#ExploringNorthLuzon

I've developed a new passion the moment I found out that, when it comes to adventures, a lot can happen in a day. When I resigned from my first corporate job, I spent some time going around Ilocos with friends in, yes, motorcycles.

 [caption width="960" align="alignnone"] Bangui Windmills in Ilocos Norte[/caption] 
The best thing about going on long rides is that you get to share the experience with people who are as passionate as you are. Riders are known to be 'cowboys', hindi maarte, and are always on the go. To some, riding seems reckless. On the contrary, riding demands a certain level of discipline. There are rules to follow and standards to adhere to.

 [caption width="852" align="alignnone"] All geared up! Pagudpud ride with the Salcedo Riders[/caption] 

You see, Ilocos Sur has always been known to be rich when it comes to culture and history. In fact, when people hear the word 'Ilocos Sur' only one thing comes to mind: VIGAN.

 [caption width="1000" align="alignnone"] Photo credits: Jesse Alegre[/caption] 
Oh my beloved, hometown. Now held as one of the new Seven Wonder Cities of the world. Vigan is hoarding the limelight as far as Ilocos Sur is concerned. Quite frankly, I've had enough of the Dancing Fountain, the Crisologo street, the Vigan Longganisa and Bagnet... Okay, no. Maybe not the longganisa and bagnet. But I know you know what I'm trying to get at. Don't get me wrong! I love the place and if you haven't visited Vigan yet, you haven't lived half of your life. If you're coming from Manila, there are plenty of buses that will take you to Vigan. Use your leaves well. Two days will suffice. *wink*

 [caption width="1600" align="alignnone"] Photo credit: Ana En[/caption] 
Ganda 'di ba? Tara na sa Vigan!

Since I've already had enough of my hometown, I decided to go out and explore other places within my province.
One quick getaway turned into two then into three until it became a monthly thing. What else is there to discover in Ilocos Sur anyway? Turns out. There's a lot.

 [caption width="960" align="alignnone"] Nagbaldi Falls, Bantay, Ilocos Sur[/caption]  
[caption width="960" align="alignnone"] Hidden Falls in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur[/caption]  [caption width="720" align="alignnone"] Aw-asen Falls, Sigay, Ilocos Sur[/caption] 
I, for one, am very surprised at how much Ilocos Sur alone has to offer. After seeing some of its many hidden treasures, I tried exploring other provinces within North Luzon.

That's when the #ExploringNorthLuzon mission began. It was serendipity. It all started with a light dare...which I took seriously by heart.

I won't bore you with the geographic details regarding North Luzon. The only thing you have to know is that North Luzon covers the Cagayan Valley, the Ilocos Region, and the Cordillera Administrative Region. For someone who is a dum-dum when it comes to Geography, I'll try to draw you a quick, dumb-blonde version, mental map.

 [caption width="300" align="alignleft"] North Luzon in a nut-shell.[/caption] 

North Luzon covers...

1. Cagayan Valley - most commonly known as Tuguegarao or to some, 'bakit walang bahay? puro palayan lang',
2. Ilocos Norte - most commonly known as Pagudpud or Bangui Windmills, those two always go hand-in-hand anyway
3. Ilocos Sur - most commonly known as Vigan, Vigan and oh, did I mention, Vigan?
4. Baguio - most commonly known as a place to go during summer with lots of mountains, pine trees and strawberries!
5. Pangasinan - most commonly known as Hundred Islands or 'ansarap ng bangus dun! maraming seafoods ammura pa!'
6. Isabela - also part of the Cagayan Valley. I swear, marami pang confused hanggang ngayon.
Mind you, I've only touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring the region. I'm still covering Ilocos Sur and I'm not even halfway through my list.*covers eyes* At first, it was just something I'd like to do during the weekends. But then people are already starting to get a little curious. Who knew being adventurous can be so contagious?

Groups are now being formed, awareness and advocacies are being raised, events are being held, and trending topics on social media are being initiated. It's almost like Ilocos Sur is going through a re-birth. It fills my heart with joy whenever I see people going the extra mile just to get in touch with nature again.

Quite frankly, this is one advocacy I will forever support.So what other way to support this than by creating a blog?

I have to put a disclaimer though. This will not be just about travelling because I am also a passionate book lover so expect book reviews once in a while, but then the main reason I'm creating this blog is to prove to everyone, especially the overzealous workers who constantly use the sobrang gasgas 'wala akong time' or 'wala akong budget' reasons, that it won't really take you a week to go for a vacation. All you need is a day. A weekend to be exact. That and a whole lot of determination.