Welcome to the Second Half of 2015

It's July! Which means that we are already halfway done with the year. Pretty soon, we'll be bidding 2015 goodbye and welcoming 2016.

So, how was your first half of the year? Where did you guys go for holidays? Did you visit any new places or were you exploring and discovering new sights on familiar cities?

As for me, the first half of the year was rather slow, travel-wise. Work and study took most of my times away. However, I still managed to go for 2 vacations. The first was back in January when I went to Boracay, Philippines.

Pristine white beach in Boracay, Philippines

It was supposed to be trip with another travel blogger but she had to bail out due to family commitment. I'm not much of a beach person so the most I can spend are 4 days by the beach doing nothing. However, Boracay is more of a "since I'm here, might as well" for the main highlight for me is the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo. What a colourful and lively festival it is.

Colourful parade of the Ati-Atihan Festival

The second one was my South Korea adventure in April with my friends. I was amazed and fascinated with the country, what with the constant import of Korean cultures in Malaysia, and I came back in love with it. The food, the people, the heritage, everything is just a delight. Plus, we went during spring, which means being surrounded with the lovely sakuras all the times. What a perfect way to spend my birthday.

Sakura trees everywhere

Street foods are aplenty in Seoul

Table full of Korean delights

I'm looking forward to the remaining half of the year, with tentatively 3 more trips to go. I say tentatively because these 3 trips are already all locked up and ready to launch and I'm considering another one during Christmas break. Let's see how it goes on that one.

Philippines - San Augustin Church, Manila

My last stop in Manila before heading to the airport was San Augustin Church. I dropped by the church, which is right in the heritage enclave of Intramuros, on my first day in Philippines but it was not open. So, I thought I want to try my luck again on my last day with the chances of it opening its doors were higher since it was Sunday and I was right. It was indeed a good thing for the interior of the church was astounding. Definitely among the best I'd seen in the country.

San Augustin Church

San Augustin Church, together with Paoay Church and Santa Maria Church, formed the Baroque Churches of Philippines, protected under the UNESCO World Heritage list. The missing church under the list that I did not visit is the Miag-ao Church in Iloilo. 

Sign of renovation works still ongoing

Renovation works for the church were underway when I was there. It was evident with the half-painted exterior which can be quite unappealing. However, if you looked aside the works in progress, you will be amazed by the craftsmanship appeared in the church. The main door itself is a work of art, with intricate carvings on them.

The main gate

As I mentioned earlier, thanks to the Sunday services, I managed to enter the church and had a peek at its interior. A lot of travellers did the same as well. However, do be respectful while exploring the church as there are locals praying.

The interior

Grand altar

I have yet to visit any European countries, well known for their grand churches, but upon stepping my feet into San Augustin Church, for a moment I thought I was transported to some medieval churches in the continent. Of all the churches I went to in the country - not much, but still - this has to be the most beautiful of them all.

Look at the intricate carvings on the ceiling

The wall is pristine white while the high ceiling has detailed carvings that you should spend at least a few hours to appreciate them. Unfortunately, I can't do what I preached as I was in a rush that day and I barely enjoyed my brief stay in the church. All I did was take a few shots and ran off to catch my bus. A big mistake.

The chandelier

I toured around the church, taking in as many images as I can into my brain, and when the time came, I took the transit to the bus station and began my journey to the airport. One unfortunate aspect of this trip was that AirAsia flies to Clark instead of Manila, which is about 2 hours away. Luckily, the low cost carrier decided to move its hub back to Manila, making my future visits much easier.

*THE END*

Philippines - Fort Santiago

I spent 2 days in Vigan City and by the end of the second day, I took the night bus back to Manila for a quick stop at Fort Santiago before heading to the airport for my afternoon flight. It was rather rush though I calculated that I will have about 6 hours of exploration in Intramuros. That amount of time was cut short when the bus broke down halfway along the ride and we had to wait for a new bus. Luckily, it did not derail my plan and I still manage to visit Fort Santiago.

Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago is one of Philippines' oldest stone fortresses built during the Spanish colonization. Located in the northern part of Intramuros, the fortress has undergone many reconstructions after sustaining heavy damages over the years, especially during World War II. Today, this national monument is part of a historical park and a popular tourist attraction.

The fortress, up close

Ruins left during the war

The park encompasses the fort, ruins, bastions and plazas. However, the main attraction, besides the Fort Santiago gate, is the Rizal Shrine. After all, this fortress also served as the prison site for Jose Rizal, Philippines' national hero, before his execution.

Some of his works

Jose Rizal was a nationalist beloved by his countrymen. He was also a man of many talents. Besides being a doctor, he was also a novelist, poet and sculptor. However, his greatest gift to the country has to be his revolutionary works.

The room where Jose Rizal was held captive before being executed

The reconstructed building that was used to imprison him before execution is now a museum dedicated to his life's works. Rizal Shrine has an extensive collections of memorabilia of Jose Rizal. His works and sculptures are on display for the public to admire. This is also the place where he penned his last poem, Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell), concealed in an oil lamp that his family discovered. You can also traced the trail he took towards his execution which was imprinted in bronze plate on the road.

Other than Rizal Shrine, Fort Santiago also offers the one of the best views of Pasig River. Head to Baluarte de Santa Barbara which now houses the Rizaliana Furniture Exhibit (entrance fee required) and you get to see the river from the best point of view.

Pasig River

The entrance fee to Fort Santiago costs PHP 75 for adult and PHP 50 for student or children. It opens daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

*TO BE CONTINUED*

Philippines - Things to Do in Vigan City

The UNESCO Heritage Site of Vigan City is well known for its cobbled streets and colonial mansions. Besides the picturesque Crisologo Street and the interactive Baluarte, there are still many attractions worth visiting before taking the bus to your next destination.

1) Syquia Mansion

Syquia Mansion

Syquia Mansion dedicates to the Philippines' sixth president, Elpidio Quirino. Just like Crisologo Museum, this ancestral mansion houses extensive collections of memorabilia of the president, making this an insightful tour into the man's life and work. The house belonged to his wife, Dona Alicia Quirino, a Chinese descendant whose family fortune derived from the booming trading business.

The living room

Philippines - Baluarte, Vigan

After my morning was spent visiting Santa Maria Church, I took the minivan back to Vigan. It was already in early afternoon when I reached the city and after my lunch, I decided to drop by Baluarte. Baluarte is a mini zoo of sort located about 10 minutes drive from the city centre and it's owned by Governor of Ilocos Sur.

The welcoming committee

This wildlife sanctuary is dedicated to teaching and educating the public on the animals living here. Some of the animals under the care of the sanctuary are tigers, ostriches, macaws, and so on. 

Some of the animals in this mini zoo

One of the best things about Baluarte is that you get to interact with these animals. You get to feed them and take pictures with them. Almost every hour there is animal show for you to watch and be amazed. 

How can I not take the opportunity to snap a photo with this beauty?

The star attraction of Baluarte has to be the tiger. This majestic creature sat there looking pretty and always game for a photo session with the public. I think some might even forget the fact that this is a dangerous animal, what with it looking so cuddly.

The said tiger..I missed out the chance to take photo with it..

I do find the giant dinosaur models a bit weird and it gives off the strange feeling like I was in Jurassic Park or something.

Welcome to Jurassic Park!

There is no entrance fee for Baluarte, making a visit a must for budget travellers looking for some fun in the 'wild'.

*TO BE CONTINUED*

Philippines - Santa Maria Church, Santa Maria

Santa Maria Church, one of the four Baroque Earthquake churches listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, is about an hour away from Vigan and was the first place I went to on my second last day. Like most of the churches in Philippines, Santa Maria Church is a massive construction built on top of a hill surrounded by walls. It has the feel of a fortress instead of being a religious site, setting it apart from the rest of the heritage churches.

Santa Maria Church

The massive buttresses and thick walls are its unique features. These similar attributions can be found in most of the churches here as well as the other three historic churches in the list due to the position of the country in the Ring of Fire. Buttresses and thick walls help support the buildings from collapsing during earthquakes.

