Showing posts with label Traveling Solo. Show all posts

🇵🇭 TAGUDIN • Ambalayat Hanging Bridge: in Case You Want Off-Road in Tagudin

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Edmar del Castillo Guquib at Saturday, November 17, 2012 2

Stories of town explorations.

"I have to say you need to experience first before concluding and I found out that people at the remote barrios are warm, accommodating and kind."

Seeing a hanging bridge over a great river, well, over a creek will do too, has always been a fascination whenever I travel. I said it is a fascination because I rarely see a hanging bridge since I am a [component] old city dweller wherein what I see everyday are >100-year-old houses and multi-century-old structures, parks and palace. Looking at individuals crossing different types of hanging bridges sparks a different kind of feeling in me. At last, there is something "new" in my sight, not really the old thing I am already used of seeing daily.

Overview

Hmmm, I am very much confident to say that the town of Tagudin should be a must-experience destination when it comes to HisTourism (History + Tourism) because unknown to many, major events in our history which are actually 'firsts' happened here. I will talk more about this for the next posts.

Aside from historical sites in the town, just in case you are already tired of bombarding your brain with thoughts that will compel you to invent a time machine just to be able to understand history and/or going back to school to stare for 1 hour for that boring history teacher, then I can suggest a place for you that is not related to Persian Gulf Wars, rocket science and Ming dynasty.

Location of Tagudin on Map

The people call this as Ambalayat Hanging Bridge, some also call it Ambalayat Foot Bridge. But it is more popularly called as a hanging bridge maybe because motorcycles can also cross the river using this bridge and not merely by foot. (#edmareasoning)

It is located in Brgy Ambalayat, hence the name, the last frontier of Tagudin town at the east. Ambalayat hanging bridge connects this remote barangay to the rest of [mainland] Tagudin. The barrio is being detached from the main landmass of Tagudin because of the Amburayan River that separates it. So don't think this is an island the moment I said that it is detached from the mainland.

It is actually located at the parts of Tagudin wherein mountains start to appear closer and going further at the east would be another mountain town already.

The Little (or more) pain of Going

I am sharing this to show you how to go there and to encourage you to think twice. Yes, seriously, in case you are a senior citizen with osteoarthritis or a good-looking man yet asthmatic exacerbated by off-road travel if ever you are unlucky enough to have that condition.

As I said, just "in case" you want some off-road adventures and careless travel memories, I am suggesting this. But of course, I won't tell you that it is as stunning as the Golden Gate Bridge so I am carefully writing this post so as not to overrate the place.

However, I believe if you have that spirit of a traveler, adventurer, or explorer of just any town, you will love this especially if you want to discover this town deep in your heart.

Before reaching Brgy Ambalayat where this bridge is located, you have to take a mixture of cracked, muddy, and rough road. But I believe it depends upon the season. If it is dry season this is the version: Before reaching Brgy Ambalayat where this bridge is located, you have to take a mixture of cracked, dusty, and rough road. Did you notice the difference?

Reaching Ambalayat

It was an another mission accomplished. This bridge is actually on my list since a brochure of Tagudin tourism has included this as one of the points of interests in the town.

As I arrive at the place where the bridge was located, it was a mix emotion, on my part. It was an instant relief. I tell you the place is so peaceful and relaxing. There was no noise, but there are sounds, lovely sounds of the birds, and the moving air creating friction to tree branches filled with leaves. I saw the river upon reaching the place. It was calm, there was no rush. But during typhoon, practically, I believe it becomes harsh.

Crossing Ambalayat Hanging Bridge

I can say reaching the place is safe. The people won't harm as per experience which is contrary to the belief of many that it is not safe here for strangers.

I don't really know why most people consider remote barrios as dangerous destinations. I really hate this kind of stereotyping. I have to say you need to experience first before concluding and I found out that people at the remote barrios are warm, accommodating and kind.

Tambay Kids along the bridge

I am loving this experience. It was truly fulfilling that at least, I am able to immerse myself in Tagudin and even to get familiar to the town.

As per experience, solo travel is already enough to get immersed and to discover the town by heart.

