Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Sta. Monica Church

Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Sta. Monica Church

Sta. Monica Church is one of the most visited churches in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. It is located 8 kilometers east of Laoag City and 594 kilometers from Manila.

It was used as the venue for the wedding of Irene Marcos, eldest daughter of former President Ferdinand Marcos in June 1983 to Gregorio Araneta. Two months later, on 17 August 1983, it was damaged by an earthquake with an intensity of 7.6.

During the Spanish era, it was believed to be used as a trial or court building. Construction of the church, convent and bell tower began in 1669 and was completed in 1679. It was damaged by a fire in 1817 and again in 1882; rebuilding after the second fire was finished in 1896.

While the church edifice was constructed by the Augustinians in 1779, the Sta. Monica Parish Museum was established in 1993 supervised by its parish priest for the bishop of Laoag. It was finished in 1997 care of the Kannawidan Foundation, Inc. - The Iloko Foundation for Arts and Culture to its present state. This organization advocates the preservation of the cultural and historical heritage of Ilokanos.

The church was constructed in the Baroque and Neoclassical styles. It has buttressed walls, 3-level brick bridge and staircase that connects the church to the convent. It was the last Spanish church built in Ilocos Norte. It has a 137-meter nave which is the longest in the country. This is acknowledged by the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Encyclopedia of Philippine Art.

The church once had a clock on the dome installed by Father Jose Ruiz. The convent, known as the Casa del Palacio Real, served as the presidencia municipal and the seat of the church's civil government.

Guimod Bantay, Ilocos Sur, Fiesta Garden

Guimod Bantay, Ilocos Sur, Garden Fiesta

A nice stop over when you go to Ilocos :-)

Santa, Ilocos Sur, Quirino Bridge

Santa, Ilocos Sur, Banaoang/Quirino Bridge

This scenic bridge is named after the late former President, Elpidio Qurino and it spreads across the Abra river connecting the rocky mountain slopes of the town of Santa and the tail end of Bantay, both in Ilocos Sur.

Quirino Bridge, otherwise referred to as ‘Banaoang bridge’, is named after the late former President Elpidio Qurino who was the sixth president of the Philippines, born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur on November 16, 1890. There is no information on when the bridge was built nor its stats, but apparently it was already there as early as the Second World War (maybe during the American Era?) and it even survived the bombings of the war.

The bridge spreads across the Abra river connecting the rocky mountain slopes of the town of Santa and the tail end of Bantay. It majestically connects and separates two transcending mountains and widely praised because of its marvelous engineering and grand architectural design as glorified by its splendid panoramic beauty, strength and durability.

It is widely praised because of its marvelous engineering and grand architectural design as glorified by its splendid panoramic beauty, strength and durability when it survived the bombings of World War II.

It is considered as one of the most superior bridges built by men because of the utilization of natural endowments combined with fabricated materials.

The bridge was destroyed and damaged when one of its steel spans was washed away at the height of super typhoon Feria that devastated the province on July 4-6, 2001.

Now, there is a new bridge that started west of the river.

Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, Santa Maria Church

Home of Santa Maria Church and Belfry

The Church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, which has been dedicated to Our Lady of Assumption (Nuestra Senora dela Asuncion), is one of the four Baroque Churches in the Philippines that has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion: Municipality of Santa Maria, Province of Ilocos Sur Built in 1765 under the direction of the Agustinian order, the ensemble resembles a citadel sited on the crest of a solitary hill rising above one side of the Santa Maria town plaza. The architectural ensemble presents its side and detached pagoda-like bell tower rather than its façade to the town. Thick contrafuetes (buttresses) are attached to the walls, reinforcing the structure against earthquake damage. In 1810, an image of the Virgin Mary image was found in a guava tree, on the day it was supposed to be enthroned in Bulala, some distance away. The present church was built on the spot where the guava tree grew, under the supervision of the Augustinian friars.

The bell tower is constructed a distance away, protecting the main church structure from possible earthquake damage. Approached on foot by ascending a long, wide flight of piedra china, steps that rising from the edge of the town plaza, the small, cramped plaza at the top of the steps is bounded by the church façade that faces the convento, enclosed by an arcaded bridge that connects both structures.

