Every trip has a story waiting to unfold, and when Blogapalooza invited me to join BlogaSZNs 2026 in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, I thought I was simply heading off on another travel assignment. As someone who enjoys exploring destinations across the Philippines, I was excited to experience Narvacan, create content, and meet fellow creators.
What I did not expect was that this trip would shift how I see creator communities and help me understand something everyone kept calling BlogaMagic.
Arrival at Bloga Creator Hub in Megatower
Our journey began on the evening of June 25 at the Bloga Creator Hub in Megatower, where creators from different niches gathered before heading to Narvacan, Ilocos Sur for BlogaSZNs 2026. Many of us were meeting for the first time, so the evening naturally became a mix of introductions, conversations, and shared excitement among content creators.
Some participants had already joined previous BlogaSZNs events, while others were first timers like me. Despite different backgrounds, niches, and levels of experience in content creation, everyone made an effort to make each other feel welcome. That simple energy set the tone for the entire BlogaSZNs 2026 creator experience in Narvacan.
During orientation, Ms. Ace Gapuz, CEO of Blogapalooza, introduced a term that would stay with us throughout the journey: BlogaMagic. It was not presented as a slogan but as something returning BlogaSZNs creators already understood. When I asked what it meant, I received different answers. Some said it was friendship formed through creator events, others said opportunity, and some simply said I would understand it eventually.
I decided to experience it instead of trying to define it too early.
Travel From Manila to Narvacan, Ilocos Sur
We left Manila around eleven in the evening and traveled north toward Ilocos Sur. Even during the long ride, the energy inside the bus never faded. There was a quiet kind of excitement in the air, the feeling that something meaningful was about to begin, even if none of us could quite explain it yet.
Around three in the morning, we stopped at a rest area where creators were filming content, dancing, and vlogging as if it were daytime. It was the kind of moment that made you forget the time, because everyone was simply present, enjoying the experience as it unfolded.
That moment already felt like the beginning of something I could not yet explain, but somehow already knew I would remember.
We arrived in Narvacan just as the sun was rising. Breakfast was served at Santarini Resort, our home for the next three days. Before check in, many of us paused quietly to take in the coastal view, realizing we had arrived somewhere that felt completely different from the city, and from anything we had experienced before.
Santarini Resort in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur
Located along the coastline of Sulvec Beach in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, Santarini is a seven-hectare private resort owned by the Singson family. The first thing that caught my attention was its white and blue color palette, which immediately reminded me of the Greek islands. It honestly felt like stepping into a scene from Mamma Mia!, and for a moment, it did not even feel like we were still in the Philippines.
Walking into our villa, it was easy to see that the Greek inspiration continued throughout the interiors. Rounded archways, smooth white walls, and soft blue accents created a bright, calming atmosphere that felt both elegant and relaxed without being overwhelming.
One detail I particularly liked was that every villa had its own custom-made resin wood table. Although they all followed the same design concept, each piece had a unique natural pattern, making every villa feel distinct and personal.
One unexpected detail inside the villa was Alexa, which added a modern and slightly surprising touch to the experience. It quickly became one of the first things we tested after checking in.
Stepping outside revealed another pleasant surprise. Similar to other Singson-owned properties, parts of Santarini are home to free-roaming deer and several species of birds. Seeing the animals quietly wandering around the beautifully landscaped grounds added another layer of charm to the resort and made the property feel even more peaceful.
The same attention to detail continued inside the property’s main villa, where most of our meals and activities took place throughout the trip. The elegant dining area was surrounded by a mix of contemporary and classic artworks, while standout pieces such as a chrome tiger sculpture placed on top of a grand piano, a steampunk-inspired charging bull, and an industrial-style chess table immediately captured attention. Looking up, it was impossible to miss the hand-painted dome ceiling featuring Poseidon holding his trident, framed with blue decorative accents that perfectly tied the space together with its Greek-inspired theme.
According to the staff, Santarini is not open for regular public bookings and is primarily reserved for the Singson family and their guests. However, visitors may still be allowed to tour the property with prior permission from the Narvacan Tourism Office. The staff also shared that the resort once hosted the cast and crew of FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, who stayed and filmed in the area for several months.
Within the property is Paraiso ni Juan, a seaside grotto overlooking Sulvec Point that was featured in Fernando Poe Jr.’s classic film Ang Panday. According to staff, the grotto was named after Captain Juan de Salcedo, whose fleet was believed to have been shipwrecked along the coastline centuries ago.
Although Chavit Singson was not at the resort during our stay, we were warmly welcomed by his son, Charles Singson. I had the chance to speak with him several times throughout the trip and found him to be genuinely approachable and down-to-earth. He made everyone feel at home from the moment we arrived, and at one point even joked that we should extend our stay. Honestly, I do not think anyone would have objected.
As beautiful as Santarini was, it was only the beginning of our Narvacan experience. After settling in and enjoying lunch at the resort, it was finally time for the official Welcome Program, where we were divided into teams and officially began the adventure that would eventually help me understand what BlogaMagic really meant.
BlogaSZNs 2026 Luzon in Narvacan Officially Begins
After enjoying lunch at Santarini, it was finally time for the official BlogaSZNs 2026 orientation in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. This marked the beginning of the competition organized by Blogapalooza, where teams were officially announced. I found myself proudly joining Team Red, ready to experience the full BlogaSZNs creator journey.
Although many of us were first timers, it did not take long before everyone started interacting naturally. What stood out most during this BlogaSZNs 2026 experience in Narvacan was the absence of hierarchy. No matter the followers, reach, or how long you had been creating content, everyone was treated equally. There were no egos, no pressure, and no need to impress anyone. We were simply creators brought together in one space through Blogapalooza.
Our first stop after the orientation was the Narvacan Farmers’ Market in Ilocos Sur, where local entrepreneurs proudly showcased their products. It was a meaningful introduction to Narvacan beyond its coastline and a chance to experience local culture during the BlogaSZNs 2026 trip.
While exploring the market, staff from the Narvacan Tourism Office shared the story behind the town’s name. According to local history, Narvacan traces back to a Spanish-era shipwreck in 1574. When Spanish explorers asked the locals the name of the place, they were reportedly answered with “Nalbakan?”, which translates to “Have you been shipwrecked?” This story eventually became part of the historical identity of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.
As the sun began to set, we returned to Santarini for our BlogaSZNs 2026 Welcome Dinner in Narvacan. By this time, conversations already felt more natural compared to the first night. We were no longer just creators exchanging Instagram handles, but participants in a shared BlogaSZNs experience, slowly forming real connections.
The evening continued with Trivia Night, our first official team challenge in BlogaSZNs 2026. It was the perfect icebreaker that brought out the competitive side of every team while strengthening teamwork among creators. Every correct answer felt like a win for Team Red, while every mistake quickly became something we all laughed about together.
The night was made even better with CLVB Emperador de San Bruno mixed with Coke, adding to the relaxed atmosphere of the BlogaSZNs 2026 Narvacan experience. It paired perfectly with the conversations, teamwork, and shared moments among content creators from different niches.
As I walked back to my villa that night in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, I realized that less than twenty-four hours earlier, most of us had been complete strangers. Now, it already felt like we were traveling as one creator community. I still could not fully explain what BlogaMagic from BlogaSZNs 2026 meant, but I was beginning to understand why everyone said it was something you had to experience firsthand.
A Celebration of Pride and Ilocano Flavors
Our second day started with breakfast at Santarini before heading into town to join the Narvacan Pride Parade in Ilocos Sur. To be honest, it was my first time participating in a Pride event. I never really imagined myself joining one, but after experiencing it firsthand, I finally understood why so many people look forward to celebrations like this.
The streets were filled with colorful rainbow flags, music, dancing, and people simply enjoying the moment. What stood out to me most was how welcoming the atmosphere was. There was no pressure to be anyone other than yourself. It did not matter where you came from or who you were. Everyone was there to celebrate love, diversity, and acceptance, and seeing the entire community come together made the experience even more memorable.
From there, we made our way to Barangay Margaay in Narvacan for what would easily become one of the culinary highlights of the trip. We were invited to visit the home of Mr. Mauro Corrales, better known as the legendary Bagnet King of Ilocos Sur.
Visiting Mr. Corrales at his home made the experience even more meaningful. Everyone welcomed us warmly, and when I needed to use the restroom, Mrs. Corrales did not hesitate to invite me inside their home. It was such a simple gesture, but it perfectly reflected the genuine hospitality we experienced throughout our stay in Narvacan.
Then came the bagnet.
I have tried bagnet in different places, including Vigan, but what Mr. Corrales prepares is on another level, and it is easily the most delicious bagnet I have ever tasted. It is no surprise he has been featured by Erwan Heussaff’s FEATR, on major TV shows like GMA’s Pinas Sarap with Kara David, ABS-CBN’s Magandang Buhay, and popular food vlogs because his craft is truly unmatched.
