ROADTRIP UP NORTH: Dagupan, Manaoag, and Clark

Such a gorgeous sunset, noh? This was taken from our recent road trip to the North of Luzon. I almost missed it had I not woken up momentarily from my nap and saw Luke busy snapping these. No wonder he was so excited, the sky had decided to show off. :) It was a really enjoyable trip with the family (except for the traffic, but hey, at least we got to catch up on sleep!). Our itinerary for the day included 3 stops - Dagupan, Manaoag, and Clark. And since it's been so long since my last road trip photo diary, I thought I'd take you for a ride. #WowPhilippines :p

A yummy home cooked meal in Dagupan prepared by our relatives. In case you didn't know, Dagupan is known for the bangus (milk fish) and we had 2 kinds of those that day, yummm! Not to mention the sinigang and liempo and hipon and mangga't bagoong andddd the mango icebox cake. YUMMM!!! Seriously guys, Filipino food is so underrated! It's so good especially when it's prepared with love ;)

Floating candles for the Lady of Manaoag. The candles actually came in different shapes and it reflects what you are praying for (I think, haha).

First time seeing the Lady of Manaoag. They say this is a miraculous church and people actually take pilgrimages here because it is said that Mother Mary had an apparition here.

The parish held a parol (Christmas lantern) making contest and the entries were displayed around the area. The one with the pink star won first prize...

Although this is the one I would've chosen for first prize, great craftsmanship! :)

Devout, Catholic, or not, Churches and places of worship are always a must visit for their architecture and art. 

The dome

St. Luke!

A close up on the Lady of Manaoag who is is "invoked as patroness of the sick, the helpless and the needy". This statue dates back to the 17th century, carried by a galleon from Spain. You can queue up and touch the back too! They say she's really miraculous and she does grant wishes.

The belen. I love this Filipino Christmas tradition of honoring the nativity

Painting of the fire that struck the church previously

Check out the carving in this one! It was carved from a living tree, WOW

A closer look at the details 

the NLEX sky as we made our way back

For dinner, we made a stopover at Iguana's aka the former Zapata's

they may have changed the name but it's more or less the same cantina

Tequila without salt is like love without kisses.

Oddly enough, my first time in this mexican joint was also with these lovely people (except Luke, it's his first time, hehe) :)

Frozen Margaritas ... you know what that means? Talking about past, really shameful, drunken escapades. Good laughs though :)

For those who can't decide and want the best of everything: The Combination Plate with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, chili con carne, beans and mexi-rice 

"With a full tummy, the heart is happy" couldn't be more true especially if you're with loved ones :)

Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag is located at Milo St, Manaoag, Pangasinan, Philippines

Iguana's Cantina Mexicana is located at 50 Meliton Ave Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines