- 07:00 The City Tour was just around Laoag City, unlike the 2 previous tours wherein we have to wake up early because the places were far from our hotel.
- 08:30 Since the tour starts at 09:00 I decided to take a short walk and take some photos of the capitol and the plaza.
The Provincial Clock
SM Hypermarket, previously Ilocos Hall of Heroes
Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol
Aurora Park
- 09:30 Our tour started late because Kuya Arnel went to a repair shop because the sliding door of the van we used yesterday was damaged. Inspite of this, Kuya Arnel assured us that we can still enjoy the trip at a slow pace since the places we are going to visit are nearby.
- 09:45 First stop is St. William's Cathedral, the cathedral was built in 1612 by Augustinian friars. A few steps away from St. William's is another magnificent work of the friars and is perhaps one of Laoag's most famous landmark, the Sinking Bell Tower. It stands at 45 meters and has been sinking at around an inch a year. I hope the local government can preserve the Sinking Bell because the walls are starting to erode. Unfortunately, no one was allowed to enter the tower, well it would also be difficult because the entrance has sunk and only measures wround 4 feet, Kuya Arnel told as during the old days horses can enter thru the entrance. While visiting these two wonderful architecture the things that came into my mind was the time of the Renaissance, it was around 17th Century and religion was the main theme for such architectures.
St. William's Cathedral
A Havaianas ad near the cathedral, a mural of famous landmarks of Ilocos at the back
Sinking Bell Tower Tourism Information Plate
The Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag, at the bottom is Ma'am Mae for scale
- 10:30 After the time travel back to Renaissance, we went to the birthplace of Former President Ferdinand E. Marcos (a.k.a Apo Lakay). The Municipality of Sarrat is also know for Sarrat Church (Sta. Monica Church), which is the largest church in the province of Ilocos. I was surprised that the ceremonial opening of the holy door of the church was led by Archbishop Orlando B. Quevedo, OMI. Father Quevedo is the Archbishop of my hometown, Cotabato and he was an Ilocano from Sarrat. Archbishop Quevedo was inducted as a cardinal on Feb 22, 2014 by Pope Francis. He became the 1st cardinal from Mindanao. And am I happy to have met Father Quevedo in Cotabato City, a very humble man and he was previously the president of Notre Dame University where I graduated.
Sarrat Welcom Arch
Sta. Monica de Sarrat
Sarrat Church Tablet
Interior of Sarrat Church
Sta. Monica de Sarrat Parish Museum
At the side of the parish museum
- 10:45 After visiting the church we took a short stop at the house where Apo Lakay was born, it was a simple house where the rich Edralin family took residence. A brief history of Apo Lakay's stay in this house was documented in a nearby tarpaulin. There was also a tarp commemorating Apo Lakay's birthday last Sep 11, 2013.
The birthplace of Former President Ferdinand Marcos
The history of the home
Happy Birthday, Apo Lakay!
- 11:20 Our last stop before lunch is the Malacañang of the North, locally called Malacañang ti Amianan. This was turned into a museum of some sorts and perhaps one of the most important landmarks of the province of Ilocos. The very palace was grand and anyone who visits Ilocos should not miss to explore this palace. There was an entrance fee of 30.00 php per person but you'll really get what you paid for, we were able to explore the unrestricted areas of the museum.
Malacañang of the North a.k.a Malacañang ti Amianan
- Upon entering the museum we were welcomed by the spacious guest receiving area and the grand staircase, there were paintings of President Marcos and First Lady Imelda along with various floral decorations.
The spacious guest receiving area
The portraits of President Ferdinand Marcos and First Lady Imelda Marcos
- Going to the right was the way going to the comfort room and to the long table were various pictures of the president's projects and activities were displayed. There was also a small snacks store near the long table were hungry tourists can buy refreshments and chips.
Pictures of the Marcos Family
- To the left was the simple room of Bongbong Marcos.
Bongbong Marcos's Bedroom
- A short walk further and we entered Apo Lakay's Throne Room (this was my favorite area).
A display along the hallway before the throne room
Apo Lakay's Throne Room
- There was also rooms Apo Lakay's achievements: The 1st one is in the agricultural sector, President Marcos was famous for his Presidential Decree No. 27 of 1972: The Agrarian Reform Program. Proper irrigation and ample supply of agricultural products were the highlights during Marcos's governance.
Presidential Decree No. 27 of 1972: Agrarian Reform Program
Agriculture related projects during Marcos Presidency
- The 2nd display room is about the Philippine Diplomacy towards other nations. President Marcos is highly regarded as a genius of his time even by other countries, he was regarded as one of the great leaders of South East Asia.
Strong Men of Asia
President Marcos meeting leaders of other countries
- The 3rd and last room is about the infrastracture projects of President Marcos The ceiling of this room is a map of the Philippines indicating the National Roads created during Marcos's time. In my humble opinion, in terms of contributions to different sectors, no other president came close to President Marcos's actions, or any other Filipino for that matter. Then there's the restricted admin rooms conveniently hidden around the corners.
