After a long stretch of focusing on work, self-care, and everything in between (AGAIN), I finally carved out some time to catch up on one of my favorite things— travel. And what better way to jump back in than to post some overdue travel snapshots from our trip to the Philippines and another country a few months ago, specifically Ilocos Norte, before hopping over to my all-time favorite destination.

Why Ilocos Norte?
This wasn’t my typical vacation. My son and I flew to Ilocos Norte to help settle some property matters for my mom. But what started as a practical trip quickly turned into a memorable journey filled with family, laughter, and late-night 7-11 slurpee hunts, before we hopped on over to another country.

Snapshots

We packed a lot into our 1-week time in the Philippines. So, here I’d like to share some highlights and pretty cool sights that I was able to capture through my lens , well actually, through the lens of my android phone. If you’re ever curious about the Philippines, we were able to fit all of this into a 5-day itinerary.

Patapat Viaduct

We cruised the coastline at the Patapat Viaduct. This is located in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, at the northern tip of Luzon Island in the Philippines.

This scenic coastal bridge stretches 1.3 kilometers along the mountainside, elevated 31 meters above sea level, and connects the Maharlika Highway to the Cagayan Valley region. Nestled at the foot of the Cordillera Mountain Range, it offers stunning views of Pasaleng Bay and nearby islands like Fuga and Calayan. Known as the “French Riviera of the North,” it’s a popular stop for travelers exploring northern Luzon.

Madongan Falls

Madongan Falls is located in Dingras, Ilocos Norte, in the northern region of Luzon, Philippines. Tucked away in a lush, mountainous area, this multi-tiered waterfall offers a refreshing escape with cool waters and scenic views. It’s a popular spot for locals and travelers seeking a peaceful nature retreat, just a short drive from Laoag City. The journey includes a mix of paved roads and light trekking, making the adventure part of the charm. Best part about it is that you can take a dip in and nearby the falls, then relax or have lunch under the row of grass huts that lead to the falls.

Paoay Sand Dunes

You might’ve heard about the Vietnam scene in the move, “Born on the 4th of July” — well, this is where the footage was filmed! At the Paoay Sand Dunes, you’ll ride up and down steep sandy slopes—an exhilarating and sometimes scary thrill—but it’s all worth it when you reach the coastline and take in breathtaking views of the West Philippine Sea. This dramatic stretch of golden terrain in Ilocos Norte offers one of the most unforgettable outdoor adventures in the Philippines. The 4×4 ride isn’t just a bumpy joyride—it’s a rollercoaster across nature’s playground. As your vehicle climbs towering dunes and plunges into sandy valleys, you’ll feel your heart race and your laughter echo across the open sky.

But the real magic happens when the ride slows and you reach the edge of the dunes. There, the vast West Philippine Sea unfolds before you with waves crashing, wind sweeping, and the horizon stretching endlessly. It’s a moment of awe that balances the adrenaline with serenity, then you get hit with the adrenaline rush again heading back to home base. Surreal.

Robinsons Mall

Robinsons Mall in Ilocos Norte is located in San Nicolas, just a few minutes from Laoag City. It’s a modern shopping center offering a mix of retail stores, restaurants, a supermarket, and entertainment options like cinemas. For travelers, it’s a convenient stop for essentials, errands, or just cooling off in air-conditioned comfort. Whether you’re hunting for a beanie or grabbing a quick bite, it’s a familiar slice of city life in the heart of the province. What I thought was really cool about this mall is that they have a UNIQLO and DAISO! I thought those were the coolest upgrades since 2007.

7-Eleven Slurpees

The litterally cool thing about upgrades is that the provinces seem to have 7-11s on every street corner. BUT, not all of them have slurpee machines. It was an adventure trying to find a 7-11 with a slurpee machine, that I think we went through at least 4 7-11s before we managed to find one. By the way . . . they keep the cups and lids with the cashier so we needed to ask for the cups and pay for it before we could go to the machine to dispense.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, along the northwestern coast of Luzon, Philippines.

This stunning natural limestone formation is famous for its creamy white color and sculpted shapes, carved over time by wind and waves from the West Philippine Sea. “Kapurpurawan” means “white” in Ilocano, perfectly describing its bright, otherworldly appearance. It requires going down a set of stairs, followed by a short flat-land type of hike to get to the cool scenic area pictured above. It’s a popular spot for sightseeing, photography, and soaking in the dramatic coastal views.

Malacañang of the North

Malacañang of the North is located in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, overlooking the serene waters of Paoay Lake in northern Luzon, Philippines.
Originally built as the official residence of the Marcos family during Ferdinand Marcos’ presidency, it now serves as a museum showcasing historical artifacts, memorabilia, and glimpses into the region’s political past. With its Spanish-inspired architecture and grand interiors, it offers visitors a mix of history, culture, and panoramic lake views.

Santa Monica Church

Also known as the Sarrat Church, it’s one of the oldest and largest churches in the province, dating back to the 18th century. Built in classic Spanish colonial style, it features red brick walls, a grand altar, and a peaceful riverside setting. When attending Mass, you might notice bats quietly lying close to the ceiling or appearing almost static, gracing the upper structure like silent guardians of the space. A tad freaky, I must say. The church is a popular site for weddings and historical tours, offering visitors a quiet moment of reflection in a timeless sanctuary.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, on the northwestern coast of Luzon, Philippines.
Perched atop Vigia de Nagpartian Hill, this Spanish-era lighthouse was first lit in 1892 and still guides ships navigating the rocky coastline of the West Philippine Sea. Its octagonal stone tower and panoramic views make it a favorite stop for history buffs and travelers alike. The lighthouse stands as a proud sentinel of colonial heritage and maritime tradition.

Abandoned Vessel Somewhere Closeby

This abandoned vessel is located along the rugged coastline of Burgos, Ilocos Norte, near the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation and Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.
It’s a striking sight—weathered and grounded on rocky shores, surrounded by crashing waves and windswept scenery. I didn’t get any closer than this snapshot but the boat is likely a former patrol or fishing vessel, now rests as a quiet relic of the past, adding an eerily haunting beauty to the natural landscape. It’s a favorite photo stop for travelers exploring the dramatic coastal stretch of northern Luzon.

The Centennial Arena and Park

This is a Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter and it is displayed near the Bangui Windmills at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena and Park.

Located in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, this open-air exhibit features retired military vehicles and aircraft, including the iconic Philippine Air Force jet marked with the “Blue Diamonds” insignia. It’s a unique roadside attraction that blends history, patriotism, and scenic coastal views—just a short drive from the famous wind turbines of Bangui Bay.

Lastly, Who doesn’t like/love Mister Donut?

Located in the SM Savemore Market in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte is a Mister Donut, yes a Mister Donut, but what was scary about this mall is that there are little retail stores that sell knock-off products on the first floor. The knock off sales associates don’t just sell, they actually stalk you, yes they literally follow/stalk you like zombies in every aisle until they have you cornered. That was the scariest experience that my son and I have ever experienced in a retail space, ever!

And we’re out . . .

And this folks sums it up for Leg1 of our 2-legged trip. This trip to Ilocos Norte was more than just a getaway—it was a heartfelt reunion and a chance to reconnect. I had such a good time with family, especially sharing quiet moments, stories and laughter with my mom. What made it even more special was watching my son experience the Philippines for the very first time—seeing it all through his eyes added a whole new layer of meaning, a different kind of a blissed complex.

(Stay tuned for leg 2 of our trip)