Northern Luzon Greataway part 2

December 29.

After our breakfst (Longsilog - Vigan Longganiza, take note), we readied ourselves for our daytime tour around Vigan City. Truly the city is different from its night time face. We walked along Crisologo, visited Syquia Mansion, and Burgos Museum. Then we took a trike to go to the small church which is a cemetery. Then we rented a trike to take us to Baluarte and Bantay Tower. Did I miss anything?

We extended another four hours in GrandPa's Inn. Gladly they just charged 100 pesos for every excess hour in the room. We ate early dinner at Chowking on our way to Pangasinan. There was a few moments of irritation while the drivers are encouraging us to ride. Must be our pride. So we walked few meters to reach the high way and get a ride.

We reached Binalonan, Pangasinan past 11pm. We ate at Tapaking Junction. Then took a trike to Manaog. Luck is with us and we had a free accommodation at Manaog. The sister of our friend allowed us to stay in their house even without their presence. We had a nice sleep. Early morning, we had breakfast at an eatery beside the church. Then we headed to attend the mass and buy candles to lit. After paying homage to the Our Lady of Manaog. we headed back to the house to get our things and leave for Baguio.

Marcos Highway was close to zero visibility due to fogs. But still we were able to make it smoothly. On our way to Baguio, we were thinking where to leave our things so we can roam around the place with ease. Luck is with us again and after a few SMS to my officemate, we were able to get a place to stay not only to leave our things but also to stay overnight for FREE. We just need to pay Php50/pax for the beddings. Not really bad, huh?.

So we had change of plans. Originally, we would leave at midnight of December 29 and be in Manila the following morning. But since we can stay overnight in Baguio for FREE, we agreed to leave on December 30 at noon so we can be in Manila at around 7pm or 8 pm of the same day.

So what did we do in Baguio? An afternoon of roaming around the city and a dinner at SM Baguio. Then we attended a mass at the Our Lady of Atonement Parish and did marketing for veggies and pasalubongs. For three consecutive years, going to Manaog has been an annual promise for Joei and I. It is the second year that we went to Baguio as a sidetrip back to Manila. We usually bought veggies for Media Noche and we did the same this year. We also visited some Ukay-ukay stores. I got two sweaters for my niece and nephew and two turbans for me.

On our way back to Manila, Victory Liner was jampacked. We were supposed to line up for tickets but a certain bus bound to Sampaloc (Manila) took us since there were still vacant seats. So we got back to Manila in time.

Our next group trip? Bicolandia 2008