[[ March 10 Philippines - Laoag City

On thus the second day, it was a full day tour to a variety of outlying areas. A full day of interesting places, some of which I would nit normally associate with the Philippines.

Bacarra Tower, damaged during a earthquake in 1983. Originally built in 1592. It originally had a round top. Many of the bricks and elements are loose and there are signs warning of falling debris. Home to a host of sparrows and crested myna birds, it still exists, attracting tourists.

Next stop Cape Bojeador lighthouse. This 1887 creation still functions as both a tourist attraction and functioning lighthouse. 

Some of the trees around the lighthouse ... Blooming.

Next stop was Burgos and it's spectacular weathered sandstone coast and windmills.

Statue of the epic Lam Ang tale ...

Some of the unique coastal wildflowers 

A bevy of beauties falling in line

Souvenir windmills

Coastal highway

Blue Lagoon Beach was the next stop

I should mention we had a great fresh shrimp lunch, enough for the 3 of us for 362 pesos ($C10.33) including beverages and rice.

Next place, a Dragon Fruit Plantation. This exotic fruit is harvested April until November. It sells for up to 250 pesos ($C7.13) per kilo. They sell about 2,500 kilos for the first harvest. Known for its sweet taste; used in vinegar, wine, soap, cookies, ice cream and of course fresh eating. Dragon Fruit also has many health benefits.

Dragon fruits have a surprising number of phytonutrients. Rich in antioxidants, they contain vitamin C (equivalent to 10 percent of the daily value), polyunsaturated (good) fatty acids, and several B vitamins for carbohydrate metabolism, as well as carotene and protein. Calcium is present for strong bones and teeth, iron and phosphorus for healthy blood and tissue formation. The benefits are realized in a number of ways, from a strengthened immune system and faster healing of bruises and wounds to fewer respiratory problems.

As you can see, the plants resemble cactus. They grow long and need to be supported by a stump made of wood or concrete and a hoop made of motorbike tires.

The last stop was for some Singkamas or Jicama (Mexican Yam Bean). A slightly different variety than we might be used to in Canada, this tasted more like a cross between potato and apple as it was slightly sweet. Considered very good for health reasons (no calories either).

A lovely 91 year old lady who assisted in the selling and extolled its virtues.