Two to 3 days before the ride date, I changed my TD from 12AM of December 13 to 10PM of December 12. Two days before the ride date, Joed contacted me and said that they (him and GF) want to tag along with me from QC to San Fernando Pampanga since he's not sure where the detour is bypassing Calumpit due the Calumpit-Apalit bridge repair.
December 12, 2013
I prepped my motorcycle and my luggages (side panniers, top box, tank bag, a waterproof dry bag, and my tripod) and secured them on my motorcycle. Come 9:30PM, I bade goodbye to my Mom and started my journey from Tandang Sora QC to Shell Balintawak QC where Joed with GF and I will hook up. 30 minutes past 10PM when they arrived on a scooter and we've decided that right after entering Mc Arthur Highway in San Fernando Pampanga that we'll go on our merry way and we'll just hook up in Pagupud on the 14th (They are headed to Piddig Ilocos Norte).
So off we went, carefully navigating the road cuts of Marilao and passing several towns of Bulacan up to SM City Baliuag. Turned left under the flyover after SM towards Baliuag - Candaba road. Turned left at Pulong Palazan Brgy Hall and headed towards San Luis Pampanga. Turned Left to Mexico Pampanga entering JASA all the way to San Fernando Pampanga (thank you WAZE GPS App on my iPhone). Turned right to Mc Arthur highway and we stopped a few meters after the intersection. Time check: 12:00AM... I bade goodbye to Joed and his GF and told them to go ahead and I'll just remove my phone on the holder and will rest for several minutes.
December 13, 2013
After 5 minutes of butt rest and water break, I started off my bike's engine and blasted off heading towards Tarlac. I maintained a cruising speed of 70 to 80kph only and sometimes peaking above 90kph when overtaking. I don't really like pushing the bike too much when doing long rides. Reached Shell Station Victoria in Tarlac City around 1:15AM. Rested for about 30 minutes then blasted off again towards the provinces of Pangasinan ang La union.
I've encountered several road repairs along Tarlac Province but since traffic is light, I was able to get passed it with ease. I was still doing 70 to 80kph when I reached Villasis Pangasinan, less than a hundred meters before their public market, a huge pothole appeared in front of me. Too late to brake and I can't counter steer since there's the sidewalk on the right and some metal railings on the left. I had no choice but to just run over the pot hole and my bike's wheel slammed hard. Good thing I was able to regain control and the bike's wheel is fine. I hit two more huge pot holes in Villasis after the 1st one and good thing, nothing bad happened to me or the bike.
As I entered Sison Pangasinan, I had the chance to overtake a Montero since the SUV is going slow. Then several seconds past, I noticed that the SUVs high beam went up and looks like the driver is trying to chase mo or he just want to overtake me. Fine, just go ahead of me, I said to myself. But to my surprise, the SUV stayed behind me and just followed my pace with his high beam on. I also noticed that the road is pitch black so I thought, I think the driver is lighting the road in front of me which is really nice of the driver. When the street lights started to appear on the road, the SUV finally sped up overtaking me. I honked my horn to say thank you and he responded with a honk as well. AWESOME!!! Few minutes after that encounter with the SUV, I am now passing this bridge which is the boundary of Sison Pangasinan and Rosario La Union. And as I always do, I stopped at Caltex Rosario La Union for another butt rest and water break. Time check: 3:30AM... I rested for 30 minutes then blasted off again towards the rest of the towns and cities of La Union.
An hour and a half later, I passed the Ilocos Sur ark. I am now in Tagudin Ilocos Sur, ladies and gentlemen. I did not bother stopping since it is still dark at that time so I continued my pace towards the towns of Ilocos Sur up until the town of Santa Maria and I stopped at a gas station which I forgot the name and had some water and putty break. Rested for about 5 to 10 minutes then pushed on (Oh yeah, I was always checking in on FB every time I do a stop over so my family and friends can track my location. I find this easier, convenient and cheaper than sending them text messages). As I reached this scenic part of Santa Ilocos Sur, I've decided to stop and take some photos as souvenir.
