2 weeks ago I went to Laoag for work. We had to meet with the North Luzon Sales people. But I won't talk about work. I just wanted to tell you about my experience in Laoag. To be quite honest with you, I had my apprehensions in going to the Ilocos area because of the "political territories". I wasn't really sure if the people there hated or resented my family. I thought of removing my glasses just so I wouldn't be recognized as an Aquino.
But it was totally different!!! Let me tell you why.
After my presentation, I really wanted to try the emapanada of Laoag. I was told that I really have to try it. So in front of our hotel, there was an empanada stand. :)
So in front of the Renzo hotel is Joker's Empanada :) No, there wasn't any picture of Batman's archnemesis. OK, back to the empanada. This is not your typical chicken or pork empanada you can get from a bakeshop. This is THE empanada that's being sold in the street. Freshly cooked! Sorry... FRIED!!! :) The empanada is served from 5pm-1am only. It's tradition.
As we ordered, the vendor asked special or regular. So I was curious on what the special was. The regular empanada has beans and cabbage while the special one contains additional longganisa and egg!!! So I definitely had to go with the special one man!!! Can't pass on that!!! So the vendor got made the wrapper. Do you know the orange batter used for Kwek-Kweks? I think it's made of that :) Haha. Sorry hindi ko alam.
You have to wait a bit before eating because it's extremely hot. Dapat may warning na "CAUTION: The Empanada you are about to devour and enjoy is EXTREMELY HOT!!!"
Sauces are usually banana ketchup or the special suka... Guess what I got. Special Suka of course!!! My gosh sobrang sarap nung empanada!!! Winner winner chicken dinner!!! (Sorry, I watched 21 on HBO yesterday)
So the empanada stand had a table on the side so you could eat there. It was funny because the vendors were watching SNN. One of them looked at me then at Tita Kris and then me again... So she recognized me and I said to myself "Oh crap, here we go..." But she smiled!!! So I smiled back. She said "Tita mo oh!". I said oo nga po, hehe.
We then talked about the empanada. I said that it was really good. They said that it's better if it's eaten late at night when it's cool. I agreed. It was better at night. They said that they were only open from 5pm-1am.
So if you ever go to Laoag, check out Joker's Empanada. It's located across the Renzo hotel :)
I stayed there for less than 24 hours. The next day as I checked out from the hotel, the front desk people asked for a picture. I was shocked! They recognized me and said they were going to vote for Tito Noy! How cool was that??? :) In general, people were real friendly in Laoag. Plus the place was clean!!! Wala akong masabi. Maganda sa Laoag!
Plus I had to buy Chichacorn before leaving!!! That snack is just made of awesome!!! Love it!!!
My trip was short... I wanted to stay longer and see the place some more...
Til the next time Laoag!!!