Fort Ilocandia, Ilocos

Flanked by Vigan and Laoag, two of Northern Luzon's anchor tourist spots that have put Ilocos on the map as a World Heritage Site, Fort Ilocandia is hardly an untapped paradise awaiting in discovery. But the testosterone-packed male is yet to be convinced that there is action to be had in a land with no sports bar in sight.

WHAT TO DO

Hit the beach: The 77-hectare property lies amidst cascading dunes that give way to mine kilometers of fine sand beach . More private and secluded than most commercial resorts, the beach offers a great place to take in a tan or a simply enjoy a cold mug of beer while watching the sunset.

Or hit the green

As aforementioned: 77 hectares.What other logical to emply all that space than put up an 18-hole golf course? Priding itself as one of the best courses in the Asia Pacific, Fort Ilocandaia's green to be exclusive to the late and decadent President Marcos.

City tours on foot:

A short drive from Fort Ilocandia takes you to Vigan, where a strolldown the famous Mena Crisologo St. presents you with rows of ancestral cobblestone houses that have been turned into thrift shops, bed and breakfast inns,and quaint museums. Touring via calesa is an appealing option come midday. Vigan's architectural wonders are te rich 18th century monuments and churches, the greatest testament to which is the Neo-Gothic and Romanesque inspired St. Paul's Cathedral built by friars. Vigan is also a good place to shops for antiques and crafts--doors and door frames which have been restored from their original homes, loveseats flanked with authentic calesa wheels at the arm rests,tiles, pottery and handloom woven fabrics. You can't leave withpout sampling Vigan's famous empanada, of course. Then there is Laoag, the crown city of Ilocos's northern half. Though bustling with small-scale industries and trade, Laoag has managed to keep life charmingly rustic. Also another haven teeming with untouched, Spanish-era architecture, one of its points of interest is St. William's Cathedral, a church carrying Itallian Renaissance design, also built by friars. Seem from the church is the Sinking Bell Tower, as it stands with a northward incline.

Love the Nightlife, Love to Boogie:

After you've gone back to Fort Ilocandia, if you still have energy to spare, try your gambling hands at the hotel's casino Filipino or relive your do-si-do lessons at Monte Carlo Club. The less adrenaline-pumped may opt for a session at the karaoke bar.

IF YOU WANT IT EXTRA HOT

Fort Ilocandia's sprawling grounds and colonial architecture should serve as a potent venue for fantasies involving clandestine tryts. The entire Ilocos landscape itself is built with the romantic in mind--secluded beaches sorounded with rocky cliffs (that have been the location of many a Fernando Poe, Jr. blockbuster)- so make the most out of it. Get into the action and show the new wife just who the king is.