Took about 3 to 4 photos of the area and rested for about an hour, then pushed again towards the remaining towns of Ilocos Sur. I passed by the Welcome to Ilocos Norte Ark about an hour later but did not bother stopping again since I already have several photos of that place from my previous rides up north. Reached Laoag Ilocos Norte at around 10:30AM and I've decided to have my brunch at Max's Restaurant along Gen. Segundo Avenue in Laoag City. Stayed there for about an hour and a half to recharge myself ang give the Rouser some rest... After the well needed brunch and 1.5 hours rest, I pushed on towards Pagudpud Ilocos Norte and did not bother stopping at any of the tourist spots along the way. I was just fixated in reaching Pagudpud. About 1.5 hours later, I reached the Pagudpud Ark but did not bother stopping since my plan is to stop at the second Pagudpud Marker (with the clam on top) to do a selfie and tag my two riding buddies (Eric Acosta and Xavier Perido) whom were not able to join me on this ride :'( !
Took another photo of my 3years and 10 months old Rouser 200, this time, solo.
After several minutes, I pushed on towards Maira-Ira Beach (Blue Lagoon) where I will be staying for 3D2N. Few more minutes later, I reached the entrance of Blue Lagoon where I paid the 20 pesos entrance fee then went straight to Casa Consuelo.
Upon entering the gate of Casa Consuelo, this view is what greeted me.
And I was just downright amazed by the place (Dos Hermanos Island in the background)... So I stopped and took a snapshot of that amazing view. Too bad there's a van on the foreground though. Then I proceeded towards the Front Desk/Restaurant where I was personally greeted by Ma'am Armie, the owner of Casa Consuelo. Offered me some water and some grub and we talked for a bit before showing me to my personal Bahay Kubo (Cabana 1). Here's the snapshot of the Cabana at night. My home away from home in the next several days...
Going back to Ma'am Armie, I was amazed by how jolly she was and she's smiling at me all throughout our conversation. Simple things to make their guests comfortable and happy even after long hours of travel. That's a part of having good customer service right there.
After stowing my luggages inside the Cabana, I've decided to pull my tripod and camera out then walked to the beach front. Tried taking some photos but to my dismay, mist was showing up in front of the lens because of the sea water being sprayed into the beach front due to the very strong northeast monsoon winds (Amihan) plus the fact that the tripod is being rocked by the very strong winds so no joy in doing long exposure shots (bummer).I went back to the cottages area and took a snapshot of this...
Then I've decided to order some grub for my snack. A huge Clubhouse sandwich and some orange juice, which I finished in less than 15 minutes. Yeah yeah, I am freaking hungry. Hahaha! Time check: Few minutes past the hour of 4PM. Had a little chit chat with Ma'am Armi, and her son Chad and I was informed that they will be adding some dorm type rooms early next year plus they do have tents for rent for that serene camping experience (Only advisable during the summer season though due to the strong winds and rains during BER months and the early parts of the year. Plus they also have motorcycles for rent so for you readers who will be commuting to Pagudpud but want to explore the place on a motorcycle, you can rent one from Casa Consuelo. I think it's 500 pesos for 1 whole day. Not bad at all... After talking to the owners of CasaCon, I grabbed my camera again and took some more photos of the place.
Trying very hard to do some long exposures using a tripod that was set very low plus a variable ND filter set to max darkness.
Did not come out the way I wanted but that will do for now. Time check: Quarter past the hour of 6PM. I've decided to get a couple of hours shut eye before dinner. Slept for about about 1.5 hours then went straight to the Cafe/Restaurant and ordered Pinakbet with Bagnet. Oh yummy!!!
After eating, I felt sleepy again, probably because I haven't really slept good in the past few days before the ride plus I've been wide awake for almost 30 hours at that time. But I sad to my self, 2 bottles of San Mig Light first. And so I did. Drank my two bottles of beer like a thirsty horse then rested for about an hour in the Cafe, browsed FB and Checked emails on my phone (the Cafe has wifi) and at around 10:30PM, heck it's time to hit the sack... Went to the Cabana, did not bother turning on the fan since it is cold due to the strong winds. Laid down on the bed and listened to the sounds of the crashing waves until I fell asleep. Man that was one of the best sleep I had in months! AWESOME!!!
