By VINCE G. LOPEZ
September 25, 2010, 6:15pm
Paoay Church (photo by RONALD JAYME)
Known for its picturesque sceneries that contain a unique nostalgic ambiance, Ilocos Norte is one of the most beautiful provinces in the country.
The Ilocano culture that include food, heritage, and way of living are among the top reasons why local and foreign tourists don’t mind the eight-hour drive to the north. Laog, the province’s capital, is bustling with cultural vitality and lively colors of simple living.
Shrines and museums abound in the province as a result of Ilocos Norte’s rich history and its contributions to the country’s foundation. However, the province’s sceneries are not limited to old glories as recent modernizations allowed new attractions to flourish in the province.
The windmills in Bangui Bay have become one of the most popular spots in the province for tourists. The towering windmills can be compared to the scenic wind farms found in the Netherlands. The project primarily boosts the province’s energy system but has evolved into a landmark of Ilocos Norte.
A little further down north of the province are the natural wonders which also draw interest from tourists. Touted as the “Boracay of the North” the coastal line of Pagudpod features a long strip of white sand.
Fast facts
Local dialect: Iloko / Ilocano
Festival: Pamulinawen Festival – celebrated in the month of February in the province’s capital.
Points of interest:
Paoay Church – Built of baked bricks, coral rocks, tree sap, and lumber, the church has 26 immense side buttresses designed for support. The iconic church is perhaps the most eminent example of Baroque architecture in the Philippines and was built in 1894.
Bangui Windmill – The Windmills of Bangui, which was inaugurated in 2005, consists of 15 giant turbines the height of a 23-storey building and produced breathtaking scenery for the province of Ilocos Norte.
Pagudpod – A combination of coral reefs, soft rolling waves, and long stretch of sand, the beach also boasts of a wide array of water sport adventures for surfers, and even diving enthusiasts.
Malacañang of the North – Overlooking the legendary Paoay Lake, the palace was design to resemble a 19th Century bahay na bato and as the official residence of former President Marcos when he visits his hometown.
Museo Ilocos Norte – Located in downtown Laoag, the museum is one of the best ways to be familiar with Ilocano culture.
How to get there:
Laoag is a nine to 10-hour drive from Manila. There are also scheduled buses going to Laoag and Vigan in the metro while the province is also one-hour away by means of air travel which lands in Laoag International Airport.
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