La Virginia Resort and Hotel, Batangas

Set in 6 hectares of secluded grounds yet only 2 hours from downtown Metro Manila, La Virginia offers one of the largest privately-owned natural getaways in Batangas, with the clean elegance of Philippine and modern architecture. A getaway from life's pressures in the healing tranquility of an environment that truly feels "away from it all". If you have ever spent time at a tropical plantation, you know what we mean. If not, come and discover a refreshingly different experience.

The resort boasts of several attractions that will surely keep you busy the whole day. Our infinity pool, picnic tree house, hanging bridge, pagoda, chapel and many more, all within walking distance in the resort, will definitely bring lots of fun to both young and old folks alike. Enjoy all these attractions with a scenic backdrop view of the Taal Lake and the many colorful flora all around the resort.

La Virginia Hotel and Resort has one of the most finest view of Taal Lake in the Philippines.The Lake is so refreshing and relaxing just by looking at it, but it's also so amazing that most of the time, it looks like a painting from afar.

Pagsanjan Falls, Pagsanjan, Laguna

"Famous in song and story is the little town of Pagsanjan (pronounced ´Pag-sang-han´), situated about 92 kilometers south of Manila and can easily be reached by car or bus in less than two hours. It is world-renowned not only because of the Pagsanjan Falls, whose enchanting beauty fascinates tourists from all corners of the globe, but also because of its panoramic vistas, its fine homes and lovely women, and its talented citizens, whose achievements in war and peace reflect glory to the Filipino nation, and its cosmopolite culture which is a harmonious amalgam of Asian, Hispanic, Mexican, and American heritage." ...Dr. Gregorio Zaide Pagsanjan, the tourist capital of the province of Laguna and one of the premiere world-class tourist destinations in the Philippines, is gifted with natural wonders and scenic views! How to get there? From Metro Manila, Pagsanjan is best reached via the South Luzon Expressway. After Canlubang Exit, go around the cloverleaf to reach Calamba. From Calamba, follow the provincial road passing Los Banos, Bay, Victoria, Pila, Sta. Cruz and finally Pagsanjan. Of these towns, only Calamba, Los Banos and Pagsanjan are traversed by the highway thru the town proper, the rest is via by-pass roads or the town itself is out of the highway. Getting to Talahib Falls and Pagsanjan (Magdapio) Falls is by boat paddled and pushed upstream by two boatmen. Gone are the days of wooden boats. Nowadays, they use locally built fiberglass canoes. The boat ride rates are conspicuously posted in various locations throught the town of Pagsanjan. So, someone who was able to read them should not be victimized. Everyone is cautioned about dealing with flaggers. These are the "un-accredited" boatmen who will run beside your vehicle as you slow down trying to look for directions.

The boat trip starts from Pagsanjan. 

The real excitement is on the boat's return trip. This is what was dubbed "Shooting the Rapids". See how skillfully the boatmen will manuever the boat between rocks, alternately using their paddle or their feet. There are places that the rapids is on a curve but the boatmen will guide the boat through it. If the paddle is not enough to steer, the boatmen's feet surely will. There are at least 16 rapids (turbulent waters) that the boat has to go through. Going upstream, the boatmen will get down at these rapids and push the boat or use their feet to kick the rocks and propel the boat upstream. At places where the rocks are too many and the water is too shallow, steel pipes were placed transversally at proper intervals so that the boat can be slid over these pipes. Tips: Although not required, it is advisable to wear a helmet (a sports helmet or hard hat) because the boat moves too close to the big rocks which your head might hit. Also, the walls of the gorge is too high, that any falling object from it, such as small stones, can do some damage to an unprotected head. Rarely, some monkeys along the gorge are fond of throwing objects at those boats. Don't look funny wearing clothes as if you're going to the mall. Be ready to get wet. Have plastic bags for your cameras, wallets and other keep-dry-items. There is no use for your cellphones once the boat entered the gorge - that is when you entered Cavinti. GPS receivers works fair but loses signal at some portions. --Waypoint narrative by: GBLontok 2004 Do you know that the world-famous Pagsanjan Falls is actually not in Pagsanjan? This famous tourist destination is located in Brgy. Anglas, Cavinti, Laguna. A big "WELCOME TO CAVINTI" sign erected on top of a big rock on the river on the way to the falls will let the tourists know that they are no longer in Pagsanjan - I do not know if foreigners care about this fact. Enclosed in parenthesis in that sign is the name Magdapio Falls which is the preferred name by Cavinti folks. From this point facing upstream, the left bank is belongs to Lumban and the right bank belongs to Cavinti. In fact, Pagsanjan Falls drops water from Cavinti River. If you have been to Cavinti, this is the river crossed by the overflow spillway on the road going to Lumot.
Another waterfalls, Talahib Falls, situated about 900 meters downstream of Magdapio Falls serves a first stop for the upstream boat ride. Talahib is a sitio of Brgy. Caliraya, hence, the town of Lumban hosts this waterfalls. This waterfalls is also called First Falls while the Magdapio Falls is called Main Falls. The Talahib Falls area has a souvenir shop, barbeque stand and most important, a pay-toilet for PhP10 per pee.

