Hmmn i think i would love to promote Ilocos tourism - why not :-)
FIRST DAY EXPLORATION
Our first stop was Heritage Village in Vigan Ilocos Sur.
Explore more by copying this link to your web browser http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/default.asp
Hidden Garden has a relaxing and natural ambiance. There's a romantic place with overhanging millionaires' vine malapit sa Lover's Corner. There are plants and garden items on display and for sale. Meron ding souvenir shop and a celebrity corner where pictures of famous visitors to the place are on display.
Mickey Mouse fruit
Pagburnayan (Clay Pot Making)
You are the Potter, I am the clay
Mold me and make me, this is what I pray
Change my heart oh God, make it ever true
Change my heart oh God, may I be like You.
Baluarte
http://chavitsingson.net/baluarte/
Bantay Bell Tower
Towering over the town, the Bantay Bell Tower is a sight to behold, standing separately over a hilltop. The original structure as it stands today was built by Augustinian missionaries in 1591, most likely as a part of the parish church nearby. It was made of bricks, rocks, and a mixture of seashells and sugar cane. The bell tower stands on the tallest point in the town, and was used as a watch tower during the Spanish colonial period. As such, the tower is aptly named since “bantay” is an Ilocano word for both “mountain” and “guard.”
SECOND DAY EXPLORATION
As early as 4am we were already on our way to Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte - the "Haven of the North" because of its unspoiled natural resources, peaceful community and beautiful beaches.
http://tourism-philippines.com/pagudpud/
Next on our itinerary list was White Rock Formation in Kapurpurawan
Bangui Windmills are huge, powerful, and modern-looking considered to be the biggest in Southeast Asia. It sells 40% electricity to Ilocos Norte and is contributing to reduce the greenhouse effect which causes global warming.
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. First lit on March 30, 1892 and is set high on Vigia de Nagparitan Hill overlooking the scenic Cape Bojeador where early galleons used to sail by. After over 100 years, it still functions as a welcoming beacon to the international ships that enter the Philippine Archipelago from the north and guide them safely away from the rocky coast of the town.
THIRD DAY EXPLORATION
We spent a night with my comare's family in Pasuquin which is a place known for salt making.
Fort Ilocandia
The only 5-star deluxe resort hotel in northern Philippines sprawling over 77 hectares of land amidst gentle sand dunes and pine forests with a 2 kilo-meter sandy beach facing the South China Sea. It is located in the heart of the city of Laoag and the province of Ilocos Norte. It’s a 10 minutes drive from Fort Ilocandia Golf & Country Club at Paoay and from the Laoag International Airport.
Dropping at Plaza del Norte before heading up to Fort Ilocandia Golf and Country Club.
Fort Ilocandia Golf and Country Club
Java Hotel is famous for its unique Balinese Moroccan atmosphere, exquisite Spanish design and warm Ilocano touch. Its recreational facilities will surely meet your needs and expectations for it includes a souvenir shop, tennis court, fitness gym, and swimming pool, as well as a function hall.
The Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag City 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. The tower has earned its “sinking” reputation because it is so heavy and it was build on sandy foundations that it has consistently sunk into the ground. Stories mention that a person on horseback could enter the tower with ease back when it was built. Now, a person of normal height has to bend down just to enter the vaulted entrance.
Known as the “Earthquake Baroque” church in the Philippines, Paoay Church was built of baked bricks, coral rocks, salbot (tree sap) and lumber, and has 24 carved massive buttresses for support.
How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. Psalm 31:19
We give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 107:1
