Summer is definitely more fun with NIVEA Sun! My top summer wonder is Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Brother and I at Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
("Malingay Cove" among locals)

I never knew where Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte is until my brother, his friend Marlon and I were so fortunate to be invited by one of the owners of Arinaya Beach resort in Pagudpud. We traveled by bus for 12 long hours and i tell you, i am really not fond of travelling because i can't stand the long hours of sitting (Butt, back and legs hurt!). We had few stops for dinner or pee breaks and  be in awe for the beautiful sights of each city we passed along the way. I was so eager to see if the travel was worth it and i can't stop asking my seatmate if we're already in Ilocos Norte. It was around 5:00 am when we reached Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte's Saud beach, we were so amazed of the beautiful, vast, blue water of the beach and the powdery, white sands are truly comparable to those of in Boracay, that we immediately ran towards the water like it was our first time to be in a beach. I returned to our cabin after i realized that i have to apply sunblock on my arms, legs, face and neck to avoid the damaging effects of the sun's heat. Good thing, mother dear allowed us to bring her Nivea Sunblock lotion and sunscreen. Morning breakfast was served and i have to say that Ilocano foods are very unique, delectable and a must try for all visitors. I had the opportunity to taste the Ilocos made Empanada, Ilocos longganisa, Bagnet and their soup with little fishes. Seafood and vegetables cooked in Ilocano ways were also served during lunch and dinner.

(Top photo: Blue Lagoon beach; Left photo: Huge stones in Aqua Grande;
Right photo: Pagudpud beach sand)

Our host took us to amazing swimming spots in Pagudpud, so don't worry because you are not just limited to taking a dip in the vast blue Pagudpud Saud beach. One of my all time favorites is the Blue Lagoon or Malingay Cove as known to locals. This enchanting lagoon changes its water color to Light Blue and Green. The water's clear and refreshing that you would just want to stay bathing for a day. There are no resorts, hotels, crowd of people in party spirits nor stores/commercial establishments found in this place, so you can really have a lot of serene moments while sunbathing or have that much needed relaxation away from the civilization. Only few people gets to discover this lovely place and if when time comes that people will start flocking in this place, i hope they would still preserve the natural beauty of the Blue Lagoon. 

Agua Grande or "Dakkel a Danum" in Ilocano term

Who wouldn't love swimming in cold, clear, flowing water under the scorching heat of the sun? Thanks to Agua Grande for giving me that cool bath i am so used to. Don't worry because the water is not that cold, if you are thinking of extreme cold temperature. Aside from the cool water, it has this picnic area and their own version of infinity pool (only it is not the ordinary infinity pool some urban resorts have). Thumbs up for the magnificent sight of the South China Sea. As you see on the photos, running water from Aqua Grande goes down to the South China Sea. It was just me who was so scared of falling off the edge and preferred to stay to my safe place and missed a whole lot of beautiful scene down there. 

Bantay-Abot Cave

One of the tourist spots that you shouldn't, wouldn't and mustn't missed is the Bantay-Abot cave. At first i was surprised why Raj brought us there. I was asking him what is so special about this cave. As we got off the car and marvel at the beautiful mountain with a hole, no word came out of my mouth. There was just too much excitement to find out more about this huge structure. We were asked if we want to go inside the hole and check out the view, and of course, we were excited so we just nodded our heads a lot of times for approval. While on our way to the mountain with a hole, Raj told us to move faster because when high tide comes it would be very dangerous to climb the mountain. Sweat and difficulty in climbing faded when we saw the view of the place from the cave, hear the echo of the wave from inside the cave and explore the design of the interior. I said to myself, i found a picture perfect spot and grabbed my chance to have good shots at this majestic place.

Now who else hasn't been to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte? If there are places we Filipinos consider as summer wonders, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte should be and must be included in that list. What else can you ask for in summer spots like these? The food, the people, the beaches, falls and more scenic spots - Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte will surely provide you quality relaxation during your vacation. So for my brother, his friend Marlon and I, our ultimate summer wonder is none other than, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

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Disclaimer:

"Join the NIVEA Philippines 7 Summer Wonders contest on fb and get a chance to win NIVEA  Sun gift packs, Charina Sarte swimwear, Sony products or a trip for 2 to the Ultimate Summer Wonder. Just click http://www.facebook.com/NIVEAPhilippines/app_180716052039522 to join and vote now!"

                                    

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