To start with this amazing adventure, we went first to St.

Pauls Cathedral which is also known

as the metropolitan Cathedral. It is considered a major religious landmark not only of northern Luzon
but the country as well. Visitors must include a visit to the cathedral when in Vigan as it has been a
center of Roman Catholic devotion for centuries. Upon observation, I can say that the whole cathedral
really follows a Baroque architectural design that has been modified by Ilocanos to strengthen the
structure against earthquakes. According to some researches, it is now known as earthquake Baroque.
After worshipping God, we took pictures of the church because the foundation of it was truly amazing. It
is really good to begin this travel tour glorifying God and asking for His Guidance in our 3 days stay here
in Ilocos Norte.
There is this one towering structure which is one of the sights that should be visited by travellers
like us not only because of its historical and cultural significance but also because of its commanding
view of Vigan from the highest portion of it that can be climbed. Some may even claim that they can see
most of Ilocos Sur from this bell tower. It was said to be the peoples watchtower, part of the citys
defense that helps in alerting it against possible enemies. To enjoy the panoramic view of the land set
upon a background of white and blue skies, we climb flights of stairs that can be accessed from the
entrance in the towers base. It is guarded by a small gate which the caretakers lock when there are no
visitors that request for a tour of it. At the end of the climb of the tower, we are greeted by a huge, old
bell which we took pictures again to serve as photo souvenir.
Getting down and dirty is part of visiting Vigan City. But get your minds off the gutter, Im talking
about getting literally dirty, like molding a clay, spinning it and creating something beautiful. Well,
maybe not that last part, it takes a very skilled hand to achieve that. We were at Vigans Pagburnayan,
the iconic pottery place in the city. Its name, Pagburnayan, comes from the root word burnay. It refers
to the hand-crafted earthenware pots made from Vigan. Bantog clays these are called. Theyre dug from
the western barangays of the city. The process of making a burnay jar starts off by combining locally-
sourced clay with a type of fine sand called anay. . The two are mixed on a circular pit trampled over by
a carabao. After the compound has been properly mixed, they then proceed on breaking and kneading it
in smaller portionstaking out small stones and what-nots along the way. And this is where the fun
begins. It takes two individuals to form a burnay jar. Once the jar is formed, it is then left to dry a bit
before being placed inside massive kilns.
Much of Vigans history is linked with the Catholic religion spread by the Spanish colonizers. For
us to have an idea how Filipinos were able to get the best of this faith to further enrich Philippine
culture and champion the Filipino race, we visited the Father Burgos Museum. Inside the museum, we
saw a collection of Father Burgos memorabilia and photographs, family antiques and jewelry, Father
Burgos quarters and a mini library containing his student Jose Rizals Noli Me Tangere, which the
teacher received as a gift. We were able to view as well the dioramas depicting local history, Ilocano and
Tinggian archeological and ethnographic displays and a hall of fame for the heroes and achievers of
Ilocos. We are also enjoined to allot time to take a special look at the paintings hanging there and took
photos of it.
Baluarte, which is are next destination, is one of the top tourist destinations in Ilocos Sur. It
stands on a hill and provides an awesome panoramic view of the city. The Baluarte is approximately 20
hectares with a mini zoo, shooting range, and a chapel, among others. Access to the mini zoo, where
Chavits numerous pets can be found is free for everyone, as the respectable gentleman considers this
as a gift to the people. We enjoyed watching different kinds of animals living in a zoo such the phyton,
parrots, civet cat, tiger, crocodile and many more.
 In order to take some rest, we checked in at Playa Tropical Resort Hotel which is located at
Currimao, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. It is aesthetically inspired by the intricate designs from Bali and
infused with our Ilocano hospitality. Your stay would be one of warm service, tranquility and fond
memories.
For our first destination on our second day, we went again to Saint Augustine Church also
known as Paoay Church was built 1710 and famous for its distinct architecture. I observed that the
church employed a Spanish colonial earthquake baroque architecture, said to be an interpretation of the
European Baroque adapted to the seismic condition of the country through the use of enormous
buttresses on the sides and back of the building. You can really tell the heavy Spanish influence. Even if
you're not a Catholic, this place is a must-visit, just for the sake of appreciating the wonderful
architecture that went behind building this church.
We went afterwards at Malacanang of the North which is one of the important landmark in the
province of Ilocos as this has been the official residence/rest house of the late President Ferdinand
Marcos and his family whenever they are in Ilocos. It was a big privileged to see the former house of the
Marcoses and have a glimpse on their life during their regime.
