Where to go in Ilocos Norte

Before summer 2019 came to an end, my dream of traveling to faraway Ilocos happened. Sharing here our travel itinerary which you can also use as your guide when visiting Ilocos.

Calle Crisologo, Vigan

It was a five-day trip. We traveled by land from Manila to Ilocos Norte. Our van driver, Sir Robert, and his team met us at the entrance of SM Mall of Asia at around 9 p.m. The evening trip lasted for 10 hours. What made the long trip bearable was we slept most of the time.

Breakfast at Marsha's Pasalubong, Vigan

Calle Crisologo, Vigan

We arrived at Vigan in Ilocos Sur at 6 a.m. I had my first taste of the popular Ilocano longganisa at Marsha’s Pasalubong and then proceeded to Calle Crisologo.

At Calle Crisologo, we seem to have time-traveled to the Spanish colonial times in the 18th century. Seeing the heritage houses, cobblestone streets, and horse-drawn carriages (kalesa) felt awesome.

The houses have really thick walls with red bricks, huge doors with large old-fashioned locks, decorated stairways, windows made of capiz shells, and floors that are made of high-quality hardwood.

They converted some of the houses’ ground floors into souvenir shops. Some even host popular food brands, a unique combination of the old and the new.

Ms. Ena Domingo, our kind and charming guide, said that Calle Crisologo is beautiful and romantic at night as soon as the streets lights are on. After watching "Someone to Watch Over Me", I would agree.

By the way, Vigan was named after Bigaa, a taro plant.

After Vigan, we traveled for two hours to Laoag City where we checked in at Isabel Suites, General Segundo Avenue.

Laoag Church

Laoag Church

Our first stop, Laoag Church was founded by the Augustinian friars and was originally made of wood and thatch in 1580. In 1612, it was replaced with a structure that is Italian Renaissance-inspired. Its bell tower is located about 85 meters from the church, so you will have to cross the street in order to get there.

Backpack at the Taoid Museum

Taoid Museum, Laoag

The Taoid Museum is a museum of the Cordilleras in Ilocos Norte. Located at the Tabacalera Lifestyle Center in Laoag City, it showcases the link between the people of Ilocos Norte (lowland) and the tribes of the Cordilleras (upland).

"Taoid" means shared heritage in the Ilocano language.

The entrance fee is P40 while the discounted rate of P20 is for students, PWDs, and senior citizens). They can be reached through these numbers: (077) 7721213 local 157, mobile numbers 09508801285 and 09560725845.

Santa Monica Church

Santa Monica Church, Sarrat

Sarrat is the birthplace of the late president Ferdinand Edralin Marcos. One of its attractions is the Santa Monica Church which brings visitors to a different era.

Built by the Franciscan friars, it is the longest church in Ilocos Norte. It was where Irene Marcos and Greggy Araneta got married and had their reception in 1983. Ms. Ena shared that it took 30 minutes for the bride to reach the altar. This makes Santa Monica Church a great place to get married in.

On the right side of the main church is a belfry that was badly damaged by the 1932 earthquake but was later rehabilitated. On its left is the Santa Monica Church convent.

Vintar Eco-Adventure Park

After a visit to the Santa Monica Church, we dropped by the newly opened Vintar Eco Adventure Park. Considered as a summer destination in Sarrat, its amenities and activities include cottages, zipline, kayaking, and river bathing. The park is open Mondays to Sundays from 8 am to 5 pm.

Paoay Church

Paoay Church

The Ilocos Norte provincial government did a tremendous job of preserving their heritage houses as well as their churches like the Paoay Church. Constructed in 1710, this Baroque-style church was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

It has thick walls and made of corals and bricks. Its architecture makes it extremely strong enough to withstand earthquakes. 

Beside it is a bell tower which the Philippine revolutionaries used as a post during their revolt against Spain.

Malacanang of the North

Malacanang of the North

Malacanang of the North served as the official residence of the late president Ferdinand Marcos in Ilocos Norte.

After the EDSA Revolution, the Philippine government sequestered many assets of the Marcos family including this two-story "balay na bato" mansion. But later on, they transferred it to the Ilocos Norte provincial government which turned it into a museum.

They converted the late president's room into the main museum which features the table and replica of books that he owned. It has several quarters that display the memorabilia and mockup of the projects that were achieved during his term.

The living room at the Malacanang of the North

One room features his four major projects, namely the Patapat Viaduct in Pagudpud, Dambana ng Kagitingan in Bataan, Zamboanga Airport, and the Pan-Pacific Highway or Maharlika Highway. 

Another room highlights the Masagana 99 project whose aim was to ensure the country's stable food supply in 1973.

The second floor is so enormous and spacious with antique furniture displayed everywhere. The corner for Family and the Hearth features old photos of the first family and the late president as a father, husband, pescatarian, and fitness buff.

We also saw the First Family's bedrooms. Sisters Imee and Irene shared one room. The Master's bedroom is the biggest with a balcony where one can view the serene Paoay River.

A view of the Paoay River from the balcony of the Master’s Bedroom of Malacanang of the North

Marcos Museum

The Marcos Museum and Mausoleum is located at Batac City, Ilocos Norte and it houses the memorabilia of the late President. 

There, visitors will have a glimpse of Marcos' life - as a child, a student, a soldier, a lawyer, a politician, and eventually as the president of the Republic of the Philippines. 

