Every now and then, life surprises you with experiences that leave you feeling grateful and inspired.
That’s exactly how I felt after a three-day getaway in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, courtesy of the ever-gracious Rhea Anicoche-Tan, CEO of Beautéderm.
The moment I got the invitation, I knew this trip was going to be something special. I last visited Vigan in 2018 with my mom and LionhearTV team for the Kannawidan Festival. This time, though, it was a chance to explore more of this heritage city—now with media friends who share the same love for adventure (and chismis, of course!).
Pacita Mansion
Our home for the trip was Pacita Mansion, a breathtaking Spanish-American modern estate built by Rhea as a tribute to her beloved mama, Pacita. Let me just say, it wasn’t just a mansion—it felt like we were staying in a high-end K-drama setting! From the elegant interiors to the expansive pool area, it was like stepping into a dream.
Rhea and her sister Bambie personally welcomed us with their signature warmth. We were treated to a spread of local delicacies like bolero bread, miki noodle soup, and black kutsinta with caramel dip—prepared with so much love by none other than Mama Pacita herself. And this was just the beginning of our foodie adventure.
@mangyanblogger Welcome to Pacita Mansion of @beautedermcorporation CEO @therealmissrei ❤️
Exploring Vigan’s rich heritage
On our first night, we strolled through the cobbled streets of Calle Crisologo. The ancestral houses, now converted into shops and restaurants, glowed beautifully under the night lights. It was a surreal experience walking arm-in-arm with friends, eating dirty ice cream, and feeling completely safe—something Rhea assured us was one of Vigan’s charms.
We capped the night with a dinner at BarTech, complete with a mini concert by Kakai Bautista and JhaiHo. The way they made us laugh and sing along was pure joy. Even Ilocos Sur Governor Jerry Singson and Vigan Mayor Bonito Singson dropped by to join the fun.
Adventures Beyond the Heritage City
Day two was all about exploration. We woke up at dawn to visit Paoay in Ilocos Norte, where we marveled at the stunning San Agustin Paoay Church and rode ATVs across the sand dunes. Imagine feeling like Mad Max under the Ilocos sun—except, of course, we were all protected by Beautéderm’s Zero Filter sunscreen (because, duh, no one wants uneven tan lines!).
@mangyanblogger Best decision I’ve made today! This is not part of our itinerary but the best suggestion from Ma’am @therealmissrei ‘s mother ❤️ Yey! #PaoayChurch #PaoayIlocosNorte #IlocosNorte
For lunch, we headed to Pinakbet Farm in Caoayan, where we ate with our hands, enjoying seaweed salad, pinakbet, and lemongrass tea. The staff even entertained us with songs and dances. The whole experience felt like a giant family reunion.
Later, we visited a weaving center to see how abel, the iconic Ilocano textile, is made. Rhea surprised us by handing out shopping money for pasalubong—just one of the many thoughtful gestures that made this trip so memorable.
Bonding over food and friendship
Back at Pacita Mansion, we gathered for a poolside dinner and more bonding time. The Singson family’s generosity was again on display when Mayor Bonito invited us for meriendas like empanaditas and royal bibingka at Casa Vicente. You could feel the warmth and hospitality radiating from every corner of Vigan.
We ended the night with a party at the BarTech restobar, where Kakai belted out Roselle Nava songs and JhaiHo cracked jokes that had us rolling with laughter. It’s these little moments of joy that made the trip extra special.
A Heartfelt Goodbye. Our last morning in Vigan was bittersweet. After a quick shopping trip for ref magnets and hats (you know, the usual pasalubong essentials), we gathered for a final meal with Rhea, Mama Pacita, and the rest of the Beautéderm family.
They saw us off with a van full of pasalubong—bagnet, longganisa, Beautéderm products, and more. I couldn’t help but reflect on how blessed we were to have experienced this level of generosity and kindness.
As we drove back to Manila, I felt a renewed sense of gratitude—not just for the fun and laughter but for the friendships we deepened and the lessons we learned. Rhea’s success story is proof that hard work, humility, and kindness can take you far in life.
Whenever life feels heavy again (hello, EDSA traffic!), I’ll look back on this trip and smile. Because sometimes, all you need is a few days with wonderful people to remind you that the world is still a beautiful place.
Thank you, Rhea, Mama Pacita, Bambie, and the entire Beautéderm family. This was more than just a trip—it was a celebration of life, love, and friendship. Until next time, Vigan!
