Another famous tourist destination in the North is the Ilocos Region, specifically Vigan, Paoay, Laoag and Pagudpud (and all the places in between). Here is the summary of the two trips we had back in 2010 and in 2012. Route: Baguio to Pagudpud. Of course, the earlier we start, the more places we can go.
Ilocos Sur
1. Candon City
The first stop on our roadtrip to the Ilocos Region is Candon. It is known for being the “Tobacco Capital of the Philippines” and kalamay (sticky rice). We only had a quick stop to eat breakfast at McDonalds and a brief look at nearby stores. There are souvenirs like chichacorn and kalamay sold here. It didn’t hurt to buy a few souvenirs just in case we won’t have time to do so later in the trip.
2. Vigan City
One of the attraction-filled cities in the Ilocos region. Within the city alone, there are already a number of interesting places to visit:
Heritage Village – walking within the area takes you back as you get a feel of the olden days of the Spanish era. There are however, numerous souvenir stores but are nestled in the old structures somehow preserving the old houses. You can also ride a kalesa (horse carriage) to take you around as an added option. Even the Mcdonalds fastfood building was structured to look like one of those old houses.
Around the area you can also find the famous Ilocos empanada(distinctly made with egg and its crispy cover) and sinanglaw. Other products abound such as chichacorn products (in many flavors), malagkit, kalamay, longganisa and bagnet.
Also near the heritage site are other tourist spots: (optionally riding a kalesa)
Vigan Cathedral – Considerably one of the oldest churches in the Philippines built during the Spanish era but was reconstructed.
Pottery- forgot the name, but it was pretty much the only pottery nearby.
Hidden Garden – Didn’t see anything remarkable (my bias comes from being garden-rich-Baguio-born) although they say the restaurant serves good food.
Padre Burgos House Museum - Lots of antiques and preserved history.
Plaza Salcedo Dancing Fountain – At night, it is a very entertaining show of lights, water and hip music. It’s really as if the fountain was groovin’.
Heritage Village – walking within the area takes you back as you get a feel of the olden days of the Spanish era. There are however, numerous souvenir stores but are nestled in the old structures somehow preserving the old houses. You can also ride a kalesa (horse carriage) to take you around as an added option. Even the Mcdonalds fastfood building was structured to look like one of those old houses.
Around the area you can also find the famous Ilocos empanada(distinctly made with egg and its crispy cover) and sinanglaw. Other products abound such as chichacorn products (in many flavors), malagkit, kalamay, longganisa and bagnet.
Also near the heritage site are other tourist spots: (optionally riding a kalesa)
Vigan Cathedral – Considerably one of the oldest churches in the Philippines built during the Spanish era but was reconstructed.
Pottery- forgot the name, but it was pretty much the only pottery nearby.
Hidden Garden – Didn’t see anything remarkable (my bias comes from being garden-rich-Baguio-born) although they say the restaurant serves good food.
Padre Burgos House Museum - Lots of antiques and preserved history.
Plaza Salcedo Dancing Fountain – At night, it is a very entertaining show of lights, water and hip music. It’s really as if the fountain was groovin’.
3. Bantay Belfry
This structure provides a great view of Vigan and is also known as where the Panday movie was shot. Nearby is the St. Agustine’s Church. We also get to walk on the very battle grounds of Diego Silang. (10 minutes outside Vigan)
4. Chavit Singson’s Baluarte
Definitely, lots to see inside the zoo. I particularly liked the uncaged birds and the photogenic tigers because we get to touch them with the trainer’s guidance. It was devastating to see the animals on our second trip because they looked dehydrated and unhealthy especially the dwarf horses. (10 minutes outside Vigan)
Ilocos Norte
5. Paoay Church
Before entering Laoag City, we stopped by Paoay to see the centuries-old baroque-style St. Augustine church of Paoay. And so far it is still the biggest church I’ve seen. Big is not enough to describe it. It is definitely somewhere enormous to gigantic. From what I’ve read, it took almost a century to complete the church.
6. Marcos Mausoleum
We also had a side-trip to see the Marcos’ corpse well-maintained in one of the home of the Marcoses. I couldn't take a picture though but they were able to preserve his body almost like he was made of wax.
7. Laoag Sinking Bell Tower
We haven’t had time to view it up close but you could tell it really is sinking
8. Cape Borjeador
Astounding view from this place. You can see part of the South China Sea and the lighthouse itself is more than a century old.
9. Bangui Windmills
These structures are hard to miss because of their towering size. They are used as energy farms of course from the wind. It was already raining by the time we were on the way to Pagudpud but we can’t resist taking photos near them.
10. Pagudpud
We had a small taste of the beach because of the sudden strong rain. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a great time at this last stop. Which means it is a place to revisit in the future.
Food! (aside from Empanada and Sinanglaw)
11. Saramsam
Quite a favorite stopover, on both trips we had to eat at this famous Ilocano restaurant known for their unusual pizza flavors. Viands as pizza flavors? Who would have thought you could have dinuguan or pinakbet or even longganisa as a pizza topping. Plus, they also have unusual names such poque-poque (mainly eggplant as the ingredient). This place is a must try!
One of the longest road trip I had but definitely gained a lot of cultural insight and it was quite satisfying both for the eyes and the stomach. :)
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| pinakbet pizza |
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| famous poque-poque |
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| Dinuguan/ Dinardaraan pizza |
