Here in the Philippines, up north refers to Regions I and II. Places like Ilocos and La Union are usually top of mind. They’re almost synonymous to verdant hills, lush mountains, and frothy seas. This two-part post explores places you may want to visit up north. Ilocos is up first!

Ilocos Norte

Pagudpud Beach

Let’s start at a place 560km from Manila, where the seashore just glow crystal against the sun. The soothing blow of the wind syncs in time with the rambunctious splash of the waters. Over and over the waves roll… beckoning, inviting, enticing you to swim and bask in the sun. This is Pagudpud.

There are several hotels and inns around the area. There’s also a public beach for when you just want to make a quick day tour (which is what we did).

Bangui Windmills

So much like loyal sentinels standing at 70m and 326m apart, these 20 Vestas wind turbines face the West Philippine Sea and bravely harness the wind’s energy. Altogether, they produce 33 MW – enough to power more than 20,000 homes (1MW: 645 Houses, based on this article).

In these parts, the waves can rise as high as 4m as they roll and slam to the shores. The wind pulls on your clothes, nudges you a bit, and blows your hair all over the place. Don’t take anything light with you, because once the wind tugs on it, you can never have it back.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

The man-made wind turbines are awesome, but the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is an equally breathtaking sight of nature in action. Oceanic and weather forces caused the rock’s creamy white and streamlined formation. It’s Mother Nature being harsh and beautiful at the same time.

 

 

Laoag Sand Dunes

It’s the most thrilling, action-packed, adventure-filled 20-min ride of your life! Well, sort of. I wish I didn’t always had to slam on that metal bar, though. Hurts the chest, man! But the 4×4 ride has its own moments of glory! Like when it dove down a slope close to 90 degrees, or it stopped on top of a hill to give you this breathtaking view of the surrounding area. It’s all worth it. Like, thank-God-I’m-alive-to-see-this-moment worth it.

But the sand dunes really look divine, especially from afar, where you can see the straw-colored grass cover the hills like velvet, swayed from time to time by the gentle morning breeze.

You can also surf your way down the slopes, whether you want do it standing or sitting down is up to you. You’ll really enjoy it. Plus, you get to pay a visit to the West Philippine Sea.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

This is where you can see one of the most amazing sunsets of your life. As the colors swirl in the sky and the sun decides to rest for the day, the muted scene of the country life steals your breath and holds you in that moment. The roads, for once, are almost empty and faraway. The treetops, meanwhile, are patiently receiving the last vestiges of sunlight. The waves slam into the coasts with such silent anger, they’re froth white and raging. After some time, the orange glow lose its warmth and you anticipate the falling of the night.

The veranda is the only place accessible. From there, you can have a wide view of the mountains, the forest and the sea. This Lighthouse is a National Historical Treasure. It’s still active today.

St. Augustine Church of Paoay

The Paoay Church is one of the Philippines’ National Cultural Treasures. Also, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I’ve longed to get here, but not exactly for religious reasons. It’s always been my dream to touch something that’s been around during the early 18th century. I want to see and touch a legit Baroque structure. The bricks were actually made from baked corals. The church was under construction when we visited. I can only imagine how’d the sermon sound like bouncing off those ancient walls.

You’ll enjoy walking along the brick pavements or taking a short walk around the garden. The lawn is well-kept. There’s also the PAOAY brick structure where you can take selfies or groupfies. Opposite the church are shops where you can rest and eat.

Malacañang of the North

It’s a big house, built for selfish reasons. Imelda Marcos had the house built as a birthday present to his late husband, Ferdinand Marcos. The tour guide made sure to let us know that only fine materials were used to build the house.

As I was climbing that grand, Narra staircase, I thought about the children they could have sent to school had they chose to use simpler materials. Or if they had chosen to not build the house at all. Meanwhile, another tourist started chanting Oro, Plata, Mata and was truly delighted to know that the top landing coincides with Oro! Feng Shui wins!

There were several large rooms for owners and halls for visitors. Family photos adorn the walls. Some has been converted into museums or study. The veranda’s overlooking the serene waters of Paoay Lake. Such a shame, really! The grandeur of the place doesn’t compensate the rotten morals of the ones who had it built.

 

 

 

 

Rant Galore!

Oh, and when we were in this hall that highlights the accomplishments of the Marcos regime, one visitor couldn’t contain his delight at how awesome President Marcos was! But his high didn’t last long, he was immediately reminded that those projects were done using the taxpayers’ money. It’s only right that they get done. It came with your rights as a responsible citizen, you’re entitled to such service because you lived up to your part of the deal. The projects were not outside the President’s scope of work. AH26 deserves commendation, though.

I’ll stop here, lest my political views muddle this post even more. Though I can’t understand why this seemingly useless thing is on display along with Imelda’s other collections? This article from The Guardian sure claimed that she also collects arts of the Masters. Shame, that fine structure of a wall should be graced with equally fine work of arts don’t you think? ‘Nuff said.

The Legend of Lake Paoay

What the water occupies now used to be a town full of rich people. But they grew greedy and they turn poor people away. So, the Heavens decided to punish them with heavy rains that eventually flooded the town. Not one of the residents have been seen since then. Locals suspect that all of them has turned into fish! One fisherman actually caught a fish with gold earrings on. Also, no one ever found out how deep the lake goes. The Late President Ferdinand Marcos even commissioned divers to measure the depth of the Lake, but none has ever succeeded.

Ilocos Sur

Calle Crisologo

It’s superficial to say the least. I may be lacking in appreciation, but I’m happy that we get to preserve some of it. You can just amuse yourself with the bustling crowd.

Bantay Bell Tower

Ancient edifice watching over the city, utilized by the Katipuneros during the Revolution. You’d think that inside is as hot as an oven, but it’s actually quite cool. The sight at the top more than compensates your effort for climbing up the many flights of stairs.    

 

Historical Markers in Ilocos

Historical markers are sporadically spread throughout Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. And not surprisingly so, because Philippine history boasts a great number of distinguished individuals who hailed from this part of the country.

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If you want a place with the right amount of nature and history, then head to Ilocos. Arrange the trip with a local tourism agency or with your friends. You’ll not regret it.

As always, thanks for dropping by!