The people I met

The moment I set foot to this remote barrio, the people already knew that I am a stranger here. Just before I crossed the bridge, I saw a group of men playing card games.

I can hear them talk about me, like "Who is that?" and they look at me with facial expressions that it is their first time to see or meet me. I did interact with them and the people were warm.

One of them was telling that he is thankful that someone like me is visiting their barrio.

A Woman Crossing the Bridge

I went to the other side of the barrio after crossing the 200-meter hanging bridge spanning the Amburayan River. It was about to rain but I still continued the journey. I walked down this new barrio, meeting new faces, seeing new places.

It was great! The unsafe rumor was just really a rumor. I went down near the river and savored the peace and "safety" of this new destination. As droplets of rain fall to my skin gently, I feel like the rain was part of the warm welcome. The experience was very memorable.

Leaving the remote barrio

It was that simple bridge that made way for me to discover the beauty of the barrio and I would not dare say that it is an ordinary bridge.

Without that bridge, I may not be able to meet kind people, to encounter a peaceful community and to experience this very beautiful barrio.

Ambalayat hanging bridge as seen from the other side

Souvenir Photo

No regrets. Going here was not easy, at least, if you are still coming from other towns or other provinces. But I don't care whether or not this place is considered a tourist attraction. Well, I am not about that concept. The mere fact that the experience was memorable is already more then enough :)

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You are reading the Part 4 of our Tagudin town series

Prelude | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

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[Tagudin] All Happy Posts HERITAGE Ilocos Ilocos (Region 1) Ilocos Sur Lighthouse Luzon Philippines Serious Post Tagudin Traveling Solo

🇵🇭 TAGUDIN • Farola Lighthouse: How Ilocos is Linked to Belgium

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Edmar del Castillo Guquib at Tuesday, November 13, 2012 3

Stories of town explorations.

"Appreciation of our great history and heritage does not need to be embodied to grand structures because the greatest parts of the past were built from small details."

Yes, it is really my first time to see a lighthouse, in person. I have never seen one even in my dreams. Good thing there is TV and internet. At least, they made me realize that lighthouses are not really the upscale type of houses -- and not really a house, nor the bright luxurious part of an exclusive mountainside subdivision.

First Time to See a Lighthouse

I wanted to maximize my time in the town of Tagudin. So what I did was to go to the municipal hall and meet the tourism officer. Honestly, the tourism officer was accommodating and nice.

What I just wanted was information about places to see in Tagudin until it leveled up! Whew! I was asked to meet the Mayor!!!

Hmmm... I was already in queue, but since I only have limited time and the wait has been too long, I decided not just to meet the mayor. Outside the office, I saw a picture of a lighthouse and that was the start of the Amazing race (solo version).

Below the municipal hall is a line of yellow tricycles waiting for passengers. I was able to grab one.

And finally! For the very first time in my life, for the 24 years of my existence, through thick and thin, through all the struggles, typhoons and floods, elementary, high school, college, post graduate school and all that (LOL!), I will be seeing a lighthouse!

History (A Connection to Belgium)

Farola Lighthouse shares a slice of the history of the town. The existence of this lighthouse traces its roots from Belgium in Europe.

The story started when a group of missionaries from Belgium landed on the shore of Brgy. San Roque (present-day Brgy. Farola) by boat.

The group was headed by Sister Marie Louise de Meester and they set foot to San Roque on June 21, 1910. The lighthouse has been standing about 100 years now!

As a symbol of their landing in the Philippines, they built a PAROL (Lighthouse). Later on, the small Parol became famous to all fishermen and this has served as their guide when they go back and forth to the sea.

This group is called the CICM Missionaries -- the group who is responsible in the foundation of the famous institution in Baguio City, St. Louis University, the St. Louis College in San Fernando City, La Union and the At. Augustine School of Tagudin.

Climbing the Lighthouse

FAROLA LIGHTHOUSE OF TAGUDIN, ILOCOS SUR

I did not let the opportunity to pass without climbing the lighthouse. When I arrived there, it was not a grand lighthouse like what I am seeing on TV and Internet. But why be fooled by a grand lighthouse if the history and story is not as sweet and juicy as the history of this small lighthouse?

