Our first stop after a very filling breakfast at Vigan Plaza Hotel was Chavit Singson’s Baluarte. Chavit has long been known to have extraordinary “pets”. Aside from being into politics and his former affiliation with Ex-Pres. Erap Estrada, he also became famous because of his pet tigers.
Baluarte Zoo does not have entrance fees, but donations are very much welcomed. After signing our names in the registration area, we immediately saw a lot of colorful birds which seem to welcome the zoo’s guests.
We were encouraged by the zookeepers to have close encounters with the birds. One by one, Joie, Jeff and Boyet smiled for the camera with the bird on their right shoulder.
Boyet
Jeff
I’m not really fond of animals. (Dear PETA, please don't sue me!) I love going to zoos to “see” them, but not to get close to them. But since everybody did it, I didn’t want to be a killjoy so I took up the challenge. Ang OA ko, it’s just a bird!
Je: O, umayos ka! (Parang si @TheMayorLIM lang ang peg ko!)
Bird: HMPPP! TSE!
Je: Bye, Birdie!
Bird: HMPPP! TSE!
After the close encounter with the birds, a bigger bird greeted us!
Most animals freely roam around the zoo. And yes, that includes the dinosaurs! Mwahahaha!
With Hubby
Jeff and Joie
When we saw this animal, my husband started to sing, “AKO SI BLINK! SA BAWAS ORAS NARIYAN!” If you’re a 90’s kid, then I bet you can relate to us. But I’m not even sure if my husband connected BLINK to the correct animal. :p
Another proof that animals can freely roam around
When we went to the reptiles area of the zoo, another zookeeper who was carrying a big snake told me that I could take a picture with it. I just smiled. Sa isip isip ko, KUYA IBON NGA, NAG FREAK OUT AKO! AHAS PA KAYA?!
Funny anecdote when we entered the reptiles area:
Jeff: Wow! May TURL!
Je: HUH????!!! *thinking what on Earth is a TURL*
Joie: TURTLE, Je! TURTLE!!!
I saw a camel from afar, but we didn’t dare to come near as our skin was getting toasted by the scorching heat of the sun. We should have followed Kuya Lenzer’s advice to be ready by 7 AM.
I’ve been to different provinces in the Philippines, and every place has a zoo to boast for. Baluarte is definitely a must-see place in Ilocos. On our way out, a zookeeper invited the guests for a “meet and greet” with some of the animals at 12:00 PM. Unfortunately, we were in a hurry so we weren’t able to experience it.
If you're planning on an Ilocos trip, bring your kids with you as I’m sure they’ll enjoy Baluarte. :)
natawa ako sa TURL!!! ahahaha,, ang sosyal kasi magsalita e.. hahahaha
ReplyDeleteI also didn't have a photo with the parrot on my shoulder when we went there, si Mark kasi tinuka kaya natakot na ako hahaha! :p
ReplyDeleteRevisiting Ciudad Fernandina: Baluarte