ThOuGhTs, iDeAs, oPiNiOnS, cHaTtEr

Ilocos: Day Two

Arrived safely at Ilocos. Had breakfast at our officemate's relative's house in Ilocos Sur. We had Vigan longganiza, corned beef, scrambled eggs and sinangag. A very satisfying meal after a long travel... c",)

The plan for our Ilocos Tour is to start first at Ilocos Norte, stay overnight at a resort in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud is known for its white beach) and end at Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Juan Luna Shrine. (30Apr2005)

Our first stop is at Juan Luna Shrine in Badoc, Ilocos Norte. It is "a repository of the memorabilia of the famous Luna family; foremost are the paintings of Juan Luna which include a reproduction of his masterpiece, the Spolarium."

Coral formations. (30Apr2005)

Fifteen kilometers from Badoc is Currimao, where you can see coral formations along its beachline. On the way to Currimao, we have to take a detour because there is a parade.

Marcos Museum. (30Apr2005)

From Currimao, we should be proceeding to Paoay. But because of the parade, we cannot proceed to our planned itenerary. We decided to go to Batac, instead, where we can view the remains of the former President, the late Ferdinand Marcos. We also visited the Marcos Museum.

The Marcos Museum is "also known as Balay ti Ili, the ancestral house of the Marcoses in Batac showcases the memorabilia of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos."

Dingras Church Ruins. (30Apr2005)


Inside Dingras Church. (30Apr2005)

From Batac, we travelled 36 kilometers to reach Dingras where we can find the Dingras Church Ruins. As can be observed, only the walls were spared; thus, reconstruction was made of the church to put up the roof, etc.

Sinking Bell Tower. (30Apr2005)

From Dingras, we were supposed to go to Solsona to take a look-see of the Karingking river. But according to one of the locals there, the river is no longer existing because of rock falls. We then decided to go to Laoag for our lunch (26 kilometers form Dingras).

After our lunch at Max's, we went to Laoag's Sinking Bell Tower. This tower is said to sink several inches every year.

St. William's Cathedral. (30Apr2005)

Across the Sinking Bell Tower is the St. William's Cathedral. So far, from the churches we have visited, it seems that the churches in Ilocos have a separate structure for its bells.

"The Augustinians built the church of Italian Renaissance design in 1612. Its unique 2-storey facade is held by four pairs of coupled columns. The deeply recessed niche shows the image of the Patron Saint of Laoag City. "

Fort Ilocandia. (30Apr2005)

Another must-see in Laoag is the Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino, which was said to be owned formerly by the Marcoses. (BTW, I left a "souvenir" at Fort Ilocandia... hehehe!)

Pagudpud White Sand Beach Cove. (30Apr2005)

From Laoag, we were supposed to take a short stop at Burgos on the way to Pagudpud. This is to see Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, "the highest lighthouse in the Philippines. Built in 1892, it stands on a promontory in Burgos." Since we don't know how to get to the lighthouse, we stopped by Burgos police station to get directions. According to the police, you have to walk or use a motorcyle to reach the place. Since everyone is tired and it is getting late, it was decided to proceed to Pagudpud.

Pagudpud Sunset. (30Apr2005)


Sunset. (01Apr2005)

We finally arrived at Terra Rika Beach Resort where we would be staying overnight. We made reservations at Apo Idon, which was cited in Lonely Planet, a travel book advisory.

posted by ~GFA~ @ 4/30/2005 10:35:00 PM