My Ilocos Norte Foodtrip @ Macy's Diner, Laoag City

First Ilocano Meal on this trip

After I arrived from Laoag Airport and done check-in at Isabel Suites, I was so hungry and I found something to eat. Since it was a brunch (combination of breakfast and lunch), I decided to eat at the fastfood since it was just beside the hotel. However, being in this place wanted to crave on their food and taste the authentic Ilocano dishes which it was part of the things to do here in Ilocos Norte. So then on, I decided to took my eating, the Ilocano way. :)

Good thing that the staff of the hotel gave me some options on where and what to eat at Laoag City. I should even go to the market but it take me one tricycle ride from the hotel. Until one guy approached me and he pointed Macy's Diner which was just along the road in which it was a short distance from the hotel. After that, I thanked him and started to walk until I reached this place.

The colorful Macy's Diner

walking distance from the hotel

finally arrived

It was an American inspired, ala-60's era restaurant that served both Filipino and American dishes.  It was also served Ilocano cuisine in which I was more interested to try and taste it. The place was easily seen since it was along the main road of Laoag and you will pass this if you will be going to Pagudpud and other upper towns of the province. The restaurant was located in Hotel Tiffany. As I went inside the restaurant, I was like in an American boulevard with many pictures and signages which you will felt that you are not in the Philippines. But the moment, a crew handed the menu book, that's the time you are in the Philippines because if the Ilocano food that they served.

nice interiors

looks like you are in American resto

their Menu book

checking out Ilocano dishes

waiting for my meal

time to take photo while waiting

some of the interior shots

Good thing that seats were not full and I transferred to another seats and took photos of different angles. Waiting for my meal was 20 minutes. I just ordered Hi-Bol (Beef Paksiw with noodles), which it was a typical noodles but the soup was sour. My drink was Malunggay (moringa oleifera) juice with a touch of calamansi (lime).

I was in America

American dream

happy to be here

Hi-Bol with Malunggay Juice

I love this meal! :)

headed to some area

Tarpaulin of Ilocos Norte's tourist attractions

the windmill and the lighthouse

My meal was great especially Hi-Bol. I love the sourness of the soup with a compliment of noodles. Beef was tender and nice. Malunggay juice was perfect drink. It comes with citric taste courtesy of calamansi extract. My meal costs only PHP110. The interior of the restaurant was good and relaxing so it was great dining experience here in Laoag City and started my great vacation ahead. :)

More Information on this Restaurant:

Macy's Diner

Address: Hotel Tiffany, Gen. Segundo Avenue, Laoag City

Contact Number: 077-7703551

Hours: 8:30AM - 9:30PM, Monday to Sunday

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Macys-Diner/113277392073411

Philippine Airlines Flight Review: MNL to LAO, August 2012

Arrived at Rainy Laoag Airport

Note of these codes:
MNL - Manila
LAO - Laoag
PAL / PR - Philippine Airlines

It is one of my solo travels that I enjoyed much. It was my first air travel up north of Metro Manila. I did not include my trip to Clark since I headed south (CRK-DVO) with my friends and officemates. As usual, I did my budget routine in going to NAIA Terminal 2 without taking a taxi. Since my flight was at 09:50AM, I did the usual MRT-Shuttle Bus trip. It was the same as what I did on my December trip (see the highlighted link).

My trip was made possible by Philippine Airlines. I arrived to the airport at 08:20AM and I immediately went to the Laoag check-in counters right after my initial security check. There were few passengers infront of me and I went immediately to the counter. I supposed not to check-in my small bag but I was informed that umbrellas were not allowed as carry-on baggage so I immediately informed that my bag will be checked-in including the umbrella. I went immediately to the counter and since Terminal fees (PHP200) was already included in the purchased tickets, it was a breeze. I went to the final check-in and proceed to Gate S6. But such an aviation enthusiast, I roamed around the airport as usual. :)

check-in time

little empty check-in counters

me at check-in area

pre-departure area

right after my final security check

check my Laoag flight

to Gate S6 (South)

Airbus 320-200 aircraft

my boarding pass

waiting for boarding

seated beside the gate

some passengers waiting

picture with the PAL aircraft

upclose

with Japan Airlines at the background

Flight Number: PR 226

Route: Manila-Laoag

Airline: Philippine Airlines

Aircraft: Airbus 320-200

Flying Time: 55 minutes

Departure Time: 0950H

Arrival Time: 1045H

Boarding time was few minutes late but it was manageable enough since we were few passengers to be onboard. As I noticed, it was indeed correct. I lined up few minutes after the announcement and I handed over my boarding pass to the crew. I immediately went off the gate and proceed to the gate tube and to the aircraft. Cabin crew greeted me "Welcome to Philippine Airlines sir!" A very nice gesture of PAL. :)

lining up for boarding

boarding time

to the tube gate

photo shot

headed to the aircraft

outside the aircraft

cabin interior

seated at 9A (Alpha)

view infront of my seat

view at the back

watching safety video

nice and entertaining flight safety video

raining outside

taxiing to the rinway

headed to the taxiway

PAL aircraft

Terminal 3

Lufthansa Technik Philippines

another hangar

PAL Boeing 747-400

took off at 09:50AM

get above the clouds

way up above

more than 29,000 feet above

happily seated

blue skies ahead

nice to see them

happy me

Right after take off and headed way over the clouds, seatbelt sign indicator went off and cabin crew prepared our little snack. They were so accommodating and nice to the passengers. Their service is way above the expectations.  

snack time

served by these two flight attendants

my snack inflight

watching the clouds

cabin crew clearing the tray

watching Glee

cloudy skies 

above Ilocos Sur

view of the wing

above Ilocos Norte this time

at North of Laoag City before the turn

great coastline

another shot

ready to land

few minutes to the airport

La Paz sand dumes below

moment to land

5, 4, 3, 2

and 1!

landed

headed to the airport terminal

taxiing to the apron

Laoag Control Tower

Arrival area

Welcome to Laoag City

light rains coming up

airport up close

will use staicase

Welcome to Laoag International Airport

Thank you PAL! :)

with umbrella

with aircraft registry RP-C8612

windy and rainy airport

bye PAL!

another pic to the Arrival area

one look to my PAL :)

Arrival Area

baggage conveyor

waiting for our luggages

me again

waiting time

Thanks PAL for the Mabuhay Magazine

avail free airport shuttle

get my luggage

way to the exit

onboard Airport Shuttle

on our way to Laoag City downtown

The sign that I am in Laoag City

Thank you Gov. Imee Marcos for free shuttle ride

check-in time to the Isabel Suites

It was one of the best flight experience with Philippine Airlines. Though the flight was a little bit bumpy due to weather condition and thick clouds on our way to Laoag. Nevertheless, the crew both ground and inflight were accommodating and nice. They were very helpful in assisting us passengers which the main distinction of Philippine Airlines to the rest. Good job to all and keep up the good service! :)

Thank you Philippine Airlines! Shining Through as Always! :)