PHILIPPINES, ILOCOS – The Northern part of the Philippines won’t take a second rate standing amidst the wondrous and numerous top praised tourist spots. Doesn’t deserve to be taken for granted, you may have been missing half of your life and could be a regretful opportunity in the future. Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur showcase a remarkable history and fabulous charm you have never seen before. The long drive from Metro Manila (about 10 – 12 hours) is exceptionally rewarding. Brace yourselves with the unnoticeable passing time on an entertaining road trip as you take a glance of the primary cities you’ll be trailing on. Many explorers don’t even know that there are a lot to see in these places and each move is a certified compensation.
The hometown of the legendary former president of the Philippines, Ferdinand E. Marcos, the longest reign ever in the Philippine history of twenty (20) years, the Ilocos Norte province. Witness the lavish palace of the Marcoses sheltered in the heart of an awesome lake view, a garden of lush greenery fields, flowers and plants embracing the surroundings, and an orchard of a huge front yard and backyard.
Before we start the journey, it is strongly suggested to get a reliable tour operator to organize your trip as this will surely be a long and winding voyage.
LAOAG
Reserve some excitement as we head on to our first journey, The Paoay Church in Laoag City, originally called as the Saint Augustine Church, founded by the Augustinian friars in 1710.
The Roman Catholic Church is surrounded by a pile of propped-up bricks built against the wall, best for a captivating ponder of an old unforgettable century.
Paoay Church
- Address: Marcos Avenue, Paoay, Ilocos Norte
- Opening hours: 6:00am – 9:00pm
- Entrance fee: FREE
As an old belief, anybody who enters this church for the very first (1st) time, should make three (3) wishes. And those will be certainly granted in the nearest due time.
Other heritage churches to visit in Laoag are the St. William’s Cathedral and the Sinking Bell Tower.
St. William’s Cathedral was originally made of wood and reed of straws and palms. It was rebuilt in 1612, but was destroyed by fire in 1843 but then again restored in 1880. The Aglipays, (a kind of an independent religion) used to claim ownership of the church but the Roman Catholics won, and at current, serves as the central church in Laoag City.
- Address: Barangay 14, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
- Opening hours: 6:00am – 9:00pm
- Entrance fee: FREE
Only the top of the tower survived and remained to be seen. It was originally St.William’s Cathedral tower, although 85 meters away from the church, it continues to sink on a sandy foundation built back in the Spanish colony. Despite of its sinking features, it continues to fulfill the duties of ringing the bell to call patronizers and worshipers of the cathedral.
The Sinking Bell Tower
- Address: Barangay 14, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
- Opening hours: 6:00am – 9:00pm
- Entrance fee: FREE
Still in Laoag City, disclose your eagerness in the adventures of the Paoay Sand Dunes. Take the ATV ride to explore more in the wonders of this spacious desert. See the life size replicas of various characters in Philippine movies as you drive into the greater highlights. Best time to start the exploration is at around 4:00pm, to lessen the heat of the burning sun. A strong sunscreen is recommended to protect yourselves from skin damages.
Paoay Sand Dunes
- Address: Barrio Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- ATV Ride Rental: Php 2,500 good for 5 pax (1 hour)
- Php 1,500 good for 5 pax (30 minutes)
The very famous Malacanang Palace has its own version of the Malacanang of the North, the Marcos’s palace. Magnificently constructed inside and out, you will surely keep your eyes wide open in every corner of the premises. A native and antique look but elegantly done in first class materials both in interior and exterior architecture, anyone could have been dreaming of living in this fantastic shelter. The furnitures, appliances and other equipment are superbly extravagant, from the living room, kitchen, view deck, and on to the bedroom of the Marcos’s masters and siblings. Built in the year 1977 for the Marcos’s rest house while they were in Ilocos, but after the end of the Marcos regime, it was turned over to the Ilocos Norte government in the year 2010 and one of the equally respected political daughter of president Marcos, Ms. Imee Marcos commissioned Mr. Eric Zerrudo of the University of Santo Tomas (proud to be my alma mater) to refurbish exhibits in every room to highlight the Marcos’s accomplishments during its era.
An overlooking marvelous view of the Paoay Lake refreshes each and everyone’s emotions and senses.
Malacanang of the North
- Address: Barrio Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte
- Operating hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm
- Entrance fee: 30 pesos
Let’s have a visit at the Juan Luna Shrine. Juan Luna, is a Filipino painter and one of the national heroes of the Philippine history, born in Badoc, Ilocos Norte. His historical residence was preserved to commemorate one of the most diplomatic revolutionary ways of expressing misery, distress, and mourn during the Spanish colony. His art works mostly possess the reality of agony and tribulation during his times.
PAGUDPUD
There’s so much more! Let’s explore further in the city of Pagudpud, the farthest but not the least town in Ilocos Norte. Not long before the major highlights of the town, let’s take some photos of the Patapat Viaduct, a 1.3 km long bridge and over 30 meters above sea level that connects the way to Pagudpud. On the far side of the bridge lies “Paraiso ni Anton” (Paradise of Anton), a small free enchanting scene where you could also take some memorable photos.
