Pasalubong on a tight budget? ALDEVINCO it is.

Just ten minute ride from the hotel, we found ourselves amazed with the colorful souvenirs. Mindanao culture it is. I felt it more when a saw stores dedicated only to sell variety of Kulintang.

I want to bring home some of those but I’ll be having some problems carrying them. Frustrated, I asked some store owners if there’s a small version, some sort of an accent that I an put on my study table. unfortunately, It made me more frustrated when they told me they ran out of stock.

Evidently, majority of the stores in Aldevinco showcases their magnificent beadworks and products made of pearls. I ended up looking for a pearl accessories for my mom.

ALDEVINCO is often visited by tourists, balikbayans and even by delegates from various conventions held in Davao City. Most merchants and their “tinderas” speak the Tagalog dialect and price haggling or “tawad” is welcome especially when you buy in bulk or when you are the “buena-mano” (first buyer of the day). I even taught a British National how to make a bargain, and she ended up having 3 sets of medium size kulintang and an authentic Moro shield. kewl. I envy you

ALDEVINCO currently houses over 100 shops of souvenirs such as Davao native products, various Batik products (bags, dusters, slippers, table cloths, etc.), textiles imported from Indonesia and Malaysia, antique and brass items, and even indigenous musical instruments. It has become a major tourist attraction for its wide variety of ethnic products.

Speaking of batik products, can’t help myself drooling on their colorful bags and pashminas, I called my mom on the spot to ask her which one she wants. I came out of the store with 3 sets of pashmina, 2 batik handbags and a handful of small pouches. My mom just made me shop for her kumares too T.T

then surprisingly, there’s a store selling these trinkets, these small cute kulintangs. Made some bargain, kinulit si manang, she finally gave in and gave me those trinkets 5 pcs/100 pesos. I brought 20 pieces, I have many friends back in Manila you know hehe

then some woodworks again, can’t carry some large souveniers so I ended up contented taking some pictures.

then back looking for some colorful accessories for my mom and her kumares

last minute before we leave, I brought some shirts for me and my brother. I must say, it’s a good buy for 150 pesos per shirt. The prints are nicely designed, durable  and not that tacky for a souvenir shirt. I brought 4 3 for me haha. masyado natuwa.

Then outside of ALDEVINCO, you’ll find fresh and candied fruits like durian and pomelo. You could also purchase a packed tuna and fresh or frozen seafood that you can bring back home. At dahil season ng Suha, I brought a box for 400 pesos. It contains 10 medium sized pomelo and 4 trays of sliced Durian for 200 pesos only:D

By the way, in front of Aldevinco, you’ll find…

Indeed, Aldevinco Shopping Center has made a nice niche for itself in the city of Davao. It is generally promoted and known for being the citys ultimate source of ethnic, native and antique products. In fact, it could probably boast to be the only shopping center that offers the products that Davao is truly proud of.

So there you go guys, when you’re in Davao, pay ALDEVINCO a visit.

So that’s for now guys.

So Till Then and Godbless

Who wouldn’t panic, we are visiting not Disneyland or anything near to that – we are going to explore a place called Smokey Mountain. Not such a lucrative idea.

But the daunting task of coming up with a documentary is more powerful than the little butterflies in the stomach. “Ah, kaya namin ito”, we agreed with conviction. Thanks to Mr. Ricky R of RTV Production and Direction for pushing us to go far and excel in his subject.

And so the adventure begins. The first visit, an ocular inspection actually, was not devoid of novelty. We were impressed by the Philippine Christian Foundation opened and managed by a British national Ms. Jane Walker. Though she was not around at that time, the Filipino staff was very helpful and they toured us around the school.

The classrooms were managed by volunteer teachers to student-beneficiaries who have their own sponsors from both local and international sectors. Even their meals were programmed and transportation service available all for free.

