Two days is not enough to tour around Ilocos Norte, we had to choose one last place to visit before we go back to Manila. On our last day, we decided to ride a 4 by 4 and experience the sand dunes in Laoag.
This is the side-part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Paoay Church, and silly me, did not take a whole picture of it. I was mesmerized by the beauty of it and forgot to flash my camera when it is just hanging on my neck! Sorry na guys hehe! This is where we hired a tricycle going to the Sand Dunes.
Old school kalesa and a tricyle on the road. Coolness!!!
Once you're on the site, you will choose which 4 x 4 truck you want to ride. We chose the Black Suzuki as shown on the picture below. To get the most of the ride, you have to stand at the back and hold the bars while the truck course through the steep ascending and descending path. I am an adrenaline junkie and I love riding roller coasters a LOT, but this ride is one for the books! Ibang level because there are no directions how to secure yourself! And for someone who has poor body physics, I was left with bruises after the ride. It was worth it though!
During the course of the ride, you will stop by this lovely view of the sea. For around 15 minutes, the driver will convert himself to a photographer to take photos of you and your friends hahaha!
The fee to rent the truck includes unlimited sand surfing! I tried it once and it was not as scary as I thought it would be. Locals around started speaking to me in Tagalog while I'm taking my friends' photos, and they're surprised to hear me reply in Ilocano. Yeah, I have Ilocano blood running through my veins! :)
After the exhilarating ride, we went to Saramsam Ylocano Restaurant for late lunch. It's a hot spot for foodies and tourists in Ilocos Norte. I have read about this restaurant in various food blogs and it's time for me to try!
The restaurant has a vintage vibe and comfortable setting. Look at how my friend, Mei Mei, relaxed on the sofa. And oh, there's a sungka on the table too!
Poqui-Poqui
Bagnet with KBL (Kamatis, Bagoong, Lasona)
Saramsam Pasta - this is the most interesting pasta I've ever tasted. It has shrimps, tomatoes, bell pepper, cilantro, green mangoes, topped with parmesan cheese. A fusion of Ilocano and Western - it was served with bagoong and chili oil on the side. One should never miss this dish if you dine here.
Malunggay Sorbet with Calamansi
Before heading back to Manila, we bought last minute pasalubong. Chichacorn and Ilocos Longganisa are the best!
Ending my blog entry with street level Ilocos Empanada, which was packed for our baon!
Special thanks to Nay Elena for making this trip possible!
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