Ilocos Norte: Culture. Nature. Heritage

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Burgos, Ilocos Norte

I had this deep sense of excitement upon reading a private message from a friend offering a road trip to Ilocos Province. Such excitement I couldn't even find the best word to describe it. It was so damn easy for me to say "Yes", without even thinking if my humble salary would allow it. Good thing this trip happened on a weekend wherein I don't have to sacrifice my attendance at school and at work. I still said "Yes" then told myself "bahala na"...  I replied with all my heart, packed my things and the rest was history. This trip is possible for a weekend getaway, I can tell you - if only you will be skipping an overnight stay in Pagudpud (we only stayed there for less than an hour for a quick swim), and limit your stay per tourist spot in 5 minutes or less. You don't even need to file a vacation leave, promise. :D

I have a separate post for my trip to Ilocos Sur as I would like first to share my experience in Ilocos Norte that got me thinking: what if I spend the rest of my life sitting in a couch watching the ocean at the back of my house? That would be an awesome idea huh?

How to get to Ilocos Norte

By air

Its not a secret that airplane is THE fastest mode of transportation however, to those who'd rather want to take their time exploring the place and enjoying the view from the window pane of a private vehicle or public transportation like bus, taking the "air" option is NOT bad at all. 

Laoag International Airport is located in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, the province's central government. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air flies daily to Laoag (LAO) from Manila (MNL). Travel time is an hour. There are tricycles and jeepneys outside the airport that will take you to city proper.

By land

Partas, Fariñas, Florida, RCJ bus lines serve the MNL-LAO trip. It is best to travel at night when all you have to do is to sleep and wake up once you get to your destination. 

Via travel and tours group

For someone like me who is busy with so many errands (note: I am a student by day and a call center agent by night), I didn't have much time planning for an itinerary,  what to do, where to go and what to eat, so if you are reading this article and share the same sentiment, then this option might just be the best for you. A number of travel and tours group page in Facebook offers the same tour and to tell you honestly, "lahat sila, madaling kausap". I have, for several times availed this kind of service. To be mixed up with people I have not met in my entire life and be together for a day or two was not at all a bad idea since I can work well with different kinds of people. 

In fact, in February 2013, Travel Factor took me and my friends to Sagada, Mountain Province, and in March 2016, GalaPH brought me to Burias groups of Island and Alibijaban in Quezon. Thanks to their utmost kindness and hospitality, my experience there was a blast. There are a couple of travel agencies that offer La Union and Ilocos day tour as well. Be their guest. There's nothing wrong with DIY as we and my friends have been doing this in our recent travels for quite some time (which saved us hundreds to even thousand pesos), being one of the guests and be mixed up with random people definitely brings out something in you: being yourself. 

Getting around Ilocos Norte

From what I learned when I was researching and reading some blogs about Ilocos, once you get to Laoag City, a number of tricycle drivers offer whole day tour around Ilocos Norte for about 800 pesos for 4 pax already. I do recommend this option though as we (local tourists) would want to help these hard working individuals to get some of our hard earned money as way of helping them increase their income. Sino pa bang tutulong sa kanila kung hindi tayong mga kababayan din di ba?

Its all up to your haggling skills if you will be able to bring their rates down to as low as you can imagine. Wag namang sobrang barat beh? mahirap ka? ha? mahirap ka pero may pang travel ka? ha? kaloka ka.

  
Ferdinand E. Marcos Presidential Center

Located in Batac, this is where the remains of the former President is being preserved. Unfortunately though, the place is closed for renovation. Rumor has it that they are actually preparing something special because of the news that President Duterte gave a go signal to the family for the former President be buried (finally) in the Libingan ng mga bayani in Taguig City. This is quite a big issue for Martial law victims as they have been doing rallies and a petition is in fact circulating, collecting signatures from those who are opposing the plan to bury the former President in the LNMB.

Here's an update though..

The former President Ferdinand Marcos has been buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani with full military honors high noon, Friday, 18th November 2016, said to have reopened wounds of the Martial Law victims and their families flamed by his 21-year rule that showcased human rights atrocities.

There is a museum on the left side of the center which showcases the life story of the former leader, his projects during his term, bills enacted into law and other notable items found inside the musem. 

Entrance fee is 50 pesos for adult, 30 pesos for students, 10 pesos for 10 years old and below. The museum opens at 9am until 4pm daily with breaks between 12nn and 1pm, closed every first Tuesday of the month. I paid 30 pesos since I am a student. (good thing i brought my school ID with me).

 

By the way, I voted for #MIRIAM2016 and #LENI in the last #HALALAN2016, just in case you want to ask. :)

Paoay Church 

Saint Augustine Church, popularly known as the Paoay Church, is a Catholic church located in the municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte (siyempre). The church is famous for its unique architecture and its facade are made of large coral stones on the lower part of the church and bricks at the upper level and is recognized as a National Cultural Treasure in 1973, and UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The church that we see today braved a number of storms, earthquakes and other natural calamities. The church was completed in 1710. Sus, buti pa ang simbahan napagtagumpayan ang mga pagsubok, eh yung relasyon nyo, anyare beh? tse! :)

Sand dunes of Ilocos Norte

The sand dunes, another tourist attraction in Ilocos Norte, covers the town of Currimao to Pasuquin, in the south of Laoag. The sand dunes became popular because of late actor FPJ's movie Ang Panday.

