Bangui Wind Farm is located in Bangui, Ilocos Norte. It looked so picturesque that day. The golden sun colored the clear blue skies yellow and made shadows that gave every element some depth. This place has an undeniable magic. It will lure you in because everything is postcard perfect. From the enormous wind turbines to the pieces of driftwood washed off shore, everything just shouts "instagrammable".

 Kids frolicking by the shore.

We arrived at Vigan, Ilocos Sur near noontime. It was so hot that I couldn't even dare myself to walk under the scorching sun. So I just took some photos and returned to our car. The crowded street of Calle Crisologo did not appeal to me as much as I expected it to be. Maybe the timing was off, or I was just not in the mood, but I was a little underwhelmed. Maybe in a different time and a different mindset, I could meet Vigan for the second time that would erase the first impression I had for it.

I felt like I hadn't seen much of Ilocos. A quick day tour of the two provinces was just unfair. I wanted to stay a little longer. Then I understood the fact that this was a road trip. We should be fast to get to more places. I just need to suck it up and continue travelling. But my desire to go back here was so strong, I know for sure, I will be coming back.

A local amusement park near the roadside

The next morning, I woke up in one of the coldest places in the Philippines, Baguio City. Waking up here felt like I woke up in a different country. The weather, the view and even the wind, everything's just different here. 

 Looks like a faraway kingdom.

A cemetery located on the slopes of a hill.

I drunk Strawberry Taho on our way to the grotto. It's an unconventional flavor that somehow works. For just 20 pesos, you can enjoy this warm & sweet delight.

We rested and ate at Burnham Park. It's the common place for families to unwind and just have fun strolling around the park and boating along the shallow waters. My siblings and I tried riding bikes and chased each other while circling the area. After that, we also paddled directionless in the murky waters.  It's so unnerving to just relax, and just watch the world unfold every second.

We also took a short trip to Botanical Garden which houses the most colorful collection of flowers. From reds to purples and even golden yellows, this garden seems to have it all.

 Thank goodness they didn't sting me.

What a stunning sunflower.

We headed to Wright Park to do some serious riding. The last time I rode a horse was back when I was in kindergarten. These horses were beyond cute. Some of them wore neon-colored hair dyes which can easily attract tourists like me.

Before we bid our goodbyes to Baguio, we have squeezed a few hours to visit La Trinidad Strawberry Farm. This is one of the most visited places when in Baguio. If you wanna see a more laid-back view, then don't forget to include this to your itinerary. Eat the afternoon away with strawberries or try eating at one of the local eateries that offer scrumptious food there.

The bigger brother of sundot kulangot.

And just like that our trip has ended and my heart was broken again. If only I had more time to travel then I wouldn't feel some sort of a separation anxiety. The thought of going back to reality just saddens me. Sometimes I think of leaving everything behind and be gone for a year just to go out and see the world, but that's quite farfetched...for now.

Years may have made Baguio a little overpopulated, but it still hasn't lost it's charm. The charming smiles of the locals or the distinct smell of the air, Baguio still appeals to everyone trying to escape the humid metropolitan cities.

Make something out of the remaining days of summer. Pack your bags and visit Baguio. Rediscover Baguio by going to off-beaten places some tourists have never heard before. Your summer story is just within your reach. Go ahead and make it happen.