Next in our itinerary was the Paoay Church. I must say, I had very high expectations. It was one of the places that I was really looking forward to visiting in this trip. I’d seen hundreds of pictures of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and each one of them blew me away. But boy, none of those pictures did justice to the immense beauty of this ancient religious site!
Well, I'm not a very religious individual but I really dig history and appreciate beauty. This church is beyond beautiful. It’s beyond magnificent. Its grandeur cannot be contained in pictures or described with words. It’s just impossible. The first thing we did was take pictures, of course. It was past 5pm and the sun was at its cruelest so we had to find some shade and get some rest even for a minute. We sat under a tree near the facade of this structure. There we were, sitting before this awesome church which felt like an old underwater castle. We were just in awe. Good times, good times.
Moments later, we were walking around the church and continued taking pictures. Here are a few of them:
ARCHITECTURE AND HISTORY OF PAOAY CHURCH Also known as the St. Augustine Church, the Paoay Church was started to be constructed in 1694 by the Augustinian friars but it was only in 1894 when it was finally completed. Fr. Antonio Estavillo led the completion of this project. The architecture of this church is a healthy mixture of Gothic and Baroque designs with some Oriental elements in it. Its facade is somewhat Gothic but the gables are quite Chinese. The niches topping the walls make you think of Indonesia’s Borobudur Temple, revealing some Javanese influence. One of the best parts of the church is its three-storey bell tower made of coral stone. Standing a couple of meters from the church, this belfry served as one of the observations posts for the Katipuneros in 1896 in the height of the Philippine Revolt against Spain. During the World War II, it was again used as an observation post by the Filipino guerillas. Some parts of the church were heavily damaged during the earthquakes in 1885 and 1865. Again and again, it was restored.
In 2000, an excavation inside Paoay Church revealed a prehistoric human skeleton and some fragmented ceramics. They are now being exhibited at the National Museum. Watch my vlog below...
I shouted in a mixture of excitement and panic as the 4×4 jeepney we were riding stirred dust across the vast arid land. We were SO happy, the vehicle accelerated under the rising bright skies and there we were in the middle of a desert in Ilocos Nort, just about to start our sandy adventure. Up and down the sand dunes we went while we struggled to keep a good grip on the safety bars. Taking photos was a challenge, I certainly did not want to be in the next day's news about a blogger who accidentally and stupidly got thrown off the vehicle.
We were in the middle of Paoay Sand Dunes, one of the many thirsty lands in Ilocos. On the plane while approaching the Laoag runway, my eyes were treated to view of spectacular landscapes, which are patched with many mini-deserts. This place was one of those. Paoay Sand Dunes is an 88 sq km parched paradise that lies adjacent Suba Beach. It is one of the two most popular sand dunes sites in the province, the other one being La Paz in Laoag City.
Imagine sandboarding here!
Jump shot
The 4×4 jeepney can carry up to 5 pax (excluding the driver and passenger seats)
Watch my vlog below... (sitting)
(standing)
That was the first time I've ever done that I don't even know how to use a skateboard haha but still I manage not to fall. It was pretty scary at first but that was fun!
Malacanang of the North also known as Malacañang ti Amianan, as the locals call it, is a 5-hectare property situated in Brgy. Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte. It is considered as 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's no acquaintance that the said foremer president is a famous son of Ilocos Norte as he was born and raised in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. The 2-storey mansion was said to be given to former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos by her wife and first lady then, Imelda Marcos, as a gift for his 60th birthday. This has been an extension for the office of the president and alternative venue to welcome local and foreign dignitaries.
The room of Senator Bong Bong Marcos
Another room on the first floor
The biggest room on the first floor has been converted into a museum. They divided it into three parts - the Diplomacy Gallery, the National Building Gallery and the Agriculture Room. The Diplomacy Gallery reflects the office or working area of President Marcos. It also holds some of the books owned by the president as well as books that talks about the life of the late president. The National Building Gallery features all the projects that have built during the Marcos government. I salute Ferdinand Marcos for all the structures he had accomplished during his presidency. He even connected the Major Islands of the Philippines with his projects. Just Wow. The next room is the Agriculture Room. It tells how rich the agriculture were during Pres. Marcos' time. Items used in agriculture are displayed in here with brief descriptions.
