Lingayen: Splendid and Romantic

10 Day 10K Challenge: Lingayen, PANGASINAN

Date: MAY 20, 2014

Pangasinan’s provincial capital is also known as the Most Romantic Place in the Philippines – yes, you heard it right! In addition to that, did you know that one of the most beautiful provincial capitol buildings in the Philippines can be found in this humble coastal town? And that is my mission for today - to visit this splendid piece of architecture!

Dagupan: The Philippines' Bangus Capital

10 Day 10K Challenge: Dagupan, PANGASINAN

Date: MAY 19-20, 2014

Dagupan City – dubbed as the Philippines’ Bangus (Milkfish) Capital. This is one of the major cities that I would be passing through during my ten-day journey. It’s going to be dark anytime soon, so I opted to spend the night in this city - which I never expected to be very lively even at night time.

Tarlac City: Stopping by the Capitol Grounds

10 Day 10K Challenge: Tarlac City, TARLAC

Date: MAY 19, 2014

Tourist spots? Landmarks? Unfortunately, Tarlac City is not known for those – instead, the city is known to be the stopover capital of North Luzon. Today, as my northern journey continues, I will on a short stopover at this city and my primary objective is to visit their provincial capitol building which can also be found printed at the back of old P500 bills.

Capas: Memoirs of the Death March

10 Day 10K Challenge: Capas, TARLAC

Date: MAY 19, 2014

Today, Capas serves as one of Tarlac’s fastest growing municipalities. However, during the Second World War, this town became the final resting place of thousands of Filipino and American soldiers who died in the hands of the Japanese Empire. Because of how historic this town is, I decided to include it on my list and the landmark that I will be visiting today serves as a remembrance to those who fell victim to the infamous Death March.

Olongapo: Strolling Around the City and Subic Bay

10 Day 10K Challenge: Olongapo, ZAMBALES

Date: MAY 18-19, 2014

The city of Olongapo is the largest city in Zambales, but it is governed independently from the province. Lots of tourist visit this city because it serves as the jump-off point for the attractions inside the Subic Bay area and the beaches on the coast of Morong, Bataan. Zambales is the fourth province on my list, and this would be the first night where I would be sleeping inside a hotel.

Balanga: Taking a Break at Bataan's Capital

10 Day 10K Challenge: Balanga, BATAAN

Date: MAY 18, 2014

After conquering Mount Samat’s peak, I decided to visit the city of Balanga, Bataan’s capital. I just wanted to take a break and visit any attractions or landmarks that I would be passing by along the way – and as I explored the city, I discovered this funny themed restaurant made from an old bus.

Mount Samat: The Shrine of Valor

10 Day 10K Challenge: Pilar, BATAAN

Date: MAY 18, 2014

The Shrine of Valor, also known as the Mount Samat National Shrine in the province of Bataan, is just one of the memorials built as a remembrance to our brave Filipino veterans who fought for freedom during World War II. The shrine was constructed under President Marcos’s regime back in 1966 and presently stands as one of the most recognizable landmarks in Bataan. I will be climbing the mountain today and see the province’s beauty from above.

San Fernando: Walking Around Pampanga's Capital

10 Day 10K Challenge: San Fernando, PAMPANGA

Date: MAY 18, 2014

Pampanga - the second province on my list, which is also known as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines. This province is known for their wood carved furniture and sculptures, giant parols (Christmas lanterns), and cuisine - including the world famous sisig. I’ve been to Pampanga multiple times – but I never had the chance to explore its capital city. Now that I am back, I will make sure to find the city’s hidden charm.

Calumpit: the Gate to Pampanga

10 Day 10K Challenge: Calumpit, BULACAN

Date: MAY 18, 2014

Before entering the province of Pampanga, I have to pass through the town of Calumpit, Bulacan, where the Calumpit Bridge is located. As of today, the bridge that links Bulacan and Pampanga is still being repaired, and those who wanted to cross the border have to get through the hanging bridge situated over the Pampanga River – next to the bridge that is being renovated.

Bulacan: the Cradle of Democracy in the East

10 Day 10K Challenge: Malolos, BULACAN

Date: MAY 17, 2014

A prosperous province forged by history and heroism - that’s what the province of Bulacan is all about. Represented by one of the eight rays of the sun on the national flag, Bulacan played a huge role in the liberation of the Philippines against Spain. This province also contributed a lot to the field of arts, literature, culture, and history. Welcome to my birthplace: the home of the courageous revolutionaries, the talented artists, and the cradle of Asian democracy.

Manila: Starting Point at Kilometer Zero

10 Day 10K Challenge: City of Manila, METRO MANILA

Date: MAY 17, 2014

Manila – the nation’s capital and the gateway to the Philippines. Rich in culture and history, Manila prides itself as one of the premier destinations in the country. This city is also a prime example of how the past connects with the future, and how the East meets the West. This was the first destination on my route, and this is where the story of my epic road trip began.

The Beginning of an Epic Northern Journey

10 Day 10K Challenge: Taytay, RIZAL

Date: MAY 17-26, 2014

I plotted a week-long leave back at the office, and my mind just gave me an awesome idea on where to spend my next vacation – North Luzon! This is not an extraordinary trip, because I am planning to visit all provinces north of Metro Manila (except Batanes) in 10 days with a budget of at least P10, 000. This trip would also be my post-birthday gift to myself. 21 years on Earth, 21 provinces on the list. This will be an EPIC ROAD TRIP!