Closer look at the church

There is little carvings on the facade, focusing more on the symmetrical beauty. The main ingredient used in the construction was red bricks, allowing the church to exude a rustic charm. The bell tower, another red brick building, was built at a distance from the main site, another precaution step.

Just like its facade, the interior of Santa Maria Church is simple. There is little grand paintings and carvings that decorate the walls. The beautiful altar is surrounded with figurines of Christianity.

Interior of the church

Up close

This was the second out of four churches listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site that I had visited. Both Paoay Church and Santa Maria Church have their own charms and uniqueness and both warrant a visit. What I liked most about these two heritage churches is that they are still local churches first and foremost.

Christian figurines in the church

Do drop by for a visit when you are in Vigan.

*TO BE CONTINUED*

Philippines - Crisologo Street, Vigan

Vigan's prized possessions of cobblestone walkways, Spanish inspired mansions and romantic atmosphere are best seen here along Crisologo Street. This stretch of road, dubbed Vigan Heritage Village, is the best place to be for beautifully preserved colonial houses.

Crisologo Street

Beautifully preserved Spanish mansions and houses

Philippines - Crisologo Museum

One of the attractions in Vigan City is the Crisologo Museum. Established to honour the achievements of the Congressman Floro S. Crisologo who was assassinated in 1970, this mansion turned museum is full of memorabilia and prized possessions of the Crisologo family.

Crisologo Museum

Crisologo family mansion was turned into a learning attraction

Hotel Review - Vigan Hotel, Vigan

I stayed for a night in Vigan Hotel, a beautiful mansion turned hotel that is close to major attractions in the city. I did not book for my stay when in Vigan as I wanted to explore around the available places to stay. Due to the fact that I am a solo traveller with limited budget, I chose Vigan Hotel as they have single rooms.

Vigan Hotel

The room that I stayed in was an air conditioned single room. It was a small room with basic necessities such as bed and a television. The bathroom is located outside the room and it is shared basis. The condition is a bit rundown, and frankly, a tad bit unappealing. I believe if you booked in advance, you can find a better room with the price I paid for this, which is PHP 695 (about RM 54).

Single room

Well, it was just for a night and I can't find any other hotels with a lower budget.

*TO BE CONTINUED*

Philippines -What to Expect in Vigan City

It was past noon by the time I reached Vigan City. The sun was gloriously bright, something I'm always grateful for when travelling as it makes exploration much easier.

This UNESCO Heritage Site has been in my bucket list since the moment I found out about it and saw how beautiful it is. A former settlement for traders, it managed to survive the war unharmed and is now a popular tourist destination especially the locals. I managed to include it into my maiden trip to Philippines and there's no regret to all the journeys. 

Here are what to expect when in Vigan City, Philippines.

Beautifully preserved cobblestone street of Spanish era

Which is much more beautiful at night

Big colonial mansions

Calesa waiting for potential customers

Big beautiful church

Christianity motives along the heritage street

*TO BE CONTINUED*

Philippines - Things to Do in Laoag City

With my visit to Paoay Church, my purpose in Laoag City was over and I was ready to leave the city first thing tomorrow morning to Vigan City, another UNESCO Heritage Site. Before I embarked on another bus ride, I did manage to explore Laoag City. It has more to offer than just a pit stop. Here are some of the attractions in Laoag City that you should not miss out.

1) St. William's Cathedral

Being in Philippines means exploring their churches. As I had mentioned before, this country boasts some of the finest churches in South East Asia. St. William's Cathedral in Laoag City is definitely another architecture gem. Built in 1612, the church underwent restorations a few times due to damages done by natural disaster, the latest being 1880. Its design, a mix of Earthquake Baroque and Italian Renaissance, still retains.

St. William's Cathedral

Dedicated to San Guillermo or St. William, the yellow facade and its interior are definitely a sight for sore eyes. This local church is huge, like any other historic churches in Philippines. During my visit, a evening service was being conducted and I managed to enter the church to have a look at its beautiful interior. A must visit when in Laoag City.

Service was being conducted during my visit