Not my kind of activity. That's all I can say. However for others who want to try this extreme activity, you can pay for 500 for an hour of extreme adventure.


Bacarra Chuch and Museum
  
Church of Saint Andrew the Apostle is another Roman Catholic Church in the municipality of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Laoag.

Cited as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. It is popular for its centuries-old, domeless, leaning bell tower that was built in 1828. A number of earthquakes between 1931 and 1971 caused the tower to lean tremendously. The dome was destroyed by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake on August 17, 1983. Some of its debris are still found within the grounds of the tower.

The Museum

The church museum, known as Museo de Bacarra, used to be the church convent. The museum houses priced religious artifacts, century-old photos, antiques, church documents and relics. A mysterious underground staircase leading to three tunnels have been discovered, rumors has it that the tunnel is connected to the Bacarra river, the church tower, and the altar^.
 

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Another awesome attraction in the beautiful town of Burgos, the lighthouse has been in existence since 1892. Still standing proudly despite of a number of calamities. I have not heard of a single lighthouse (its tower) built within the Philippines that was downed by natural calamities. (I could be wrong. Please message this author if you've seen or heard one).

This isn't the first time I had a close encounter with a lighthouse. In 2010, we braved the mid day sun in Capones Island, Pundaquit, San Antonio in Zambales, and then in 2014 and 2015, we visited Cape Bolinao Lighthouse in Abac, Patar, Bolinao in Pangasinan. 

I have always been so excited to see lighthouses. It always caught my attention whenever I get to see one in any of my travels. Even the ones pictured in postcards. It signifies strength that lit one's weary soul...

Kapurpurawan rock formation

Are rock formations crafted by forces of the ocean waves on the rocky coast of Burgos, geographically located few minutes away from the lighthouse. Kapurpurawan in Ilocano means "kaputi putian". The rock formation is at its whitest during high noon where the sun is all the way up.

Burgos wind farm

Yes, you read it right. Aside from Bangui Wind Mill, there is another wind farm and it is located in Burgos, the second wind farm and Philippine's largest (not quite sure if the basis of being the "largest" was the land area or the number of turbines). It started generating power in November 2014.

Bangui wind farm

The Bangui wind farm is located in the municipality of Bangui. Situated at the north western tip of Luzon island, facing the West Philippine Sea. Each turbines stand 70 meters tall or 230 feet high, perfectly aligned along the coastline of Bangui Bay.

Ilocos Norte provincial board just passed a resolution, making its province THE first coal-free province in the Philippines. This is the province's commitment to bring down the carbon emissions by 70% hopefully by 2030. All other municipalities and cities within the province are encouraged to refrain from issuing coal permits within the said province. Ayaw mong maniwala? read this.

It took me a while before I grab my digicam and take some pictures of these engineering marvels. In fact, I even went closer to the shore line so i can see it up front, which is not allowed (swimming, by the way is also not allowed in this area) because of very strong water current.

I wonder how fast the long blades rotate whenever the wind blows roughly...

Pagudpud (welcome arc) and Patapat viaduct

We were literally in the northermost tip of mainland Luzon island, geographically speaking, upon stepping in to the elevated bridge that is - Patapat viaduct. We can't say just yet that we were on the tip of the Philippines since we have not even been to Itbayat in Batanes.

 
Patapat viaduct is another engineering marvel embracing the coastline of Ilocos Norte. The way the bridge was built was like it is snaking its way through the mountain side, giving respect to mother nature by not compromising the beauty of the mountain that brings a breath of fresh air to the locals (and to the tourists too!) The viaduct connects Ilocos Norte and Cagayan Valley.

Philippines' most photographed welcome arc?

Probably the most photographed arch in the Philippines (according to online research and some blogs), the welcome arch proudly greets its visitors that passes through the town of Pagudpud and nearby towns in the area.    

Malacañan of the North

Locally known as "Malacañan ti Amanianan', the mansion was built during the time of former President Marcos.  This served as his office whenever he goes to his home province.

The mansion was inspired by a typical "bahay na bato" that we see today in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. It is said to be the gift of former first lady Imelda Marcos to his husband on his 60th birthday. 

At the back of the mansion is the Paoay lake that adds drama to the balcony that can be found at the back of the mansion.

After the 1986 EDSA revolution, the mansion was sequestered by the government and after few decades, it was given back to the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, and in 2011, after restoration efforts, it was re opened to the public with a minimum entrance fee. 

Pictures of the Marcoses are found in most part of the mansion. mananawa ka na lang.

Clearly, #culture #nature and #heritage helped shape Ilocos Norte for what it is today. Thanks to the people of Ilocos Norte, I was able to experience your beauty, warmth and hospitality. The visit was too short but too sweet. I will definitely go back pretty soon, and i promise, it will be a much longer stay.

Ilocos Norte (31st province that I visited), conquered.