Appreciation of our great history and heritage does not need to be embodied to grand structures because the greatest parts of the past were built from small details. I asked my guide if I am allowed to climb the lighthouse. The tricycle driver (my guide) had no idea. So what I did is to ask the residents near the lighthouse if I can do it. One lady said it's OK.

The lighthouse is located within the residential community and there was no stunning seascape background to see unless you go near the beach... or climb it instead.

The old lighthouse is already rusty. As I step my foot to the first steel in the ladder, there was hesitation. I wasn't sure why I still care to do it. Huh, what am I doing? The steel feels like it can be detached anytime. Actually, some have been in fair condition. But I still continued to climb it.

Before I reached the top, I again, was reluctant if I will continue it because of the possibility of electrocution. I am really eccentric this time that I was so compelled to climb it. Thank God I was safe!

At the top of the lighthouse are solar panels and an amazing view of the sea. I won't recommend you to climb this. But if you want, let it be. But be cautious. A white paint concealed the old rusty steel ladder. It is medyo delikado.

Well, it was fun! What made this place worth the visit is the fact that I again learned a new lesson in history. It was not about the place itself but it was about the great event in our history that happened in that soil where I personally set my feet on. (end)

Map of Tagudin (via Wikipedia)

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You are reading the Part 3 of our Tagudin town series

Prelude | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Up Next

I Visited an off-beaten destination in the town called Ambalayat Hanging Bridge. This is a great place for adventure-seekers in Tagudin.

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🇵🇭 TAGUDIN • Church and Belfry: Of Augustinian, Greek and Baroque Style

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Edmar del Castillo Guquib at Saturday, November 10, 2012 8

Stories of town explorations.

"The church has been restored several times since but the original appearance is maintained."

I can sense that time that almost everyone was looking at me. I was a bit shy but I don't want to make this opportunity to pass. I know, I am looking like a stranger that moment and I can't help my self but to smile and look amazed while seeing the Tagudin Church, an architectural masterpiece in this town located at the southern part of the province of Ilocos Sur.

Tagudin Church

I keep on taking photos, I know my behavior was unusual. No one was doing it this time. I mean, the taking-photos-obsession thing. Obviously no one in that place that moment was taking photos and I am quite sure most of the people inside the church premises are residents of the town.

I tried to act as if I am living in the town but I just can't hide how I was amazed seeing a new destination. The facial expression of being a newbie to see the place was hard to conceal and I just can't resist to ask and talk with the people about several questions and curious lingerings in me.

Most of the people sitting near this church were parents and guardians waiting for their little kiddos to finish their school lessons for the day.

The name of their school is St. Augustine School while the name of the Tagudin Church is St. Augustine Parish Church. Within the premises of the school is the other Tagudin Sundial, the oldest sundial in the Philippines on which the school is taking care of.

The church is not located in a place so that it can be very visible to everyone. Although the church compound is located along the road, the church does not stand out in the town because it is hidden by some trees and you still need to enter the gate for you to fully see the structure.

I wanted to take my own photo with the church as the background but I became shy when almost all eyes have been focused to me. As I said, taking photos of the church seems like not common there.

Tagudin Belfry

The belfry is located several meters away from the church. Tagudin Belfry has its own gate and fence. It has 3 layers and the bells are placed at the 2 higher layers.

The belfry is octagonal in shape, also hidden by huge acacia trees.

Those acacia trees were huge that the belfry is almost covered from my previous location at the church yard, just in front of the church. The trees soar as high as the 3-layer belfry.

So I need to walk close to the belfry to see it wholly. The belfry is guarded with another fence and gate. I was thinking that I have to ask a permission but the gate was open and no one was around.

Much better! The belfry looks better up close. It has been painted but the paint was not enough to hide how old the belfry is. One can still see the oldness of the belfry once you see it up close.

Hmmmm. Lovely bells are there! Of course, I want to take my own photo with the belfry as the background as souvenir photo until I saw a lady inside a building in front of the belfry smiling while looking at me. She was alone and I can see she was about to laugh.

