Ilocos HoHoL (Hang Out Hang Out Learnings)

One would think that since I've been with Ilocos thrice, I wouldn't have anything left to say of the place. But I haven't been there with friends, and I wouldn't pass up the biggest and grandest HoHoL of the year. : )

As always, every new experience brings new learnings. I'd like to note the following for future Ilocos visits and out-of-town trips, to document random top-of-your head silly facts, and to remember the fun I've once again had in Ilocos:

Shakur is love
This can be said by anyone who's ridden in this CR-V for more than 24 hours. Yes, even if Shakur smells like longganiza, you still tend to love him. Going through the arcs of La Union, Ilocos Sur and finally Ilocos Norte, on a creepy night drive to Paoay Church, and over the mountains en route to Pagudpud, Shakur was there.

On speaking Ilocano
Want to learn the local language? Talk through your tummy! Dinakdakan, bagnet, dinengdeng... Only some words that prove we've learned to speak Ilocano. Hahaha! : )

Touch Taya
It’s never too late for childhood games, especially when you’re in the Paoay church compound. Habulan (touch taya), agawan base, and taguan… For more of a challenge, do it in the dark! Wuhooo!


Ten Shots
For a laughtrip, take 10 shots and just zoom in to see everyone’s facial expressions. You’ll spot an aspiring congressman, a little boy who doesn’t want to go to school, and a shy guy opening up.

The Legend of the Windmills
We have deduced how the windmills were eventually built in Bangui Bay. You know about those “Wala ka sa lolo ko!” anecdotes? This is the “Mas mahangin sa min!” one. Bangui takes the cake, so much so that the wind carries the grains of sand that hurt your legs.

Paoay Church is a cardboard pop-out
Seeing Paoay Church up close is surreal – like a huge cardboard pop out. You can’t fully believe that you’re there. You have to convince yourself that you’re not seeing it on TV or from a postcard.

Whispers in the Dunes
Even a whispery voice plus sore throat can carry out in the sand dunes. If a soft “Alis na kami, Babay!” can be heard by anyone, then an “Holrayyyyt!!!!!” can be heard all the more. And that’s how you phase out popular expressions.

Fort Ilocandia Beauty
This is a perfect place to get married. <3

Stargazing
Stars really pop out if you block all the lights in your surroundings. The easiest technique to use is the towel. Extend or retract it anyway you please. Stars you never thought even existed will pop out from the dark.

Churches along the Main Road
For the record, there are 21 Iglesia ni Cristo churches and 9 Mormon churches along the Northern Main Road. We took the liberty of counting the distinct church structures for better use of our time.


That's just a fraction of my third Ilocos trip. As with anything else, I cannot capture everything with words. I suggest you go there and experience it for yourself. Bring fun friends for the long drive and great smiles for the beautiful sights. Take the trip up North, it's well worth it. And as with what happened to me, you will keep coming back for more. : )