From where are all these students coming from? All came from the impoverished community of the Smokey Mountain particularly the so-called temporary housing. The primary occupation (if we can call it that) here is “pag-uuling” or coal-making from the crates retrieved from barges that dock at the nearby pier. (we all smelled of burnt whatnot when we went home that day).

It is worth to mention that what really amazed us were the industry of classy bag-making at the third floor of the PCF Building. The bags made up of the tin can tips are worth thousands of pesos (like 3,500-5,000php/bag) and sold in UK.

And so we planned the shoot. Unlike the usual theme of the docu where it explores poverty through the eyes of the poor child or disabled poor individual, we focused on the heroism of the social worker. Rarely do the focus is on them. So through the social worker named Cris Moraga, the documentary ala-Front Row style went underway.

The interview portion was breezy, with JP, Val, Judi, Jhec, Maricon and yours truly enjoying the photo ops. We did not mind that we were standing already for hours, and did not feel hungry despite the lateness of the hour. We were enjoying. Take note, we employed a professional cameraman and an HD camera to boot. Ah, we are not leaving anything to chance. We intend to come up with quality video so be it.

After late lunch, we proceeded to Cris’ working place. Here the meat of the daunting task began. The intense rainfall did not dampen our spirits. If only, the gloomy atmosphere only added to the texture of the scene. “Ah, good good,” says Direk JP.

So, with much caution for the camera (wrapped with plastic bag to protect it from the rain) the challengers followed Cris through as he went to gingerly traverse the seawall. (One false move and you end up splashing in the waters of Manila Bay).

Fulfillment filled each one when they successfully maneuvered through the snake-like esteros not minding the foul smell emanating from within each shanty passed. They all greeted Cris and some showed sheer happiness in seeing their guidance counselor cum helper. Cris talked to them mingled with them, lent an ear, offered help and advice; all in the name of love and commitment to social work.

At this point in time, we were all unmindful of the discomfort. What if we were tired, if we were hungry and if we smelled of smoke from garbage. That didn’t stop us from moving on and going forward. By the end of the day, there is a sense of uplifting and warm feeling. It is such a privilege to experience a pure expression of love and concern for the least of our brothers. We are seeing the world from the eyes of a heaven sent or heaven-called child of God.

Cris was awesome. Thank God, we knew him.

so with no further ado, here’s the fruit of our labor. Our documentary, a project to be proud of.

(SYNOPSIS)

Serbis…

a word full of commitment and promise…

Selfless in its passion to give meaning to life.
This documentary is dedicated to the professional social workers who give their time and service to the less fortunate people of Smokey Mountain through the Philippine Christian Foundation. The silent heroes continue to shape the future of the poor children with the vision of alleviating poverty through education… quite a noble task.

Special thanks to Ms. Jane Walker, founder of the Philippine Christian Foundation, and the Filipino staff headed by Ms. Grace  Vahdanipour  for accommodating the RTV Production and Direction class of Mr. Ricky Rosales, professor of PUP Graduate School for Master in Communication. The project, in the fulfillment of the course COM646 – Advanced RTV Production and Direction, is actually a spiritual and social fulfillment as well as emotional and intellectual gain for the members Judi Galleta, Maria Concepcion S. Peregrino, Valentino Nool Jr. , Maria Clara B. Rivas, Jessica Saria and Jonh Paul R. Seno.

for more informationyou may visit Philippine Chrisitan Foundation’s website www.pcf.ph

or you may contact them at

The Philippine Christian Foundation Inc.
Unit 1621 City and Land Mega Plaza
Corner ADB Avenue and Garnet Road
Pasig City, Metro Manila. 1605
Philippines.

Tel/Fax: 02 6356913
Email: jane@pcf.ph

So that’s for now guys.

So Till Then and Godbless 

What if I told you Jesus came to abolish religion.
What if I told you voting republican really wasn’t his mission.
What if I told you republican doesn’t automatically mean Christian.
And just because you call some people blind.
Doesn’t automatically give you vision.