At the Main Falls (or Magdapio Falls or Pagsanjan Falls), the main attraction aside from a view of the falls itself is the raft ride. Skilled raftmen will bring tourists aboard bamboo rafts by pulling on ropes laid across the lagoon. They will bring you to the far end to have a glimpse of another cascade on top of the Main Falls. Another rope guides the raft behind and underneath the falls to the Devil's Cave. At the cave, visitors enjoy playing with their echo by shouting to their lung's desire. It is interesting to note that the raft services is maintained by the Cavinti municipal government. Rightfully so, since they are the one hosting the attraction. Reciprocally, the revenue is shared with other host towns. The raft crew has established a trail for their own use. It includes a series of ropes for the vertical portion. Even skilled mountaineers would not be allowed to use this trail for safety reasons - one wrong step will send down a small stone deadly for the people at the bottom.

Sonya's Garden, Tagaytay

Time was when rumors of a secret garden tucked in the gentle rolling hills of Tagaytay inevitably sneaked into conversations of Manila’s inner circle on what is new and exotic. Stories were told in awe and delight about a flower garden planted in “organized chaos” yet soothingly pleasing to the eye, as if choreographed with artistic perfection. And then there is the simple yet incredibly filling country cuisine with fresh and organically grown ingredients from the garden, served in fine tableware that complements the idyllic setting. Then there is Sonya herself with her memories of growing up in her grandmother’s country garden in the Philippines, her life as an expat in Europe and the US, and her dreams of carving out a place in the country where she can live her philosophy on “the art of doing nothing”. This was supposed to be Sonya’s private paradise, open only to family and friends and eventually, friends of friends. But after much prodding from all who have enjoyed the country living experience to share with more people what otherwise would have been her retirement lifestyle, she finally but reluctantly relented. In February of 1998, she opened the doors of her secret garden to the public in time for Valentine’s Day.

From then on Sonya’s has been host to a bevy of visitors; the tourist from a far off land who looks beyond the beaten path; the balikbayan looking for a familiar sketch of a memory of home; burned-out city-dwellers seeking respite from the din of the city; and practically anybody who is looking for something different yet strangely familiar. Of course, as a wonderful haven of romance, love blooms in Sonya’s garden like flowers of an eternal spring. Many romantics have found it to be a popular spot to disarm, to court and to propose. Some have even returned to say, “I do.” And with that, Sonya’s Secret Garden earned the reputation of being the worst kept secret in Manila. Perhaps Sonya’s most generous gift yet is the opportunity for her guests to stay awhile in her private world thru her Bed and Breakfast facility were one can retreat to a charming cottage of their own. Families or friends who wish to bond, couples on their nth honeymoon or just the tired soul longing for solitude and a bit of pampering - all have found their way to Sonya’s B&B. And to continue her quest for creating more spaces of serenity, Sonya also opened the SPA, a pampering salon where harried city folks are reminded to be kind to themselves once in a while. ---

