Wonders in Ilocos Norte

MADYA NA SA ILOCOS...

To make sure you cover everything the Philippines has to offer, start right at the top! Ilocos is the perfect beginning to an exciting adventure.

       Long before the coming of the Spaniards, there existed an extensive region renowned for its gold mines. Merchants from Japan and China regularly traded with the inhabitants who called their place "samtoy" from "sao mi ditoy" literally meaning "our language". The Spanish colonization in Ilocos year 1572 was never completely successful. Products such as tobacco and basi (sugarcane wine) were monopolized by the government resulting to uprisings Basi Revolt being the most noteworthy. Widespread conflict throughout the region led to the division of the old Provincia de Ilocos through a Royal Decree in February 2, 1818. Ilocos Norte was born. Since then, the province increased in prosperity. Many towns during this period built bigger stone and brick churches with massive belfries. Under the American regime, new schools, roads, bridges, dikes and government buildings were constructed.

                             AN ARCHITECTURAL WONDER IN ILOCOS NORTE

     The Paoay Church has probably been blogged about a gazillion times already. It is one of the most famous and most photographed churches in the Philippines after all. At some point in my life, there exists a moment when I saw a photo of the Paoay Church for the first time. The WOW moment, which made yearn for the day I’d get to see the Paoay Church in person. It’s so cool to be so far away from home and have the chance to visit the Paoay  Church alongside many attractions of Ilocos  Norte

EXPERIENCE THE THRILLING  SAND DUNES

It's adventure time! Extreme sports enthusiasts have a range of options in Ilocos Norte. Sand surf and dune bash the vast sand dunes in Paoay and Laoag, the only desert in Southeast Asia.

CALLE CRISOLOGO

 

       This street is filled with Spanish-style houses that evoke a bygone era. You will be guided through four blocks of cobblestone streets lined with heritage houses of the families of the Filipino-Chinese traders who rose to prominence during that time of vigorous trading in gold, tobacco and other goods. A walk through the famous street in Vigan during night is so magical! If you happen to visit in Vigan, I suggest that you go to Calle Crisologo at night. The stillness and shadows that come with the night adds more to the 18th century ambience of the lamp-lit street that local and foreign visitors love.

       Calle Crisologo is indeed a perfect place to visit when you go to Ilocos. Its very romantic to walk through the street with a Spanish vibe. While doing this blog, It made me want to comeback to Ilocos especially in Calle Crisologo because the experience was priceless. 

KAPURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATION 

       It was my first time riding a horse ad the experience was very fun and worth it especially when you already reached you final destination which is the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. We paid 100.00 in horse riding. The view was so surreal and I was in awe when I saw the view. It was very relaxing being there its just that we go there after lunch so its very hot but the view was worth your time and the adventure was irreplaceable.  

FORT ILOCANDIA RESORT

En route to our room, which was quite a walk--Fort Ilocandia is huge--we passed by its photographically famous central fountain. Too bad it wasn’t spouting anything then, we were told that the only time it is opened is during events and special occasions. Oh well.

Grand crystal chandeliers illuminated the impressive interiors of the hotel lobby. Framed by dark wood panels, carved balustrades and warm bricks, it exudes an aura of old luxurious turn-of-the century Spanish mansions that Ilocos is known for.