I mean if religion is so great, why has it started so many wars.
Why does it build huge churches, but fails to feed the poor.
Tells single moms God doesn’t love them if they’ve ever had a divorce.
But in the old testament God actually calls religious people whores.

Religion might preach grace, but another thing they practice.
Tend to ridicule God’s people, they did it to John The Baptist.
They can’t fix their problems, and so they just mask it.
Not realizing religions like spraying perfume on a casket.

See the problem with religion, is it never gets to the core.
It’s just behavior modification, like a long list of chores.
Like lets dress up the outside make look nice and neat.
But it’s funny that’s what they use to do to mummies.
While the corps rots underneath.

Now I ain’t judgin.
I’m just saying quit putting on a fake look, Cause there’s a problem.
If people only know you’re a Christian by your Facebook.
I mean in every other aspect of life, you know that logic’s unworthy.
It’s like saying you play for the Lakers just because you bought a jersey.

You see this was me too, but no one seemed to be on to me.
Acting like a church kid, while addicted to pornography.
See on Sunday I’d go to church, but Saturday getting faded.
Acting if I was simply created just to have sex and get wasted.

See I spent my whole life building this facade of neatness.
But now that I know Jesus, I boast in my weakness.
Because if grace is water, then the church should be an ocean.
It’s not a museum for good people, it’s a hospital for the broken.

Which means I don’t have to hide my failure, I don’t have to hide my sin.
Because it doesn’t depend on me it depends on him.
See because when I was God’s enemy and certainly not a fan.
He looked down and said I want, that, man.

Which is why Jesus hated religion, and for it he called them fools.
Don’t you see so much better than just following some rules.
Now let me clarify, I love the church, I love the bible, and yes I believe in sin.
But if Jesus came to your church would they actually let him in.

See remember he was called a glutton, and a drunkard by religious men.
But the son of God never supports self righteousness not now, not then.
Now back to the point, one thing is vital to mention.
How Jesus and religion are on opposite spectrum’s.

See one’s the work of God, but one’s a man made invention.
See one is the cure, but the other’s the infection.
See because religion says do, Jesus says done.
Religion says slave, Jesus says son.

Religion puts you in bondage, while Jesus sets you free.
Religion makes you blind, but Jesus makes you see.
And that’s why religion and Jesus are two different clans.
Religion is man searching for God, Christianity is God searching for man.

Which is why salvation is freely mine, and forgiveness is my own.
Not based on my merits but Jesus’s obedience alone.
Because he took the crown of thorns, and the blood dripped down his face.
He took what we all deserved, I guess that’s why you call it grace.

And while being murdered he yelled. “Father forgive them they know not what they do.”
Because when he was dangling on that cross, he was thinking of you.
And he absorbed all of your sin, and buried it in the tomb.
Which is why I’m kneeling at the cross, saying come on there’s room.

So for religion, no I hate it, in fact I literally resent it.
Because when Jesus said it is finished, I believe he meant it.

—————-

Jefferson Bethke’s “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus” YouTube sensation has garnered almost 16 million views and thousands of comments since its Jan. 10 release.

The 22-year-old shared that this video was “not as big as it looked” – that it was the collaborative product of his poetry and a friend’s video production skills. However, the emotion behind “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus” was Scripture-based,

“My heart behind the video and the lyrics really has to do with just reading the Scripture and seeing a staunch juxtaposition that Jesus would always do in regards to highlighting people who are only about the external not the internal,” Bethke said.

the said video sparked debates across the world of web. bashful comments from those who didn’t enjoyed it. Praises for those for those who listened.

Isn’t it ironic how everybody who watched the video is arguing for religion? This really shouldn’t bother anyone, it’s a great lyric of his own story…that’s all. It’s not a theological debate. It’s not a claim of “new revelation” or prophecy. It’s just a young guy’s song. That’s all.

