Summer is here again and as my daughter Elisha puts it, #theROADriguezWay is to enjoy an outdoor adventure. This includes a scrumptious food trip, frolic beaching, thrilling zip-line (including tan lines) plus other crazy and lazy things.
“No flying this summer!” We agreed early this year that we will hit the road because it doubles or even triples the delight. We, therefore, primed ourselves for the long haul — 662.1.km in 12.5 hours plus extra time and distance to savor the unique scents and taste of the little towns we will pass by. Sta. Rosa, Laguna to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte is relatively far if you consider a party of nine with two fiftyish, but with God’s traveling mercies, we dared and we conquered.
The daring was easier but the conquering was not. We left our house around 2:00 am on the 28th of April. I just came from Iloilo the night before and arrived almost 11:00 pm. Though our bags were packed and ready to go my compulsion to check can’t be helped so I was left with barely three hours to rest my tired eyes and aching muscles. Before we set out, we reminded our children in the other car to pray the Holy Rosary with us as we roll the wheels.
The first full stop was in Vigan for a quick tour at Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo (100-hectare zoological park with a gallery of the owner’s safari hunting trophies). Though we were not particularly impressed with what we saw, a refreshing drink concocted from sugar cane and calamansi juice saved the day. I was also glad to have bought the first on my “pasalubong list,” the Ilocos Blanket.
After a very late lunch where we cracked up as we ordered the dishes called poqui poqui, insarabasab, dinakdakan, atbp at the Grandpa’s Inn, we went our merry way to Pagudpud.
As the night comes, traversing the long distance ahead of us (which is another 171 km more or less from Vigan) stole the anticipated delight of the road trip. I started to complain and say, “No more long trips, I shouldn’t have agreed to travel this far!” My surly disposition agitated my husband Rey and my two boys, Justine (with his Mayca) and Zachary. The latter called her Ate Elisha (with her Michael who drives the other car and my two other children Emmanuel and Isabela) to pester her with, “Are we there yet Ate?” Mama is already upset!”
Inside the car, the awkward silence and strain became so palpable. Rey, who knows me so well started to ease the tension by mentioning how beautiful the sights are although not much can be seen, except for the giant wind turbines, since the night has already settled. I recognized that it’s Rey’s loving way of telling me to check myself and to loosen up. I immediately realized that my attitude was ruining the supposed to be a happy vacation. Mortified and filled with sorrow for my unkindness, I prayed to beg for God’s forgiveness and His mercy visited me. I kept quiet the entire trip to Hannah’s Resort but by the time we reached the family suite reserved for us my good humor had been restored.
That’s how easily my ill temperament gets the better of me. I have been praying for this habitual inclination and it remains a work in progress. That’s what I meant when I wrote above that the daring was easier but the conquering was not. My personal transformation is a slow process and I just trust God who specializes in rebuilding the character. I am confident His loving-kindness and mercy will see me through for He knows that my walk to Christ-like maturity will continue for the rest of my life.
After a good night’s sleep, the overall emotional settings were rebooted and the sunny summer ambiance kicked in on our second day. We were ready to drive back from Pagudpud to Laoag to dare the La Paz Sand Dunes Adventure. We rode two 4X4 to trail the high slope sands under the scorching heat of the sun. Capping off the awesome ride was the thrilling sandboarding experience. Yes, we conquered some – our fears with shrill gaiety. We rewarded our bravadoes with halo-halo and fresh buko juice. The real treat was lunch at Herencia’s with their crispy dinuguan, authentic pinakbet, and the rest of the tongue-twister Ilocano dishes.
On the way back, we went to see the Bangui Windmills. Reportedly, these wind turbines produce at least 50% of the electricity in Ilocos Norte. The supersized turbines stand tall like guardians of the shoreline of the Bangui Bay. We came at sunset which made the scenery picture perfect. I had to ask the question, why can’t we have structures like these erected in other places around the country for a clean fuel source? For now, I have no answer.
On the third day of our Ilocos adventure, we dared again to go beyond our limits. We conquered the fear of heights that never goes away, at least for Emmanuel and myself. Geared up, we braved what they called the longest zip line over water in the whole world which spans 1.2 km. After an exhilarating launch from a mountain at a speed of 80 kph the climactic moment did not end. Our eyes beheld the natural beauty of Blue Lagoon Beach which we saw from different angles and perspectives. The rest of the day was spent frolicking in the sun and playing with the waves. We were swept away by the waves as we cheered when my youngest daughter Isabela and my son Emmanuel essayed surfing. The showings were “stellar” especially for beginners like them. Before the day ended, we climbed and cooled ourselves at the humongous kitchen clay pot or the “palayok” swimming pool.
On our 4th day, we left Hannah’s immediately after breakfast with a load of delightful experience which should be more than enough to lighten the arduous journey back home. Topping the pleasurable experience we savored was the deep sense of gratitude to our loving Father who sent His legions of Angels to travel with us along the zigzag roads, the ascent and descent, the dark and lonely bridges and the unfamiliar paths. We praise and thank God for supplying us with the generous provision that allows us to enjoy the things that matter most and to share the bounty. We sing praises to Him for allowing us to behold the wonders of His creation. Most of all, we proclaim that all the honor and glory belongs to Him because of His love and mercy to undeserving children like us. Gratitude overflows as we sing one of our favorite verses, David’s 23rd Psalm:
“The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures He makes me lie down; to still waters He leads me; He restores my soul. He guides me along the right paths for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil, For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff comfort me. You set a table before me in front of my enemies; You anoint my head; my cup overflows. Indeed, goodness and mercy will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord for endless days.”
Handmaid Elisheba 