EDUCATIONAL TOUR

Narrative Report

Name: VIDALLO, CHELSEA ANNE A. Date of Tour: FEBRUARY 16 – 18, 2017

Year & Section: 4TH YEAR AC-401 Professor: MRS. CATTY LEA GAMO

I. INTRODUCTION

Education is the greatest treasure of all and the greatest weapon a person can use to attain success in all walks of
life. For this mere reason, the Lyceum of the Philippines University – Cavite Campus provides high standard of learning to
us students with the incorporation of educational tour in our curriculum. The purpose of it is not just self-satisfaction but
for the students of College of Business Administration to be more knowledgeable not only in our subject but for our course
itself. It is important to every student since it is part of the learning process in able to acquire more knowledge through the
actual exposure to the different businesses and historical places in Ilocos Region for 3 days since learning is not only gained
in school but also from the exposure outside the school premises.

II. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TOUR

Educational tours play a very pivotal role not only in our student life but also benefit our entire life in more than a
single way. They take us out of the monotonous schedule and are a true relief for both the students as well as the faculty.
The main purpose of these educational tours is to educate students and also bring in lots of fun to us. It is a great way of
bonding and developing good relationships with our peers.

The tour provided valuable educational opportunities away from the classroom, without using textbooks and other
used in normal school setting. Students on educational tours can often learn while having fun in a more informal
environment. We gain a better perspective of the world around us by going on educational tours as we are brought in direct
contact with new situations which prepare us for facing challenges in our upcoming professional lives. This is especially true
for more extensive educational tours where we travel farther away from home. By coming into direct contact with a
different environment or even a new culture, we can better understand our place in the community and develop openness
to differences in others.

III. LEARNING INSIGHTS

While on our way to Ilocos Region, we were assisted by our Tour Guide, Kuya Jolo, who provided us insights and
chances for our questions to be entertained. Relevant information was acquired and actual exposure to different places was
experienced.

A. EDUCATIONAL ASPECTS

Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte are two significant provinces belonging to the Ilocos Region located in the northwest of
Luzon. These two provinces offer a number of popular destinations for tourists, local and foreign alike. They are famous
for their cultural heritage and natural wonders. They have various natural attractions that guarantee unparalleled
adventures. Both are exceptional destinations best for those who quest for fun, culture, heritage and nature.
Day 1 – Thursday, February 16, 2017
 Plaza Salcedo in Vigan City
As soon as we arrive, we headed to Plaza Salcedo for our breakfast. Plaza Slacedo is named after the
Spanish conqueror, Juan de Salcedo who subdued the early native settlement in Vigan and established upon
it Villa Fernandina for the monarchs of Spain in 1572. To honor this Spanish conquistador, a monument was
erected in the city square, surrounded by all the important edifices of the town. From Plaza Salcedo, one can
see and walk leisurely to not only the Saint Paul Cathedral but the Arzobispado or Archbishop’s Palace, the
Vigan City Hall and the Ilocos Sur Capitol as well.

 Chichacorn Manufacturing in Paoay

We went to the place where the chichacorn is manufactured. On our way there, we saw lots of corn
planted in hectares of land. Corn is widely produced in the Ilocos region, making the cornick or chicacorn one
of the major processing industry. Corn is a seasonal produce and the quantity of harvest varies on the cultural
practices of farmers.
Chichacorn is a generic brand of boiled, dried, and fried natural white corn enhanced by different
commercial flavors such as garlic, spicy, barbeque, cheese, sweet, sweet and spicy, and adobo. It is a ready-
to-eat crunchy, tasty, and nutritious snack food.
This is the method of making chichacorn:
1. The kernels are separated from the cob manually. Dried under the sun for about a week.
2. The dried kernels are then boiled in a lime solution for two hours to detach the pericarp. The boiled
kernels should be rinsed well.
3. Then it will be boiled for about seven hours in water. And again dried under the sun for three days.
4. The kernels are now ready for deep frying. Let it just cool for an hour after the drying process.
5. After frying, set aside and let it cool. Season with salt and fried garlic. Flavouring can be added as well
such as cheese and barbecue.