According to Mr. Corrales, each slab of pork is first slow-cooked before being fried multiple times in a traditional kawa over wood fire. This meticulous process creates an incredibly crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and flavorful inside, making it easy to understand why so many people travel to Barangay Margaay just to experience his bagnet.
As much as I enjoyed everything we ate throughout the trip, I can honestly say this was my favorite food experience in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. In fact, I was still so full after our visit that when we returned to Santarini for lunch, I ended up skipping it altogether. Instead, I spent the free time walking around the resort, taking photos, and creating content while everyone else enjoyed lunch.
After spending some time around the resort, everyone gathered once again for what had already become one of the most anticipated activities of the entire BlogaSZNs 2026 experience.
It was finally time for Puksaan.
Puksaan: More Than Just a Game
Ever since we arrived in Narvacan, everyone kept talking about one thing: Puksaan. I had been hearing about it since the first day of the trip, and having joined different creator and brand trips over the years, I honestly thought I already knew what to expect. I’ve done Amazing Race-style challenges before, so I figured this would be something similar.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Puksaan wasn’t just about winning games or earning points. It was designed to test communication, trust, teamwork, and how well each team could work together under pressure. Looking back, I realized the games weren’t really about the competition at all. They were about bringing complete strangers together and turning them into a team.
Throughout the afternoon, we took on a series of challenges that included SZNs Cheer, CaterPilay, Sadako Race, Mag Unite, Ikutan Mo, T’as Ipasa Mo, Repeat, and Find My Bandana. Every game had its own twists, and every challenge required a different kind of teamwork. Some tested our strength, others our coordination, while a few pushed our communication skills to the limit.
The competition wasn’t limited to the games either. Each team also had a social media challenge where we earned points by creating content throughout the trip. Since Reels carried one of the highest point values, I suggested creating a shared Google Drive where everyone could upload their photos and videos for the entire team to use. It turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. Instead of scrambling to ask each other for clips, everyone had easy access to the content they needed, making it much faster to create and publish posts while ensuring no memorable moment went undocumented.
Everyone contributed in their own way. Our team leader, Yani, kept everyone organized and constantly reminded us to simply do our best and enjoy the games. Hannah, who is incredibly talented at painting, hand-painted the letters on our Havaianas canvas drawstring bags, which we proudly used as props during the SZNs Cheer. We also incorporated items from some of the event sponsors, including GoPro, CLVB Emperador de San Bruno, and Hygienix, into our performance. Lora and Bryan put together most of the choreography, while Geepee didn’t hesitate when it was time to be lifted during the routine. Our youngest teammate, Zee, who also happened to be one of the strongest, took on the toughest positions in several games, including leading CaterPilay, where strength made all the difference. Jaira, Rej, and Louie also played important roles by helping develop ideas for our cheer, planning props, and making sure every detail came together. Looking back, what made Team Red special wasn’t any one person’s contribution. Every member found a way to help, and it was that collective effort that eventually led us to the championship.
Of course, I also had my own memorable moments during the games. The two that challenged me the most were Mag Unite, Ikutan Mo, T’as Ipasa Mo, Repeat and Find My Bandana. I don’t think I’ve ever spun around that many times in my life, and by the end of Mag Unite, Ikutan Mo, T’as Ipasa Mo, Repeat, I was unbelievably dizzy. As for Find My Bandana, I was one of the blindfolded players who had to rely solely on animal sounds to find a teammate. It sounded easy in theory, but with dozens of people making noises at the same time, it quickly became complete chaos. At one point, I had wandered outside the game area before realizing I had gone the wrong way. Somehow, I still managed to find my teammate, and we finished in second place. Looking back now, it’s one of the funniest memories I have from the trip.
One moment that really stood out happened when our teammate Jaira started feeling dizzy during Mag Unite, Ikutan Mo, T’as Ipasa Mo, Repeat and had to be assisted by the event medic. Thankfully, she recovered quickly, but it reminded all of us that while we wanted to win, everyone’s safety came first. We immediately adjusted our strategy for the next challenge, Find My Bandana. I took over one of the blindfolded roles so she could rest, and the rest of the team worked together to make sure she was okay before thinking about the competition.
