During summer months and holidays most people I know go home to their respective provinces for vacation. I, on the other hand have no other home province to call instead of Antipolo in Rizal. Both my parents were born and raised in this town along with other relatives who all have settled in Antipolo.
Long drives to a so called 'provincial home' is non-existent. That's probably the reason why I get so excited whenever there's an out of town trip to a new destination. The long drives, plane rides and banca rides give me reasons to explore beyond my comfort zones.
When I heard about the construction of Sitio Remedios Heritage Village in Currimao, Ilocos Norte about six years ago. I promised myself to visit whenever I am in Ilocandia. I thought this would be my chance to experience a 'provincial home' far from Antipolo. A home reminiscent of a gone era. A home of vintage furnishings infused with modern convenience.
Sitio Remedios Heritage Village is a sister destination of Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo. Both properties are owned by Dr. Joven R. Cuanang, one of the foremost neurosurgeons in the country and medical director of one of the best hospitals in the country, St. Luke's Medical Center. He is also an art patron and leader of foundations that support culture and arts. It was built to recreate and showcase Ilocano architecture reminiscent of his mid-20th-century childhood and as a fitting tribute to his mother, Remedios.
Six years after Sitio Remedios was constructed, I finally had a rare chance to visit and stay for one night during my one week sojourn in Ilocandia. On October 25, 2012, I took a one and a half hour bus ride from Vigan to Currimao. The bus dropped me off at the junction of Currimao where I took a five minute tricycle ride to Sitio Remedios. It was already five thirty in the afternoon and drizzling when I arrived.
I was welcomed by Resort Manager Josue Raymund "Rayboy" Barona at the gate and ushered me to my assigned guest house. Along the way we walked at Avenida de Azucao which is a replica of an ancient bridge made from antique bricks. Immediately, I felt like I was transported to a genteel era. I was impressed by the grand entrance flanked by reflecting pools planted to azucao lotus plants. On both sides of avenida are the fourteen Stations of the Cross placed on cement plinths in the shape of lotus flowers. It took me awhile to cross this path as I was just stunned by its beauty.
Long drives to a so called 'provincial home' is non-existent. That's probably the reason why I get so excited whenever there's an out of town trip to a new destination. The long drives, plane rides and banca rides give me reasons to explore beyond my comfort zones.
When I heard about the construction of Sitio Remedios Heritage Village in Currimao, Ilocos Norte about six years ago. I promised myself to visit whenever I am in Ilocandia. I thought this would be my chance to experience a 'provincial home' far from Antipolo. A home reminiscent of a gone era. A home of vintage furnishings infused with modern convenience.
Sitio Remedios Heritage Village is a sister destination of Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo. Both properties are owned by Dr. Joven R. Cuanang, one of the foremost neurosurgeons in the country and medical director of one of the best hospitals in the country, St. Luke's Medical Center. He is also an art patron and leader of foundations that support culture and arts. It was built to recreate and showcase Ilocano architecture reminiscent of his mid-20th-century childhood and as a fitting tribute to his mother, Remedios.
Six years after Sitio Remedios was constructed, I finally had a rare chance to visit and stay for one night during my one week sojourn in Ilocandia. On October 25, 2012, I took a one and a half hour bus ride from Vigan to Currimao. The bus dropped me off at the junction of Currimao where I took a five minute tricycle ride to Sitio Remedios. It was already five thirty in the afternoon and drizzling when I arrived.
I was welcomed by Resort Manager Josue Raymund "Rayboy" Barona at the gate and ushered me to my assigned guest house. Along the way we walked at Avenida de Azucao which is a replica of an ancient bridge made from antique bricks. Immediately, I felt like I was transported to a genteel era. I was impressed by the grand entrance flanked by reflecting pools planted to azucao lotus plants. On both sides of avenida are the fourteen Stations of the Cross placed on cement plinths in the shape of lotus flowers. It took me awhile to cross this path as I was just stunned by its beauty.
Avenida de Azucao
At the end of the Avenida are steps leading to Plaza San Miguel located at the south side of the chapel. Its water feature has a statue of San Miguel slaying the devil. Fruit bearing trees provide shade.
