Place: Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Date: 25 May 2008

I am not sure if Pagudpud was the first town of Ilocos Norte from Cagayan, but by the time we reach the town, I started feeling happier. I was really hoping to catch the waves, or even dip my feet in the sea by the shore, but when they started talking about finding a place to settle in for lunch, I knew we were not going near the beach. Their reason was, we still have a long way to go, and they want to be home as early as possible.

The sight is breathtaking to say the least, but I again started feeling a bit bad. I was really (really, really) hoping to get a close look of the famous Pagudpud beach, but I had to content myself by seeing it from afar.

Usually, the bridges we see are above water. But when you need to get to point A to point B, and you’re between the mountain and the sea, what to do? Yeah, construct a bridge around the mountain! Great idea, eh?

Anyway, Tito Jaime had a spot for us to have lunch, but when we reached the spot, another group was already taking their lunch already! Each and everyone was feeling hungry and exhausted, so when we saw this vacant waiting shed with a table and some chairs, we figured might as well eat there! At first, because I was thinking about not being able to go near the beach, I was a bit disappointed that we weren’t going to eat at a decent place, but as I was thinking about it, I came to realize that it all boils down to perspective. Instead of feeling about it, might as well consider it as one of a kind experience. I mean, who would get to eat lunch by the waiting shed?

It was a boodle fight with the food. They just packed the left overs from last night, so I was able to eat quite a lot of the kilawin. I just ate beside the big load of rice using my hands! I love to eat with my hands! By the way, this waiting shed was owned by the resort 5 kilometers away. The reason for the table and chairs was that some of the resort staff stay at the shed, so should some tourist want to come to the resort, they will welcome them and guide them to where the resort was located exactly.

I know we won’t take long there, so I rushed with my lunch for me to get some… yes, self portraits. =) The coastline is quite far from our location so I had to zoom in on my camera to get a nice view. Good thing my digital camera can take clear pictures even when zoomed! Well most of them are still busy enjoying lunch, so I cannot ask someone to take a picture of me. I tried to use the timer, but after the first shot, I realized I was being ridiculous, and some of them were actually laughing at me already!

Our gracious host in Cagayan gave us so many coconuts, so when I saw them opening some, I asked Aunt Julie that I will just roam around to take pictures. She allowed me, so I walked until I saw this house that has a nice view of the beach.

I tried to take self portraits, until a man went out of the house. I asked for permission and he allowed me, but was quite intrigued at what I was doing. He was talking to me, asking me questions, and asked me to come up the house (it was elevated — five steps if I am not mistaken) so I can get a better view. I was hesitant at first, but what the heck! =)

He was telling me about how great the view was and he was feeling a bit sad that he won’t be able to see the view everyday. Turns out, he was a head engineer and they’re just in the place for some road constructions. He was asking me how the self portraits turned out, and I told him I wasn’t really satisfied because the beach can’t be seen still.

He asked if I would allow him to take my picture instead. Sensing that he wasn’t the type would take may camera and run, I let him. The first shot wasn’t good, so I asked him to re-shoot. The second one was okay, but my tummy’s oh so big! Heheheh… I guess it wasn’t really a good idea to take pictures right after eating! By the way, the top photo was taken by me, and the bottom one was taken by the man. After the shot, I thanked him and bid farewell. He was such a nice man, really.

Some parting shots:

Surely, there was no chance of getting near the beach, as when we head back to the van, they all said, “time to go home.” Sad, but I am not worried. I will just get back here next time to have a greater and much better experience.

So long, Pagudpud! ‘Til we meet again!

*** Jenn ***