END OF DAY 1
DAY 2 (December 14, 2013)
I said to myself that I will wake up at around 5:30am so I can wait for the sunrise. But I woke at at 15minutes to 8AM and the sun is already up over the horizon. Grrrrr!!! I had a very good night sleep though. Energized and all, I went to the Cafe and ordered some brewed coffee and had Ilocos Langonisa for breakfast (complimentary breakfast / free). As I was eating, I was browing FB and my emails when my phone rang. It was sir Kodz Acob from Bacarra Ilocos Norte, a fellow Ilocano motorcycle rider and a RFAC volunteer. He said that he'll come see me here in Pagudpud and he'll accompany me in roaming around town. Suuhhwweeeet!!! After breakfast, all full and perked up. Freshened my self up and put on my riding gears (a rubber shoes, a basketball shorts, a balaclava, helmet, vest and gloves)... Yeah, I only wore shorts while riding my motorcycle around Pagudpud. Heck I didn't even go past 40kph since I won't be able to enjoy the beautiful sceneries around. Hehe!
After prepping my things and mounting my tripod and my camera on my motorcycle, I went straight to Patapat viaduct to take some photos.
After Patapat, I've decided to go to the Pagudpud Arc to take some snapshots but for some reason, I stopped somehere I don't really know where to take photos of the surroundings.
Then about an 30mins to 45mins passed, I saw a fast approaching rider that is wearing the same RFAC vest that I have so I waved and asked him to stop. Turns out, he was sir Kodz Acob. Sweet!!! A good looking man with a good heart and is very much willing to assist anybody that is in his or nearby his turf... And yes, he is an RFAC Volunteer. He comes to Metro Manila several times a year to join RFAC's Charity missions.
Sir Kodz said that he's gonna accompany me wherever I go around Pagudpud and nearby places. And so we did a duo ride roaming around and stopping at places that I deem nice to take a snapshot of.
After taking photos at the Bangui Windfarm, I asked Sir Kodz if he wants to try out this German Restaurant named BergBlick for our lunch. He said yes and so we went back to Pagudpud, and turned left towards Saud route then navigated our way to this innocent looking restaurant which is just on the side of the road. Took a snapshot of the sign using my phone.
While we were fixing our things on our bikes before entering the establishment, the german chef and part owner of this restaurant came out and personally greeted us and asked if we had a good ride (I appreciate it when these kinds of people personally extends to their customers. Simple things that adds to the already great customer service that they are giving). Answered him briefly that we had a blast then continued to fix our stuffs. The chef on the other hand went back to the kitchen (I suppose) and continued doing his own stuffs... So We went inside the restaurant and we were greeted by the staffs and presented the menu. We've decided to order the german fish platter course... While waiting for our lunch to be served, I managed to take a snapshot of me and sir Kodz.
And lunch is served. Awesome!!!
A small trivia about BergBlick... BergBlick is a german word that means Mountain View. Berg (Mountain) Blick (View). The restaurant was named BergBlick because infront of the establishement is the commanding view of the Ilocos mountain ranges.
After lunch and bit of catching up, Sir Kodz said he'll accompany me up to the entrance of Blue Lagoon then he'll proceed to Sta Praxedes Cagayan to meet up with his group. Oh yeah, Sir Kodz took care of our bill at BergBlick. That's one free lunch for me. Thank you sir Kodz !!!
We went ahead towards Blue Lagoon and right before the entrance, I shook the man's (Sir Kodz) hand and bade him goodbye. I went to check out the swimming area of Blue Lagoon to do some uhmmm.... Bikini Watching... Spotted several people and kids swimming and playing in the beach but never took the chance to take photos of them (BUMMER!!!)
After a few minutes of resting at the beach front, I hopped into my motorcycle and went back to Casa Consuelo. Right after parking my bike, I pulled my camera and tripod out again and went straight to the beach and took some more photos.