Plaza San Miguel
Finally, my 'provincial home' at Sitio Remedios is Balay Piddig. Rayboy shared that Piddig is one of the eastern towns in Ilocos Norte where most of the materials used to construct this house came from. The town is also famous for the Basi Revolt of 1807 where locals protested the government's monopoly of wine industry.
Balay Piddig
Balay Piddig
At the Balay, I was also welcomed by the household staff - a housekeeper and waiter who handed me a cold glass of dalandan juice and warm towel. I felt welcomed instantly by their warm Ilocano hospitality. This is the kind of local hospitality that makes Sitio Remedios unique.
Balay Piddig is a one bedroom home equipped with bathroom, hot and cold shower, dining and living areas. It has capiz windows, hard wood flooring, nipa/sawali ceiling, Filipino furniture and banggerahan beside the dining area. The house also features dainty cut wood (callado) on the entry porch - such a relaxing place to pass time, read a good book and have coffee.
Balay Piddig is a one bedroom home equipped with bathroom, hot and cold shower, dining and living areas. It has capiz windows, hard wood flooring, nipa/sawali ceiling, Filipino furniture and banggerahan beside the dining area. The house also features dainty cut wood (callado) on the entry porch - such a relaxing place to pass time, read a good book and have coffee.
Living area with day bed, sala set and piano
Living area with piano, oil painting and sculptures. Also visible is the dining area.
Dining and Living areas
I was surprised to know that the room I'll be staying at is named Kuarto ni Cecille, in honor of its first occupant the virtuoso classical pianist Cecille Licad. It was only earlier this year that I had a chance to watch Cecille Licad perform along with her contemporaries Lea Salonga and Lisa Macuja at CCP. It was such an honor to be staying at the same room.
Kuarto ni Cecille
Sitio Remedios keeps on surprising me. As I enter Kuarto ni Cecille, the scented smell of the room was so relaxing I wanted to hit the sack right away when suddently I noticed the petals with my name inscribed in it saying "Welcome, Sir Ramon"
Kuarto ni Cecille
The room is airconditioned with an oversized king bed topped with thick Ilocos abel blanket, white draperies and pillows. Very comfortable and relaxing.
Bathroom amenities include hot and cold shower, white towels, soaps and a popular Filipino toothpaste brand - Hapee. Even bathroom fixture including telephone shower are vintage and unique with Filipino taste.
White towels
Hot and cold shower, lavatory and vanity mirror
Toilet
Although rooms are equipped with modern conveniences such as airconditioning system, hot and cold shower, as a matter of policy, there are no TV, karaoke, radio and telephone lines at the Balay. Absence of which evoke the 1950's Ilocano heritage village setting. However, wi-fi is available for use to those who had to go online.
After settling stuff in my room, Rayboy and I continued to exchange stories about our experiences in resort operations, tourism opportunities in the countryside, customer experiences and much more over fresh dalandan juice. It was great to speak with like minded persons like Reyboy who is also in the same industry. He also shared his upcoming projects for Sitio Remedios like having a culinary tour featuring Ilocano dishes cooked by top chefs.
Sitio Remedios Heritage Village
A Village Resort by the West Philippine Sea
Address: Barangay Victoria, Currimao, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Website: http://www.sitioremedios.ph
General Manager: Raymund Baroña
Mobile No: +63-917-332-0217
Email: sitio_manager@yahoo.com
Part 1 of 4. Next story about Sitio Remedios coming soon!
After settling stuff in my room, Rayboy and I continued to exchange stories about our experiences in resort operations, tourism opportunities in the countryside, customer experiences and much more over fresh dalandan juice. It was great to speak with like minded persons like Reyboy who is also in the same industry. He also shared his upcoming projects for Sitio Remedios like having a culinary tour featuring Ilocano dishes cooked by top chefs.
Sitio Remedios Heritage Village
A Village Resort by the West Philippine Sea
Address: Barangay Victoria, Currimao, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Website: http://www.sitioremedios.ph
General Manager: Raymund Baroña
Mobile No: +63-917-332-0217
Email: sitio_manager@yahoo.com
Part 1 of 4. Next story about Sitio Remedios coming soon!
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