Aside from chichacorn, they also manufacture banana chips, taro chips, and bread chips.

 Saint Augustine Church in Paoay

We headed to the best example of the localized Baroque architecture with monumental and massive
appearance church in Paoay which is the Saint Augustine Church. A touch of gothic design can also be seen on
its beautiful facade while the gables reflect influence of Chinese architecture and the niches on top of the
pillars and buttresses suggest Javanese influence. It is made up of coral stone and bricks with 24 enormous
buttresses on the both sides and at the back. Also made of coral stone is the three-storey bell tower on the
right side of the church. This bell tower is said to have been used as an observation post of the Katipuneros
during Philippine revolution of 1896 and again by the Filipino guerillas in World War II.
Paoay Church stood the test of time. It has survived wars and countless tremors and typhoons. Although
it was partially damage during the huge earthquakes of 1865 and 1885, reconstructions and repairs made the
church looks generally unscathed. Due to its historical and architectural significance, the United Nation
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated it as a World Heritage Site in 1993 as
one of the four best example of Baroque Churches of the Philippines.

 Malacañang of the North

After lunch in La Precioca, Laoag, we went to “Malacañang ti Amianan” which is one of the rest houses of
the late President Ferdinand Marcos located in Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte. The rest house is actually a gift from
her wife, the former First Lady Imelda Marcos, in time for his 60th birthday. It is also considered as their official
residence in Ilocos Norte during the former President’s regime.
It is among the properties of the Marcoses sequestered by the Philippine Government when former
President Marcos was removed from power. For more than 20 years, it was under the care of the Philippine
 Government until it was finally given to the care of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte. After going
through series of restoration and renovation spearheaded by the incumbent Ilocos Norte Governor Imee
Marcos, on January 1, 2011, it was open to the public as one of the Province’s key museum.

 Paoay Lake
We then went to Paoay Lake locally known as Dacquel a Danum (Ilokano, "big water"). It is a lake in the
municipality of Paoay in northwestern Luzon in the Philippines. It is the largest lake in the province of Ilocos
Norte and one of the largest natural lakes in the area.

 Suba Sand Dunes in Paoay

This desert is the only desert in the country. I never thought there was even one actually. It’s about 88-
hectare spread of sand which blesses us amazing landscape and view of the sand dunes, powdery desert
overlooking the beach and lovely sunrise and sunset.
 4x4 Ride

The whole area of Sand Dunes serves as the trail for the 4x4 activity. There are 3 levels which is the
easy, medium and hard. The easy trail is just a warm up on what to expect on the ride. The road is pretty
rough and bumpy. Then next is the medium trail. We headed on a bigger area where there are big slopes.
We were brought on top of a platform then our jeep stopped on the edge of it then the driver stepped
on the gas so hard and drive us down. It was like we’re being drop on a 45 degree platform. Then as we
reached the hard trail, we scream so loud as if we’re on a roller coaster ride because it’s almost the same.

 Sand Boarding
Sand boarding is also held on the same place where the 4x4 ride is being conducted. I was the 3rd
who tried the sand boarding in our group. As I sat down on the board, I was nervous since I was still in
the recovery phase from the jeep ride. When the instructor led the board at the edge of the slope, I went
off and it didn't took me 10 seconds to reach the ground. That was one great ride and I really enjoyed it.
Minus the sand that got into my face due to the speed.

 Plaza del Norte in Laoag City

We headed to the hotel where we checked in for 2 nights. This hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with
free Wi-Fi and an outdoor swimming pool. Rooms with tiled flooring and a balcony are equipped with cable
TV and bathroom with shower.

