Discovering Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Norte is a perfect beginning to an exciting adventure. Going north, you will see different places with different beauty, you will discover their culture and festivals, you will savor their special dishes, and of course love their people. This is the home of the famous Empanada and Bagnet, La Virgen Milagrosa, Paoay Church,. white sand beaches, and of course the windmills.
This iconic mustache that became a genuine Ilocano trademark and even used in Paoay Kumakaway advertisement with sexy women wearing mustache is from Ilocano’s beloved Juan Luna, one of the world’s greatest painters who was born in Badoc, Ilocos Norte.
This is the very heart of Ilocos Norte, the Neo Classical-designed Provincial Capitol located along the JP Rizal Street.
Ilocos Norte comprises 21 Municipalities and 2 cities, further subdivided into 557 barangays. Seat back, relax, and we’ll start with the southern most part of the province.
Badoc, Ilocos Norte
This is the birthplace of Juan Luna, the great painter. The tourist spots in this town are Luna Shrine, Luna Park, Badoc Island, Badoc Church and La Virgen Milagrosa Shrine and beautiful beaches.
Pinili, Ilocos Norte
The place is called Pinili because Gregorio Aglipay, founder of the Philippine Independent Church, chose (pinili in Tagalog) to hide in this mountainous municipality. Aglipay has a statue in honor of him, having a bible and a revolver in his hands.
Batac, Ilocos Norte
The Marcos Museum and Mausoleum lies in the heart of the city. The Mausoleum is where the glass-entombed, preserved corpse of Former President Ferdinand E. Marcos is found. The Museum holds the memorabilia of then President, from his stint in the Armed Forces down to his presidency.
The Batac Riverside Empanadaan is a showcase of the most famous product of Batac and a hallmark of tourism promotion. A home of Batac’s array of products, gift shops, food stalls offering mouth watering treats like empanada, miki, longganisa, pusit, barbecue and others. Declared by a feng shui practitioner as a very good location to do business in the area, now serves as a “mini pueblo” or a mini-mall where people converge, eat, dine, shop and while the time away.
Currimao, Ilocos Norte
Currimao is known for its coral rocks, tidal pools and beautiful beaches.
Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Paoay is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historical St. Augustine Church, or more commonly known as the Paoay Church. Built in 1710, Paoay Church was designed based on an “earthquake baroque” style, which is associated with sturdy architecture needed to protect churches from being destructed when earthquake struck.
Another tourist hotspot is the famous La Paz sand dunes in Barangay Suba. Because of the beautiful view of the sand and the sea, La Paz was also used as set location for local movies like “Panday” and the Nora Aunor classic “Himala,” as well as international flicks like Mel Gibson’s “Mad Max” and Tom Cruise’s “Born on the Fourth of July.”
Today, it is known for being a great place for extreme sandboarding.
Paoay is also known as the hometown of former President Ferdinand Marcos, and the Malacañang of the North was built on the shores of Paoay Lake. The Malacañang of the North was then the official residence of the Marcoses in Ilocos Norte. It is now a museum open to the public.
Beside The Malacañang of the North is the picturesque Paoay Lake, which was declared a national park in June 1969.
Sarrat, Ilocos Norte
The town is known as the birthplace of Ferdinand Marcos, the 10th President of the Philippines and for Sarrat Church, the largest church in the province and with the longest nave in the country and an Important Cultural Property of the Philippines
Dingras, Ilocos Norte
The Madongan Dam in San Marcelino, Dingras started out as a regular dam that supplied water to nearby towns until it was discovered by MagTV na! and it became a tourist spot for visitors to swim and frolic in.
Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte
The newly-opened park in the town has more to offer to the lover of nature. It provides glimpses into the local Tingguian culture while enjoying a day or two relaxing in cottages made of indigenous materials or tree-shaded picnic grounds.
Laoag City
Laoag City is located at the heart of Ilocos Norte showcasing heritage sites featuring Spanish colonial buildings, baroque churches, La Paz Sand Dunes, and the only 5-star hotel in Northern Philippines-Fort Ilocandia.
Bacarra, Ilocos Norte
Bacarra is known for the boroque St. Andrew Parish and the Torre Ti Bacarra that were built during the 16th and 19th Century respectively.
Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte
Pasuquin is known of its fine, sandy beaches, Biscocho(Bread), and the Salt Making Industry.
Burgos and Bangui, Ilocos Norte
In the town of Burgos and Bangui, you’ll see the famous windmill, dragon fruit plantation, Kapurpurawan rock formation, and Cape Bojeador.
Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Pagudpud is the northernmost town in the island of Luzon. Surrounded by waters from the West Philippine Sea, it’s a must-visit for anyone who’s headed north yet wants to stay in the island of Luzon. It’s known for its scenic views and miles upon miles of coastlines, as well as an appetite for kite boarding and surfing. Here’s the Saud Beach Resort, Hannah’s Beach resort featuring the longest zipline above water in the whole world, and the Patapat Viaduct.
THE ILOCANO DISHES
Ilocos Norte is indeed a blessed province not just because of its fascinating tourist destinations and foods but also their people. So, what are you waiting for? Visit Ilocos Norte now and experience its beauty!
(PS: All photos are taken from the web. Credits to wikipedia and the offical sites of the different Municipalities.)
