Laoag Downtown [Travel Joiner's Group Photo]

During the Spanish colonization in the Philippines that lasted for 333 years, Laoag has become one of the center of their government after Vigan in the North. And to date, the city has preserved some of the attestation of strong influence of Spaniards and a living witness of their glorious past. Incredible architectural remains of buildings, churches and bell towers are one of the best to explore in the province. Founded in 1580 they earned cityhood in 1965 and composed of (6) six municipalities, San Nicolas, Paoay, Sarrat, Vintar, and Bacarra, the province has 78,000 population according to latest date of census in 2019.

Tourism is one of the major economic force of Laoag that allows the development of commercial and industrial hubs in every corner. Among the top spots to explore in the city are the St. Augustine Church also known as Paoay Church, La Paz Sand Dunes, Malacañang of the North overlooking Paoay Lake and their beautiful downtowns that transform Laoag into a city of lights at night.

Paoay Church (St. Augustine Church)

Located in the Municipality of Paoay, Saint Augustine Church or Paoay Church declared as a National Cultural Treasure in 1973 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 along other primary churches in the country that includes the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church in Miagao, Iloilo in the Visayas. Founded by Augustinian priests, the church survived for over 334 years to date. Paoay Church is of baroque architecture that is one of the famous style during that era. Its unique baroque architecture believes to be the reason why it has survived numbers of natural calamities that stroked the country from destructive earthquakes and strong typhoons that is common for tropical terrain such as the Philippines.

One of its unique features is the buttresses at the sides and back of the church that offers and provide supports on the interior and exterior of the building. A 1.67 meters thick of 24 gigantic buttresses are still visible paving ease of access going to its roof deck.

From its length of 110 meters and 40 meters width, it is made of coral stone and bricks. Its bell tower standing adjacent served as a watching tower for Filipino guerillas against Spaniards during the revolution in 1898 and repetitively done during World War II against the Japanese invaders.

La Paz Sand Dunes

La Paz Sand Dunes is one of the emerging top spots in Ilocos Norte. Densely popular location for local television series and movies, the La Paz Sand Dunes is an 85 square kilometer protected sandy coastal. Who would have forget an international acclaimed movie “Himala” and favorite Pinoy character “Panday”? Rumor has it that the Hollywood movie “Mad Max” which was a box office hit in 2015 did some of their desert scenes in this area.

In 1993, it was declared as a National Geological Monuments by the National Committee on Geological Sciences of the Philippines. Sand dunes is 10-30 meters high but can reach up to 90 meters but dependent for some factors such as wind as major driver.

For those who loves adventure, La Paz Sand Dunes is one way to elevate that experience. It will be more exciting as well to ride with a 4x4 rugged vehicle to enjoy more of the scenic view and landscape.  

Malacañang of the North and Paoay Lake

Late President Ferdinand Marcos (Sep 11, 1917 – Sep 28, 1989) was of Ilocano ancestry. Born and raised in Ilocos Norte, Marcos rule the Philippines for more than 20 years under dictatorship until he dies in September 28, 1989 (happened to be my birthday month and date, not the year). Malacañang of the North is a presidential museum and the official residence of the Marcos family during his reign in Ilocos Norte.

Anti or pro, now is the chance to take a glimpse in the life of the most influential family in the Philippines. Experience the life of a royal at Php 20.00 entrance fee. Malacañang of the North is open from 9:00AM – 4:00PM every Tuesday to Sunday.

Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol [Travel Joiner's Group Photo]

This tour was organized by my travel agency EC5 Travel & Tours as part of the 3D2N trip to Ilocos.