You know… we are all missing the point. I know he is young, but his words speak volumes of wisdom. Again, he is not bashing the Church, he is not bashing Christ… He is speaking of religion. He explains the misconception of the Church when he states:
Because if grace is water, then the church should be an ocean
It’s not a museum for good people; it’s a hospital for the broken
Which means I don’t have to hide my failure, I don’t have to hide my sin

He is speaking to those evangelicals that exclude based off of a persons transgression. It is not the Church that does this, it is religion. He is pointing out our flaws. He is Muslim, he must burn. He is Christian he must die. He is a Jew, he must pay. Religion is the issue.

Christianity is not absolved of its transgressions, but Christianity is not always what Jesus taught. Jesus’ word was to embrace the other religions, the sinners, your brothers and sisters. Love he thou he does not want to be loved. Acceptance of diversity and praising God for the life we all have. We are supposed to be living testaments to the word. Yet religions builds these huge churches (in the physical sense) with money that should be for caring for the poor and the weak. Did Jesus take on pious men as followers? No Jesus took on fishermen, tax collectors and poor men. He took the hated of Jewish society. The same ones that many religious zealots push out today. Is this Christianity? Is this Jesus? No, it is religion

If you are using my video to bash ‘the church’ be careful. I was in no way intending to do that…The Church is Jesus’ bride so be careful how you speak of His wife. If a normal dude has right to get pissed when you bash His wife, it makes me tremble to think how great the weight is when we do it to Jesus’ wife. The church is His vehicle to reach a lost word. A hospital for sinners. Saying you love Jesus but hate the Church, is like a fiancé saying he loves his future bride, but hates her kids. We are all under grace. Look to Him.

                                                                                           —Jefferson Bethke

Hope this made us think

So that’s for now guys.

So Till Then and Godbless

Called the multiplicity photography, it’s  all about creating an effect of cloning anything and everything you want to, in one single picture, of-course without having to play with anybody’s genes.

All you need  is to get a high resolution, good camera and a tripod to keep it steady. Next, ruffle up your imagination to see what you want to create.

Have a subject.

Use the manual mode of your camera and keep it at one place from the start till the end. Try using a remote shutter if possible to avoid even that teeny- weenie distortion that might result from touching it.

Let the subject move around to the different positions you have already imagined. Make sure the positions are not repeated and are not at the same place. Click on.

Out of many options of image editing,  Adobe Photoshop is the most user-friendly.

Start with the far most picture and move towards the frontal pictures. This is the time to showcase your technical skills and bring out an arty blend of technology and vision.

So with no further ado, here’s my year’s worth of multiplicity shots in various places:

Bangui Windmills – Ilocos Norte

In some random subdivision

Gothic emote  sa kusina

Sa Grotto grounds sa Bulacan

Somewhere in  Intramuros

Pagudpud Beach, Ilocos Norte

at home.

Random church grounds somewhere in Ilocos Norte

and lastly in  a random cemetery

I must admit that my take is kinda raw, but it’ll progress, I’m sure

for more examples, you may check out some cool multiplicity shots here ,   here and here  :   so there you go, grab your camera and tripod and try this awesome trick

So that’s for now guys.

So Till Then and Godbless

(btw, I want to extend my big thanks to my pals for their patience and time while i’m having fun doing this trick )

So absurd to wake up late on a Monday morning. I’m normally on my way to work, but not this time.  Still can’t open my eyes but I was able to grab and snooze the alarm. Start of 2012 it is!

Yeah, I know it’ll be February ten days from now, but please don’t pick me because of  technicality. New year resolutions are for people who loves to procrastinate, I still believe that you can start fresh everyday. You don’t need a specific date  to jumpstart a habit.

Today, I want to make a difference but one step at a time. Baby steps.

Again, like a kid, I’m starting to breathe and dream again. But frustration is like slap in the face, waking you up to be realistic. I envy the past version of me but I feel worried for the future me.

Some people says that all great starts with a dream but it made me more anxious.

Still don’t have any idea about my future but I want future me give a heads up.

To future me:

I hope that time has been kind to you, and that you are well.

You wrote this letter some time ago to remind you of things that made you happy. Also to enlighten you at times you’re confused.

