My mind was reeling from exhaustion. Behind my eyelids I can still see the bright and white sky background of the Paoay Church. It was mid-afternoon and the brunch I had at the Hidden Garden seemed oh, so distant; I can no longer remember the supernal taste of okoy in my mouth.
And then the van stopped; it parked and we went out. This graceful vintage diner-like restaurant stood out in the center of Laoag City. An unlit neon-sign at the front of the edifice says "La Preciosa." Inside were fancy wrought-iron chairs, simple and clean linens, and vintage furniture and frames of Ilocos tourist spots. The room was devoid of other patrons. It looked intimiditangly expensive. After all, the website says "La Preciosa: Fine Dining and Catering Services."
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| La Preciosa, Laoag City |
