Pagudpud is really just a two hour drive from Paoay. But if you do it like us and stop at Ilocos Norte's famous landmarks, it will probably take anywhere from four to five hours depending on how much time you spend at each stop. We took pretty long so that by the time we saw this archway, we were ecstatic. Mr. Diaz quipped "by the time you arrive, you're both pagod and pudpud."
We chose to stay at Kapuluan Vista Resort instead of the popular Hannah's based on the recommendation on an article by Drew Arellano. It was a very quiet place to stay with charming cottage rooms and an organic garden from which they harvest the eggs and produce they serve to their guests. Come here if you would like a quiet retreat and seasonal organic food -- the peace and calming ocean sounds will do the trick for souls that are weary of city noises
These flowers are grown in spots around the little organic farm to attract polinators. So charming!
The waves on the shoreline of Pagudpud are strong! When taking little children with you, keep and eye on them or hold them close. As the tide draws back into the sea it can pull you out. The resulting incoming waves, though, are big and beautiful -- which is why surfers are drawn to this part of the world. In fact, Kapuluan is also a surf school. Although when we were there, it was so so cold that there was no swimming or surfing to be had (unless you were a polar bear).
Being in Pagudpud, as far as I was concerned, meant that I was practically at the edge of the world (if it meant that my world was The Philippines). I looked out to sea and imagined aspiring sailors in the olden times wondering when they would have their chance to venture beyond the shores to discover new lands. The world seemed larger then, but looking out, I didn't feel less small. The Earth really is full of wonder, and for once, it isn't cliche.
When it got slightly warmer the day after we arrived, we walked on the shore and found these two perfect corals. I picked them up and took them with me to remind me that I found paradise in The Philippines.
RSS Feed