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.

Ilocos a blast from the past!

Summer - April 2018. It was a short trip to Ilocos Region on a 3 days and 2 night’s tour as a joiner. I bet it is cheaper, easy on the pocket and very reasonable especially if we have same wavelength, solo and a backpacker. Tons of travel agencies are existing out there and they are offering similar tours at the same value. Facebook has evolved already as market place with all sort of things including travels so you can find plenty of them.

Make sure to read reviews and check badge or any proof like counts of likers and followers and even site or page impression. So thanks to Facebook, my Ilocos trip became a reality. The good thing about being a joiner is that, transportation, accommodation, tours and even the food (sometimes exclusive in the package) are inclusive. All you need to do is to pay and enjoy!

One of the best destinations in the Northern Luzon is perhaps the llocos Region. Approximately (8) eight hours away from the Metro via bus and van or you can reach Ilocos via plane bound to Laoag International Airport, the only airport in the northernmost by geographical location. Ilocandia is located in the northwestern coast of Luzon Island.

Pagudpud, Laoag, and Vigan are the three must see places in Ilocandia. Pagudpud and Laoag are in Ilocos Norte while Vigan is in Ilocos Sur. From a budget of not less than Php 3,000.00, you will be able to see these three main attractions in the region. You will need to add Php 2,000.00+ perhaps for souvenir shopping and other activities exclusive on the tour package.

The tour begins from North to South so Pagudpud and Laoag are the first places to visit and Vigan in the South will be the last day before heading back to Manila.

Pagudpud

Town in the northern coast of Ilocos Norte and the farthest among the three. This spot is a safe haven for beach lovers and surfers due to its unique location facing the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) where waves are strong. Pagudpud is rich and known for its wide long stretch white sand beaches. Must see visit here is the Bangui Windmills, 20 units of 70 meters long wind turbines and one of Southeast Asia’s biggest wind farms after Burgos wind farm. 40-50% of Ilocos Norte’s electricity power are coming from the wind turbines that provides sustainability in lowering the carbon emission footprints.

Hannah’s Beach Resort and Blue Lagoon, one of the emerging top spot destination in Ilocos Norte is also located in Pagudpud and a true crown jewel. This is a seven-hectare exclusive resort surrounded with majestic mountain and cliffs and the turquoise water.

Laoag

The capital of Ilocos Norte, the center of political, education, commercial and industrial hub. Laoag is among the oldest and ancient city in the country, originally founded in the late 1500’s but city hood abound in 1965. Bordering by the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), it is one of the largest cities in the region of Ilocos. Tour heritage sites is of the main attractions in the city featuring Spanish colonial structures, the St. Augustine Church also known as Paoay Church, a baroque church and one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site which was completed after 16 years since the groundbreaking in 1694 until finally done in 1710.

Trip to Laoag without able to experience the La Paz Sand Dunes would not be worth it. La Paz Sand Dunes is among official tourist attractions in the city. This is a protected sandy coastal and beach with 85 square kilometer range.

Vigan

Founded during the Spanish regime in the Philippines, Vigan is one of the oldest city in the country. Vigan is among the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was the home of old Spanish colonial towns featuring Spanish ancient architecture that survives over the (4) four centuries. Founded in 1572, Vigan has officially became a city in 2001 and in 2015; it was recognized as one of the New 7 wonders cities in the world. Saint Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral and Calle Crisologo are the best top spots in Vigan.

Ilocos Norte