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Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Travel North: Laoag to Manila via Partas Bus Line


Partas Bus Bound for Manila

It's my third and last day here at Ilocos Norte. But before I went back to Manila, I had my 2-hour pasalubong break and bought some items. Some pasalubong were bought few days ago and I do last minute shopping today. So what were these items I bought? 

Good Morning Laoag!

Walk to downtown area

I headed to Laoag City Public Market and bought garlic and lasona or what we call small onions. Both are widely popular here in Ilocos Norte and sold at very low price compared to Manila and other nearby provinces. I bought 2 kilos of garlic for only 80 pesos per kilo and lasona for 60 pesos per kilo. It was a great deal. :)

At Laoag Public Market

Garlic and Lasona (small onion)

garlic galore

After I bought these, I went back to Isabel Suites, short rest and have my breakfast before I went to Partas Bus Terminal. I also bought dragon fruit which was also popular here in Ilocos Norte. It was a nice stay at Isabel Suites and they were helpful in giving directions while I was in the city.

walk to the hotel from the market

nice hotel at the heart of the city

Breakfast time

avail their free breakfast

dragon fruit for sale

bought 2 kilos

I hailed a tricycle and driver knew exactly the bus terminal because Partas was popular here. In few minutes, I arrived to the terminal and I paid PHP20 since I have 2 baggage so it's affordable. Partas Bus Terminal here in Laoag is huge. There were several trips to Manila (Cubao & Pasay) and Baguio cities. These were scheduled trips. I went at the ticket booth to check the available trips to Manila and I availed the Pasay-bound  trip at 10AM. 

ticket booth

lined up

bus schedules to Manila and Baguio

bus bound for Pasay-Cubao

my ticket

I paid PHP701 and gave me the ticket. Busy left on time. I amazed on my road travel since I saw the different places in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. I came to Laoag via airplane (Philippine Airlines) and I appreciated the beauty of the province. After two hours, we arrived at Vigan City, Ilocos Sur and took our first stop over. I went down to have my break and bought Marsha's Royal Bibingka (rice cakes) which was popular here in Ilocos Sur. I wasn't able to tour around Vigan City but it will be on my itinerary lists in the future travels. :) 

passing Gilbert Bridge

bye Laoag!

Hello Vigan!

quick stop over at Vigan City

bought a box of Royal Bibingka

After few minutes, we left Vigan City since they carried some passengers. We passed the famous Quirino Bridge and I was amazed the structure along the Abra River, we passed to the newest bridge because the first one was not passable due to the condition after the storm that hit the province. After few minutes, the bus driver and conductor took their break. I also went down and took some photos along the sea shore. 

The famous Quirino Bridge

passing along Abra River

3rd arch was damaged during storm

at Santa, Ilocos Sur

some of the islands

me

strong waves

along the National Highway

Weather was perfectly fine at Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. We passed different towns and cities but when we reached La Union, heavy rain poured in. There were no reported any storm or typhoon but it was monsoon rains but it was very heavy especially when we reached Pangasinan and Tarlac.

Candon City, Ilocos Sur

Candon City Pasalubong Center


heavy rain at La Union

start pouring in

Due to heavy rain, from the usual 9 hour bus travel it went up to 13 hours and I arrived at Partas Bus Terminal in Cubao Quezon City at 11PM. It was a tiring bus travel but I enjoyed my vacation in Ilocos Norte. It was fun, entertaining and learned at the same time. It was one of my successful solo trip. 


P.S. The following day, classes and office were suspended due to Monsoon Rain which locally called Habagat. 




Sunday, April 28, 2013

Chillin' Out @ Johnny Moon Cafe, Laoag City


Finding Mustache

After my night stroll to the Provincial Capitol, I decided to have to explore some establishments since I'm in the second day in Laoag City. I appreciated the lights the glowed to the capitol and on my way, I saw La Tabacalera which was the newest hang-out place here in the city. I was interested so I went there and explore.

to La Tabacalera

walk to that way

I found out that this place was right beside Museo Ilocos which I went there during my first day. A little walk from the side of the museum automatically see the place. It was mixture of bars, restaurants and shops. La Tabacalera was also made of bricks and iron similar to the Museo Ilocos which added to the visiting places in Laoag. During that time, I needed to relax after my two days tour in Ilocos Norte. I immediately saw a mustache and I was so interested to check this place since I also found this in the internet, Finally, I went and arrived at Johnny Moon Cafe.

Finally arrived

This place served Ilocano dining experience. I have been to different restaurants across Laoag City and I was intrigued on the name of this place. Who is Johnny Moon? After searching for the clue and hints, I saw this big picture and explained the meaning. :)

Who is he? He is Johnny Moon! :)

The name derived from hero Juan Luna who was born in Badoc, Ilocos Norte which was 25-30 kilometers south of Laoag. He was famous because of his paintings such as The Spolarium which won a prize in Spain and you will see that at National Museum in Manila. By the way, Juan Luna = Johnny Moon. Now you know! :)

nice logo

happily seated

This place was cozy and I also liked the interior which makes me feel relaxed. I immediately seated since it was not full and the crew handed over their menu. I want to chill out since I already eaten my dinner but some of my friends recommended to try their specialty such as Crispy Dinuguan and Bagnet. I checked out the list and I was interested to Bagnet Empanada so I called the waiter and I ordered it and checked out the drinks, I also intrigued with the name Una Chula (from Juan Luna's artwork), so I ordered it. I tried to be more fusion with my Ilocano meals so I give myself a try. While waiting for my meals, I grabbed my camera and take some shots. 

list of Ilocano dishes

beverage list derived from Johnny Moon's artworks

other menu lists

hhmmmm... Una Chula! 

some of the guests having dinner

nice place

some pasalubong items in the shelf

waiting for my meals

So here's my meal, Bagnet Empanada. I find it double crunchy because of the crunchiness of the empanada and also the texture of the bagnet. It was a good combination and I used Ilocos vinegar which balances the food. I love it. Great for merienda (snack). For Una Chula, it was a mixture of iced tea and calamansi, plus the different local wine such as Imee wine, Bugnay wine and Basi. It was a sort of a rice wine and I love the mixture of my drinks. It gave me a little kick and it was refreshing. :)

Crunchy Bagnet Empanada

Cheers for Una Chula! :)

nice food trip!

happy customer

I was having a great time at Johnny Moon Cafe. Not just relaxing and chillin' out, but also on my food trip experience. Maybe I try some of the dishes particularly Crispy Dinuguan. We'll see in my next visit. By the way, prices are affordable so it won't hurt the budget. :)

More Information to this place:

Johnny Moon Cafe
Address: La Tabacalera Ilocano Lifestyle Center, Llanes cor. Gen. Luna (West of Capitol), 2900 Laoag City
Phone: 077-7715636 or 077-772-1211 loc 119
Email Address: johnnymoncafe@yahoo.com
Store Hours: Mon - Sun: 8:00 am - 11:00 pm
Nearest Landmarks: Provincial Capitol & Mueso Ilocos






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