Pannzian Beach: The Ultimate Pagudpud Paradise
A week after my birthday, I lost one of the most important and influential people in my life… my grandma. I really owe a lot to my grannies as they were the ones who took care of me during my childhood, sent me to school, enrolled me to all sorts of creative classes etc. They were always there for me and it hurts because I wasn’t able to say farewell or even get to at least hug her for the last time….
People know me for having a very cheerful and positive disposition… but this time, like any other human being, my heart was crushed. For weeks I found myself restless, lost and empty. It was then when I decided it was time for another healing long trip far far away from all the pain I was feeling and to have the chance to breathe and listen to what nature has to say to me.
I was fortunate to be safe at the comfort of my ever reliable partner Frank who made an effort to be with me during that time. His mere presence was enough to make me feel alright. We’re not really a fan of dramas, but in times when one is lost, it’s automatic for us to lead the other back in alignment.
Anyway, for this trip, I honestly thought that it was just another beach trip…. I didn’t even know how far it was. All I knew was that it was somewhere in Ilocos and we had to travel for 10 hours. I never heard of Pannzian Beach before until a good friend of mine recommended the place. It was only during halfway our 10hr ride, when we checked google maps regarding our location… and to our surprise:
I was like, “ WTF!! Dulo na to ng Pilipinas ah!” Uh oh! Lols we were thrilled nonetheless!
We arrived in Pagudpud around 6am, exactly 10 hours from our departure in Manila.
When we sat foot at Pannzian Beach, we were warmly welcomed by their staff and was assisted by one of their resident dogs named Sibol. I think they have around 4-5 super friendly dogs at Pannzian Beach who will serve as friendly guides during your stay.
We loved the world class warm hospitality! The people there are effortlessly friendly!
the reception
We were immediately served with a warm hefty breakfast composed of a combo of tender beef tapa and Laoag longanisa that was presented in such a lovely way…. They sure know how to make a good first impression and you’ll surely forget about that 10hr travel once you see this….
breakfast is served!
tapa and longanisa combo
After that filling meal, we then decided to settle in our room and rest. We were surprised that they gave us one of their family rooms with 4 beds and 2 toilets! Yey!
Frank feeling so at home hehehe
our big family room fit for 6… that’s Frank’s bed
…while this one’s mine!
Because it was super cool and cozy inside our room, we both overslept and woke up around 2pm!!! We didn’t notice that the staff kept knocking at our door to remind us to have lunch! Lols
When we woke up, we decided to check out the beach and catch the sunset…
Matipuno, our beach companion!
You see, I’ve read and heard quite a lot of touching stories about Pannzian Beach. Legends about love and healing…. When I sat at its shore for the 1st time, it was then when I fully felt and understood all the tales I read before.
It was at this very spot where I found the peace I was yearning for… Thank heavens for this place!
So this is how it is to be at the northern most tip of the Philippines
How to get there:
To get to Pannzian Beach, it’s best to ride the Florida Bus bound to Junction Luna/Claveria in their terminal located in Espana Manila (near UST). We recommend you take the 8pm trip so you will arrive after 10 hrs (that’s the fastest). The fare is around P750 per head. This bus will drop you off exactly at Pannzian Beach, just don’t forget to tell the driver and conductor.
Rooms:
Pannzian Beach has more or less 10 cottages ideal for people from all walks of life. Very much like your home beside the sea, surrounded by lush greens and tall standing trees. Rates are very affordable as well. =)
Cottage A: Ideal for couples and families
What to do:
DIGITAL DETOX:
Have you ever heard of the term “DIGITAL DETOX?” This is one of the best places to truly disconnect from all worldly woes. There is no signal here (just 1-2 bars of SMART and SUN if you’re lucky). And because there is no signal, you have then no choice but to FINALLY TALK WITH EACH OTHER! Hoooooray!!! Hehehehe One of the guests told us that the main reason why they decided to stay in Pannzian Beach was because of the lack of signal. Due to this, their kids were able to finally go out and play instead of being hooked on mobile games. Family bonding at its finest!
blessed to meet this lovely family and of course the owner Ken (guy wearing glasses)
BEACH BUMMING:
The beach at Pannzian is indeed one of the vastest and most peaceful I’ve seen. It’s here where you get to feel as if the whole beach is yours. You may bum here the entire day to swim, play or read a book whatever….
We sat at the only spot with internet signal!
Life here is very simple and laid back. One thing I noticed is that every living soul here seems to be always happy and playing like this group of goats enjoying their morning stroll. Good Vibes Galore!
Catch the waves!! yahoooooooo!!
MEET THE RESIDENT DOGS:
Meeting new people is always a blessing. Befriending animals- now that’s a different story! It’s here at Pannzian Beach where you can meet such loyal loving dogs who will always be more than willing to guide and tour you around. We met around 4 dogs namely Sibol, his wife Maganda then their son Matipuno. I also remember meeting their Labrador named Lance. They are very friendly, tamed and all are vaccinated (no need to be scared). Never miss the chance to meet them!
Matipuno was the most friendly to us! I super miss him!
He served as our guide. He loves the beach! #certifiedbeachbum
SIESTAS by the HAMMOCK AREA
Every Pannzian Beach trip won’t be complete without having a siesta in their Hammok area. It’s impossible for you not to fall asleep here.
“Kulitan” and Chillaxation 101 with Frank
CAMPFIRE at NIGHT
They also have an exclusive bonfire area where you can chill and roast marshmallows at night.
TOUR AROUND PAGUDPUD
It was during this trip where I truly fell in-love and developed a great respect for Ilocos Norte and its people. I never thought they had such larger than life sceneries!
Here are the places which we got to visit:
White rock formations at Kapurpurawan: I felt I was not in the Philippines! Breathtaking! Mindblowing!
Frank on tourist mode
Frank and Ken!
Bangui Windmills. A popular selfie and jump shot destination. Always a must in your itinerary.
SAUD White Beach: The famous white beach of Pagudpud with a wide stretch of resorts and bars. Ideal for party peeps! hihihii
Kabigan Falls: You have to take a 20-30 min hike (depends on your pace) to get here but I promise that it’s all worth it! It looked so majestic! I will never forget that experience! One of our best dips!
larger than life… I super love this place!
Enjoy Cocktails and surfing at Kapuluan Resort: Ken brought us here to relax and have cocktails while greeting the sunset. Ken wasn’t able to resist the waves so Frank and I relaxed as he went surfing.
Buy 1 take 1 cocktails!
Surfer Ken
shhhhhh… our furry friend in deep slumber
the most relaxed dog in the world!
After that long day of touring places, it was great to come home to Pannzian Beach. I guess it’s because Frank and I prefer places where we can have “our own world” that’s why we find Pannzian Beach so irresistible. I guess it really depends on people’s preference.
Still the best place to be!
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