Tour de Norte – Was a term coined by my Regional Manager, Allain Mendoza, to name the route we have taken during our Ilocos Region-Cagayan Valley Site visits.
The Tour de Norte starts from the Lemcon Satellite Office in San Vicente, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan on which we ventured forth first to my home province of La Union, the Pilgrimage Center of North Luzon. La Union is the primary gateway to the further North and primary stopover of travelers from different walks of life going to Baguio and Ilocos Provinces. Here you can visit the famous Grape Farms of Caba, The Beautiful Beaches of Bauang and San Juan, The “Bahay na Bato in Luna, etc.
After Passing through La Union, You will then reach the Province of Ilocos Sur. Whereby the City of Vigan is found. This city is known for its well preserved Spanish colonial Architectures. Calle Crisologo in Vigan is the heart of tourism in Ilocos Sur. Here you can ride a horse-drawn carriage known as the “Kalesa” to tour the city or to go to various places inside Vigan and the nearby municipality of Bantay.
2 Hours Away from Vigan is the Province of Ilocos Norte. Here you can find the Sand Dunes of Paoay, The Lighthouse Museum of Cape Bojeador of Burgos, The Beaches of Pagudpud, The Windwills of Bangui, and my favorite road of all-time The Patapat Viaduct.
Nothing is found much between the Municipality of Adams, Ilocos Norte and the City of Tuguegarao, Cagayan except for the Claveria View Deck. The road from Adams to Tuguegarao is a long, winding, and hypnotizing road. There is nothing much to see here but mountains, forests, rice fields, and various small communities living peacefully. One cannot avoid to reflect about one’s life when taking these roads and I certainly did reflect about my mine during “The Tour de Norte”.
It made me think about the route I am currently taking, The Tour of my Life. I realized how much I have grown as person now that I am looking back on the journeys I have taken in my life. I am so thankful to my past self that he has decided to step out from our comfort zone so we can start enjoying what this world has to offer. I regret nothing. The choices I have taken made me become who I am today, a strong, understanding, and fearless life traveler who is always ready to face myriad challenges with confidence and without worry. This certainly reflects on how I interact with various people. I have become more understanding of one’s situation. I have become more compassionate towards other people. I certainly became more hearkening when one is sharing about one’s life journey. The friends I made along the way, The enemies whom I never made peace with, the lovers and heartbreakers who rocked my ever changing world, the people whom I talked to but never really shared so much with. I wish them all the best in life and as for you who is currently reading this blog of mine. I hope someday you can reach all the plans and dreams you have set upon yourself. You will realize how short your life is when you hesitate to take the risks and gambles of life. And just like the TOUR DE NORTE we have taken last May 20-22. It was a short journey on a very long road and I am sure as hell that I enjoyed every moment of it. And just like life It is only a short journey on a very long road and we have to enjoy every last second of it for it is the only time we got.
So the next time you arrive in Tuguegarao City. Don’t hesitate to visit that Panciteria like Wayne’s in Iguig or that eatery in Solana Crossing. You will miss out 80% of your stay there if you fail to visit those places.
And when you’re done touring Cagayan, Stop by Nueva Vizcaya’s AWARD WINNING BUKO PIE and CRISPY CHICHARON. It will change your life like this journey changed mine.
HAPPY TOURING MY FAVORITE PLACE IN THE PHILIPPINES! NORTH LUZON!
Abrick Jay Libadia Eucapor
Jr. Project Manager of the North Luzon Field Operations