Ilocos Sur Travel Guide

The whole Ilocos region is a great destination, but you will appreciate it even better if you can focus on each region at a given time. For instance, Ilocos Sur is perhaps the best representative of Ilocos’ significant contribution to history. Let’s check out the things to do and places to see in this place up in the map of the Philippine Islands. 

• Vigan. Oh, this town deserves a longer time under the spotlight, but in summary, it is the most beautiful heritage walk in the Philippines. Calle Crisologo, in particular, is worthy of many shutter clicks and a blog entry, perhaps even a poem! Don't forget to also check out the burnayan, where you can create a clay pot ala Demi Moore.
• Vigan Empanada. While Ilocos is home to different food specialties, Vigan empanada remains to be a favorite. In fact, everytime there is a trade fair in Manila, booths that sell Vigan empanada always have long lines of people wanting a taste of this baby! So have it right where it was created, where there’s no long line, and just the perfect setting to have a hearty merienda.
• Vigan Longanisa. Since we’re already in the topic of food, it is also worthy to mention Vigan longanisa, one that isn't typical, and can easily please your choosy palate. It is garlicky rather than sweet, and is perfect with vinegar and garlic fried rice. You will most likely be served Vigan longanisa for breakfast in your hotel!
• Sta. Maria Church. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sta. Maria church is the first stop you will make upon reaching Ilocos Sur. It has a beautiful staircase that leads to a beautiful church. If you were using a camera loaded with film, you’d start to feel bad about how you’re so limited in taking photos. Luckily, we live in the digital age.
• Baluarte. Just a short trip from the Vigan town center, Baluarte is a provate property owned by Governor Chavit Singson. Good thing he opened this to the public, because OMG this is such a hot property! It’s a zoo with a very interesting layout, which means kids will have fun exploring and adults will get in touch with their inner kid too. Although you won't be allowed to pet some animals, watching a python patiently wait for a live chicken for lunch can be quite interesting. Live Animal Planet, if you ask.

Travel Information

You can take a plane going to Laoag City via any domestic airline such as Cebu Pacific Air. From there, you simply need to take a bus ride that will take you to the land of windmills and beaches.

You can also opt for the longer, yet usually more enjoyable, mode of transportation, and that is hitting the road. Whether you go there with a driver or take a commuter bus, as long as you’re in good company, you’ll have one heck of a road trip to Ilocos Sur.

Hong Kong: Lok Yuen Beef Ball King 樂園牛丸大王

It was our first time in Hong Kong. Adi, my cousin, and I booked a Cebu Pacific Air promo flight out of Manila to Hong Kong last October 13, to see the sights, to take advantage of changing of the season SALE (which is/was happening over there), and to eat good food. Unfortunately, or fortunately, despite lacking time to roam around and see the touristy sights, we managed to do much of the latter.

The weather, I would say, is just the same as Manila's, but the sun is not really irritating because of all the high rise establishments and buildings all over the city which act as shade. It was the perfect weather to walk and explore Hong Kong, like how it should be.



Hong Kong is synonymous to good food and good bargains. We experienced those first hand, as we walked and walked, and walked all over Mongkok, Tsim Sha Tsui and Hong Kong Island in search for great discounts and bargains, and of course, great eats.

Upon arrival, we trooped to the bus station in search for our A21 bus that will lead us to MongKok for only (HK$33). It will be more expensive to take the airport train at (HK$100) so we opted for a cheaper alternative. It would be better if you get an Octopus Card, which you just top-up. You can use it to pay for MTR, Bus, Taxi or Tram fares. You can even use it to buy in a lot of shops.

We checked in our room at Ka Wut Villa, a modest and rundown inn, which is not that easy to find. In fairness though, the location is very ideal and perfect, right smack in the middle of MongKok, where you can easily navigate through the bargains. There are a lot of better accommodations, I am sure, but that is what we got for booking 2 weeks before our trip. On the bright side, we got an unforgettable, funny, and undeniably caring "auntie" landlady (best part of staying there I guess?).



With no time to lose, we headed out and see what we could find. Almost all the shops are closed or closing, so we identified which ones we are going to the next day. Hungry from walking, we retired at Lok Yuen, for a meal.

Lok Yuen Beef Ball King 樂園牛丸大王

We settled for a noodle shop to fill our tummies. Later did we find out that the restaurant is awarded, "One of The Best Restaurants in Hong Kong." :) We ordered the Wonton Noodles (HK$26) and the Beef Brisket Noodles (HK$26).

“We were the first to offer this and now everyone calls this dish the ‘Exploding Beef Balls’,” says the owner of Lok Yuen. Rumor has it, as I have read in the blogs, that their Beef and Fish Maw Balls inspired the scriptwriter of Stephen Chow's "The God of Cookery". Remember the "Exploding Beef Balls"? :) We should have tried their Beef Ball Noodles, I know. Now, I am getting hungry.



The noodle soup, wonton and beef are good, to satisfy our hunger that night. The place is very unpretentious. The prices are relatively cheap. It's easy to navigate through the menu. Remember to order the Beef and Fish Mew Balls, and you're all set for your first meal in Hong Kong. On to the next!