Ultimate Northern Exposure Itinerary: 9 days

Northern Luzon holds a treasure trove of adventure destinations waiting for eager trod seekers. Seat sales left and right, everybody's heading south of Manila. When was the last time you did a road trip up North?

On January 22-30, 2012, the North Philippines Visitor’s Bureau (NPVB) in cooperation with Manila North Tollways Corporation and Victory Liner will be holding Lakbay Norte 3. A 9-day Media Tour of North Philippines.*

The event is 100% sponsored and SIX LUCKY BLOGGERS CAN JOIN THE TOUR!!! Simply fill out an application form and send it to info@northphilippines.org . Be sure to read complete blogger contest mechanics, too.

A whole feast of activities are lined up including rappelling in Bulacan, biking/kayaking in Laoag, white water rafting in Kalinga and Jungle Survival in Subic. The tentative itinerary is posted here. Psyched yet? I know I am! The last day of submission is on October 31, 2011.



Take a look at the highlights of my last Northern exposure (with Philippine Airlines Mountaineering Club):

Dec 26, 2008
a. Calle Crisologo, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur;
Dec 27, 2008
b. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Ilocos Norte;
c. Bangui Windmills, Ilocos Norte;
d. Patapat Bridge, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte;
e. KM 714 (last kilometer marker(?) via Ilocos National Highway), Junction to Sta. Ana, Tuguegarao and Aparri, KM 642 (last kilometer marker via Cagayan National Highway);
Dec 28, 2008
f. Beach, Palaui Island, Cagayan;
g. Cape Engaño, Palaui Island, Cagayan;
h. Abandoned lighthouse, Cape Engano, Palaui Island;
Dec 29, 2008
i. Port Irene surplus vehicles, Sta. Ana, Cagayan;
Dec 30, 2008
j. Boat to Callao Caves, Peñablanca, Cagayan;
k. 2 chamber, Callao caves, Penablanca, Cagayan;
l. Callao eco-tourism zone, entrance to Callao caves;
m. Ayuyang bar, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya;
Dec 31, 2008
n. Bontoc town proper, Mountain Province;
o. Banaue town proper, Ifugao;
p. New year mass, St. Mary's Church, Sagada, Mt. Province;
Jan 1, 2009
q. Lumiang burial cave, Sagada, Mountain Province;
r. Echo valley hanging coffins, Sagada, Mt. Province;
Jan 2, 2009: at least 12 hours on the road back to Manila. Thanks PALMC!

Those 8 days got me acquainted with North Luzon, but there is so much more to experience! I will go pack my bag now if LAKBAY NORTE 3 picks me!


*Some text and logo taken from http://northphilippines.org/events/lakbaynorte3contest
*Photos taken from my old blog http://indieescape.multiply.com