Also on display are memorabilia of his courtship of Miss Imelda Romualdez who later on became his wife.

Miss Mamerta, the museum guide was very clear and effective in her sharing. She initiated role-playing, her as a teacher, and we tourists as students while seated on the elementary school desks (where Marcos used to sit). At the end of the museum tour, she even prayed for us which we truly appreciated.

At the Marcos Museum

Ferdinand Marcos found the number 7 an auspicious presence in his dealings. With a superstitious bent, it became almost imperative for him to have the number on anything.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Burgos

When in Ilocos, be sure to visit Burgos town to witness its heritage structure - Cape Bojeador lighthouse.

Also called the Burgos Lighthouse, the octagonal tower is more than 100 years old, and stands 65 feet tall. It was built to guide galleons and fishermen in finding their way to the shore.

It was designed in 1887, construction completed in 1890, and lighted in 1892. It was declared as a National Historic Landmark in 2004 and a National Treasure in 2005. To get to the lighthouse, one must climb about 164 steps. 

Once you reach the viewing gallery, you will have a view of the South China Sea, Pasuquin, and Banqui, the home of the windmill farm.

The in-house guides were so helpful and creative. Give them any brand of phone and they will just click away and even direct your movements to come up with fabulous photos. Ms. Ena said that the tour guides received training on photography.

Bangui Windmill Farm

Bangui Windmill Farm

The Bangui Windmill Farm is one of the popular attractions in Ilocos Norte. It has 20 windmill turbines that generate wind power, enough to meet almost 40% of the province's electricity needs.

Patapat Viaduct in Pagudpud

Patapat Viaduct, Pagudpud

The Patapat Viaduct is a 1.3-kilometer highway that connects the Ilocos region from Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte to the Cagayan Valley.

The winding concrete bridge is about 31 meters above sea level. Those passing the viaduct will see the majestic mountains on one side and the beautiful West Philippine Sea from where the cool breeze is coming from. Along the way, you can see the Mabugabog Falls, a mini-hydro plant.

La Virgen Milagrosa Church, Badoc. Photo by Marycor Baclagon

La Virgen Milagrosa, Badoc

If Iloilo has the miraculous Lady of Candles in Jaro, the town of Badoc in Ilocos Norte has a miraculous La Virgen Milagrosa.

A bit of history. The statue of the La Virgen Milagrosa, together with that of the Black Nazarene was seen floating by fishermen at the boundary of Sinait and Badoc in the year 1620. The fishermen from Sinait tried to carry the Blessed Virgin's statue but were unable to move it. The fishermen from Badoc tried and were successful. The statue is now at the Badoc church. 

Meanwhile, the Black Nazarene was successfully moved by Sinait's fisherman, so the statue is now enshrined in their church.

Annually, the province of Ilocos Norte commemorates the Feast of La Virgen Milagrosa with a series of events. One of them is Himala sa Buhangin, the biggest and grandest music and arts festival held at the Paoay Sand Dunes.

Paoay Sand Dunes. Photo by Arian Jerome Fernandez of Lagawan Kid 

Bagnet, Empanada and More!

They say, when you are in Iloilo, you have to taste Ilonggo food! I could say the same for Ilocos. They have binge-worthy delicacies.

Don't miss their famous Empanada which we were able to buy easily from Manang Elvie whose stand is located at the block beside our hotel. The stuffing includes longganisa (sweet or garlic), egg (single/double), cabbage, and monggo sprouts. The special kind costs P50 while the double longganisa and double egg cost P90. Watch Manang Elvie make empanada

Meanwhile, I just found out from the #ImeeTipid Ilocos Trip brochure that they have different kinds of the empanada. They are Burgos (seaweed), Bacarra (crispy), Laoag (sweet), and the classic Batac empanada.

Try the Pinakbet Pizza of Herencia Restaurant, which is located across Paoay Church.

At La Preciosa, Bagnet is king. It's similar to our Lechon Kawali but it comes with a dip, a mixture of tomatoes, onions, chili, soy sauce, and bagoong. 

Don't miss their Puqui-puqui which is grilled eggplant sauteed in tomatoes and onions, flavored with patis (fish sauce), and cooked with eggs. Meanwhile, their Crispy Bagbagis is similar to our Chicharon Bulaklak. La Preciosa is located at Rizal Avenue, Laoag City.

For a rare experience, try the Crispy Dinuguan of Cuisine de Iloco located at Hernando Avenue, Laoag City. It's Bagnet topped with dinuguan. That's when I realized that Bagnet is the main ingredient in several dishes. No wonder my sister said, "When in Ilocos, make sure to taste everything Bagnet!" 

Going Around

The best way to go around Ilocos Norte is by booking a tour van booked with a registered travel agent. We were lucky to tour under Mytravelicious Travel and Tours. You may contact them through their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/mytraveliciousph/

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About Ilocos Norte

Source: #ImeeTipid Ilocos Trip Brochure

Long before the coming of the Spaniards, there existed an extensive region that was renowned for its gold mines. Merchants from Japan and China often visited the area to trade and the inhabitants of the region called their place "satoy", from "sao mi ditay" which literally meant "our language". The Spanish colonization of Ilocos in 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. The widespread unrest throughout the region led to the division of the old Provincia de Ilocos through a Royal Decree on February 2, 1818. After the creation of Ilocos Norte in 1818, the province increased in prosperity, and 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.