SUMMER ADVENTURES 2011 PART 2

*This is a continuation of my previous post SUMMER ADVENTURES 2011 PART 1

If you enjoyed the lighthouse, wait and see. But before heading to the windmills, we stopped for a quick lunch in one of the restaurants nearby. 

We ordered Adobong Pusit (Squid)

Adobong baboy (Pork stew)

Seaweeds w/ tomatoes

and of course steamed rice

Aside from those, they also serve from grilled fish of different kinds, depending on the season, grilled squid, deep fried pork chops, more kinds of sea weeds, pinakbet, etc. Not to mention, the restaurant is overlooking the South China Sea. Could any lunch be more amazing?

We finished lunch a bit fast, and we arrived on our next destination on time.

Next stop:

The Towering BANGUI WINDMILLS
(officially named as NorthWind Bangui Bay Project)

Bangui, Ilocos Norte

The Bangui Windmills are located in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The windmills, officially referred to as the NorthWind Bangui Bay Project, were a project by the NorthWind Development Corporation as a practice renewable energy sources and to help reduce the greenhouse gases that cause global warming. The project is the first “Wind Farm” in the Philippines consisting of wind turbines on-shore facing the South China Sea and considered to be the biggest in Southeast Asia. The project sells electricity to the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) and provides 40% of the power requirements of Ilocos Norte via Transco Laoag. http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Bangui_Windmills

 

Just imagine how big and tall these fans are. You will need around ten to fifteen people hand in-hand to hug the circumference of the base of one windmill.

SUMMER ADVENTURES 2011 PART 1

Hi bloggers! I'm back. I am finally moving on. If you might wonder what I am talking about, please check my previous posts.

So it's summertime! Well, at least here in the Philippines if you are in some other part of the world right now. Last weekend (May 7-8, 2011), I had the chance to unwind and spend a couple of days with my boyfriend and office mates in one of Philippines most beautiful beaches, Saud Beach, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Well, here are some pictures including our side trips. Enjoy!

First stop:

The Majestic CAPE BOJEADOR LIGHTHOUSE

Burgos, Ilocos Norte

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse, is a cultural heritage structure inBurgos, Ilocos Norte, that was established during the Spanish Colonial period in the Philippines. It was first lit on March 30, 1892 and is set high on Vigia de Nagparitan Hill overlooking the scenic Cape Bojeador where early galleons used to sail by. After over 100 years, it still functions as a welcoming beacon to the international ships that enter the Philippine Archipelago from the north and guide them safely away from the rocky coast of the town.^[2]

The light marks the northwesternmost point in Luzon. The northeasternmost being Cape Engaño Lighthouse in Palaui Island, Santa Ana, Cagayan. 

The 65-foot-tall (20 m) octagonal stone tower, the most prominent structure in the vicinity, can be seen from as far away as Pasuquin town in the south and Bangui on the east on a clear day. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the highest-elevated or tallest lighthouse in the Philippines. Corregidor Lighthouse is higher at over 600 feet and among the Spanish Colonial lighthouses, the tower of Cape Melville Lighthouseis the tallest at 90 feet. In Mindoro Strait, the recently erected modern tower at the Apo Reef Light Station rises to a height of 110 feet. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Bojeador_Lighthouse 

Unfortunately, the tower is closed to visitors due to current renovations being done to maintain the structure. Just look at the rustic windows and brick walls. They've stood the test of time and they have witnessed every single story the lighthouse. If only they could talk.

Upon reaching the foot of the tower, this awesome view will feed your eyes. 

Before heading to the next destination, I stopped to buy some souvenirs which the local folks sell at the parking area  at the foot of the hill.