Day 2 – Friday, February 17, 2017

 Cape Bojeador Lighthouse or Burgos Lighthouse
Leaving Laoag City about seven in the morning, we headed north passing the towns of Bacarra and
Pasuquin to the coastal town of Burgos to visit a famous heritage landmark in Ilocos Norte – the Cape Bojeador
Lighthouse. The Lighthouse of Cape Bojeador is the highest elevated lighthouse in the Philippines. We climbed
the flight of stairs leading to the foot of the tower to see the breathtaking view of Cape Bojeador and the
South China Sea. The lighthouse has been guiding sea vessels passing the northern part of South China Sea
and the rugged coast of Cape Bojeador. The lighthouse has been declared as a National Historical Landmark
and a National Cultural Treasure.

 Capurpurawan Rock Formation in Burgos

Nature, on its own, has the ability to create amazing masterpiece over time. One in the likes of
Capurpurawan Rock Formation, a delicately made natural art, beautiful yet fragile, a jewel of Ilocos Norte.
Standing beautifully in the coast of the town of Burgos, fronting the roaring waves of Bangui Bay,
Capurpurawan Rock Formation was said to be formed thousands (or even millions) of years ago by
 accumulation of particles deposited to the shore by the forces of sea waves and wind, with the aid of gravity
and time. It is a very long process known in science as sedimentation. Capurpurawan Rock Formation nestles
along the popular Capurpurawan beach (called by locals) but really the spot is along the Bangui Bay. Seeing
this nature’s wonder, I asked Kuya Jolo our tour guide what is meant by the term ‘capurpurawan’. He told me
it is an Ilocano word which means white. And the magical rock is indeed white.

 Bangui Wind Farms

Officially known as the NorthWind Bangui Bay Project, it is the first Wind Farm in the Philippines. It consists
of several wind turbines aligning Bangui’s shoreline facing the South China Sea. The wind farm is considered
to be the biggest in Southeast Asia. Aside from the amazing view that is not seen anywhere in country, the
windmills has become a solution to the frequent power outage experienced in Ilocos Norte. More than just
providing 40% of the power requirement of Ilocos Norte, this project led by the NorthWind Development
Corporation has become a source of renewable energy that helps in reducing emission of greenhouse gases
that cause global warming. The Windmills of Bangui is a strong proof that nature can be a source of perpetual
and tremendous energy.

 Hannah’s Beach Resort, Pagudpud

Situated right along the shores of the famous Blue Lagoon, Hannah’s Beach Resort is blessed to be in the
part of Pagudpud where the sand is as fine as powder and the shallow beach is as clear and blue as the skies
above. There is the 1.2 kilometer zip line, reportedly the longest over water, guaranteed to provide adrenaline
rush to thrill seekers who want to soar over azure waters while flanked by sloping mountain sides. Sadly, we
were not allowed to try it for our own safety. We were also prohibited to swim in the beach but we were able
to wade in the seashore.

 Four Stars in Santo Domingo, Ilocos Sur

Visiting Ilocos will never be fun without having a taste of its local food. We went to Four Stars, a business
which offers variety of foods and native delicacies that is very well known in the region. Each of us bought
here pasalubongs. They are selling bagnet, laoag longganisa, tinubong, cassava cake, macaroons, and many
more.

Day 3 – Saturday, February 18, 2017

 Plaza del Norte Convention Center
We started the day by conducting a seminar in the Convention Center of the Hotel we were staying in.
Though we were not taking TQM, I learned a lot from our guest speaker, Mrs. Edna Guevarra, who was a
former Instructor of our university as she talked some topic about Total Quality Management and
Employment.

 Baluarte Zoo in Vigan City

We headed to Baluarte for lunch and stayed there for few hours to visit the Baluarte Zoo. It is an interactive
wildlife sanctuary and facility, with the breathtaking view of its dominating scenic boulders amidst trees and
greens. The Zoo is dedicated to facilitating education, conservation and protection of endangered species and
wildlife. It is owned by Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson and sometimes called Chavit’s Fortess. Some
of the animals at the Baluarte Zoo include, tigers, monkeys, camels, spotted deer, ostriches, parrots, peacocks.
I was very happy because that’s the only first time I’d seen a white tiger and a submarine. The gold-clad
building topped with a burning bush sculpture up its roof is what amazed me the most. It is Chavit’s personal
multi-storey rest house which has a grand view of Vigan and the West Philippine Sea.
The climax of our visit to the place is the Safari Gallery perched on top of the hill. It houses a collection of
deer heads and other few animals hanging on the wall; the collection of stuffed animals such as a lion, Bengal
 tiger, wildebeasts, bison, bear, buffalo, gazelles, elephant, sheep, and so many more killed in his safari
adventures. Some are just skins of these wild animals. While I do not like the idea of killing these animals, it
still looks awesome looking at them preserved and mounted. It is also well maintained with properly labeled
items.

