Ayosdito: Cabugao Beach in Ilocos Sur, part 2

The Beach

After spending a night in Dagupan, we then ventured off to Ilocos Sur, which is about a five hour drive up. No worries. I was fully recharged, what with eating great Chinese food at Star Plaza Hotel in Dagupan and ate fine young oysters which I saw being sold along the streets of San Fabian, Pangasinan.


Anyway, we got there almost nine o'clock in the evening. This is my first time here at Cabugao. Before, I stayed at Santiago Cove resort, owned by a friend, Owen Singson. Now, when I heard about the pleasurable experience of some of my friends who went there and booked at Cabugao Beach resort, I told myself that I'll go there, whatever happens.

Cabugao beach resort is about thirty minutes or so away from Vigan, capital of Ilocos Sur. Vigan, as you well know, is a Heritage Village. Cabugao is the second to the last town of Ilocos Sur. Just a few kilometers away and you'll be in Ilocos Norte.


I had the pleasure of driving up to Pagudpod and already went to the different towns and cities of the Ilocos Norte, and I dare say that it's more than enough for me. I don't want to tire myself that much since driving down to Manila is not as a pleasure, as say, a year or so ago. 

Me and my lovely tent

Anyway, you know what I did? Since I'll be here for about three days, I told myself, it's time to set up my tent.


I have a tent that can accommodate close to nine people at one time. Yep, and this tent only cost me about 500 bucks.


So, what's the best time to really enjoy life and re-charge? Right here, right now.


I set up my tent and rested there for hours, enjoying the Ilocos sun, the ocean, the beach and the serenity.

" see my tent there? The lovely Cabugao Ilocos sur sunset"

The good about the Cabugao beach resort is, it can only accommodate twenty or so families. There's just enough room for 20 or so people, which is heaven. I hate crowded beaches. 


Cabugao beach resort serves great pinakbet. Fact is, I ate only pinakbet for four straight days. 


Anyway, I also have an inflatable air bed which I placed inside the tent. I also packed myself several jugs of water, some food and provisions, because I intend to stay there in the beach for the longest time. 

The beach,..again

I tried to forget how hopeless this government is, how inane things are, how unsure the future is, and how unfortunate that our leaders mind themselves first before the people.


Inside my tent, I just thought about God and the mission He gave me. I am truly fortunate that in the last couple of years, I've been blessed with a lovely and understanding wife, great kids and a career that I truly love.


I am also extremely glad that I do my work and help people at the same time. 

Cynthia Villar and Toots Ople have this program for OFWs and I am fortunate that I am helping them. This scholarship program have benefited twenty people already and the next batch of sixty is really something. I hope politicians are as helpful as Cynthia.


So, far my expenses for this tip has cost me:


3,500.00----oil change using Unioil's Idemitshu fully synthesis eco engine oil
400---------toll fees
2,000-------Star Plaza hotel one night stay
1,000-------breakfast
1,200-------dinner
5,000-------3 days stay at Cabugao beach resort
1,000-------miscellaneous

Ayosdito: Driving to Cabugao Beach Resort, part 1

Driving my Mitsubishi

At forty, driving a thousand kilometers is not as easy as say, going up to Baguio for a little bit of comfort. A thousand kilometer drive needs your total concentration, energy and several driving tricks you learned when you were young. 


Let me start my story by saying that this would not be entirely possible without my trusted Mitsubishi Adventure. Yep, I got this last 2008 but this work horse is simply amazing. Its Diesel powered 2.5 engine still amazes me with its performance. Driving long distances is always a joy with the Adventure. This probably explains why, since it was introduced sometime in 2005, the Mitsubishi company still sells it here in the Philippines. The same design which hit the showrooms a half a decade ago, is still the design used in the new Adventure variants that came in. Had I bought a sedan, that model would have been scratched or recalled already. With the Adventure, its a safe, luxurious and enjoyable ride. 

with my trusted co-driver

Anyway, any great engine would never really run in its full and maximum performance without a good engine oil. 


Remember--include engine check and engine oil changes before you go drive that distance. A good engine oil relieves you of the headaches you'll surely get if your engine is not in tip-top condition. 


Unioil's fully synthetic oil does the trick for me. It's highly recommended. Unioil sells the Idemitshu brand here in the Philippines and really now, this is the best discovery I have ever made in my twenty or so years as a driver.


When I put the Idemitsu Unioil eco engine oil, my engine became a tad quieter, and really revs it up. Credit that to the superb cleaning power of the fully synthetic oil. 

Without the Unioil eco fully synthetic oil, I would not be able to enjoy maximum power of my diesel engine and probably, had a longer time going up to Ilocos. Yep, Ilocos.


Check wiki and you'll find that it's a full 400 kilometer drive from Manila to Ilocos Sur. And my destination is not Vigan, nope. It's this great beach called Cabugao at Pug-os in Ilocos Sur.


When I was still young, I used to drive way,way up North in just one swig. Now, no more. I tire easily, thanks to years of cigarette smoking and staying up late at night, reading and writing stuff. Of course, I'm 30 pounds heavier and staying in this weight has its own risks and repercussions.


Anyway, I decided to go first to Dagupan City, which is about 3-4 hour drive to Pangasinan. I  figured, best to spend the night at Star Plaza Hotel right smack in the middle of Dagupan and drive up to Ilocos, recharged the next day.


Star Plaza hotel in Dagupan is one of the nicest and the most affordable place in town. The rooms have been refurbished. Every single suite is equipped with 32 inch LED TV and excellent beddings. They give excellent service and superb Chinese food. 

Going back to Ilocos

Yep, it's confirmed---I am going back to Ilocos by next week. I am going to drive more than 400 kilometers just to kiss the wonderful sun, enjoy the caresses of the wind and feel the warmth of the gold-colored sands of Pug-os beach. 


Opps...I'm not an Ilokano but I love everything about the North. I went there the first time about a decade or so ago, and I fell in love with the place. The weather there is different. If Manila's weather is gloomy, Ilocos' is always sunny.


Credit that because Ilocos is some kilometers away from Taiwan and China, the sun there is most majestic. Climate is very much welcoming for tourists, and first time backpackers.


What's so good about Ilocos is the Ilocanos. The Ilocanos are the best. They are hospitable. They are kind. And they are the most industrious folks I have ever met in my life.


I intend to leave Manila by Monday and arrive in La Union for one night sleepover before I venture further North. I should be at Cabugao Resort by Wednesday. I'll stay there for three days. 


I would love to visit Vigan once more and eat of the fresh lumpias and empanadas. I'll also spend a night there and enjoy the cool night and the equally refreshing morning.


How about you, my dear ones, where do you intend to go this Holy week?