June 9th when my family, friends and I travel almost 12 hours from Laguna to Ilocos Sur. We left Laguna at 8:00 P.M. and arrived in Ilocos Sur at 8:00 A.M.
Transpo. A 16-sitter van rental from usually ranges from Php 15,000 to Php 20,000 if you’ll be coming from Southern or central Luzon. If you are planning to visit Norte as well, cost range is Php 20, 000 to Php 25,000 from the said areas as Norte is couple of hours and kilometres away from Ilocos Sur. Travelling alone? Well, this maybe cheaper but longer time travel. From Manila, ride bus going to Banaue for Php 500 to 700 and when arrived in Banaue, ride bus going to Ilocos Sur which may cost from Php 700 to Php 900. Driving your own car? Well, time travel is shorter. It only takes almost 8 hours from Manila to Ilocos Sur. From Quezon City, take road NLEx/R-8, N Luzon W expy and MacArthur Hwy/ Manila N Rd to Santiago – Banayoyo – Lidlidda – San Emilio – Quirino Rd in Santiago then continue to Pilar. There’ll be toll fees which may cost you from Php 2000 to Php 2500 and gas cost is Php 1500 to 2000 one way.
History and Culture. Saint Augustine Parish Church, commonly known as Bantay Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Bantay, Ilocos Sur in the Philippines. Also known as Shrine of our Lady of Charity, Bantay church was damaged during World War II and started restoring in 1950. Its façade design is Neo-Gothic mixed with pseudo-Romanesque materials and elements. It was made by bricks and mud.
Experience. There’s a lot of souvenirs and food store nearby the said church like t-shirts, comforters, keychains and the popular dried pork called “ Bagnet”. I don’t recommend this dried pork to be consumed by older citizens or anyone who have heart and blood pressure history. Beside Bantay church, there’s an entrance gate and stairs going to “Bell Tower”. It was a great view of green fields. Goint to its way to exit, you’ll pass by a garden with colourful and heaven scented flowers on neon neon grass area. There’s centre spot for taking good photos of the bell and garden behind as well near the exit. There’s no entrance fee, you just have to sign in and donate any amount for the maintenance of the bell area.
Bantay church is an hour or less driving or travel to main city of Ilocos Sur, Vigan City where “Herritage Village” and other old streets and structures are built.