 Calle Crisologo in Vigan (Mena Crisologo Street)

Being surrounded by old houses, Calle Crisologo is also called The Heritage Village. It was considered a
UNESCO Heritage Site in order to save the cultural past of the Ilocos region. This is the best place to see Spanish
colonial architectures. It is consider the major attraction of the town because it is filled with Spanish-style
houses which have been preserved for more than hundred years. The street is named after, Mena Pecson
Crisologo, who is among the most-respected sons of the Ilocos Region. Upon looking those old houses, I really
felt of being transported back to the Spanish period. The trip to Calle Crisologo is more fun because I saw a lot
of shops that selling Vigan's best products such as antiques, bags, basi, abel woven products, burnay,
woodcrafts and T-shirts. There are also restaurants and coffee shops with 18th century ambiance that offers
sumptuous Flipino cuisines. Around the area, there are affordable hotels and inns. Calle Crisologo is at its best
at night because it radiates a more serene and momentous ambiance. I must say, Calle Crisologo brings me
back in the history. Something that we need to appreciate and preserve.

B. PERSONAL ASPECT

The whole experience was a revelation of sorts to me: how the Philippines is an intricate, beautiful framework
worthy of a closer look and much appreciation and just how much pleasure there is to be derived from trying new
things every once in a while. This educational tour is very valuable as it provided me the opportunity of learning through
travel, especially to places I have never been before. It’s more advantageous because I am less fortunate and don't
have the opportunity to travel. This also provided me the chance to build closer bonds with my classmates, experience
new environments and enjoy a day away from the classroom. I am very thankful for this three-day, stress-free vacation
as I was able to relax my mind and soul. As far as the benefits of our tour are concerned, I would say, during such tours,
I can actually see and enrich my knowledge of places and people I’ve learned about in the classroom. I had gain a
deeper understanding of real life situations and trends than a book can ever convey. Perhaps most important of all, I
gain new insights in my own culture, and a more global perspective.

IV. PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED

The problems I’ve encountered is no big deal. I was a little bit disappointed with the service of Plaza del Norte Hotel
because our room has no bidet and they didn’t even prepare dipper for us. I know they know the struggle of not having
bidet or dipper in the comfort room.

V. SYNTHESIS

The CBA Educational Tour started out as an escape from school for most of us students, a week off problems, time
out with friends, and a chance to unwind; but later on it turned out to be more than that. From the very first second to the
last, the lessons and learning never stopped. Other than the things I have learned from the different places we visited, I also
learned to value time because during the Educational Tour, it was either time is our friend or the enemy. We had to follow
the schedule in the itinerary so as not to fall behind. Time was always of the essence. From waking up early to sleeping late,
we had to manage our time; nevertheless, it was all worth it. Aside from time, I realized that diligence and commitment
should be one's attitude if one wishes to succeed. If we were not, then the planned tour wouldn’t be as successful as what
it has been. The tour was short yet meaningful. When we are having fun, time passes swiftly away. In contrast, when we
have nothing to do, time hardly passes by. A second seems longer than a minute, a minute longer than an hour. Overall, I'm
impressed and proud that there are places of interests in the Philippines that are beautiful and can compete with the rest
of the world in terms of tourism. I had fun and learned at the same time. It was my great escape.
VI. ATTACHMENTS

 Plaza Salcedo in Vigan City

 Chichacorn Manufacturing in Paoay

 Saint Augustine Church in Paoay
 Malacañang of the North
 Paoay Lake