This is time first time that I traveled to North Luzon. For almost eight hours of land travel from Cavite up to Pangasinan, where I attended the baptismal rites of my colleague's daughter. Enjoying beautiful landscapes in North Luzon Expressway and seeing the beautiful sunrise and captivating sunset in the wide rice fields. Seeing lovely flowers and lush trees in the backyard and having a quick visit in a famous restaurant along the way.
Pangasinan
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| Welcome arch to Pangasinan from the boundaries of Tarlac. (Source: Google Photos) |
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| Yellowbell in Santa Maria, Pangasinan |
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| Pomelos |
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| Bistro Garitoni, the venue for reception which is a restaurant in Rosales, Pangasinan. |
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| Mouth-watering dishes in Bistro Garitoni. |
It was 6:00 a.m. when I woke up in the boundary of Tarlac and Pangasinan and finally, I can say that I made it to Pangasinan where I saw the welcome arch. After that, we ate in Jollibee at Rosales, Pangasinan and have a trip going to thThe reason why I enjoyed my stay in Santa Maria, Pangasinan because of the simplicity of the natives, the hospitality of the family that I've visited and most especially, the backyard full of flowering plants and trees. After that, we went to the christening rites and then we went to Rosales, Pangasinan for the reception where I enjoyed the food there.
Isdaan Restaurant: Gerona, Tarlac
After the reception, we are thinking of having a side trip to other places. We were thinking between Dagupan or Tarlac. However, our concerns of going home early, we decided to go to Gerona, Tarlac and have a quick visit in Isdaan Restaurant. This restaurant has another branch in Calauan, Laguna but along the way, we visited this place not for eating but for picture taking.
You can see different nipa huts everywhere and different ponds anywhere full of koi (Japanese carp). The restaurant has also a stunning Golden Buddha, large monkeys, a gorilla mascot and life-sized statues of cats, dogs, robots and even persons such as Corazon Aquino, who was born in Tarlac.
"Tsismosa! Intrigera! 5/6! Tacsiyapo!" *suddenly the plates crashed*
That is the most interesting part of our visit in Isdaan is the Tacsiyapo Wall. Tacsiyapo is a Kapampangan word meaning "Shame on you!" You can smash plates, mugs, vases, wall clocks and even television if you want to release your anger to the red wall where the words of the persons or incidents that you hated very much. It is also a fun activity where your anger can be converted into happiness. However, it is such an intimidating place because you can hear people shouting and they will destroy mugs, plates, vases and even a working television set.
During that time, there are very few plates in that place but we keep on enjoying the activity. You can choose mugs for P15.00, small plates for P16.00, big plates for P35.00, vase for P350.00, and television for P1300.00. I bought 2 big plates worth P70.00 and I enjoyed my time in Tacsiyapo. After that, we leave the place full of souvenirs and memories.
Going Home and Enjoying the Views in North Luzon Expressway
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| Mt. Arayat, the view from North Luzon Expressway in Pampanga. |
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| Fields full of lahar and ashes. |
While passing the North Luzon Expressway, I enjoyed the views of the Central Luzon plains and golden ricefields, the gray land produced by lahar during the Pinatubo Eruption and the towering Mt. Arayat in Pampanga. The view of the sunlight radiantly spread in the rice fields which symbolized new hope and chance for upcoming travels. Definitely, my first travel in North Luzon is such a fun and memorable experience to remember.
#LookingForwardForMoreTravelsInTheNorth
#NorthLuzon