That moment reminded me of something fellow creator Joshua shared during our farewell night. At the start of Puksaan, everyone was naturally focused on earning points and winning for their respective teams. But once someone needed help, the competition immediately took a back seat. What mattered most was making sure everyone stayed safe, healthy, and got to enjoy the rest of the trip together. Winning was nice, but the friendships and memories we were creating meant so much more.
After the games, everyone finally had some well-deserved time to relax. While some headed to the main pool, I made my way to one of my favorite spots on the property the coral limestone masonry structure that forms a natural saltwater pool by the sea. Since the waves along this stretch of Sulvec Beach can be quite strong it was the perfect place to enjoy the seawater while staying protected from the crashing waves just beyond the rocks.
Dinner that evening was a boodle fight served at the resort’s helipad area, with the sea breeze making it one of the most memorable meals of the trip. When dinner ended, nobody was quite ready to call it a night. We all headed back to the resort’s main dining hall, where the evening continued with music, drinks, conversations, and plenty of laughter. The games were over, the pressure was gone, and everyone simply enjoyed being together. Looking around that night, it was hard to believe that just two days earlier, most of us had been complete strangers.
From Sulvec Shores to Vigan Nights
Our last stop in Narvacan was Wow Sulvec, where we got to experience another side of the town’s coastline. Unlike the stronger waves near Santarini, the beach here had fine brown sand and gentler waves, making it a completely different experience. Standing by the shore, I couldn’t help but think how perfect the conditions looked for surfing. If surfing ever becomes one of Wow Sulvec’s attractions, I honestly think it would draw even more visitors to Narvacan.
From there, we went to Vigan, where we spent the evening exploring Calle Crisologo before enjoying dinner at BarTech. Walking along the centuries-old cobblestone street lined with beautifully preserved Spanish colonial houses was the perfect way to end our Ilocos adventure. Even after seeing countless photos and videos over the years, experiencing it in person still felt special, especially as the old street lamps slowly illuminated the historic district.
While browsing one of the local shops along Calle Crisologo, I met a group of lovely locals who asked if they could take a photo with me because they thought I was a celebrity. We ended up chatting for a bit, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that they also follow Iconic MNL. Thank you so much for the warm welcome and for your support. It was such a pleasure meeting all of you, and moments like these remind me that the people you meet while traveling often become just as memorable as the places themselves.
So, What Is BlogaMagic?
Back at Santarini, it was finally time to pack our bags. We left the resort shortly after midnight for the long drive back to Manila, but saying goodbye turned out to be much harder than I expected. Everywhere I looked, people were hugging each other, exchanging promises to meet again, and trying to hold back tears. Just three days earlier, most of us had been complete strangers. Now, nobody seemed ready to leave.
During her closing remarks, Ms. Ace Gapuz reflected on one of the things every creator looks forward to in every edition of BlogaSZNs: BlogaMagic. As she said, “The BlogaMagic is different for everybody.” She explained that some people may discover new opportunities, some build lifelong friendships, while others may even find someone special. She also reminded us to carry that BlogaMagic with us wherever we go, and to share it with others so they can feel it too.
When I first arrived at the Bloga Creator Hub on the evening of June 25, I kept hearing people mention BlogaMagic. I asked a few creators what it meant, but everyone seemed to have a different answer. By the end of the trip, I finally understood why.
After spending three days and three nights with everyone, I think I finally found my own answer.
For me, BlogaMagic is the unique bond you build with the people around you.
As content creators, we meet fellow creators all the time, whether it’s at product launches, media events, brand trips, or content shoots. But the connections we make are often limited to those occasions. BlogaSZNs felt different.
I remember Ms. Ace mentioning that they carefully curate not only the games and activities but also the creators they invite. Looking back, I completely understood what she meant. Everyone came from different niches, personalities, backgrounds, and age groups. On paper, we probably shouldn’t have clicked as naturally as we did. Yet somehow, everything blended together perfectly. Instead of feeling like a random group of creators, we became one group built on genuine friendship, mutual respect, and shared experiences.
As of writing this article, it’s been over a week since we first met and several days since we returned home. Yet our conversations haven’t stopped. Our batch group chat is still active, we’re constantly exchanging messages, sharing updates, reacting to each other’s content, and even making plans to meet again. I recently attended a tech event where I bumped into my roommate, Miggy, and it honestly didn’t feel like we had only known each other for a few days.
Maybe that’s what BlogaMagic really is.
It’s not something that ends when the trip is over.
It’s the friendships that continue to grow long after everyone has gone home.
For me, that’s BlogaMagic.
And that’s a kind of magic I’ll gladly carry wherever I go.
