Where to find a vast plantation of Dragon Fruits?

Ever since my Dad planted a Dragon Fruit in our backyard, I never knew how delicious it was. The first time I saw it, it felt so weird because of the fire like shape of the fruit. I can compare it's taste to a strawberry but more sweeter. It also has small little seeds that contains fatty acid. I did some research regarding the health benefits of dragon fruit. I was surprised when I read them because there were a lot. Allow me to share to you what I got from www.medicalhealthguide.com

at REFMAD

Dragon Fruits Plantation

Dragon Fruit Health Benefits

• Dragon fruit boosts immune system. Dragon fruit is rich in vitamin C and fibers that help provide an overall healthy body.
• Dragon fruit helps in digestion. Because of the richness in fibers, Dragon fruit aids in the digestion of food, Studies also suggest that Dragon fruit promotes the growth of probiotics.
• Dragon fruit help to lower blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes. Studies also suggest that the the glucose found in Dragon fruit aids in controlling the blood sugar level for diabetes patients.
• Dragon fruit prevent formation of cancer causing free radicals. Dragon fruit is rich in minerals and fibers that aids in digestion, cleans toxic ingredients thus preventing the occurrence of colon cancer.
• Dragon fruit as anti-oxidant. The presence of high level of vitamin C, minerals and pytoalbumin is regarded as relevant in fighting free radicals and possess anti-oxidant properties.
• Dragon fruit helps to control cholesterol level. Dragon fruit is also rich in flavonoids that are known to have favorable effects against cardio related disease.

Folkloric Health Benefits From Dragon Fruit.

• Dragon fruit promotes healing of wounds and cuts.
• Dragon fruit improves appetite.
• Dragon fruit improves eye sight
• Dragon fruit can aid in weight reduction
• Dragon fruit improves memory.

When I traveled Ilocos Region, I made sure that I will drop by in one of the biggest plantation of Dragon Fruits. In Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Refmad Farms is highly recommended. It is owned by Edita Aguinaldo-Dacuycuy a graduate of Psychology at University of the Philippines Diliman. When I entered the farm I never expected that they also have swimming pool and cottages. A serene place to stay with family and friends. But I was astounded when I saw hundreds of dragon fruits lining up. Some of the plants were use in the researches of the students in Ilocos. They are also engage in helping livelihood to others by educating them how to grow dragon fruits. 

They produce different products of dragon fruits and a must try such as ice cream, cookies, wines, jam and vinegar. You can also take home a dragon fruit cuttings if you wanted to have them in your backyard. 

dragon fruit wine

dragon fruit vinegar

dragon fruit jam

delicacies made from dragon fruit

The dragon fruit maybe new to you but once you try it, you'll probably love it! 

Trip to Ilocos- Sta. Monica Church in Sarrat

Not far from the city of Laoag is an eloquent Sta. Monica Church in Sarrat, the birthplace of the late President Ferdinand Marcos. This church was built in 1779 and said to have the most impressive wood trusses in the Philippines. And it is still 75% original Molave wood since it was built.

facade of St. Monica church (Sarrat, Ilocos Norte)

spanish signage

tablet

The extravagant wedding of Gregorio Araneta and Irene Marcos, the daughter of Pres. Marcos was held in this church last June 1983. It is said that the cost of the wedding was almost 40,000,000php. The side of the roads leading to the church was covered with bricks then for the visitors not to see the houses going to the church. And a lot of Bougainvillea were planted which until now some of them are still there. Even some of the people from Sarrat were sent to Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to get them dressed for the occasion. The visitors were all VIPs coming from other parts of the world. But then 2 months after, a 7 magnitude earthquake happened and the Marcoses took it as a bad omen for the family.

brick staircase connect church and convent

made with a bricks (tisa)

Located at the side of the church is the Museo Diocesano, Casa Del Palacio Real and the whisper wall which if you whisper from the wall, you can be heard to the other side. There is also a dungeon but then it was not open to public because it signifies bad tourism. 

 bell tower (campanario)

Rich history of this church and happenings are yet to be discovered by and by as you visit it. The bricks were stunning that until now they are still sturdy.

Trip to Ilocos- Rio Grande De Laoag Resort Hotel

  Every traveler must have is a place to stay. Some would say that they just needed a room to sleep or a place to keep their luggage safe. But will you say "NO" to a hotel that they can provide you everything you need? I personally wants to make sure that the place where I am going to stay is a complete package. A 12 hours bus trip is so exhausting that as soon as you arrive at your destination, all you wanted to do is to jump in the bed and have a good night rest. Ilocos Norte is the target place. Known for it's rich culture and history, adventure also awaits us while we discover the beauty of the place. Located at Laoag City, Rio Grande de laoag Resort Hotel took care of us. 

Rio  Grande Resort Hotel is a 1.6 hectares land area  located at Brgy. Suyo, Laoag City Ilocos Norte. It is owned and managed by Dr. Gloria A. Caluya, Ph. D. We arrived late at night at Rio Grande but then the beauty already radiates in each of us. The facade, the furniture, lighting, garden, the pool, everything seems so pleasing in our eyes. A free massage ended our tiring trip. 

facade of the place

I always do my usual photo walk before the sun rises. The swimming pool makes me wanna jump in though it was a cold morning. I went through the dinning area which I presume we will take our breakfast. I was awed when I realized I was standing in front of a lovely Padsan River. According to the owner, Rio Grande is the only resort located near the river. I felt so blessed then. Having a breakfast overlooking the river is already close to heaven. The courteous servers never forget to tell you that every morning is good. With the food so great, I can assure that my remaining stay will be awesome!

Our 3 days stay in Rio Grande Resort Hotel comes with a complete tour package. We toured Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur with the friendly driver Kuya Bong and Ate Janice a very well-versed tour guide. She made me enter not only to their rich place but also enter in the lives of the Ilocanos. Hearing the story of how Ilocanos conquered every challenges their place went through was inspiring. The tour was organized and all we did was to open our eyes, hear with our ears and feel the beauty within our hearts. 

With Ate Janice a very well-versed tour guide

Provincial Engineers Office of Iloilo with the owner Dr. Gloria A. Caluya, Ph.D

My entire trip in Ilocos was worth because of Rio Grande Resort Hotel. The place is a home for me when I was there. A home where you can be with yourself and be with your thoughts after a whole day of discovery and adventure. It's not only a must stay when you go to Ilocos Norte but consider it your HOME and you'll keep coming back. 

for more info: 

Visit their website www.riograndedelaoagresorthotel.com or email them at riogrande_laoag@yahoo.com for further details.