Laoag : The Sparkling Gem of Ilocandia

The Paoay Church in Laoag is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Our last day in Ilocos was a tour of Laoag. We had it at our last day since our flight back to Manila will be 6PM of that day. We thought we already had seen the best of Ilocos but Laoag still has more to offer.

Laoag is the gateway to Ilocos. It is where the only commercial airport in Ilocos Region is located. It is a first class city and also the capital of the Province of Ilocos.

For our Laoag tour, we booked it together with our Palakbayan Package with PAL. We were fetched by this  "artista car" as what we call it.  It has its own TV on board and you can even open its top and have a birds eye view of the city. How cool is that?

VIP's for a day

The tour started with a visit to one of UNESCO's World Heritage Site. The Paoay Church located in the municipality of Paoay is a Roman Catholic church built in 1694 by the Augustinian friars. A three storey coral stone belltower stands to its right which served as an observation post by the Katipuneros during the Philippine revolution againts the Spaniards and the Japanese occupation in the World War II.

The church design is a combination of baroque, gothic and oriental design. It is made of baked bricks, coral rocks and lumber. Its bell tower, which is detached from its main building, is also made of coral stone. It stands a safe distance away to spare the sanctuary in case of collapse. This is one of the icons of Laoag city as what our guide told us.

Malacanang Of the North in Panorama

The town of Paoay in the province of Ilocos Norte, however, cradles another structure that serves as a reminder of the Philippines not-so-distant past, the time when the Marcoses wielded power during Martial Law, ending with his ouster during the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986.

Another very interesting story our guide shared is the myth behind the legendary Paoay lake where the late President Marcos used to go water skiing.

Overlooking the legendary Paoay lake 

Legend has it that the whole area used to be an affluent town punished for its obsessive attachment to wealth and power. Heavy rains flooded and drowned the entire town. Some local folks say fishermen caught fish with gold rings, a testament to the extravagant lifestyle of the submerged village.

We also had the chance to visit the Mausoleum of the late President Marcos which serves both as a memorabilia and the final resting place of the said president. It is situated in the heart of Batac, Ilocos Norte.

The large and solemn mausoleum contains the glass-encased coffin in which Marcos' embalmed body has been on public display since shortly after his remains were brought home in 1993.

Marcos is a son of Ilocos. That's why it is no wonder why they left such influence to the people of Ilocos.

Museo Ilocos Norte is an impressive lifestyle museum showcases the cultural heritage of the Ilocanos and the different ethnic tribes of Ilocos Norte- including the Yapayaos, Isnegs, Igorots. 

Here you will find various archaeological relics and artifacts from the province's 22 towns and one city - including traditional clothing, utensils, farm implements and varying woven baskets. 

Another one of the museum's special features is the Ancestral Ilocano house that was fitted into the warehouse. Wandering through the different rooms of this house give you a feel of the provincial life. 

There is also a museum gift shop where you can get some their products. souvenirs. 

After the visit to the museum, we went to the heart of Laoag where various interesting places are located:

 The cathedral of Laoag City, otherwise known as St. William’s Cathedral  was built in 1612 by Augustinian friars to replace a wooden chapel.

The Sinking Bell Tower in Laoag.

 The city is also known for its Sinking Bell Tower, which sinks into the ground at a rate of an inch a year. It’s a massive 45-meter bell tower which is said to be one of the tallest bell towers in the Philippines and was built by the Augustinians in 1612.

The climate is so hot in Laoag the the soil has suffered desertification (soil degrades and is converted to sand). The tower has sank so deep that its entrance is already half-buried. Whereas before, the entrance is so high that a man riding a horse can easily go through it, now,one has to stoop to enter.

 Despite its sinking state, the bell tower still continues its simple purpose of ringing the bell to call the people during mass and other religious events.

Top L-R: The High in Cholesterol Bagnet :  Ilocano Longganisa : Cornik 

Bottom L-R: Native Garlic : Tinubong : Potato Chips

A visit to Ilocos wouldn't be complete without trying their famous delicacies. We made sure that we can bring home a taste of Ilocos that's why we bought some of these "Tatak Ilocos" products.

Ilocos will truly be one the favorite places I've ever been. We had just enough of everything. From the Heritage Tour of Vigan to our misadventures in Pagudpud and finally the rich history of Laoag made this Ilocandia Adventure truly amazing.

Ilocos - Bye for now =)