Turista Boy’s Best of Travels in 2015!
Turista boy’s Best of 2015!
Traveling is really one of the things I would love to do for the rest of my life. As it is one of my (super duper) favorite hobbies, let’s take a look back at the travels that made my 2015 extra special! Here are the best of Turista Boy’s travels!
Turista Boy’s Best of 2015
I realized that 2015 is the start of new adventures for me. It’s really my year of travel. As this is my year-ender post, I will share you on how I look back on my travels since 2015’s start.
January 1-3, 2015 / October 31-November 1, 2015
ILOCOS NORTE
I started the year with a bang when we headed down to our province, Ilocos Norte! As we welcomed the New Year, I, together with my aunt’s family visited the province’s North – Pagudpud! Of course, as a proud Ilocano, I would be posting a blog post early 2016 to feature Norte’s famous, up-and-coming, and never-before-visited places that you should see when visiting Ilocandia.
As my aunt is working for a multinational company responsible for building the famous windmills in the province, we had the opportunity to see the windmills up-close and see the West Philippine Sea from that vantage point. It is then one of the new ‘wind farms’ in Pagudpud – the Caparispisan Wind Farm.
Turista Boy goes to Ilocandia!
Of course, after our wind farm exposure, we then had side trips to Pasuquin’s Sexy Beach and Burgos’ famous Cape Bojeador Lighthouse (the tallest Spanish-era lighthouse in the country), and Burgos’ Dragonfruit farms. And as we live in Sarrat, President Ferdinand Marcos’ birthplace, I also had a solo excursion in the nearby spots. One of which is the Sta. Monica Parish Church – the longest brick Church in the Ilocos region. It is also the setting of one of the scenes in the movie “Heneral Luna.” Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to see and go at Marcos’ birthplace-turned-museum as it was closed on those days.
When visiting Ilocos, having a taste of their famous empanada, miki, and longganisa is REALLY a must! I swear! Especially when visiting the “Home of Original Miki,” the City of Batac. This is where you would find the cheapest and the tastiest miki meals! Another famous delicacy of the province is their original recipe empanadas. You can find this almost everywhere, especially in the province’s capital, Laoag City. Longganisa is also a staple food here, scattered around the city’s public market.
Of course, a tour of the Ilocandia is not complete if you haven’t seen some of their famous churches. As mentioned earlier, Sta. Monica Church in Sarrat is the longest brick Church in the North. In Laoag, you will find St. William’s Cathedral, the home of the famous sinking bell tower of Laoag. Its 45-meter tower is believed to sink an inch early.
March 21-22, 2015
MOUNT PULAG, KABAYAN, BENGUET
Mount Pulag’s sea of clouds is just so surreal you can’t even get enough of it (because it’s really cold, too!)
See my post and find out our adventures through these links and you might want to consider climbing this Mountain for the Gods in 2016!
Read more here:
8 Tips to enjoy Mount Pulag – “The Mountain of the gods”
Summiting Mount Pulag (Turista Boy Travel Guide)
April 2-6, 2015
SAGADA, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE
Sagada had shown its natural beauty to us when it skyrocketed its popularity in a Filipino movie. But for me, it’s more than just that ‘Tadhana’ feel. Sagada is just an up-and-coming tourist destination and it still needs to be ready to welcome tourists from the world over!
Who cannot be amazed by that majestic sunrise at Mount Kiltepan with its sea of clouds? Or who can not be excited to spelunk into the Lumiang-Sumaguing Cave Complex? Or who cannot be amazed by Sagada’s limestone rock formations and its hanging coffins?
Read more about my Sagada trip and you’ll have to see these posts and experience it yourself!
May 17-19, 2015
BORACAY ISLAND, MALAY, AKLAN
Tambisaan Port, Boracay Island
Celebrate and put you beach foot forward in the country’s best party island! Boracay’s undeniably white and fine sand, calm waters, and warm people makes it a perfect combination for your dream vacation. But don’t let that be just a dream – make it happen! Read my posts here and better plan your trip to Boracay! *Apir!*
Read more here:
6 Tips to experience Boracay on the cheap!
May 17-19, 2015
AURORA PROVINCE
Baler Plaza
Wanting to beat the waves? Why not book a trip to the country’s birthplace of surfing? With its calm waters at Sabang Beach, Aurora Province is more to just surfing. This place is also a hub for foodies and vacationers alike. From visiting historic sites to tasting their food, you’ll really keep coming back. The province’s peaceful setting helps you get that laid-back feel while enjoying the sunrise at its Pacific shore.
Know more about Aurora Province and enjoy its calm waters here:
Places you must see before leaving Aurora (Part 1)
Places you must see before leaving Aurora (Part 2)
June 26-28, 2015
BAGUIO CITY TOUR
With my Blogger Friends from Manila at the BenCab Museum
Dubbed as the country’s Summer Capital, Baguio City is still an alive vacation hotspot even after summer! Find out more here how you can spend a day or two in Baguio City even in the monsoon season. I was then with my new-found blogger friends from Manila and we all experienced Baguio under the rain and cool weather. You’ll be surprised what we did!
Read here!
Visiting Baguio After Summer (Part 1)
Visiting Baguio After Summer (Part 2)
Visiting Baguio After Summer (Part 3)
July 4-5, 2015
MANILA EXCURSION (ART IN ISLAND – CUBAO, QUEZON CITY)
Since it was the monsoon season, our supposed climb to Mount Binacayan and Mount Pamitinan was canceled because rains started to pour over Rizal Province and the trail going to the mountains is rough and dangerous. As it was safety’s call, we just decided to go to Art in Island – Asia biggest 3D art museum! With an entrance of PhP 500 for regular patrons and PhP 400 for students with valid ID, you get to enjoy a 360-degree view of what it is to live in art itself!
December 31, 2015
BAGUIO CITY PHOTOWALK
I, together with 5Space, capped the year by greeting the last sunrise in Mines View Park for our Photowalk. We then headed to Wright Park, to the Botanical Garden, and finally ate at Cafe by the Ruins Dua!
2015 gave us an awesome journey and it really was a joyride! Time flies so fast!
Cheers to a more adventurous and happy 2016!
Let this be a year of happiness, love, and more travels to you, Turista!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE! Love y’all!
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More exciting posts about my travels and food adventures coming this 2016!
About Aldrick 'chiki' Agpaoa
