The Free Shuttle from Laoag International Airport to the City Proper

ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD TRIP PART 2: GOING TO ILOCOS

I was a bit stressed preparing for my trip to Ilocos because I was also preparing for an Art Exhibit 2 days upon my return. I do plan my activities very well, but some intervening activities popped  up which caused me to panic in the last few days of my preparation.

March 17, was the date I left Bacolod. I didn’t sleep the night before because I have to complete some tasks before I leave- letters, invitations, final touches for my paintings, etc. The   6 am flight was too early, so I don’t want to ask my brother to send me to the airport.  At 4 am, I  already went to the shuttle’s station going to the airport. I haven’t slept the whole night so just slept all the time we were on our way to the airport.

 

Masskara Billboard at NAIA 3, wrongly titled as Dinagyang Festival

NAIA 3  and FURNITURE EXHIBIT

Upon arrival at Naia Terminal 3, I can’t help but notice the big billboard of Masskara Festival at Naia 3. Unfortunately, instead of labeling it as Masskara Festival, they wrongly labeled it Dinagyang Festival. My Facebook post of the picture caused a lot of reactions from people in Bacolod. I hope that they will correct it soon.

After taking the long cue for the yellow cab at NAIA 3 finally, we’ve reached our next destination, the International Furniture Exhibit at SMX Mall of Asia. They don’t allow a camera inside the exhibit so I have nothing to show here. I stayed in the exhibit for the rest of the day, because I also attended some meetings with some associates.

Isabel Suites (New Building)

GOING TO LAOG

After the show, we immediately proceeded to NAIA 3 for our late afternoon flight to Laoag. Our Flight was delayed so we  reached Laoag past 8 PM already.

Upon arrival at Ilocos International Airport, we immediately approach the Tourism help desk at the airport, that even night time is still manned by a friendly employee. I ask for some maps and some literature about destinations in Ilocos.

What amazed me most is the free shuttle Laoag provides for their tourist from the airport to the downtown area. The bus will bring you to your hotel around the downtown area.

 

Old Isabel Suites, just across their new  building

ISABEL SUITES

I choose Isabel Suites to stay because it is located at the heart of the city. They have a new building, free wifi and Jollibee is just in front of it.  The rate is reasonable at around 1,500 ++ for the standard twin accommodation with free breakfast.

We were too hungry already, so immediately upon checked in we asked the front desk of  the best place to eat – of course, Ilocano food. The hotel recommended the La Preciosa Restaurant.

La Preciosa Restaurant

LA PRECIOSA

That was our first Ilocano dining experience…… So I asked the waiter for their most popular dish which most tourists tried.

These are what the waiter recommended: Puqui-Puqui (PhP 165/serving)  is a tortang Talong with lots of sliced tomatoes and onions. Of course, I have to try the Bagnet (PhP 195/serving) with Bagoong Sauce and sliced Tomatoes and la zona .What we loved the most is the Crispy Dinardaran (PhP 195/serving), it’s their version of dinuguan with crispy bagnet.

 

What we loved the most is the Crispy Dinardaran (PhP 195/serving), its their version of dinuguan with crispy bagnet.

try the Bagnet (PhP 195/serving) with Bagoong Sauce and sliced Tomatoes

Puqui-Puqui (PhP 165/serving)  is a tortang Talong with lots of sliced tomatoes and onions

Jollibee is just beside the old Isabel Suites and right in front of the New Building

Read the rest of our trip by clicking the links below:

• ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD  TRIP PART 1:  DIY ITINERARY
• ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD  TRIP PART 2: FURNITURE EXHIBIT, GOING TO ILOCOS
• ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD  TRIP PART 3:  OUR TOUR GUIDE , PAOAY SAND DUNES, 4×4, SAND BOARDING
• ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD  TRIP PART 4: MALACANANG OF THE NORTH
• ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD  TRIP PART 5: BATAC ILOCOS, EMPANADA, MARCOS MUSEUM AND MAUSOLEUM
• ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD  TRIP PART 6 : TINOBONG, BANTAY CHURCH
• ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD  TRIP PART 7: BALUARTE
• ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD  TRIP PART 8: SECRET GARDEN AND PAGBURNAYAN
• ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD  TRIP PART 9: CALLE CRISOLOGO; VIGAN DANCING FOUNTAIN
• ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD  TRIP PART 10: CRISOLOGO MUSEUM AND SEQUIA MANSION
• ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD  TRIP PART 11: JUAN LUNA SHRINE
• ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD  TRIP PART 12: PAOAY CHURCH
• ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD  TRIP PART 13: ILOCOS MUSEUM, ST. WILLIAM CATHEDRAL, SINKING BELL, HOTEL
• ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD  TRIP PART 14: BISCOCHO, SALT MAKING
• ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD  TRIP PART 15: CAPE BOJEADOR
• ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD  TRIP PART 16: KAPURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATION
• ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD  TRIP PART 17: BANGUI WINDMILL
• ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD  TRIP PART 18: KABIGAN FALLS
• ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD  TRIP PART 19: PATAPAT VIADUCT, PARAISO NI ANTON
• ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD  TRIP PART 20: BLUE LAGOON, ZIPLINE
• ILOCOS, VIGAN, PAGUDPUD  TRIP PART 21: LAST DAY IN ILOCOS, BACK TO MANILA