I can't really recall what time I took this photo. Probably in the morning right before I went to Patapat Viaduct.
After taking some photos, looked at the time and guess what... It's Meryenda time! Hahaha! It's my R&R so I guess I am allowed to have a couple of cheat days... Sheeez!
I went to CasaCon Cafe and ordered their burger. This is just a trial item on their menu and Chad said that if their guests will love it, they will include it in their menu permanently. One word... DeFreakingLicious!!!
After eating my burger and fries, I stayed in the Cafe for about an hour or two because of the wifi. Chilling and having a conversation with Chad and ma'am Armi. One thing caught my attention though.
So I asked ma'am Armi to schedule me to a full body massage at 7pm. And so she did. I went back to the cabana and I doze off for a couple of hours and woke up at around 6:30pm. Pulled my camera and tripod out again and went to the beach even though it is already dark. Was not really able to frame the shot but I liked the output... Here's the result.
I went back to the cabana and waited for the masahista. At 10 minutes past 7pm, the masahista arrived and gave me a whole body whacking massage. I felt like I was being brutally tortured. This lady is damn strong! Hahaha! After the massage, oh boy I was relieved. So what better way to end the day after a good but somewhat brutal massage? 3 bottles of ice cold beer.
At about 10pm, all sleepy and tired. I took one more photo of CasaCon cafe.
And took a snapshot of the mother and son tandem ma'am Armi and Chad using my lousy phone camera.
I said goodnight to them both and I went back to the cabana to have an awesome sleep. My last night in Pagudpud....
END OF DAY 2.
December 15, 2013
Woke up at around 5 in the morning since I plan on leaving Pagudpud at around 6AM since I will be riding home to Cervantes Ilocos Sur which is around 320 kilometers away. After prepping my things and the bike, I psyched up myself for another long ride. Uttered a short prayer for him to keep me safe and give my old and very reliable motorcycle a pat in the tank with me saying "Another leg is about to start my friend. Let's hit the roads."... Started the bike's engine then went up infront of the Cafe where ma'am Armi and Chad are waiting for me. I said my thank you speech and shook their hands and promised that I will be back again soon plus I will recommend CasaCon to my friends and relatives. They were all smiles when I said that. And right before I saddle up, Chad asked me if he could take my photo since they have a tradition that they will take photos of all their guests right before they leave. I said yes of course and jokingly said that he better make me look good in the photo. Here's the photo that Chad took which is also posted in the Casa Consuelo Fan Page.
Do I look thinner or what? Hahaha!
I left CasaCon at around 6:15AM then I stopped at a high vantage point where I can see a good view of the lagoon, took a deep breath then pushed on. I am now leaving Pagudpud... I am so sad...
I stopped after the Pagudpud Ark and took a photo of the Ark on my side mirror. Said my goodbyes to the town where I was able to release my stress even for just a short period of time.
I also texted sir Kodz since he'll be waiting for me at Bacarra Ilocos Norte to accompany me to the market where I will be buying some stuffs for my mom to be shipped to Quezon City. After texting sir Kodz, I blasted off heading towards Laoag Ilocos Norte. I hooked up with sir Kodz about an hour later and he asked me if I want to see the Bacarra Domeless Bell Tower. I said yes and he led the way towards the church. Along the way, we had the chance to see sir Bernie Dela Cruz, who is another rider and a fellow photo enthusiasts whom is a resident of Bacarra as well (Also a volunteer of RFAC). He turned around and followed us to the church.
Domeless Bell Tower of Bacarra Ilocos Norte
After a short photo ops and short talk with sir Bernie, he went ahead to do his stuffs and sir Kodz and I went straight to the market and bought some langonisa and bagnet (mother's marching order), then asked a favor to sir Kodz to drop the package off Partas bus station in Laoag Ilocos Norte and have it shipped to Cubao Quezon City... After buying the stuffs, he asked a tricycle driver to bring the items to sir Kodz place where he will repack it later in the afternoon. While me and sir Kodz went ahead towards Laoag and San Nicolas. in San Nicolas, sir Kodz and I parted ways after saying my thank yous' to the man (sir Kodz). What an awesome guy right?
