traveler's dilemma

I've been living in Isabela Province for almost a year now, and have come to the conclusion that....there really is nothing much to do here. Ha! You see, I've tasked it upon myself to be absolutely sure that I could 100% claim that there aren't a lot of places to go to, or that the number of activities that can be done here are sparse. Yeap. The sad truth is, unless the roads to the coastal towns are constructed, well..unless some sort of miracle happens, Isabela won't be on the list of any tourist or traveler's 'places to go'.

Fine, you can check out the Magat Dam in Ramon. You can even go to the local markets and try out the delicacies. Why, you can even go all the way to Cabagan just to try authentic Pancit Cabagan in Felicitas (which is just along the Provincial Highway). But are there other things you can do, or other places even worth visiting? Nada.

I write this with a very disappointed tone, because I was somehow hoping that I'd be proven wrong. That this huge, hot (literally), province is even worth going to.

Despite my disappointment, let me tell you though...if you want to go on a road trip, just to relax and clear your head...drive along the provincial highway here. The view is amazing. Seriously. Vast farm land, mountains in the horizon, clouds like you've never seen before -- take a long drive here. I guess this place's saving grace is the beauty of its land.

More Isabela Day 2012 pictures

Here are more pictures I took last Isabela Day while the floats were parked already in the Provincial Capitol Grounds :) I really love the details of most of the floats, and I can't imagine how long it took to make each one--how each bean was painstakingly glued onto the float, how carefully they had to attach the fruits, veggies, coconuts, and other float components.

Isabela Day 2012

I don't know how Isabela Day is usually celebrated, but for this year I was able to watch the float parade. This is such a delayed post, haha! Isabela Day happened on May 11th.

I woke up really early to be able to get a good spot where I could wait and watch. The parade started late, it ticked off a lot of people (me included, hehe). It was supposed to start at 7 a.m, I think, and it started at 10 -- 3 hours late!! And mind you, it was super hot that day so everyone basically fried under the morning sun for a few hours while waiting and watching.

Although it was a bit of a wait, I actually enjoyed the parade. Each municipality prepared one float, and the best one won. I actually don't agree with the decision for first place, as many people also did once the roster of winners were announced. I don't know how the judges came up with their decision, but I seriously think other floats were waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than the one who won first.

Anyway, I do hope you enjoy the pictures :)

bought local handicrafts first while waiting 

here come the floats!!