I was doing a pose with the camera on a self-timer mode and I suddenly became conscious. I was feeling that time that taking photos there is unusual or strange really. So I am landing into a conclusion that people who take photos there is uncommon.

Well, to note, the town is not a popular tourist attraction. Taking photos while being amazed could be unusual as compared to popular places where taking photos is a must and people won't care about you even you will pose 100 times.

Tagudin Church History

The history of the construction of the church is based on a document (an official report) of the 24 cabeza de barangay of the town of Tagudin and the governor of the Ilocos Sur province in 1829. The report states that the church was built by a priest named Father Gutierez while he was still a priest of another town in La Union called Bangar. The wall was finished in two years time.

The construction of the church was continued by another priest named Father Franciso Hernandez in 1816. The said priest died in 1821 and that time, Tagudin Church was almost finished.

Other cited document states that the church's vault, interior and presbytery were not yet completed as of 1829. The church was made of stones and brick and measures 40 brazas long and 8.5 brazas wide which are equivalent to 66.80 meters and 14.19 meters respectively.

The construction of the church was completed by Father Juan Sorolla, the prior of Tagudin in 1832. He is the same priest who installed the Tagudin Sundial, the only sundial used by the Spanish people in the Philippines when they colonized the country. It is also the first and the oldest surviving sundial in the Philippines.

The church belfry, however, was built later on. Another priest named Fr. Geronimo Rubio built the slender belfry in 1881. Father Mariano Ortiz made some restorations in the church in 1880. The church has been restored several times since but the original appearance is maintained.

Architecture

The façade of the church pervades a clear Baroque style. It has huge main door which is arched elliptically. It has Augustinian symbolisms crowned by a triangular pediment of Baroque influence.

If you are a conspiracy theorist, I am sure you will tend to be particular with the symbolisms. But I would prefer not to discuss it here because not every reader has the same way of thinking like the way conspiracy theorists do.

Tagudin Church is the southernmost structure with Baroque Architecture in the Ilocos provinces. Large and sensuously rounded, paired columns with double capitals flanked at the sides of the main entrance.

Some accounts state that some of the designs are Greek in origin as embodied to some of the decorations placed at the façade. The impediment has broken lines, very common features of the Baroque.

Historical Timeline

1814 (?): This date is not certain. But according to the report of the 24 cabeza de barangay of Tagudin and the Ilocos Sur governor in 1829, the phrase "he was prior of Tagudin" was referring to Fr. Gutierez, the one who started the construction of the church. The document further states that the walls of the church was completed in 2 years time until it was continued by another priest in 1816. So, 1816 minus 2 years is 1814. I don't know what happened to Gutierez that the construction of the church was handed to another priest.

1816: The church construction was continued by Fr. Franciso Fernandez.

1821: Franciso Fernandez died, the church is almost finished.

1832: Father Juan Sorolla completed the construction of the church. He also built the convent now used as a school bulding of St. Augustine's School and the 2 Tagudin Sundials (1841, 1845).

1880: Fr. Mariano Ortiz made some restorations in the church.

1881: Fr. Geronimo Rubio built the slender belfry located west of the church.

Location of Tagudin on Map

Disclaimer

This post does not promote, protect, or support any religion. This post aims to educate the readers about our history, appreciate our heritage and to promote tourism. Religious belief/preference has no bearing in this article.

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You are reading the Part 2 of our Tagudin town series

Prelude | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Up Next

Subject: FAROLA LIGHTOUSE, still in Tagudin town. Learn how Ilocos is linked to Belgium!

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All HERITAGE Ilocos (Region 1) Ilocos Sur Luzon Philippines Serious Post Tagudin Traveling Solo

🇵🇭 TAGUDIN • Sundial of Tagudin: the First Sundial in the Philippines

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Edmar del Castillo Guquib at Monday, November 05, 2012 16

Stories of town explorations.

"Tagudin Sundial, being the oldest sundial in the Philippines is the only sundial used by the Spaniards during their era in the country."

