"...as the sun sets down with the silhouette of Mt Bullagao, west of the river valley, I leave the place. I never attempted to stay there after dark."

[BANGUED, ABRA, PHILIPPINES] ▬ The daylight highlights the vibrancy of the surroundings. The hiding truth behind the trees and shrubs are revealed in a national park called Cassamata Hill where the hotel I am staying is situated. The light unleashes every detail until the darkness prevails.

Oval Era Hotel, Bangued, Abra

[BANGUED] ▬ A NIGHT IN OVAL ERA HOTEL


I've been visiting this stretch of hills in Bangued for many times now but as the sun sets down with the silhouette of Mt Bullagao, west of the river valley, I leave the place. I never attempted to stay there after dark.

Sometimes, the best chances come in a flash. I was thrilled when I learned that I'm going to stay in this hill overnight. The great thing is, it would be a 4 consecutive overnight stays. The Provincial Government of Abra under the Vice Governor's Office booked me in Oval Era Hotel located in the lower portion of the national park together with another travel blogger.

The hotel has a wide terrace that makes you feel you're just chilling outdoor. The view of the Abra River valley with the towering Mt Bullagao behind can be seen from the terrace. But since I arrived here at night, the view can hardly be seen.

Oval Era Hotel, Bangued, Abra

[BANGUED] ▬ THE INTERIOR OF OVAL ERA HOTEL

Oval Era Hotel

[BANGUED] ▬ THE RECEPTION DESK OF THE HOTEL


For the first time, I'm going to experience staying in this hill until midnight while housed inside a luxurious room. The first thing I did when I arrived was to look for my room then I had a dinner. It was already 9:30 in the evening when my dinner was served. What a nice life is this. How can I not enjoy? 

Before my dinner, I took photos of the hotel interior. I just love how cozy it was. The Vice Governor has given us the best room and the best place to stay. Oh, I just love this. From here, I know I'm going to stay in the terrace chilling until midnight with my coffee on one side and my laptop in front of me.

Oval Era Hotel

[BANGUED] ▬ THE DINNER FOR THE DAY

Oval Era Hotel

[BANGUED] ▬ ALL SET. I'M READY TO GET FULL.

Oval Era Hotel

[BANGUED] ▬ BALATONG FOR DINNER


I just loved the food. I was satisfied. I continued chilling at the hotel terrace and I felt the wind touch my cheeks. The environment was dark. I can not see the view. I checked my watch and it was already past midnight. My first midnight in CASSAMATA HILL

[BANGUED] ▬ Abra: Victoria Park - Cassamata Hill National Park

_________________
TEASER ► My sweat started to come out which signals that my metabolism (catabolism to be specific) is activated to a higher degree. It was a good cardiovascular work-out though.
has just come.

I know the light is coming again the moment I wake up the next day and I'm pretty sure that there will be more vibrancy and vivid colors in the surroundings. At least, I've experienced what it got to chill until midnight in a hotel terrace situated in the hill. Tomorrow is waiting and I am excited for the big happenings that will be revealed by the daylight because this night is just the start of a 4-day fun and adventure this March 2015 in the exotic province of Abra. There will be rough adventures, a lot of local dishes to try and an overdose of culture and traditions that is really hard to describe. I'm just excited for these events. Everything is just perfectly wonderful. ▬  to be continued...

ABRA KAWAYAN FESTIVAL

[UP NEXT] ▬ OH, WHAT ARE THESE ACCESSORIES? WHAT AM I DOING HERE?