The Diplomacy Gallery
The National Building Gallery
Books about the late President Ferdinand Marcos
Zamboanga International Airport - One of the many projects of Pres. Marcos
The Agriculture Room
Let me now tour you on the second floor. Just like the first floor, expect more antique furniture on the second floor. I recommend you to visit the veranda where you can have a full view of the Paoay Lake. It is also where the master's bedroom is located. The size of the room is I believe too big for the couple but again, he's the president. There is also a room which features the life of Mrs. Marcos back then. I never thought that the former first lady was stunningly beautiful. She was a beauty queen during her days. Aside from that, you can also find vintage gadgets on that room.
I don't know if its antique but it looks old yet classy
I love this part of the room
Paoay Church picture frame
Family Picture of Pres. Marcos
Awesome Mirror
I'm not sure whose collection these are
Another set of furniture on the floor
The Master's bedroom
One of the vintage gadget displayed in the room/gallery
The Marcos Family
The Marcos family was considered the "royal family" of the Marcos Era and they built many houses and retreats around the country. Malacañang of the North became their official residence in Ilocos Norte, and indeed, Ferdinand Marcos is probably the region's most famous son. He was the Philippines President between 1965 and 1986. Despite his infamous reputation and government, he was instrumental in helping to shape what the Philippines is today. Imelda Marcos was a local singer and model in Manila before meeting her husband. She is famously remembered for her collection of more than a thousand pairs of shoes, which came to symbolise her families alledged excesses during their twenty year rule.
While in power, the Marcos administration was accused of large scale authoritarian corruption, political repression, nepotism, and human rights violations, and after the assassination of a primary political opponent, Benigno Aquino, Jr., in 1983, public outrage led to the famous People Power Revolution in February 1986. Marcos was forced from power and he fled, seeking exile in Hawaii. It was a big privileged to see the former house of the Marcoses and have a glimpse on their life during their regime. If you are planning to visit Malacanang of the North, it is open on Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:00am to 4:00pm. There's also a P20 entrance fee.
Crave and his classmates began the Day 1 of our Ilocos Tour at around 10:44am. The third destination for the day was the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. To be honest, before that moment, I never heard of this destination before. But I'm telling you, I love the view when I was at the top of the Lighthouse.
We drove 35 kilometers from Laoag City and reached a narrow two-lane road. We rode a tricycle because our bus can't fit at the road way up to the Lighthouse. We passed Brgy. Paayas and turned onto a winding road, leading us to the lighthouse's base. CRAVE'S BOJEADOR EXPERIENCE We stopped in front of the stairs and climbed a flight of stairs. Even from here, we could already see the restless South China Sea. (The waves were gigantic, we could see them from there.) We entered the courtyard and started camwhoring away. There are a few service buildings in the courtyard and lots of staircases. I’m not really a fan of lighthouses but there was something in this place that was just attractive. It was very peaceful up there and it was very cinematic. It’s the kind of location that would be a perfect setting for a romantic film.
It was very, very windy. And looking up, you could see the tower as if it was moving and falling down on you. (In reality, the clouds in the background were moving and gave us an illusion that the tower was falling.)
I continued climbing up every flight of stairs
The lantern is called veranda.
The front yard of Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CAPE BOJEADOR LIGHTHOUSE Also known as Burgos Lighthouse because it is located in the town of Burgos, the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is a cultural heritage structure in Ilocos Norte. It stands on top of Vigia de Nagparitan Hill, overlooking Cape Bojeador. The cape used to be very busy as galleons used to pass by. It’s been more than 100 years since it was established and it is still fully functional — a beacon signaling to ships that they have entered the Philippine territory.