Patapat Viaduct
Paraiso Ni Anton: A totally free on the way “bonus” sightseeing
Pagudpud City, known for its fine white, powdery sand beaches, inherited structures and cultures, the last town in Ilocos Norte, but has the most striking venture of all times.
Let’s have our first stop at the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. Popularly known as the Burgos Lighthouse. It is a 66 foot tall heritage structure built way back in the Spanish colony. It was first lit in 1892, and until the present time it still lights the northwestern and northeastern point of Luzon to guide ships that enter the Philippine archipelago. It is set on a high hill overlooking the Cape Bojeador.
Burgos Lighthouse
- Address: Burgos, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- Entrance fee: 50 pesos
The Bangui Wind Mill, a successful proposal of another respected politician heir of the Marcoses, Senator Bongbong Marcos, at the time was the governor of the town, initiates and administers the assembly and set up of the legion of wind mills used to generate electricity in the whole Ilocos Norte region. Set in the town of Bangui, Ilocos Norte, and lying in the long stretch of the Bangui Bay, these tall and huge wind blowing mills financed by Denmark is truly a captivating scene even in the farthest reach of the naked eye. First inaugurated in 2005, (Phase I), now the wind mills had gone many other phases all over the city.
Bangui Wind Mill
- Address: Bangui, Ilocos Norte
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- Entrance fee: FREE
Follow a bit long trail along Kabigan Falls, located in Barangay Balaoi in Pagudpud, prepare your innermost strength for a 30 minute trek to reach this enormous and ice cold falls in the heart of a lovely forest. If you can manage to shiver your bones, have a splash in this freezing cold catching river. Give yourself a refreshing treat!
Kabigan Falls
- Address: Barangay Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
- Operating hours: 8:00am – 3:00pm
- Entrance fee: 20 pesos
Who can ever think that there is an enchanting white refined like rock formation by the Kapurpurawan attraction in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. A surprising natural focile formed out of sea wave force accompanied by the changing weather conditions. Be delighted and fascinated by this incredible creation brought out of genuine offer by the environment.
If you still got a high energy, you can walk by all means throughout the exact site of the rock formations, or you can take a horseback ride at a minimal fee.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
- Address: Burgos, Ilocos Norte
- Operating hours: 6:00am – 6:00pm
- Entrance fee: 20 pesos / 100 pesos per way for a horseback ride
Before we leave the phenomenal town of Ilocos Norte, let’s have a touch at one of its fine beaches, The Arinaya Beach. This is just one of the many choices in Pagudpud area for your relaxing moments at the powdery white sand beach.
Arinaya Beach
- Address: Pagudpud, 2919 Ilocos Norte
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- Entrance fee: 25 pesos
VIGAN
It’s not really the end of the long adventure as we head back to Manila. Because on the way from Pagudpud and back to Laoag city, we will be passing by Ilocos Sur, and will enter the city of Vigan. Vigan is so remarkably known for its heritage houses and establishments originally carried on from the Spanish era and maintained from time to time in the present times without eliminating the original facade and internal designs. It is a city of reminiscing the past, the ancient structures and traditions that was passed on from generation to generation.
An amusing zoo dwells inside Vigan City, The Baluarte ni Singson (spanish word baluarte means shelter). Singson was derived from the name Chavit Singson, the founder of the said zoo, Luis Crisologo Singson in his full name, is the governor of Ilocos Sur and the patriarch of this added attraction in Vigan. It features some kind of rare animals, free shows, and has an impressive landscape. Events are also usually held here, with some negotiations and reservations with the administration. Come to see wild and domesticated animals, feel free to watch them welcome you with glee and swaying tails.
Twenty (20) of the 2017 MISS UNIVERSE delegates visited The Baluarte as part of their Philippine tour namely, Philippines, Great Britain, Vietnam, Malaysia, British Virgin Islands, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Thailand, Venezuela, Guatemala, Singapore, Czech Republic, Belgium, Slovak Republic, Nicaragua, USA, Sierra Leone, Cayman Islands, Brazil and Uruguay. The zoo was turned into an affectionate roaming of the animals and head turns of the people similarly visiting the place.
The “feeling” Miss Universe candidates 🙂
Baluarte ni Singson
- Address: Quirino Boulevard, Tamag, Vigan City, 2700 Ilocos Sur
- Operating hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm
- Entrance fee: FREE
The last but not the least, Calle Crisologo. End your journey with “pasalubong” shopping. Pasalubong means delicacies or goods you bring home from a memorable trip. Don’t forget to have a taste of its “Ilocos Empanada”, a delicacy wrapped in mashed flour filled with some meat and vegetables. Other products to try is the “Bagnet” a pork belly fried in its extreme crisp and truly a tempting sensation to taste. Also bring home the famous tasty “bawang” (small garlic) in which Ilocos is very famous of. You can have some onions for buddies too. Other delicacies include “chichacorn”, a kind of crispy cornic blended with some spices and herbs, “tupig”, made of sticky rice moulded in bars for easy bites. As the long voyage ends, these delicacies could leave good remembrances of the trails you had been.
This is Ilocos. A must see destination. A long jaunt, but yet reasonable, remarkable, and rewarding.