During those years wherein the use of wrist watch is not common or could it be common but hindi lang uso, people have devised ways to know the time. In England, they use the stonehenge to tell time. In the town of Tagudin, they use the sundial. Nope, you don't need to dial something because the sun will dial it for you, lols :p

The First Sundial in the Philippines

They may look ordinary. Ordinary person without the thirst for knowledge, history and interesting trivia may just say, "So what about that? A monument with numbers?"

But for history freaks and people inclined with history, this ordinary monument is a treasure to behold, a precious gem to consider and a golden part of our heritage to be taken care of.

History

Tagudin is indeed a historical town. The town had an important role during World War II. Well, I am not saying that I am pro-war. Wars have been a part of the history of mankind and there's no way we can turn back time to revert it. The town of Tagudin is part of those wars that most of us wouldn't agree to happen, right?

It was the site of the Base Hospital of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines-Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL) in 1945 during World War II which is believed to be the largest World War II hospital in the Philippines. The town used to be the capital of the defunct Amburayan province and the site of the military general headquarters of the Philippine Commonwealth Army 1st and 12th Infantry Division and the USAFIP-NL 121st Infantry Regiments. They were stationed in the town and was active during World War II (1942 to 1945) and Post-War Era (1945 to 1946). I will be talking more about the history of the town for the upcoming post for this series. For now, we will focus more on the sundial.

Tagudin Sundial, being the oldest sundial in the Philippines is the only sundial used by the Spaniards during their era in the Philippines. Built in 1841 and 1848 respectively, the Tagudin sundials are still in use now and considered to be accurate in telling the time. The sundials ware built by Father Juan Sorolla.

Location

There are two sundials in Tagudin. One is located at the town Plaza in front of the Tagudin Town Hall and one is located inside the St. Agustine School.

The one at the plaza is readily available for everyone. The one inside the school requires you to ask permission first. When I visited the latter, I asked permission from the security guard.

The photo above is a scene inside the St. Agustine School which takes charge of the other sundial.

Underrated and Why?

For regular tourists in Ilocos Sur, of course, they will be particualr about the city of Vigan and the ample destinations and food they can experience there, the UNESCO World Heritage Church of Sta. Maria, The Bantay Bell Tower and others. But if you ask about the Sundial, I bet few are familiar about it.

For this case, who is to blame why this historical niche in the Philippines in not well known? Are we going to blame the DOT for not promoting it? Or the Local Government Unit for not promoting it too? Or simply blame ourselves for not exerting an effort to research some historical accounts of the places we are visiting?

More about Tagudin for the upcoming posts in this series. Please keep posted!

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You are reading the Part 1 of the Tagudin town series of the #Town Explorer

Prelude | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

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All Eccentric Posts Ilocos (Region 1) Ilocos Sur Luzon Philippines Tagudin Traveling Solo

🇵🇭 TAGUDIN • The Jaundiced Yellow Town of Ilocandia

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Edmar del Castillo Guquib at Tuesday, October 30, 2012 27

Stories of town explorations.

No... not many call it a yellow town except unless you already heard someone telling you who is not from the Land of kuripot (but hot, yummy and smart) people na itago natin sa pangalang Ilocos (I belong, just so you know :p)! But before you believe that the yellow town is Tagudin, can you please check you teeth first? LOL! It is not actually the real title of the town. Actually it a first class municipality in Ilocos Sur with a lot of major major titles that can steal the crown of Venus Raj. It is indeed a title holder town but I just want to coin a new title and I will call the town as "Yellow Town" :p Some acceptable titles are The Gateway to Ilocos, Malunggay Capital of the Philippines, and the Pearl of the Amburayan River.

Ok, I will show you some reasons why the town of Tagudin is the yellow town. But before anything else, Tagudin is not a cold town (yelo). LOL!

The Yellow Town

Yellow Tricycles. One of the lame reasons why I call the town as a yellow town is the tricycles. All public tricycles are painted with yellow. It doesn't matter if it is dark yellow, light yellow or a new wave golden brown yellow (uh?), what is important is that you can recognize them as yellow. blahh >.<

The yellow tricycle above is the same yelow tricycle that toured me around the town. They virtually make the road (especially in poblacion) as the official dumpsite of fresh peelings of yellow bananas (those that aren't banned in China).

