...where the Filipino culture is immensely preserved.
==================================================================by PAM
An opportunity to connect with old friends, while learning a good deal of new technologies in Agriculture, Engineering and Food Science presented itself a few months ago in the form of a conference: The Fulbright-Philippine Agriculture Alumni Association
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FPAAA... bending towards my root
Receiving the invitation/announcement on my e-mail a few months ago made me feel a bit nostalgic... the memories of those days when I was making a big decision whether to stay in the Academia and, therefore, pursue doctoral studies, or cross to the 'other side'
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| Reminiscin' how it all started 12 years ago. |
Needless to say, it was truly frightening to be making such a big step... but my PAEF friends were there to walk me through it all... and so were my Cornell friends and mentors later. Therefore, when the opportunity to meet with my PAEF friends and mentors came, I just had to grab it! So, I did.
This year, the conference had the theme, "Sustainable Agriculture Productivity and Entrepreneurship through Science and Technology". As the FPAAA members are leaders in their respective fields in the country, it was easy to get lost in the beauty and fluidity of discussions - very, very satisfying... both in content and manner of discussion, not to mention the inherent idealism and sense of humor of FPAAA members. Yep, I'm proud to be a member, and I'm glad I joined the event!
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Ilocos Sur... a beautiful transformation
The FPAAA event was held this year at the Teatro Ilocandia at the Don Mariano Marcos State University in Batac, Ilocos Norte. I had a choice between flying over there for less than an hour, or driving for seven to eight hours. As I haven't visited the Ilocos region for
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| green + blue + some brown = relaxing drive. |
Before reaching Ilocos Norte, we had to go through Pangasinan - where I was born, La Union and Ilocos Sur. The roads are terrific... so much better than a decade ago - a real progress, I must say. The green scenery along most of the way was intoxicatingly beautiful... a welcome respite from the 'concrete jungle' that's Metro Manila. The long drive through La Union was relaxing, with the beach - Philippine sea - on the left side of the road, and the green Ifugao mountains on the right side... both sides of the road were lined by a row of pretty houses with their front yard sprayed with
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| Vigan... a blend of the past and the present. |
Vigan, Ilocos Sur was something else though... ah, beautiful beyond words, that's what it is! The old houses, especially along Crisologo St., were fascinating. I remember being awed by them a few years ago... I was awed again this time. They pretty much mixed up old with new stuff now, welcoming progress... and yet, the rustic beauty that define Philippine Architecture of the not so ancient years were as defined as they can be. There were more colors this time... and yet, the charm of the old bricks and the inviting call of the decaying woods of the old structures that seem to say, "come, I have a story to tell you," were as irresistible as ever! My sister and I were completely drawn. Just beautiful!
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Ilocos Norte... ah, Philippines, my Philippines!
Seeing Philippine heritage and cultural artifacts being preserved like a beauty in a time capsule in Ilocos Norte can bring tears to any sentimental Filipino's eyes - it was beautiful!
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| Fort Ilocandia... full of luxurious 'secrets'. |
The corridors echo luxury... they were all lined with classy works of art that seem to remind you to walk with a mixture of graceful elegance and curiosity of your surroundings. It was like being in a different world. But, it was still a hotel first and foremost... therefore, amenities for relaxation, entertainment and adventure were in place... and luxuriously, too! But that's without
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| Laid back beauty. Aw, retirement... ...I'm so looking forward to enjoying you! |
The beach at the back of the hotel was absolutely alluring at sunset, and it beckons with a cheerful greeting at the break of dawn. It offers a breath of fresh air and a chance to forget your worries by offering its fine sand where one can walk barefoot - without a care in the world. Just irresistible!
Paoay is a completely different story, except that, like the other places in Ilocandia, it also teaches its visitors with the rich history of the Philippines. It is home to one of the most photographed churches in the Philippines: the Church of Paoay, which has been the symbol of Catholic worship in the region since the early 18th century. The church is also of historic significance as it was used by the Katipuneros during the
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| The Church of Paoay. |
The short drive from Fort Ilocandia to Paoay (about 15 minutes) go by faster than it really is because of the "little-town-charm overload" as one takes in the surroundings. The lazy expanse of green land that separate the two towns relaxes one's eyes to sleepiness, and the quiet elegance of the little town is too beautiful for words. It cajoles one to want to stay on an extended vacation, that's for sure! :) Too bad, I cannot stay long... too many things await me in my work place... not that this trip is not work either.
Ah... retirement, what is taking you so long??
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What's for next time?
Nope, I haven't even covered half of my fascinating short trip to Ilocandia... haven't even spoken about the other ancient churches in the region, and the food... but I have work to do! :( Therefore, I'll stop here and pray that I find time to write more about my trip in another post... and perhaps, share more photos. Later....
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Photo credit: I own all photos in this post.
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