Java Hotel in Laoag, Ilocos Philippines

January 6, 2016 by Porsche C.

We find it affordable and convenient to stay in Java Hotel. Since it was year 2012, I have only few things in mind that I can recall about this trip. I just had to rewrite this blog. We had land arrangement with JFF Tours owned by Ms. Yza Felipe and Joey Felipe. Kuya Joey was the one who accompanied us through the trips. I told him I can see Joem Bascon in him (an ABS-CBN actor).

We have other itineraries like Sequioa Mansion, Sand Dunes, Old Houses in Vigan, Paoay church, Marcos house, and others which I have to look for the pictures. I lost the post from my previous blog. I hope I can still find them. The sole purpose of this blog site is for my kids to remember our memories mostly mine especially when I am gone.

To continue with our Ilocos Trip in 2012, I was blessed to have seen Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. Archbishop Villegas is currently the Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines and President of the Asia-Oceania Mariological Society.

Here is an excerpt from directory.ucanews.com about Archbishop Villegas:

Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas, DD was born on Sept. 28, 1960 in Manila. He was ordained a priest on Oct. 5, 1985. On July 25, 2001, Pope John Paul II appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Manila. His Episcopal ordination took place on Aug. 31, 2001. On May 3, 2004, he was appointed Bishop of Balanga. His installation was on July 3, 2004. Pope Benedict XVI appointed him on Sept. 8, 2009 Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan. Archbishop Cruz was installed on Nov. 4, 2009.

He is currently the Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines and President of the Asia-Oceania Mariological Society.

He has written and published six books of homilies and spiritual reflections. He was awarded the 1994 Catholic Authors’ Award and the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines in the year 2000. The Bataan Peninsula State University bestowed on him the Degree of Doctor of Humanities honoris causa in recognition and appreciation of his work for the province of Bataan.

He is a member of the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO), the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. He was the Chief Executive Officer of the Tenth World Youth Day held in Manila in 1995 and the Fourth World Meeting of Families in 2002.

He is the youngest of the three children of Norma Jacinta Buenaventura and the late Emiliano Villegas.

EDUCATION
Elementary – Pateros Elementary School
High School – Letran College (Manila)
Philosophy – San Carlos Major Seminary (1977-1981)
Theology – San Carlos Major Seminary (1981-1985)
A.B. in Philosophy
M.A. in Theological Studies – San Carlos School of Theology (1994)

MINISTRY
July 1985 – Private Secretary to the Cardinal-Archbishop of Manila
December 1989 – Appointed concurrent Rector of Our Lady of Peace Shrine
September 1991 – Papal Chaplain of his Holiness Pope John Paul II
October 1992 – Member of the College of Consultors-Archdiocese of Manila
December 1993 – Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Manila
March 1994 – Chairman of the Ministry for Priestly Formation of the Archdiocese of Manila
February 1996 – Assistant Pro-Episcopal Vicar of the Ecclesiastical District of Manila
September 1996 – Member of the Archdiocesan Finance Board
February 1997 – Episcopal Vicar-Administrative concerns of the Mission Society of the Philippines .
April 1997 – Minister of the Youth Ministry of the Archdiocese of Manila
August 1997 – Member of the Tribunal in the Cause for the canonization of the Servant of God, Marie Eugenie Milleret, foundress of the congregation of the Assumption
December 8, 1989 – May 2004 Rector, Mary Queen of Peace (EDSA Shrine)
January 2000 – Appointed District Head of the Ecclesiastical District of Quezon City-South
May 3, 2004 – Appointed Bishop of Balanga, installed on July 3, 2004
September 8, 2009 – Appointed Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, installed on November 4, 2009

Moving on, the room has a smoking area (veranda). But, since we do not smoke, we utilized the area by having a snack and drinks while spending quality time (QT). There are free breakfast for 2 every morning and I can really say that the accommodation is cheaper compared to the elegance of the facilities. The staff were very courteous and jolly (1 of the pics below). Our only free time was the last day of trip, it was short though because we checked out early to catch the early trip going back to Manila. Have a look at these pictures taken:

The food we enjoyed inside and outside the hotel:

Looking into travelling to Ilocos? Let me know and I will hook you up with our travel advisor.

Bangui, Ilocos Norte Trip in 2012

January 5, 2016 by Porsche C.

From Pagudpod, we went to the famous project of the Marcoses in Ilocos; Bangui Windmills. These 20 windmills can generate part of the electricity in Ilocos. The 50% of the electrical supply is from Bangui windmills. Take a look at our pictures.

I did not realize it was that huge until I saw it with my two eyes… The car even looked like a toy car. It is 230 feet high each facing the West Philippine Sea. with 135 feet blades. Imagine how these huge windmills supply electricity in the city. During that time (2012), there was a proposal of additional wind turbines (target completion date 2014).

Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte Trip 2012

January 5, 2016 by Porsche C.

I am recomposing this blog post as much as I can remember because the original post was gone from my other site. If not, the pictures can explain the adventure and fun we had.

Very early in the morning, we left for our Ilocos trip. It was only the two of us, without the kids. We spent some quality time together. (cheezy..) This is early celebration for our 1st wedding anniversary. just a month early though. We went to both Norte and Sur to maximize the trip and the budget. We had to buy a tour package because we do not know anyone who lives there whom we can ask to accompany us. Here are the destinations we enjoyed:

Patapat Viaduct

We stopped by in the middle of the road just to take some pictures. The end of the road will lead us to the northest part of the Philippines; Batanes. Since it was Ilocos trip, we did not go there. Maybe next time when the climate is good. That day was rainy and cold…

Pagudpod Beach Place (Hannah’s)

Since it was rainy and strong wind was making huge waves, we were not able to swim for a long period of time. Usually, December is not a rainy season at all, but that year was (2012). It was lunch time so we decided to order seafoods and have them (the native of Ilocos) cook our food with additional fee, just like Dampa style. We had squid, fish that I cannot remember the name, and Pakbet (Ilocos style).

Our Food (Before and After)

While waiting for our paluto (food), we strolled along the seashore and had fun taking pictures… Can you see the strong wind among the coconut trees?

Burol

This hill was highlighted/featured in one of the Teleseryes in ABS-CBN of Coco Martin with leading lady; Julia Montes. Their names were Daniel and Katarina. After our nakakabusog na lunch at one of their restaurants, we stopped by and took pictures on the Burol.