Our second day in Ilocos is just about to start. After our pasalubong stop over in Marsha's we're on our way to Laoag!
First Stop: Marcos Museum and Mausoleum
Located in Batac, Ilocos Norte's, lies Ferdinand Marcos' preserved corpse in a glass case. His mausoleum is open for public viewing but cameras are not allowed inside. On the other hand the museum is a bunch of portraits of Marcos family depicting their life especially during Marcos' administration. It was perfectly placed in a showroom few walks from his mausoleum and i really like it. Pictures speak a lot. The whole place is originally their home, turned into a museum. For commuters: take a bus Vigan-Laoag route, ask the driver to drop you off in Batac, Ilocos Norte then you can take a tricycle from there.
Viewing Hours: Monday to Sunday 9am-12nn, 1pm-4pm
Second Stop: Paoay Church
Second Stop: Paoay Church
St. Augustine Church also known as Paoay Church is a beautifully structured stone church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. This is something to be proud of as it is being recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site It's a tricycle away from Batac, and there are jeepneys with Paoay-Laoag route as well. Too bad, I wasn't able to take many shots here, because of an on-going construction of stage at the door of Paoay Church due to their upcoming fiesta.
If you happen to be here, you can check out Herencia Cafe near the Church. We weren't able to dine here (nagtitipid na haha), I wish we could. You can check out their website http://www.laherenciacafe.com/ for schedules and menus.
After we ate in a carenderia, off we went to see the Paoay Lake. Since Malacañang of the North is still closed for lunch, Kuya Arnel brought us here to rest for a while.
Third Stop: Paoay Lake
Third Stop: Paoay Lake
Paoay Lake, also in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, seems to be the home of lots of bird species, ideal for bird watching. Aside from it being a tranquil big lake, our attention was captured by the legendary story behind this lake. It is said that a prosperous town did exist here, when a huge earthquake immersed the whole town, thus forming a lake.
We stayed here until after lunchbreak. There are few cottages around, lucky there's no one to charge us for our short stay.
Fourth Stop: Malacañang Ti Amianan/ Malacañang of The North
Malacañang of The North is the official residence of the late President Ferdinand Marcos. During his term, it was built on a highland wherein the beautiful garden and open veranda is facing the legendary Paoay Lake. After his death, it was turned into a museum. This is a two-storey house wherein both has luxurous living room, and a grandeur staircase connecting them. I could say this is really a beautiful mansion, I was awed on a lot of centerpiece used here, realized why bags are not allowed inside Malacañang Ti Amianan. Wish I have a home like this hehe. We roam around for picture taking and feel the ambiance. Special thanks to Kuya arnel, because he's not just a good and very respectful guide but a good photographer too :)
Viewing hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9am-11:30am / 1pm-4:30pm
Entrance Fee: Php30/head for adult, Php10/head for kids
look who's looking
Nag-usap?! Saan ang sayaw Mark? :)
Fifth Stop: Fort Ilocandia Resort
When I thought I was amazed with Malacañang. I wasn't expecting to be awed with Fort Ilocandia Hotel and Resort's beauty. It is a luxurious and wonderful hotel, the only five-star hotel in Laoag where the remains of late Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos lied for several years. It's good that the guard greeted us with a smile, even though he knew we're only there to wander. We haven't seen the rooms but I was dreaming on stay here in the future.
Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel
http://www.fortilocandia.com.ph/
Brgy. 37 Calayab, Laoag City
Contact No.: (63-77) 670-9001 to 15
Sixth Stop: La Paz Sand Dunes
Everybody's tired and sleepy, so nobody knew what La Paz Sand Dunes has to offer. La Paz in Ilocos Norte, close to the city of Laoag, has a long stretch of coastal desert with approximately an area of 85 kilometers. We're in the Philippines and yet we saw a desert! What's even bigger is that it's just in the shorelines of a beach. Something to be proud of!!
An upcoming movie remake of Temptation Island was filmed here, and some movies taken here were Mad Max, Bourn on the Fourth of July, and series of our very own Panday (by the late actor Fernando Poe Jr.)
Adventures are very well becoming a hit in La Paz Sand Dunes. I promised myself to go back here for sand boarding and 4x4 wheel ride experience. Try the LEAD Movement's website if you want to try this out. http://leadmovement.wordpress.com/
By just going up and down the sands, I think this is already an experience. Madulas dulas kaya kami! But it's fun!
Seventh Stop: St. William’s Cathedral and Sinking Bell Tower
Our last stop before going to Pagudpud is a well-known church in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. It is known for its Italian renaissance design and the famous sinking bell tower, which unbelievably sank into the ground about an inch per year after it was built. Not sure if it's still sinking up to these days, but just seeing the door below the ground level is pretty remarkable. A small street is separating the church and the tower, that's why it's hard to take a good shot with all the vehicles driving around the area. This is located in Laoag City proper, you only need a tricycle to reach it.
We're up for more on our second day that's why some places have not been visited. I haven't seen Sta. Monica Church yet, made me want to go back in Ilocos again. Meanwhile, Laoaog Museum is just in the city proper of Laoag located along Gen. Antonio Luna street. Artifacts and antiques are mostly displayed here and souvenir shirts can be bought inside the museum.
Next post will be our Pagudpud experience. :)
Thank you for reading my post. Please do not COPY my posts on your sites, and take any of my pictures without my permission. Good vibes! Good karma! :)
This is part 6 of MY ILOCOS SERIES
17 comments:
hi! very nice blog! ask ko lng magkano po yung rent sa van?
i paid 7k for 2days laoag/pagudpud.
Sang boarding ang pinakagusto ko sa lahat ng to, kahit iskip ko na yung iba if i have to choose only one :)
Got the chance to travel in Laoag. Whew! that was mere 10 hour bus ride from Manila but it's worth it.
Grabe naman.. ganda ng Church... mga ilang taon napo kaya yung church?
Ganda ng Blog nyo..:)
@lakwatsera
me too... balik ako para dun :)
@patrick. agree!
@tripper10
sayang nga i couldn't take more pictures may stage kasi sa pinto :(
all these places in just one day? great photos!
thanks earl!
you're blog was great and very informative.. thanks..
thanks heideee
i was looking for info about laoag-vigan-pagudpud tour and it lead me to your blog. very informative. i have taken some notes regarding the accommodation choices. im planning a bday treat/tour for my boyfriend and your blog has just given me lots of ideas where to take him. thanks for sharing your travel experience.
you're welcome! i hope you'll have a great time touring the place :)
How much po kaya pag tourist guide lng without the van..tnx
Anu pong magandang resort ang ma recommend mo sa saud beach..tnx
hindi po kasi ako nagstay sa lahat ng resort so di ko po masasabi. magkakatabi naman sila. i only stayed at polaris before and cathy's homestay. ok naman sakin
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