Rediscovering National Treasures in Ilocos

[April 11-15, 2014]

Vigan-Laoag-Pagudpud Trip

Paoay church was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. But years before that happened, this church was already recognized as a National Cultural Treasure by the Philippine government.

 Being a part of the Baroque churches of the Philippines, it is evident that 

If you stand before the immense facade of this structure, you will be in awe. The buttresses that are located on the side and the back of the church stand true to its purpose and held church together. This also represents the strength of every Filipino's faith 

 This glass-stained image greets you when you enter the church.

We were so blessed to be able to pay homage during our Ilocos visit.

Across Paoay church is a quaint restaurant named Herencia Cafe.

We decided to give it a try and ordered their Longganisa pizza.

Yummers! You shouldn't miss to visit this place when visiting Paoay.

Before we started with our Ilocos Sur tour, we visited their Tourism center and we were assisted by these beautiful ladies. They even stored our backpacks while we were on tour.

Thank you for all your help! We truly appreciate it! 

Every tourism center in the country should be this efficient. Oh and they even offered us a ride to Laoag airport. We boarded the Imee bus. Thanks a million!!

Malacanang of the North

This is the seat of government in the North.

Very classy and clean indeed!

And what a view it had of the Paoay Lake.

We were offered a free tour during our visit which helped us explore every bit of the Palace.

Marcos Mausoleum  

Behind those doors are the remains of a legendary leader.

He was a great man. 

Marcos Museum

This Museum is located just beside his mausoleum. For a minimal fee you get to know more about the life of the great: Ferdinand Marcos. I honestly did not know so much about him but this place definitely educated me about his ordeals as well as his achievements.

Like most political figures, he also had his time in jail.

But unlike most, he reviewed for his bar exam in jail and emerged as a topnotcher. Beat that!
There are lots of other interesting stuff about Marcos that you'll discover if you take the time to visit this place.

See? Very interesting!
A few minutes could tell you a whole lot especially if you were not so keen on Philippine history back in school (like me..i hated it). 

Yes, that's Mr. "I shall return."

Fort Ilocandia Resort

Included in our tour was a quick visit to the gorgeous Fort Ilocandia Resort.

That's the lobby and their Easter display..and would you look at that chandelier!

We wouldn't mind staying here next time. 

Their garden is filled with lots of greens and flowers.

They also have this classic fountain out in the front and 

one brave soldier that guards the resort. Til next time FIR!

Tobacco Monopoly & the rest of Laoag

When we headed back to the Tourism center, we were treated to a short tour in the nearby museum.

Appliances of the olden days.

It was a fun-filled day of touring, learning new things and re-learning some parts of our country's history.
We were famished though, so grabbed something to eat at

Johnny Moon Cafe

Here's what happened after. Haha! Don't forget to drop by this hip restau too!
They have good food and service.