► ABRA MARCH 2015 TRAVEL SERIES

I thought it would be another ordinary trade fair but I was wrong. The padaya gave me many answers on my search for truth and knowledge: reasons why I love traveling. Hang on for Part 2.
___________________________________________________
Part 1 | Part 2

[BANGUED] ▬ Padaya Trade Fair: Abra Local Industries' Heart & Soul

_________________
TEASER ► I thought it would be another ordinary trade fair but I was wrong. The padaya gave me many answers on my search for truth and knowledge: reasons why I love traveling.
| Part 3

[LA PAZ] ▬ A Village of Abel (Loom) Weavers in Abra Called Bulbulala

_________________
TEASER ► Who would have thought that today, their pasture became greener by keeping the inheritance manifested through their weaving skills.
| Part 4

[BANGUED] ▬ Abra River Sunset in Calaba

_________________
TEASER ► Abra has no beach. This river serves as a summer getaway. The sunset here is unique. It represents Abra's distinct landscape.
| Part 5

[BANGUED] ▬ Silnag: Night Parade of Floats, Lighted with Love and Pride

_________________
TEASER ► Although the stigma of Abra in the politics world is the source of its infamy, there will still be a light to enlighten the dark ages.
| Part 6

[BANGUED] ▬ A Night of Traditional Dances and Cultural Rites

_________________
TEASER ► I was surprised even more how rich the culture of Abra is. Very rich. Very unique. Their identity and culture make Abra a very interesting province to love and take care.
| Part 7

[BANGUED] ▬ Brgy Patucannay: of Waking Up Early and a Soup Dish

_________________
TEASER ► I observed how they prepare this popular soup dish. They just prepare everything right before your eyes. I saw bones, mainly skulls, in a stainless basin.
| Part 8

[BANGUED] ▬ Kawayan Festival: The Biggest Cultural Show in Abra

_________________
TEASER ► No million-dollar dance show can ever fathom the depth of the meaning of the dances their ancestors wanted them to execute.
| Part 9

[BANGUED] ▬ Bamboo Float Parade and the Cool Mountain Tribes

_________________
TEASER ► They have proven that the province of Abra is a sterling destination for mountain culture lovers.


► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This experience was made possible through Vice Governor Chari Bersamin who invited us to witness the Abra Kawayan Festival. With me is fellow travel blogger Estan Cabigas of langyaw.com.

[2] The map I used below is courtesy of Eugene Villar on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2
___________________________________________________
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MORE POSTS FROM THIS CATEGORY: *RESORTS AND ACCOMMODATIONS*

[VIGAN] ► Hotel Luna: Overnight Stay in a Posh Museum-Hotel

_________________
TEASER ▬ ...what I saw was an instant relief without dissociating from the Vigan culture and heritage.

[SAN FERNANDO] ► Thunderbird Resort: Santorini Touch in Poro Point, La Union

_______
TEASER ▬ I never had the opportunity to travel overseas but as I look upon the orange sky, the ambiance of this 5-star accommodation is giving me chance to at least feel that I am in Santorini.

[MAKATI] ► Mandarin Oriental Hotel: Experience Summer with the Skyscrapers

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TEASER ▬ A pool with a garden surrounded by Makati's skyscrapers and business establishments is I think an unusual way to make your summer a fun in the metropolis.

[SAN JUAN] ► Ilocos Sur: Tapao Mountain Resort and a Quick Stroll

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TEASER ▬ It actually has low-rise mountains and hills placed with narrow network of roads to tone you leg muscles while biking.

[LAOAG] ► Fort Ilocandia: Royal Ambiance in Ilocos Norte

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TEASER ▬ Inside the building, the feeling is royal. It is very Spanish era in nature.

[CURRIMAO] ► Playa Tropical Resort: Experience Bali in Ilocos Norte

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TEASER ▬ A Bali architecture-patterned resort can comfort you, aesthetically created to feel the ambiance of summer!

[PUERTO PRINCESA] ► 67th Heaven Holiday Resort: A Heaven for Mortal Holidays

_________________
TEASER ▬ You don't need to die to reach heaven. Like me, I jumped to the 67th heaven without becoming immortal.

[DAGUPAN] ► Hotel Le Duc: The Blue Jewel of Dagupan

_________________
TEASER ▬ Its blue color is so noticeable from the road so you won't get lost.
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Axact

EDMAR GUQUIB y DEL CASTILLO

Born and Raised in Vigan, Philippines. Hardcore Ilocano-Cordilleran. Professional Nurse on Weekdays. Coffee Addict. Travel Blogger in Between. For collaboration or partnership, email your business proposal at admin@edmaration.com.

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