Marking the northwesternmost point of mainland Luzon, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is the counterpart of Cape Engano Lighthouse in Palaui, Santa Ana, Cagayan, which marks the northeasternmost tip. HISTORY AND DESIGN OF CAPE BOJEADOR LIGHTHOUSE The lighthouse was erected as part of Spain’s master plan of illuminating the Philippines. The initial design was by Magin Pers and Pers in 1887 but was completed by Guillermo Brockman’s Lighthouse Service. The lighthouse tower is 65 feet tall and is octagonal. It is made with bricks to crowned with a bronze cupola. On March 30, 1892, it was lit for the first time. The Philippines was under the Spanish rule at the time. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Here are some fast facts that may help you on your trip: 1. Going to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. If you're driving from Laoag, there's a sign on your right leading to the uphill road to Burgos Lighthouse. 35 kilometers North of Laoag. 2. Entrance to the lighthouse is FREE, but donations are gladly welcomed. 3. Drive safe and happy travels to everyone.
Before Burgos was named after the martyr priest, the invading Spaniards once called the town, Nagparitan, which means “prohibit”. Early inhabitants of the coastal town, bound by hills and mountains, were called Mumbari, a fierce group of natives who antagonize the Spanish missions. The Mumbari made Burgos a tough town for conquistadores. Today, Burgos is easily accessible to both local and foreign visitors, welcoming them to their town’s famous tourist attractions. Coincidentally during our trip, we’ve encountered slight “prohibitions” but, unlike the conquistadores, circumstances weren’t really made to be a pain in the “a”.
A sign before Kapurpurawan Rock Formations
Established trail to the rock formations.
Dust rose from the ground as we drove through a dirt road flanked by trees and hills on both sides. We were off to the jagged coastline of Burgos when a spectacular rock formation was said have outshone its neighbors, and that's what we were about to find out, beginning with a short and easy hike.
Horseback riding also an added feature to Kapurpurawan Rock Formations
Riding a horse from Kapurpurawan Rock Formations.
According to a friend who once visited the rock formations, the newly-built path made the hike more convenient and much accessible than before where tourist have to walk on rough terrain made of rocks, shrubs, and small pools of water. And if you’re not the hiking type, a horseback ride is a good alternative. Either way, both routes offers a scenic view of the South China Sea on the way to the rock formation.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formations surrounded by different kinds of rocks
Kapurpurawan came from the Ilokano root word, “puraw“, which means pure or white, such as the creamy white color of Burgos’ Kapurpurawan Rock Formations. Limestone made up this stunning bizarre-looking rock sculpted by oceanic forces and weather conditions and finished with smooth streamlines. Some say it resembles a sleeping dragon, others say its a submarine, I say its simply an amazing sight to look at.
“Bawal Pumasok” sign to Kapurpurawan Rocks.
Climbing Kapurpurawan Rock Formations was now prohibited for rehabilitation and avoid vandalism on the natural attraction. Dictating the permissible distance was the rope tied on two rock. However, walking on the rocks, picture-taking, and probably, climbing are allowed on the other face of this rock. The bizarre appeal of the this rock has increased the number of visitors, but I think it would be best seen from a slightly distant vantage point or in any way further damage could beautiful rock could be avoided.
Added man-made rock formations shaped like an igloo in Kapurpurawan.
A large sculpture in Kapurpurawan Rock Formations.
Here are some fast facts that may help you on your trip:
1. Going to Kapurpurawan Rock Formations. If you're driving from Laoag, watch out for the dirt road on your left, a few kilometers past Burgos Lighthouse, then just go straight to the coast. I think signs are already posted in the area so tourist could easier locate Kapurpurawan Rock Formations. 45 kilometers north of Laoag, 10 kilometers after Cape Bojeador.
2. Hiking to Kapurpurawan Rock Formations from the jump off point is an easy 15-20 minute hike.
3. Bring water. It was kind of hot during our visit.
Horse back-riding fees: back and forth = P100 start to finish and never go back with a horse still = P100 but from the finish to the start is only = P50 By the way I haven't took a video on the rock formations. Sorry for that mate.