Pictures of President Marcos leading the Nation Building Projects
A miniature display of Patapat Viaduct
The Projects completed during Marcos Governance
The National Highway created by Marcos, this continues up to Zamboanga City
- Walking straight out of the living room we arrived in a veranda that overlooks the Paoay Lake. This piece of real estate really shows the life Former President Marcos enjoyed during his rule with an iron fist. I am a supporter of Marcos but I have to admit there were still lapses in his management.
The elegant veranda
The other side of the palace
- Ascending the stairs we were overwhelmed by the spacious and elegant function rooms. From the terrace of the 2nd floor one will have a betterr view of the beautiful Paoay Lake.
Various function areas of the 2nd floor
Living room of 2nd floor
The terrace offers a beautiful view of Paoay Lake (Look for 2 other tourists)
The palace overlooking Paoay Lake
Long table with a magnificent painting of Paoay Church
- The master's bedroom was simple and elegant, I was just wondering if the cctv's installed in the palace were operational. The bedroom of the daughters Irene and Imee were also at the 2nd floor.
Furnitures in the masters bedroom
Bedroom of Irene and Imee Marcos
The bed of President Marcos and Imelda
Wardrobe Room
- The 2nd floor also displays First Lady Imelda Marcos's personal belongings. For those who want to visit her legendary shoes collection, visit the Marikina Shoe Museum. The last display room is the OFW Room (the room that I think is out of place in this museum, but Marcos still has some contributions in this area to some extent).
Memorabilia of Imelda Marcos
Displays at the OFW Room
I was touched by the photo of the daughter embracing his father
- 12:30 After exhausting all our calories exploring the palace, we finally went to Batac where we will visit Apo Lakay's remains. But before the creepy encounter, we ate our delicious lunch at Herencia Cafe Restaurant and tried their famous Pinakbet Pizza. They also have this tasty bagoong (fish paste) and the signature Sukang Ilocos.
The restaurant is just in front of Paoay Church
Pinakbet Pizza (A must try!!!)
- 14:00 The sky was getting darker as we drove on to Batac, it was fortunate that the rain poured just after we entered Ferdinand Marcos Presidential Center. This place in know for the mausoleum where the remains of the late president lies, it is a long disputed case if the president is to be buried at Libingan ng mga Bayani. There was also a big slab of marble outside the mausoleum with a chiseled passage from President Marcos, he is also known for being an excellent writer. No one is allowed to take pictures inside of the mausoleum as a sign of respect to Apo Lakay. But I'll attach a picture I took from the internet of what could be seen inside.
Ferdinand Marcos Presidential Center
The tablet with a famous passage from Marcos
The creepy interior of the mausoleum (picture from sulekha.com)
- 12:40 The rain was getting stronger when we left the mausoleum and we were worried that we won't be able to try the 4x4 ride at Paoay Sand Dunes. We just told Kuya Arnel to still continue going to the sand dunes, and luckily the rain stopped just as we were disembarking the van to register. Anyone who wishes to enjoy the ride needs to sign a waiver, so there's danger in this extreme ride. I think the fee for the ride is 4,500.00 php and this is good for 4 persons. The ride lasts for about an hour and it was very exhilirating! One thing I can advise to adventure seekers during the ride is a passage from a famous song of Roxette: "Hold on tight, you know it's a little bit dangerous!". Parts of the ride was scary I thought the 4x4 might tip over, there were also steep slopes and the driver intentionally steps harder on the accelerator. Just hold tight to the bars but don't stick your body on them because it would be painful when the ride goes wild. We also spent some time along the coastline, it was wonderful to know that we have a quasi-desert here in the Philippines. We also tried the sand skateboarding, we were fortunate no one was hurt especially when we tried the steeper slopes. Many according to the driver and our guide ate the sand and dirtballed to the bottom suffering minor wounds.
Paoay Sand Dunes Adventure
The map of Ilocos Sand Dunes
Our group riding the 4x4
An acre of coastline
Sand dunes skateboarding
For those who are a bit afraid, you can sit on the board just like this
The vast Sand Dunes of Paoay
- 15:50 After the heartstopping 4x4 ride, we took a short detour to Fort Ilocandia, the only 5-Star Resort hotel in the northern part of the Philippines. Not for the budget tight travellers like our group, but it's free to take pictures in their facade.
Fort Ilocandia
- 16:30 Back to Laoag City, we took some photos of Laoag City Welcome Arch, Tobacco Monopoly Monument and at Aurora Park before going back to the hotel.
Laoag City Welcome Arch
Aurora Park and the Tobacco Monopoly Monument
My favorite group photo of the day
- 18:00 Arrived at the airport, very content with our Ilocos Trip. It was a historical tour, which I'm fond of, and the place was not densely populated. The vacation was really the type that reguvenates a worn out body from the pressure of working. I highly recommend Ilocos to tourists, it's a very clean and well maintained province that takes pride of its historical contributions to the Philippines.
