SUBSCRIBETrip up north, 1
The 3rd of March, 2200H and I was on my way to the Victory Liner bus terminal in Kamuning. Had a misunderstanding with my lalabs and I just want to clear my head and spend the weekend traveling. I was planning of going to Cagayan Valley and do photo documentation of the various churches there but the weather was not that good. I’m having second thoughts but I just want to go away, at least for the weekend.
Initially, my plan was to stop at Nueva Vizcaya for the old church in Dupax del Sur then wind my way up to Aparri. Because of the very tight schedule, I was only up to the province of Isabela and covered only about seven churches during this trip and because of the weather, I still have to return to some of them.
At the Victory Liner bus terminal in Kamuning, I took the 2330H bus to Tuguegarao for the almost 6 hours travel to Bayombong, my first stop.
While at San Jose in Nueva Ecija on a bus stop, found this man sleeping on one of the benches there. I really haven’t slept well, just like in my usual trips. The usual noise, headlights and stops just rouse me easily. That’s why when I ended my day, I was just too tired and slept early.
It was already drizzling when I arrived quite early in Bayombong. The cathedral there is new and rebuilt the facade. Not that impressive though. Took breakfast in one burger joint and rode this jeepney to Bambang to catch a ride to Dupax del Sur.
At Bambang, while waiting for this jeepney to depart, took a photo of this children. It was already 0800H and I was told that it might depart around past 9, just in time for other passengers to arrive. Sigh, with such a tight schedule, I hired a tricycle and paid eighty pesos for the trip.
After Dupax, I dropped by Alicia and planned to head to Ilagan to spend the night there. Well, it was just too far and I caught a glimpse of the Cauayan church which from the distance, looked impressive and really old. I alighted at the city’s transport terminal, booked a room at one of the new hotels there at a discounted rate (I asked for a company discount and showed my ID) then headed to the church.
Left, outside the church. Right, a tricycle driver smiling for the camera as I was brought to Jollibee for snacks.
The next day was equally hectic. Having had a good night’s sleep, I proceeded to Ilagan. Spent half an hour there and later proceeed to Tumauini. Went back to the hotel to check out, proceeded to Gamu and then to Echague before catching a bus back to Makati. I arrived around 0300H, Monday.
Related posts:
Trip up north, 2
Cagayan Valley Churches, 1
August 17th, 2006 at 9:07AM
Hello Chairee, the trip up north is very safe. There are buses plying this route for 24 hours. You should check out the bus terminals of Victory Liner, Baliwag, Genesis, etc for the schedules. As for the cost, its less than 500 pesos. If you’ll go to Solano (around 6 - 7 hours from Manila), just tell the driver that you’ll stop there. Solano is a very progressive place and it would not be difficult to get there. As for an airline, there are flights going to Tuguegarao from Manila but not sure which airline. Do check out the web for this.
August 16th, 2006 at 3:37PM
^_^ you made it sound that you had a safe trip all the way up north. was it? im planning to visit a friend in solano which is near in bayombong. how much would it cost me by the way? and where should i get off? i dont mean to bother you but i am looking forward to your reply. and by the way, what if i travel by air? is it possible to do so? thanks! =)