Our first 5-day out-of-town trip

     Summer of 2010, perfect time for our very first 5-day summer trip. We had planned to go to the northside of Luzon where the farthest destination was Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte. The trip usually takes about 12-14 hours. However, as we had numerous stop-overs (for comfort, meals and sight-seeing), it took us 16 hours to reach our 1st destination, the homestays in Pagudpud's town proper.  A sis-in-law was kind enough to give us a contact person there. Thanks to her we didn't have to bother scouting for a desirable place to stay.  

     I'd rather not bore you with so much stories about this place.  Only the pictures of the highlights of our trip are posted here..... (as I cannot seem to find the rest of the pictures hahahaha).

Blue Lagoon view from the hilltop entrance of the resort

    Among the famous beaches in Pagudpud, the Blue Lagoon was the most beautiful.  Or so we thought, as we did not bother to go to other beaches and check out. We heeded what our hosts had to tell about the place. And they were right....the place was heavenly.  It boasts with soft, white sand, fresh cool wind, fresh seafood and very hospitable people.  

Joel and myself getting ready for lunch,
our favorite meal

 Our beach host named Alex provided us with his fresh catch while his mother cooked for us and his wife took care of errands and posed as our waitstaff. The whole family was so accommodating, very kind and respectful.  Here, I don't have to worry about anything but our personal needs, really refreshing!!

It would not be enjoyable if there were no fish inihaw or sinigang  with tomatoes side dish, fresh Ilocano veggies sauteed in fish sauce (bagoong), fresh veggie salads and of course, perfectly-steamed rice, all cooked the Ilocano way. I must say though, enjoyment really has a price...gain weight!

My kids, my precious gems, enjoying what they love most.....

skim-boarding

and taking pictures

and snorkeling

                                                                                                            

While the kids enjoy the day away, Joel and I were having a blast.  We got to enjoy what we've been missing all these years...the real vacation....

Hmmmmm.....really love it!!

One memorable trip to Pagudpud.  

Priceless. 

Hope to do it again soon with the whole family.

THANK YOU LORD!!!