Yellow Market: There you are! -- the yellow market that sells yellow roses (not the real one, the plastic type made in China), yellow bikinis and yellow flip flops that will make you look like a walking mango shake (kidding, uh, please bear with the things I am saying because mango trees can bear yellow mango fruits when ripe :p).

Yellow People: Yes! They are yellow people because they are wearing yellow clothes that glare me. I have no photos because I saw them inside the municipl hall. Oh my! Taking a photo inside requires that you must be wearing a yellow underwear #fiction :p

Yellow Mangoes: I know yellow mangoes are almost everywhere, so what? I want to include it here to make this post super yellow! LOL!

Yellow Leaves: Uh? What about that? Well Tagudin is in the making as the "Malunggay Capital of the Philippines." Seriously. But I want to leave a trivia. Malunggay leaves become yellow when their life is nearing it's end. Do you know that?

Yellow Juice: Aside from malunggay, Tagudin has also adopted calamansi as their OTOP (One Town One Product). The town produces calamansi juice and other products from calamansi. Oh uh. Please take note that the juice needs to be yellow, please erase black gulaman in your mind because calamansi juice that is black in color requires food coloring. Oh well, the town produces healthy food for everyone :)

Ok, I hope I did not convince you that the town is the yellow town of Ilocos because once I convinced you, I am convinced too. LOL!

Interesting Trivia about Tagudin

The first 7-11 store in Ilocos provinces. While the Ilocos Sisters (Sur and Norte) have sprawling touristy cities like Vigan, Laoag, Candon and Batac, Tagudin is the first town in Ilocos to have a 7-11 store, whew!

The first sundial in the Philippines. Because I do not know how to use a sundial, I also don't know what is this for honestly. But based on the context of the word sundial, this has something to do with the sun. This is the oldest surviving sundial in the whole Philippine archipelago from Aparri to Jolo (more about this sundial for my upcoming posts in this series).

First town. It is the first town in Ilocandia when you are coming from Manila either by bus or by a bicycle when you are taking the Manila North Road, lol. It is also the last town in Ilocandia when you are coming from the north either by a calesa or simply alay-lakad walking up to sawa... Indeed the first and the last.

So are you excited for the upcoming discoveries I discovered in Tagudin? Well this is just the prelude and we will spend 1 whole month or more (like 10 years, lol) to blog some details of the town of Tagudin that only me can observe the weird way, lols!

See you for the next post #TownExplorers!

_____________________________________________

You are reading the Prelude of the Tagudin town series of the #Town Explorer

Prelude | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

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🇵🇭 BATAC • (Ilocos Norte) A Parade of Colorfully Painted Carabaos

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Edmar del Castillo Guquib at Friday, August 17, 2012 9

Stories of town explorations.

"They were beautifully and colorfully painted and everyone has its shining moment"

They deserve a break I think. We (non-farmers) usually think of them as slaves in the field. But for the farmers, these carabaos are their heart and soul, a best friend that could be considered or even a family member to note. I have once witnessed a carabao painting and parade in Vigan via the annually celebrated Karbo Festival and it was absolutely a no-time-wasted event seeing those carabaos. I never thought that there is an art festival like this for another city up north the Philippines and I accidentally discovered it in Batac City in the province of Ilocos Norte.

This event is still a part of festivity called the Farmer's Festival where the farmers of the city of Batac become the superstars of the day.

One of the busiest streets of Batac called Washington Street was closed to give way for the very special crowd-aggregator -- the carabaos. They are the main reason why the people of the city and of nearby towns gathered in big number.

They were beautifully and colorfully painted and everyone has its shining moment. All eyes to them, with cheers from the crowd, sight focused to them as they take the emptied street especially prepared for them.

Some animal rights activists and private individuals regard this form of art as violative to the animal rights and to balance things, I am now telling beforehand that this post was not made to promote this kind of art. I am just sharing it the way it was celebrated in Batac and majority of the people enjoyed it.

The Philippines is indeed a country where almost everything is "more fun." In Batac City, they have celebrated this event with full of fun!

So what is your stand about art festivals like this? Does it jeopardize animal rights?