Moving on, I blasted off towards the remaining towns of Ilocos Norte then to Ilocos Sur. I stopped at a roadside eatery somewhere in Santa Ilocos Sur and had my brunch and much needed caffeine boost plus about half a liter or water to hydrate.
Few minutes before 12PM, I was now in Bitalag Tagudin Ilocos Sur. I stopped for a few minutes to take a breather, then checked in on facebook so they (friends and relatives) would know where I currently am at that time. After about 15 minutes of resting, I pushed on towards Suyo Ilocos Sur and onwards. Carefully navigating the very tight curves and often times coupled with very steep ascent going up the mountains of Cervantes Ilocos Sur. I never took the chance to play in the twisties because if one wrong move, you'll end up at the bottom of a deep ravine. So i just enjoyed every bit of fresh air and the magnificent view of the mountains while climbing up to Cervantes. About an hour or so later, I stopped at a place where they call Kumyeng. and took some photos.
This place was very notorious in taking lives back in the days when the roads were not yet paved. If I remember correctly, about 12 people died when a minibus or a jeep (I think) fell into the very deep ravine when part of the road collapsed. This was way back early 1990's when that mountain roads were very narrow, very rough, and very dangerous.
After about 30 to 45 minutes of resting and enjoying the majestic view of the mountains and the oh so fresh and sweet smelling air, I pushed on towards Bessang Pass National Park. I stopped again and took some more photos
Small trivia about Bessang Pass.
"Declared as a National Monument, the Bessang Pass National Shrine is located in the mountainous area of Barangay Malaya,Cervantes, Ilocos Sur with a total land area of 1,121 hectares. In Philippine history, it was the place where the last battle between the Filipino Guerrillas and the Japanese Imperial Army was held during the World War II. The gun battle was then called as "Battle of Bessang Pass," in which the Filipino soldiers defeated the Japanese troop led by Gen. Tumoyuki Yama****a. More or less 3,400 men, who fought fiercely for freedom and peace during the historic "Battle of Bessang Pass" that ended on 14 June 1945, were killed and wounded in the place. Bessang Pass is a strategic gap, 5,250 feet above sea level traversed by Highway 4, west of Cervantes, which served as the backdoor to General Yama****a's last ditch defense during the last stage of World War II."
Excerpt from http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.ph...ational_Shrine
After resting for a few more minutes, I pushed on heading towards the town proper of Cervantes Ilocos Sur, but a few minutes after the monument, there's this viewing deck which is overlooking the humble town of Cervantes. I stopped again and took a few more photos.
Few more minutes passed, I pushed on and blasted towards the town of Cervantes Ilocos Sur. As I was entering the town proper, I am now feeling overwhelmed with excitement and I was nostalgic all through out. Pushed on up until I reached the house of my cousin Arnel where I will be staying overnight.
I have a special connection to this house because I made about 80% to 90% of the hollow blocks/cinder blocks used to build this house. Yes, I was a construction boy and a carpenter when during my elementary and early high school years. Back when I was still living in this humble town.
Anyhow, nothing really much happened when I reached the house. Just the normal catching up with relatives whom I have not seen in years. I really never had the chance to go to the plaza and/or visit my previous school which is Saint Agnes School because i got caught up exchanging stories with my cousin and before I know it, it's dinner time then it's sleeping time... Lols! (I just made a promise to myself that I will come back again real soon and will stay for a couple of days, since my plan is to just stay ther overnight since I need to be in Baguio the following day to meet up with a lady friend whom I have not seen in over a decade)
END OF DAY 3
December 16, 2013
Woke up from an awesome sleep at around 6 in the morning and had my regular coffee and some leftover tupig from last night... Had some serious conversation with my uncle and aunt over breakfast up until 7:30AM... Then I prepped my things and motorcycle once again for my Cervantes to Baguio leg. Few minutes past 8AM, I bade goodbye to my hosts and blasted off to Baguio... I just cant resist the beauty of the mountain so I stopped and took several snapshots.
