All over Ilocos!

It took awhile for me to publish this post re my recent trip to Ilocos. We had a tight schedule and really, really had a good time.

Aurora Park, Laoag City -

Aurora Park is where you will see the statue of the maiden Pamulinawen. It was where the Tobacco Monopoly Monument was ercted in 1882. It is in front of the Capitol building, and just across is the City Hall of Laoag. Miniature displays of various Ilocos destinations are also found here.

Baluarte, Vigan -

The Baluarte or fortress is a tourist attraction of Vigan in the Philippines. It is owned by Luis Chavit Singson and continuously being improved by the city government.

Bangui Windmills -

Bangui Wind Farm is a wind farm in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The wind farm uses 20 units of 70-metre (230 ft) high Vestas V82 1.65 MW wind turbines, arranged on a single row stretching along a nine-kilometer shoreline off Bangui Bay, facing the West Philippine Sea.

Bantay Abot Cave -

They say Bantay abot cave is not really a cave. It is a hill that was wrecked by an earthquake in the 80's leaving a hole in the middle.

Bantay Belfry -

They also call this The People's Watch Tower, because it was part of the city's defense that helps in alerting it against possible enemies. It was built in 1591.

Batac and its Empanada-

Deep-fried goodness! Must Try! They even have a Festival for it!

Calle Crisologo, Vigan -

Lined with cobblestones and an a true rustic feel, there's a reason why this is one of Vigan's more popular destination.

Cape Bojeador -

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse, is a cultural heritage structure in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, that was established during the Spanish Colonial period in the Philippines. It was first lit on March 30, 1892, and is set high on Vigia de Nagpartian Hill overlooking the scenic Cape Bojeador where early galleons used to sail by.

Crisologo Museum -

The Crisologo Museum was established after Floro Crisologo's death. He was shot inside the St. Paul's Cathedral with the museum devoted to his legacy.

Fort Ilocandia -

The resort has 267 rooms with private balconies offering a view of the sea and possessing the features and qualities of Ilocano century-old living quarters and constructed to accentuate the antiquity of a colonial house.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation -

The Kapurpurawan rock formation is located on the rocky coast of Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It is known for its creamy white and streamlined limestone formations, which have been sculpted by different oceanic and weather forces. Burgos is located on the northwestern tip of Ilocos Norte.

Malacanang of the North -

In Ilocos Norte, can be found the Malacañang of the North, (or Malacañang ti Amianan, as the locals refer to it), which is a rather grand mansion, in beautiful grounds, overlooking a lake. This was a birthday gift from first lady, Imelda Marcos, to her husband on the occasion of his 60th birthday. (It is named after the official residence and workplace of the President of the Philippines in Manila - the Malacañang Palace.) The house and gardens are a feature on our Ilocos tours.

Pagburnayan -

The Pagburnayan is where the old and authentic methods of pottery are still being applied. Called "Burnay" or terracota by the natives, these factories are clustered in the southwestern part of the Poblacion along Liberation Boulevard in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

Pagudpud -

One should not go to Ilocos and not put Pagudpud in their itinerary!

Paoay Church -

The Saint Augustine Church (Spanish: Iglesia de San Agustín de Paoay), commonly known as the Paoay Church, is the Roman Catholic church of the municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. Completed in 1710, the church is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted by the enormous buttresses on the sides and back of the building. It is declared as a National Cultural Treasureby the Philippine government in 1973 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the collective group of Baroque Churches of the Philippines in 1993.

Paoay Sand Dunes -

The Ilocos Sand Dunes Stretches encompasses the towns of Currimao through to Pasuquin in Ilocos Norte. The La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag City is one of the more popular sand dune destinations in Ilocos Norte. But more recently, the PAOAY SAND DUNES is remarkably gaining popularity to tourists travelling up north.

Patapat Viaduct -

Scenic as scenic can get! The bridge is elevated 31 meters over sea level. It is a concrete coastal bridge 1.3 km long and connects the Maharlika Highway from Laoag, Ilocos Norte to the Cagayan Valley Region.

Sinking Bell Tower -

The Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag City in the province of Ilocos Norte is one of the first things you may spot upon entering the city proper. It’s a massive 45-meter bell tower said to be one of the tallest bell towers in the Philippines and was built by the Augustinians in 1612.

Vigan Cathedral -

Vigan Cathedral, canonically known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site declaration for the Historic Town of Vigan in 1999.