Ilocos! :)

I'd like to wallow in self-pity and say that I went to Ilocos as the third wheel of a doctor couple. But with my better judgement, I'd say I was very lucky to be their baby. I never moved a muscle, I never planned the trip, and I had the right to whine. Now, I was looking for a chance to really relax during a vacation, and I knew this was it.

After a 7-hour bus ride that kept me awake thinking if I was going to die right then and there, we were at Vigan! The Calesa ride was the best! We went to different sights and landmarks, including the Bell Tower where Panday was shot.

Jesse (Calesa Driver): Pupunta po tayo dun sa pinagshootingan ng Panday
Chubbs: Ni Jericho Rosales???
Jesse (Calesa Driver): Hindi Mam, ni FPJ.

Another great thing about Vigan is the longganiza. Panalo talaga. I knew I had some back in Manila, but I guess being in Vigan made me really appreciate it.

The next day, we were off to the beach! Saud beach in Pagudpud is beautiful. I super love beaches. I love relaxing, having fun in the water, and making those weird noises when jumping with the waves. We were truly enjoying ourselves. We were like kids given playing time permission instead of having to take the afternoon nap. Ang sarap.

After dinner that night, we started munching on some chips and drinking Coke. Our way of getting wasted. We each started reading from the Buddhist Daily Reflection book I got from Singapore. Here's one line that Ate Mitzi liked the most:

Success is composed of numerous failed attempts and one final, perfect attempt.

I had fun. And it was amazing to me that simple things such as chips, Coke, and a Buddhist book could be the best elements for a night of good company.

On our final vacation day, we were touring Pagudpud. For us, the best stop was the Blue Lagoon. The sand was white, and the waters were so blue and so calm, it was like a pool. The surroundings were a feast for the eyes. And we had that beautiful place all to ourselves. We were kids who couldn't stop saying "Ang sarap sarap!!!" while in the water. Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud is paradise on earth.

When we were about to leave, I got to thinking about the lives of the people in Pagudpud. They led such simple lives compared to what we had in Manila. They didn't have big plans for themselves like earning a lot of money or going abroad. Their simple lives keep them alive, and that's enough for them. I sometimes envy them. I wish I was given a simple life. I could have loved it.

Bye, beach...
I love you, beach...

After a tiring day, it was time for us to go. We were leaving a beautiful place, hospitable people, and great food. But we were carrying with us good memories and a true promise to come back to experience Ilocos again.

Ti ayat ti maysa nga ubing,
Nasamsam-it ngem hasmin
Kasla sabong nga apag-ukrad
Iti bulan ti Abril

*(The love of a young woman is sweeter than jasmine, like a blooming flower in the month of April.) When we were little, Lolo would play this Ilocano folk song with his ukulele. Up to now I still know the tune.