Traveling North, Roadtrip from Manila to Aparri to Ilocos and Back

Indeed, getting out of town during Holy Week may include a lot of fun and guilt. When our Jesus was being condemned to death and I was enjoying myself the entire time, yes, I felt an unbearable guilt after. I suggest that you do the trip on ordinary "long weekends" and not during this important week. But then, here is how I spent my 2013 Holy Week:

DAY 1, THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

The trip started at around 5:00 am, but because of traffic jam, especially in the expressways (SCTEX and NLEX), it prolonged the travel time. Usually, travel time from Manila to Tuguegarao City is about 10-12 hours.

What can you expect with the road? Surprisingly, the pavements are good enough. Even the famous zigzag road in Santa Fe, I find them safe. You just have to be a little cautious.

Click here for the route of this trip.

Click here for pictures I have taken from the road to Tuguegarao City.

DAY 2, FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013

Aparri, I have perfectly known it because of Eat Bulaga's opening song (Mula Aparri hanggang Jolo~ "From Aparri to Jolo"). I have never expected that a province would conceal such romantic countryside scenery. The original plan is to explore the beach of Anguib. Unfortunately, the road was closed due to improvements. Instead, I met Nangaramoan Beach. I found it, ordinary, yet unique because of some what, or I assume to be, baby corals along the shore. The waves are too big during that time, and I was a bit hesitant to plunge in due to worm-like sea creatures living on those baby corals. The sand is not that fine, though off white in color.

Click here for the route to Nangaramoan

Click here for pictures from Nangaramoan Beach

DAY 3, SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2013

Relax day. Just spend time on a resort, bought some pasalubong. Slept early for the roadtrip the following day.

DAY 4-5, SUNDAY AND MONDAY, MARCH 31 TO APRIL 1, 2013

From Tuguegarao back to Manila, choosing the route passing through Ilocos is suicidal. But, like what Bella said, dying on the arms of the one you love, is a good way to go. Then, Ilocos, indeed, I have fallen in love.

Click here for the route from Tuguegaro City to Manila, passing Ilocos

Click here for pictures taken in Ilocos

Paruparo's highlights:

I love Bangui Windmills and the way they supply electricity for the town. Genius Marcos.

Scary in Grandpa's inn, room number 13. Someone or something uses the bathroom. Bring earplugs to ignore those not-so-ordinary roommates. Though I find the hotel staffs accommodating and very client-focused.

Below is the suggested itinerary and budget, (for 5 people traveling together):