After the long drive from Malolos all the way to Apao Rolling Hills in the town of Tineg, followed by another drive from Tineg to Tayum, it was finally time to proceed to our accommodation in the capital town of Bangued. We all need to catch-up some rest and freshen-up a bit before heading back to the road to explore the town center in the afternoon.

So where exactly did we stay?

Whenever Ran and I would travel as a duo, we would settle for virtually just any accommodation that is good for two. Amenities are not much of a requirement. Most of the time, we just spend time in the accommodation to freshen-up and sleep anyway, as there is more to explore outside. Our trip to Abra though proved different. Apart from the fact that we planned the trip almost a year before it actually happened, we travelled with family. That would mean added need for sleeping quarters and added space for idling.

As if providential, I happened to stumble upon a cozy accommodation when I was browsing Airbnb. Anton & Isabel Homestay, being managed by the Viado sisters Mishel and Lucy, was the perfect home during our stay in Abra. It was more than cozy. The warm vibe of the ancestral home of the Viados complement the overall Abra experience, as if it should be a part of the official itinerary when one intends to tour around the Cordilleran province.

We arrived a little past noon, and Lucy was very accommodating in showing us around the house. There were two rooms on the ground floor which we occupied, and there are three upstairs though we only required one.

During our stay in Bangued, staying in the Viado House was like staying at one’s own home. The house itself seems to be speaking of its own history, giving off a rustic charm that a history freak like me would definitely love.

Normally, the homestay would rent out individual rooms within the house; but since there was no other guest during our trip to Abra and that we occupied three rooms on both floors, it was as if we rented the entire house. The recreational area, the bar, the dinning area and the kitchen, all to ourselves. Add to that the fact that Lucy was too kind of a hostess, ensuring that all of our needs are attended to, and you have the perfect recipe for a very warm Abreño hospitality. Mishel, though not in the property during our visit, was equally helpful, keeping in-touch all of the time just to ensure that all our needs are attended to.

As for the rooms, the maximum allowable occupants per room is two persons, which makes sense as you cannot overstate the necessity of comfort for your guests. The cozy part of the accommodation posting is true to be at its finest in this homestay.

As soon as we unloaded our things and settled some payables with Lucy, we took our much-coveted rest. We’ve been on the road since 11:00 PM of the previous night, and it really felt good when we were finally able to stretch our backs.

Anyone who plans to visit Abra may check the links provided in this article or check our Renegade Directory to get in-touch with either Mishel or Lucy. The property is located at 10 Lopez Jaena St., Bangued, Abra. It’s not hard to find as the street is right in front the University of Abra main gate.