to build special places that have now become tourist destinations and places to build memories on.

Soon we were on our way to Baguio where we visited the Bencab Museum located along the Asin road. For people who are into art and appreciates the merging of modern structures with old world ambiance, the place certainly provides a civilized break from the traffic and congestion of Baguio. If you want more, you can also visit the Tam-Awan “village” which is an artist’s village that has an equal balance of art and environment. This miniature village features old Ifugao huts, a rice paddy, and a view deck all in one very small area.

As a treat for our weary bodies, we were sponsored as “guests” by Mr. Rico Agcaoili and Anthony de Leon, at the Baguio Golf and Country Club where we once exhibited the first car in the Philippines. Thanks to BGCC’s commitment to their past and the heritage of Baguio, the club now stands as one of the few remaining well preserved places in the city.

As historic as it may be, the country club has played host to generations that dine at their veranda from breakfast to dinner. For the first time we had a chance to listen to a band of really good singers that had club members making requests until the last set. BGCC also has one of the best Japanese restaurant called “Hamada”, and an improved fitness center and an indoor swimming pool if you need to work out. During this visit, we observed that the club has also brought in a lot of young but competent managers and staff. One night was too short but all journeys come to an end.

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All through this journey, we saw and experienced GOD’s protection and provision. Chance meetings, people we asked directions from, and favors extended and especially getting out of harms way. So next trip you take, remember: Don’t leave home without him.