Elyu

I went to La Union for a solo trip. First stop, Darigayos Beach, in Luna.

                                    

 Met manong. He is very kind. His house is in Darigayos Beach.

(sunrise at Baluarte Watchtower)

Next stop, Baluarte Watchtower in Luna, La Union. A 400-year-old watchtower facing the West Philippine Sea built during the spanish period. (source: Wikimedia Commons)

Although it was early in the morning, there were already many tourists. This is a popular place.

Luna is known for its Pebble Beach. Instead of sand, pebbles cover its shore. The baluarte area is also a good spot to see the sunrise.

Next, I went to Namacpacan Church or Saint Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church. Built in 1690, it is also known as the shrine for the image of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception of Namacpacan. (source: Wikipedia)

I went to Immuki Island, still in Luna, next. I chilled for an hour in a balsa and ate sea urchin for the first time. I also ate oyster. 

I had to pose in the middle of the road in between the Almeida Man-Made Forest. 

 

Then I tried grape picking in Lomboy farm.

In the afternoon, I took a walk along Urbiztondo Beach.

Capped my day with a cold beer in Lakbai Musika and watched the sunset. What a sight. The sunset is really beautiful here. 

At first, I thought I wouldn't catch the sunset since it was cloudy. I was just scrolling through my phone when suddenly, a warm golden light hit my face. When I looked up, there it was — the sun glowing through the clouds. Nature really knows how to surprise you.

                                                         (the famous 7-11 in Urbiztondo)

Iloilo City

A few months ago, I visited Iloilo City, the City of Love. DIY Travel.

First stop, Sta. Ana Parish Church or Molo Church, known as the feminist church. It is the only all woman saints church in the Philippines. There is a statue of St. Mary Magdalene inside, along with other statues of female saints.

Right across is Molo Plaza. I tried pancit molo, a classic Iloilo comfort food, at Kap Ising's. 

Then I headed over to Molo Mansion, an old mansion converted to an SM Kultura Store where you can buy t-shirts and other souvenirs. Outside Molo Mansion, there are many food spots. I tried Happy Endings ice cream. It's delicious. There's also someone writing on the spot poetry. He's quite good. He asks you what topic and then he writes it there and then. I think my topic was about traveling. You pay any amount,

My next stop was La Paz Market, home of the original batchoy. Although the market was already renovated. I tried Netong's. Their batchoy is yummy. Legit. Then I tried Madge Cafe's famous coffee. No fancy machines there - coffee done the traditional way.

Next I headed to Calle Real or J.M. Basa Street. It's like Iloilo's downtown. Here you can find old American buildings. Roberto's is also located here. I tried their famous siopao. They say your trip to Iloilo is incomplete if you don't try the siopao at Roberto's

From the old side of Iloilo City, I headed to its modern side. I went to Iloilo Museum of Contemprary Art (ILOMOCA) and had my Ferris Bueller's Day Off moment.

Then I rented a bike at Bikelab and rode a bike to the River Esplanade and Jaro Cathedral.

I had a wonderful time in Iloilo City. Hope I could come back again. 😊