5 Best Places to Observe Holy Week in the Philippines

Like it? Share it on Facebook or Twitter!

This could also be: Holy Week. More fun in the Philippines.

Do not be surprised if you find a lot of locals and tourists in ports, terminals and tourist attractions this week.  Holy Week in the Philippines is an important celebration observed by many Catholics in this country. Government offices as well as most business and commercial establishments close early or cease operations during Holy Week, especially from Maundy Thursday until Black Saturday.  And for this year, most offices (including museums) are closed until April 9 (Monday) since it's Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor, a national holiday.

Ilocos Virgins: A 3-Day Travel Itinerary

Like it? Share it on Facebook or Twitter!

Recently, I have been getting a lot of inquiries about traveling to Ilocos. I don't know if this has something to do with the launch of the Paoay Kumakaway tourism ad or that music video for a telenovela which features Ilocos region's scenery. Perhaps, it's simply because it's summer in the Philippines.

Laoag City is the gateway to Ilocos Norte.

#FriFotos: While the Japanese cooked Wagyu beef on a stone grill...

Like it? Share it on Facebook or Twitter!

... Filipinos baked and cooked on kitchen equipment made from stone! Well, at least that was true for Filipinos who once lived in this ancestral home located in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, North Luzon, Philippines. Most of the time, I see wooden stoves in heritage or ancestral houses that I visit in the Philippine Islands. This is the first time I saw a house with cooking tools and equipment made of stone (except for the rolling pin, which I think was just added by the staff ). I guess this just proves that there are a lot of  interesting things you can discover when you explore old houses. And oh, did I mention that this photo was taken from the home of a government official who was murdered in cold blood while inside a church? I'd tell you more about it if death or mystery would be the next #Frifotos theme. :-)

Can you bake or cook with stone?

#FriFotos: A Luxury That Can Cause a Heart Attack

Like it? Share it on Facebook or Twitter!

Today's #Frifotos is about luxury. Merriam-Webster defines luxury as something that adds pleasure or comfort, but not absolutely necessary. Fashion icon Coco Chanel seems to support this definition by saying that "Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury." Others believe luxury is an indulgence, something that is desirable, yet difficult to obtain. If I go by the last definition, then I consider this one a luxury:

Ilocos Bagnet from Saramsam Cafe 

Northern Exposure: Enchanted in Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Like it? Share it on Facebook or Twitter!

Vigan: Travel back to the past

The scorching heat did not prevent us from exploring the famed city of Vigan, the capital of Ilocos Sur. Vigan City draws visitors because of its well-preserved colonial houses, old buildings and cobblestone streets that  reflect a rich history and colorful heritage.

Travel Photo: Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Like it? Share it on Facebook or Twitter!

Old world charm of  Vigan

Vigan, the capital of  Ilocos Sur, is perhaps one of the most photographed tourist destinations in Northern Philippines. It's a city where the present and the past gracefully co-exist. The city's  well-preserved colonial houses, ancient institutions and cobblestone streets reflect a rich history and colorful heritage.

They say that exploring Vigan is like experiencing the grace of  Europe, the passion of South America and the charm of Asia.  For me, walking around Vigan is simply inspiring.

*Watch out for my post on Vigan and other destinations in Ilocos this weekend!