Ilocos Norte : Paoay and Ilocos Norte Capitol
Ilocos Norte (Ilokano: Amianan nga Ilocos) is a province of the Philippines located in the Ilocos Region. Its capital is Laoag City and is located at the northwest corner of Luzon Island, bordering Cagayan and Apayao to the east, and Abra and Ilocos Sur to the south. Ilocos Norte faces the South China Sea to the west and the Luzon Strait to the north.
Ilocos Norte is noted for being the birthplace of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos,
who led an authoritarian rule over the country during the latter half
of his incumbency. The Marcoses enjoy a modicum of popularity in the
province. Ilocos Norte is also known as a northern tourist destination,
being the location of Fort Ilocandia, an upper class hotel and beach resort famous among expatriates, and Pagudpud.
Before my flight back to Manila, I requested my officemate to take me to Paoay. The town is home to Paoay Church, Paoay Lake, and Malacañang of the North.
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| Paoay Church |
The Church of Saint Augustine, commonly known as the Paoay Church, is the Roman Catholic Parish Church of the municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. Completed in 1710, the church is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted by the enormous buttresses on the sides and back of the building. In 1993, the church was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one best examples of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines.
Paoay church is prime example of Earthquake Baroque architecture, which is the Philippine interpretation of the European Baroque adapted to the seismic condition of the country. Destructive earthquakes are common and have destroyed earlier churches all throughout the country. Aside from Baroque, the church facade also exudes Javanese architecture reminiscent of Borobudur of Java.
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| inside the cathedral |
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| the bell tower of Paoay Church |
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| the Neo classical architecture Ilocos Norte Capitol |
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| you can notice the image of Mama Mary on the 3rd layer from the top |
The Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag City
in the province of Ilocos Norte 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 is sinking 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.
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| a lunch treat from kuya Jun before my flight |
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| time to go home ... |
For Ilocos Norte accommodations, particularly Laoag, click here.
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