Weekend before Holy Week, my college buddies and I trooped North to celebrate our friend Tonette Aquino 's big 50. Affectionately called Contessa, she commandeered her high school and college friends to Vigan and Curimao for two days of delirious banter and cholesterol overload. Vigan and its adjacent towns were a visual feast for us heritage lovers. The Syquia Mansion A portrait of Vicky Quirino President Elpidio Quirino 's bedroom Across the street from the Syquia Mansion, you'll find one of the best tasting Ilocos Empanadas. Sunset in Curimao, Ilocos Norte The Banaoang Bridge. On our way back, we passed by the Our Lady of Assumption church in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. On the roadside are small stores selling garlic, onions and vinegar.
by JC Buendia