Moreover, we also went to St. Williams Cathedral which was known for its Italian Renaissance
design.The church has an unusual two-storey facade, supported by two pairs of columns on each side of
the arched entrance. The top of the facade holds a recessed niche that showcases the image of the citys
patron saint, San Guillermo (Saint William). It has windows made from capiz with wrought iron screens.
The structure of the cathedral is amazing. I can say that it is as strong as the faith that we have.
The city is also known for its Sinking Bell Tower, which sinks into the ground at a rate of an inch
a year. It is said to be one of the tallest bell towers in the Philippines and was built by the Augustinians.
Separate bell towers are typical of Ilocos churches but this bell tower is one of the farthest from the
main church building. The construction is typical of the earthquake baroque structures found in Ilocos.
Built of old brick and stone-faced with lime stucco plaster, the tower rises in four tiers. The base with is
massive rounded corners supports the graduated upper tiers noted for its graceful curved buttresses
and corner treatments, giving its early baroque appearance. The tower is crowned by a double dome
topped with a cross. Despite its sinking state, the bell tower still continues its simple purpose of ringing
the bell to call the faithful to mass and other church services. Its a pity though that one cant take a
photo of the bell tower without any obstructions.
If there is one landmark that is frequented by most faithful in Sarrat, it is the Cathedral of Sta.
Monica. The church was constructed in the Baroque and Neoclassical styles. It has buttressed walls, 3-
level Brick Bridge and staircase that connect the church to the convent. It was the last Spanish church
built in Ilocos Norte and considered as the largest church in the whole region. Its bell tower which was
severely damaged during the earthquake is now fully restored.
After having lunch at Rosewell Hotel, we checked in at Java Hotel. This hotel is situated at one of
the most serene areas of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. It is famous for its unique Balinese Moroccan
atmosphere, exquisite Spanish design and warm Ilocano touch. Java Hotel offers 1st class services, with
affordable rates & exceptional amenities. Here, we attended the seminar about the eco-tourism of
Ilocos.
One of the good places also to see up Ilocos Norte is the famous sand dunes similar to the
desert terrain of the Middle East. Here youll be able to ride a 4x4 land cruiser that will make you feel a
different kind of rush. Then afterwards you can try your skills in surfing the sand. You can also take a
picture and keep good memories of the fun experienced in the area. We are hoping to do it again. Its
surely an experience youll be glad to do again
On our 3rd day here in Ilocos Norte, we checked out first in Java Hotel before going to our last
destinations for this day. After checking out, we went to Bangui Windmills. The winds of Bangui blew
tourists towards this coastal town of Ilocos Norte. One can never miss its extremely enormous blades
waving in the sky. I remember my astonishment when I first saw these giants stood firmly like guardians
protecting the Ilocandia shoreline. I knew the windmill was big, but I had zero idea that it was intensely
up-sized compared to photos we see and there are 20 them. The Bangui Wind Farm was quite a sight
to behold.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation was our next spot after. The beauty of this place was
unbelievable. I couldn't believe what my eyes witnessed. This is really something worth visiting. The rock
formation itself is really a great scenery to enjoy in Ilocos Norte. Its nice to walk around and took some
picture as a remembrance. It was so windy and really relaxing stay there.
On our trip in the mangrove plantation in Panzian-Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte, I observed the salt
making industry along the way going to the main site. Their procedure in making salt is different from
the process that I know. I have seen how the people make salt along the highways of Pasuquin. They
usually dissolve imported rock salt from Australia with the sea water and then process it to become a
fine salt. After collecting the extracted salt, it is now ready for cooking.I observed that he traditional
process in making salt is still practiced in the Municipality of Pasuquin. Despite the modernization and
new technology of this era, the old process is still utilized.
After our heavy lunch at Arabella, we went to Ferdinand Marcos Museum which was quite
simple with lots of memorabilias of him and his family. The mausoleum itself was nice. The whole life of
Ferdinand Marcos and his family is laid out for people to fathom and besieged. It was very evident that
the whole city is still so much in love with this fallen leader. It gives insight to how they lived and love of
family.
We went to Calle Crisologo for our last destination here in Ilocos Norte. It is exactly what
everyone says it is - a trip back in time, with cobblestone roads, old Spanish architecture and homes,
horse-drawn carriages or calesas.Apart from these, Calle Crisologo also offers souvenir shops and street
food! I would love to come back here again to see it at night when the yellow lights are up. I find Calle
Crisologo a quite short street but it's packed with so much history. This is such a beautiful place.
Afterwards, we rode on a bus going back to Batangas. This wanderlust adventure is one of the
best moments that happened in my life so far. The escapade is really worthwhile and I cant explain
what to feel exactly. What I know is that a realization from within that our country is like a big treasure
chest with a lot of rich resources inside. I went home with a smile and the undying memories I had in
Ilocos.