BED AND BREAKFAST All the Bed and Breakfast cottages are named after herbs, which, like her garden, reflect Sonya’s love for aromatic things. Inspired by her simple country lifestyle, the Bed and Breakfast facility was born out of insistent pleas from guests to stay awhile longer in Sonya’s private sanctuary. In the short time that it has been open to the public, many have already vowed to return for a myriad of simple joys, like waking up to the smell of flowers, languishing in bed from last night’s soothing massage, contemplating in the undisturbed solitude that surrounds each cottage, relaxing by the charming bay windows that opens into a view of nature in its entire splendor, the warm hospitality of Sonya and her staff—and other delightful discoveries that has made a stay at the B&B a unique experience for every person. The B&B has welcomed all sorts of people into its uniquely styled cottages. From the tired urbanite just longing for an escape from the city, the couple on their nth honeymoon, the traveler searching for a different kind of journey, the balikbayan who’s just glad to be home, and the curious who is perpetually intrigued by how Sonya’s lives her philosophy on “the art of doing nothing”—all have made the path to Sonya’s a well-traveled road. There seems to be something inexpressibly powerful about the restful setting at Sonya’s B&B that it has drawn families together for reunions, inspired bonding sessions among friends, even lured colleagues to conduct teambuilding activities here. Guests have rediscovered the lost “Art of Conversation”. Perhaps it reminds them of simpler times, when instead of watching television there would be long conversations that lasted well after dinner, when time was an excess rather than a luxury. Another long-forgotten art that Sonya hopes to revive is the art of letter writing, which she encourages by leaving guest books in every cottage. She has even provided a rose-scented ink, a concoction she made from scratch, and a notebook of hand-made paper. This has prompted many who have been moved by the country living experience to leave her personal thank-you notes while some pages are even filled with poetry and illustrations inspired by her garden. One of the best times to spend the night at Sonya’s is during the hushed nights early in the week, when the garden is quiet save for crickets singing a lulling melody, or the sound of soft tinkling from glass chimes that signals the passing of a breeze. The damp months of June to October beckons the hopefully romantic who are seduced by the rhythm of falling rain and the aftermath of a sparkling garden scene of dew-like droplets. Ever the haven for lovers, the B&B has become a popular destination for a romantic getaway. There have been quite a number who have even made the place their wedding venue of choice, where they would also have their bridal shower and spend their honeymoon. While receptions and wedding ceremonies have been held at various corners of the garden the most unique is a twilight wedding setting at Sonya’s Herb Greenhouse. Guests have described the experience as something out of a dream, specially when the pebble-stoned pathways of the B&B are lit with colored glass lanterns. 

Home-cooked meals are also included in the accommodations because Sonya treats guests as family. Her braised chicken with carrots and baby potatoes might trigger memories of a sunny kitchen always smelling of mother’s cooking. Guests on extended stay may expect a variety of dishes (try the callos!) to perk up their appetite. 

 For those who want to renew their inner selves there are therapeutic and creative activities such as cooking with herbs and gardening lessons, flower arrangement and wreath-making sessions. When she is available, there’s also a yoga class for beginners taught by Sonya herself that sets the mood for a surreal restorative experience. These are only a handful of ways among a multitude of possibilities that guests of Sonya can experience at her B&B to nourish both body and soul. 

SPA At the core of Sonya’s advocacy on “the art of doing nothing,” which she encourages all to practice, is allowing the self to indulge in relaxing activities that ultimately becomes one’s vehicle for self-rediscovery. For Sonya’s visitors, the word SPA translates to Secret Pleasures At Sonya’s , a leisure facility intended for guests to spoil themselves with a little bit of pampering. Many tired and harried city folks have long considered Sonya’s private sanctuary as their own refuge from the hubbub of life in Manila. Here, guests can choose from a variety of rejuvenating body treatments rendered by the courteous and well-trained staff while relaxing in an environment that stimulates the senses. An atmosphere of Zen-like comforts is ever-present, where simple pleasures such as watching water cascading down the window are created. Outside, an eyeful of nature’s bounty makes one feel almost immediately soothed. Services at the SPA are a fusion of European and Asian traditions merged with some modern techniques. The most popular of all is Sonya’s Signature Massage, which is a compendium of Sonya’s favorite massage strokes that maintains pressure and focus typical of Shiatsu while executing relaxing Swedish strokes that improves blood circulation combined with stretching movements of a Thai massage. Another favorite is the Four Hands Massage, a unique body treatment designed to double one’s pleasure with synchronized strokes. Guests will discover the experience to be a sensual quest that spoils the body , one that can also be shared with partner in the Couple’s Room. The SPA also offers reflexology (Shiatsu for the foot and hands) and facial treatments, even a special session dedicated to aromatherapy, which by way of steam bath, calms the body with refreshing Lavender scents. For a complete head-to-toe indulgence, Sonya suggests the Wet Pampering Treatment, which starts with hair spa, followed by a facial and full body scrubs, then capped off with a foot spa. This is how Sonya regales her guests with secret pleasures that create avenues to be kind to oneself.