If you achieve at least half of your dreams, I’m happy for you. If not, well, don’t worry,  there’s still time so catch up.

Think more and be wise.  Dont rush every decision. ika nga nila, “time is gold and patience is a virtue. ” hehe.

Be serious on things but dont forget to crack jokes every now and then. Your imaginary friends love seeing you  laughing,  it even heals some your real friends’ heartbreaks.

Okay, I’m alone while writing this letter. our parents are asleep and our best friend keep ignoring our texts, she’s still mad at us ( I believe). You apologize already but I think she needs time to forgive us. wait til’ Sunday (I hope).

Lessons learned? two things. 1. always keep your promises 2. invest in a reliable alarm clock

We know that even though you enjoy going out with friends, we still looking forward going out with the one. I fell in love many times than I had  expected but none of them worked. Good thing, you’re still good friends with them. that’s nice.

But if you still don’t found the one, enjoy life being single, we both know that we love to travel alone and without any additional baggage, am I right? Continue to save more and begin to travel every weekends. Still consider our dream to try backpacking around the world. But don’t close your heart. I have a faith in God that someone will come and knock. Also, I do have faith in you that when that time comes, you’ll have enough courage to smile back and offer your hand. Again, don’t pressure yourself bro, babysteps.

Be committed on something or someone. Learn to apply what a Dave Matthews Band song taught you :  “rolling stone gathers no moss”. Commit, be best at it  and patiently wait, eventually, you’ll reap something rewarding. I promise you.

Value your family and friends more than I do. I would be happy if you’re able to maintain my strong bond with those guys. They are our happiness.

Don’t be workaholic. Yes you learned a lot from your former boss before but working 24/7 is not healthy. (by the way : 9gag.com and Facebook is not work , just giving you a heads up) Spend more quality time with your family and friends.

Learn to listen whether its an advice or a sermon. You’ll benefit from it big time. Follow those you think good for you.

And lastly some quick reminders. don’t stop dreaming, motivate yourself to write, keep drawing, explore new things, don’t afraid of Illustrator, Maya, Corel and Freehand , promise, you’ll need it.  if you’re still scared of going to Middle East, i believe your still somewhere here in the Philippines or Canada, or hopefully. UK haha

I hope that you’ll remember that you wanted to learn from your experiences, and that to that end, you wrote this letter to help remind you who you really are, your dreams and what really made you go this far.

As much for them, as for yourself.

From a time past…

Your younger self,

Post inspired by months of  listening to Sara Bareilles albums.  Her “let the rain” motivated me many times.Such a good song.  I don’t know if it’s the lyrics or the mood. Ah basta. BTW, artwork above inspired by the same song but I changed “come down” to “fall down”. wala lungs.

Writing to the future version of yourself is not new,even Yahoo! made a Time Capsule for it’s 25th anniversary, it contains letters for their future selves to be opened and read it in 2020.

but even though the project is already closed, you may try creating one for yourself. you may try this site http://www.futureme.org/  . some advice? you may check this one out: http://alettertomyself.com/how.html

Btw, thanks to those who keep visiting this site. I promise more interesting posts in the future.

So that’s for now guys.

So Till Then and Godbless

This  reel is a montage of some my works from 2008-2011. As a self-taught video editor and videographer, I was able to shoot and/or edit music videos, infomercials, documentaries, audio-video presentations, and a digital film.

Thank you for those who believed in my works and entrusted me their projects.

