Santiago City : A City of Unity

I have already met several friends and acquaintances from Santiago before I actually set foot in that city. From these friends I learned many things about the city including its politics, rotund economic activities, and of course, beautiful spots. Two of these friends I met when I was in Santiago City: Sir William who toured me around the city hall, and Nico Alialy who treated me to many stories while we're having a hearty McDonalds dinner.

I have been curious about this city since I was in college during the time when my fascination for Philippine political geography was starting to develop. I was curious how Santiago City looks like because my perception of Isabela then is a province full only of farmlands -hundreds of acres of them. Forgive my ignorance then, I also thought that Santiago City would have been a city only by name but in reality just a wide expanse of farmlands.

All these changed when I was able to witness for myself the beauty and the richness that is Santiago City.

St. James Parish Church, Santiago City

Isabela : A Tour on the Queen's Province of the North

It was a realization of a childhood dream. The dream to just ride a bus and let it bring me to places far from where I grew up, and savor the changing sceneries seen through the bus's window.

And yes, it was one of my very first long bus rides alone... and I did enjoy it. 

Ilagan City, Isabela

It happened in a flash. One night (3rd week of August, 2012), I just decided to visit Isabela and Cagayan provinces. After 2 days, I boarded a bus bound to Santiago City, and from there started my 2 day adventure.