I will definitely miss this place when I get to home to Quezon City.
Couple of minutes past, I pushed on and headed towards Mankayan, the first town of Benguet coming from Cervantes Ilocos Sur. At Mankayan town proper, I turn left heading towards Abatan in Buguias Benguet. After reaching the junction in Abatan, I turned right heading towards Baguio. I am now in Halsema Highway. Time to do a little bit of playtime. I sped up and enjoyed the Halsema Twisties up until Sinipsip in Bakun Benguet when I noticed that the clouds started getting lower ang lower and the fog started to creep up the mountains...
Now my hands are starting to freeze up but I need to push through because I need to be in Baguio before 3PM... To keep my mind out of the freezing situation, I started singing some songs that I know then I blurted out a laugh because I just realized that my voice is worse than my problems. Hahaha! I pushed on up until I reached the very famous Philippine Pali (Highest Point) in Cattubo Atok Benguet. I stopped and parked my bike near the marker and took a snaphot.
I ordered a cup of coffee and stayed there for about 30 to 45 minutes then pushed on towards Baguio. I reached the La Trinidad toll booth at around 12:30PM and went straight to Marcos Highway up to Bakakeng Central then to Nova Lodge where I will be staying overnight. I checked in and parked my motorcycle at the garage of my room then dismounted my luggages and stowed them in the room. The good thing about Nova Lodge is that every room has it's own garage. And the rooms are decent and clean enough. I did not bother taking photos of the room and the garage since I have an existing photo of the place from my previous ride way back 2010. The place is practically unchanged.
Here are the photos from 2010.
Anyhow, I freshened up and ordered sandwich and water for room service and rested for a while. At 3:00PM, I prepped my bike again but this time without the luggages since I am only going to Baguio - Ayala Techno Hub in John Hay to meet up with a friend whom I have not seen in over a decade.
Met up with my friend Joi at 7-11 which is just below Convergys Baguio then we went to Everything Nice Cakeshop and Cafe to get something to eat and catch up.
I had a great conversation with her about tons of stuffs. Too bad that she needs to leave at around 6:30PM because she needs to go back home to work (She's working homebased teaching ESL). I just hate it when you're having fun talking to someone but you need to cut it short. Bummer! Hahaha! We agreed to just do another catching up when I get back to Baguio sometime next year. So that's that, paid the bill and went on to grab a taxi for her so she can catch her 7PM student.
I stayed for a few more minutes in Techno Hub John Hay and texted Sir Anthony, a rider friend from Baguio so we can grab coffee but too bad he's not available. So no choice but to saddle up and roam around the city then went back to Nova Lodge and rest.
END OF DAY 4
NO MORE PHOTOS FROM HERE...
Woke up at around 8AM and ordered another sandwich and coffee for breakfast (room service) then I've decided to look for a motorcycle shop since I noticed that the exhaust header of my bike has a leak and the bike is having backfires like hell... I went to this motorcycle shop somewhere in Bokawkan Road and had the exhaust gasket changed. After about an hour, everything is back to normal and the bike is sounding great again. I roamed around the city for a bit then went back to the Lodge at around 1PM to prepped my things for my journey going back to Quezon City.
At around 2:30PM, I checked out then proceeded towards Kennon Road and blasted off from there. I encountered some heavy traffic in Pangasinan and Tarlac due to road constructions. I did a couple of pit stops to have some butt rest and rehydrate. I arrived home in Quezon City at around 9PM.
END OF DAY 5
This culminates my Solo Adventure Ride up North!!!
Total distance covered: 1,548 kilometers (this includes gala moments)
Average fuel consumption is 39 to 40 kilometers per liter...
Basic breakdown of my expenses all throughout the trip.
Gas = 2150
Pagudpud Accomodation = 3000
Pagudpud Food (including beer) = 488
Massage = 500
Baguio Accommodation = 960
Baguio Food = 645
Pasalubong = 2800
Exhaust Gasket + Labor = 165
Total - P10,708
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