Clients from Philippine Information Agency, North Caloocan Doctor’s Hospital, Ronnie Colors Videography, Creative Vision, Mr. Paul Aviles from Canada, newly weds like Kate and Seth, LA and RJ and other. Students and organizations from various colleges/schools such as First City Providential College, Our Lady of Fatima College, College of Languages and Linguistics – PUP, College of Business-PUP Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Carlos L. Albert High School Grand Alumni Council

Too bad that almost half of my archived DVDs were destroyed by moist and my pc cant read them anymore, most of those are made from Macromedia Flash MX. I should invest more on external drives. haist. lesson learned
Proficient in Sony Vegas (100%), Adobe Photoshop (80%), Adobe After Effects (50%?), Ulead Video Studio (100%) hehe

Still trying to learn Adobe Premier, FCP, Corel Draw and Illustrator

for more information and queries , you may visit or contact me thru these sites
VALENTINO NOOL JR.
BLOG : amherstureiqn.wordpress.com
PORTFOLIO : ureiqn.multiply.com
TWITTER : amherst_ureiqn
YOUTUBE : http://www.youtube.com/user/Ureiqn
TUMBLR : theUREIQNproject.tumblr.com
YAHOO MAIL : allen_ahz@yahoo.com
SKYPE : amherst_ureiqn

see yah.

(PS: please don’t ask me what ‘UREIQN’ means. please. just giving you a heads up )

So that’s for now guys.

So Till Then and Godbless

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 4,600 times in 2011. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 4 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Happy 2012 Everyone.

Till then and Godspeed.

Makalipas ang apat na taon, pinilit kitang limutin ngunit sa panaginip parin tayo nagtatagpo, ika’y  nakangiti, nangungusap ang mga mata at tila nagbabantay.

Hapo na ang puso, sumuko narin ang aking isipan.

Sa tingin ko, hahayaan na lamang kita.

Namili ako, matulog na iniisip ang trabaho o matulog nang nanabik na muli kang makita. Naawa ako sa aking sarili at pinili ang una. Pipikit lamang, nakahiga sa kadiliman, mapahinga lang ang katawan.

Apat na taon at ika’y nakalimutan. Ako’y nakakahinga ng maluwag pero tila may kulang. Matagal tagal ko na ring magbantay, mangamba bago matulog. Minahal ko na ang dilim at alam kong komportable nang makakapahinga ang aking katawan at gigising kinabukasan ng may lakas.

Akala ko nailigaw na kita sa aking isipan matapos ang apat na taon.

Minsa’y nahimlay ako at unti unting binalot ng kadiliman at lamig. Hinele nito ang hapong katawan. Ako’y napangiti sa aking nararamdaman nang biglang nagliwanag at natagpuan ang sarili sa gitna ng malawak na kagubatan.

Bigla ako nakarinig ng pamilyar na boses.

Ang iyong boses na huli kong narinig apat na taon nang nakakaraan.  Alam kong ika’y aking nakalimutan ngunit bigla akong nagulat nang nagsimula akong maglakad, sumusunod sa dikta ng aking puso na ika’y hanapin.

Manipis ang hangin at madulas ang mga makikitid na daan, madamo ang kapaligiran at tila maraming nagmamasid, ngunit di ito ininda ng aking katawan, mahanap ka lamang.

Unti-unting nawala ang iyong boses ngunit unti-unti rin akong bumabalik sa aking katinuan. Natagpuan na lamang ang sarili na nawawala sa gitna ng kagubatan, gulong-gulo ang isipan at pagod ang katawan.

Kulang ang apat na taon upang ika’y kalimutan

It’ll be our church visit of the day. I was starstrucked the first time saw it. Akala ko hanggang sa mga travel shows sa TV ko lang ito makikita. ‘dun ko ata nileteral ang kiss the ground

St. Augustine Church, or more popularly called Paoay Church, in Ilocos Norte is one of the the oldest churches in the Philippines

Built late 1600′s , Paoay church was made  of baked bricks, coral rocks, salbot (tree sap) and lumber, and has 24 carved massive buttresses for support. It is an architectural solution to the area’s challenging, natural setting. Both sides of the nave are lined with the most voluminous stone buttresses seen around the islands. Large coral stones were used for the lower level while bricks were used for the upper levels of the church.

