This will be the last day of the Ilocandia exploration and we have Laoag before we fly back to Manila.Our driver and also our tour guide made it Laoag-Pagudpud-Vigan-Laoag route. We took the the farthest first - Pagudpud on our first day then Vigan on the second day and lastly Laoag since we have our accommodation here. It more convenient this way. This is also the same route itinerary recommended by other travellers.
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| Laoag Sinking Bell Tower |
If Pisa has their Leaning Tower, we have our very own Laoag Sinking Bell Tower. Notice that the main entrance is already submerged, according to our guide, one whole carriage can go inside the bell tower during the old days.
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| Bell tower's main entrance. |
The trip will not be completed without stopping on some museums. One of the most notable museums are Syquia Mansion (Elpidio Quirino's wife mansion) and Marcos Museum and Moseleum. Here in Marcos museum displayed his life from child until being president including all his projects and achievements being a one of the worlds statesman.
On the side note, our guide hates the country's present president and aware of some rumors on Ninoy's death. I understand his sentiments.
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| Marcos statue inside the museum. |
If Vigan, Ilocos Sur have their Calle Crisologo; Laoag, Ilocos Norte have Paoay Church another UNESCO world heritage site. Also known as San Agustin Church it was built around 1700s is one of the best example of Baroque churches in the country. Baroque is a characteristic of style in art in Europe. It uses strained effect and curving with elaborated ornamentation.
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| Close up shot of the walls of Paoay Church |
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| Interior of Paoay Church |
Though the interiors of the church has been renovated with steel bars, good thing the locals preserved the facade and the bell tower the way it has been build more than 300 years ago surviving wars and earthquakes. The walls will serve as the witness of what really happened in our history.
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| A large verandah facing Paoay lake. |
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| The social hall for visitors. |
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| The spacious dining hall. |
Next stop is Malacañan Palace of the north or locally known as Malacanang ti Amianan. Facing the Paoay lake this became the official residence of the first family when visiting Ilocos during Ferdinand Marcos' reign as president.
Inside the mansion are these paintings with intricately designed frames.
Next stop is Paoay Sand Dunes for a dessert experience. I never thought we have own piece of desert in our tropical country. This was accidentally discovered by media scouting for location and from then this became one of stops for extreme activity - 4x4 full pack action ala roller coaster ride.
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| Paoay Sand Dunes |
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| 4x4 Dessert Ride |
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| Tire marks of 4x4 |
According to my friend's sister, this is more wild than Dubai's dessert safari activity wherein it uses enclosed SUVs while in Laoag, they use open-air 4x4 wherein the riders can stand at the passenger's seat, feel the wind, be shaken and shout at the top of their lungs (video clips to follow). Better bring a hand tripod with you to document the wild ride.
To wrap up the whole trip, our last stop is Fort Ilocandia.
This was also known as The Manila Hotel of the north. Its interior walls composed of woods and red bricks showcasing the vintage design. Along the hall are photos of notable events and personalities that graced Fort Ilocandia.
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| Chandelier inside the Fort Ilocandia. |
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