After some prayers and [vanity] photoshoot, we decided to head south and since we will pass by Ilocos Sur, we decided to take a little detour. Thus my first trip to Vigan

we parked our ride beside Cathedral de Vigan, since there’s no mass in Paoay Church, it’s good thing that we’re able to catch the Easter Mass there So there goes our last minute prayers and wishes. Actually, I cant concentrate ,  I can’t deny that I’m excited to see the famous Vigan.

Pagkatapos na pagkatpos ng misa, gora na sa Vigan. On our way, makikita mo yung commercialism ng lugar, nakapasok na pala ang mga fastfood chains sa lugar, pero para di masagwa, you’ll see that they tried their best to design their infra to match with the Vigan backdrop

Hindi ko akalin na ganito kabusy ang Vigan. Contrary sa lagi ko nakikita sa mga postcards. Anyway. patawas at isa lang akong Vigan Virgin haha Dami mabibilhan ng souvenirs, sa bungad palang dami nang magagandang tinda, goodluck sa’yo kunbg mabibisita mo ang lahat.

Common na ang mga keychain, so if you want to take home some good pasalubong try to look for other handicrafts as well like wind chimes,  Vigan harps, woven purse etc.

For us foodie, we checked their famous Bagnet, yun yung deep fry na karne ng baboy, parang sinit-charon [tama ba ang term?]. masarap sya isahog sa pansit o munggo o kahit anong ginisang gulay. 450-500 pesos lang ang isang balot/isang kilo. Andyan rin ang Longganisa ng Vigan,  malasa siya at masarap sa almusal, nasa 100-200 ang balot, 12 piraso na yun.  Check mo rin ang kanilang mga wine at iba pang minatamis.  Nakalimutan ko na ang mga pangalan pero di mo sya tipikal na matatagpuan sa Maynila.

Matapos maubos ang pera, we decided to stroll within the streets of Vigan. Too bad, there’s no open museum or exhibit because it’s Easter that time.

Nang mapagod, naisipan na naming bumiyahe ulit para puntahan ang pinakahuli s itenerary : Ang Baluarte [ni Singson]. Walang entrance ang Baluarte kaya jampacked ang tao nung pumunta kami, despite na tirik na tirik ang araw.

Tyempo naman na may photo exhibit that day. Entitled : Talugading, it showcased the beauty of Ilocos Sur through series of photographs.

Then we’re greeted by an ostrich roaming around freely. Other tried to come near it’s quite scary, baka tukain ka nalang bigla ng malaking angry bird. Not just a zoo, Baluarte is an interactive wildlife sanctuary and facility, with the breathtaking view of its dominating scenic boulders amidst trees and greens.

Baluarte is 80 hectares of gently rolling terrains, hills and mountain sides, the structures of facilities and amenities, its phases of construction is in its best possible realistic and natural habitat for good and sound animal care.

Located right beside the picnic area is the butterfly garden. An enclosed part of Baluarte where  butterflies roam freely amidst a beautifully landscaped garden. Cameras and video recorders are allowed inside the sanctuary for the visitors to capture their unique moments with these remarkable creatures.

There’s  also offer free mini horse rides that we call “tiburin”. The mini horse pulls a small carriage that can accommodate up to 4 persons including the “caballero”. Taking photos and riding the mini horse is absolutely free of charge.Right at the entrance of Baluarte is the petting zoo where visitors can freely interact and take photos with the different animals like camels, ostriches, deer, parrots, orangutans and a lot more.

It’s around 2pm when we decided to hit the road again, we want to go home early. but our driver surprised us with a little detour. Thus our visit to Thunderbird resort.

Located at  Poro Point San Fernando, La Union,  this offers a spectacular view of the ocean and provides all the components for carefree living such as pools, a minibar, casino,   valet parking, and room service.

So there you go, that’s to wrap up the whole Ilocos Norte/Sur trip we arrive Manila around 12 midnight. Tired from the long roadtrip but fulfilled because of the overwhelming experience. Lalo na sa’kin because it’s my first time to visit the Ilocos region.

So that’s for now guys.

So Till Then and Godbless