GoPro Diaries #2: Face to face on the sand! [Ilocos Region Day 1]
[8:00 AM] If you think you have the most embarrassing moment ever... think again!
Okay, so before we laugh our as* out on this picture, let's go back to the moment where I had 100% self confidence! Hahaha
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[6:00 AM] We arrived in Paoay with so much excitement even with the muscle cramps and dizziness we felt due to the 8hr land trip from Manila. [See Day 0 here]
Before proceeding to our first tourist destination, we grabbed breakfast at Park & Shop Foodhouse.
Aside from the usual breakfast meals, they serve Ilocano dishes such as bagnet, longganisa, pinakbet, and more!
[6:30 AM] Just steps away from the fast-food resto is Paoay Church, our first stop. We just spent around 30 mins in the area and directly went to Paoay Sand Dunes.
The Saint Augustine Church (Spanish: Iglesia de San Agustín de Paoay), commonly known as the Paoay Church, is the Roman Catholic 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. It is declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the Philippine government in 1973 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the collective group of Baroque Churches of the Philippines in 1993.
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[7:30 AM] Paoay Sand Dunes is for the more adrenaline junkie type (like Miah)!
(This is where I washed my face with sand!)
We rented a 4x4 truck (with a driver, ofc) and paid Php500/each. The package includes extreme drops on sand dunes and sand boarding (where Grace also got her scar hahaha)!
And since it requires at least 5 members, we “imported” two from the group: Tita Naomi and Tita Ruth, who btw, were very energized for the activity.
Trivia: This is where “Ang Panday”, “Himala”, and “Temptation Island” were filmed (just to name a few)
[9:00 AM] Next stop, we had a royal tour around the former President Marcos’ residence.
The Malacañang of the North (Ilokano: Malacañang ti Amianan) and (Filipino: Malakanyang sa Hilaga) is a presidential museum in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. It was the residence of the family of Ferdinand Marcos when he was the President of the Philippines.
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The house contains memorabilia of the former first family.
Inside the office of the former president contains miniatures of his historic projects such as the Manila International Airport, Cultural Center of the Philippines, San Juanico Bridge, and so on. A Philippine map's also printed on the ceiling which shows route from Ilocos to Mindanao via land trip.
And just across the house is Paoay Lake. The lake is said to be the largest natural lake in the province.
Historically known as Lago de Nanguyudan, Paoay Lake supposedly was the site of a prosperous barangay called San Juan de Sahagún (Saint John of Sahagún) that sank after an earthquake.
That moment when you're enjoying so much but you're migraine doesn't let you...well. Just right after touring around the residence, I had a migraine attack and boy, I'm so proud that I managed to pose for this photo:
Good thing I had a pain reliever with me.
[10:20 AM] Just a few blocks away is Laoag Cathedral & Sinking Bell Tower. But we didn't have the chance to have a photo opt with it coz supposedly, will just stopover at Laoag Church when we go back from Pagudpud to Vigan on Day 3 (since we'll take the same route from Pagudpud to Vigan), but damn, the rain was super heavy plus a max wind, it even ruined the "Laoag" sign board I just had a picture above.
(A screenshot from one of the clips)
Laoag Church is also famous for its Sinking Bell Tower, which sinks into the ground at a rate of an inch a year. It has survived several minor earthquakes since its construction, causing scholars to label it an Earthquake Bzaroque style structure.
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[10:50 AM] This time, I'm just inside the van sweating myself out, trying not to move coz if do, I'm gonna throw the h*ll up! Which is why I'm really thankful to Nic who took the next seven lovely photos!
The bell tower experienced damage during the earthquake on March 19, 1931, which made the tower to lean. The local people call it the “Bowing Bell Tower of Bacarra” while tourist call it the “Leaning Tower of the North”.
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[12:20 PM] I still wasn't able to get out of the van. And as much as I can remember, before we went to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, I think we stopped for lunch, but still, I'm inside the van... and I actually did throw up --- which is a good thing(when you have migraine, you really have to throw up to be okay haha!)
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is named so as “puraw” which translates to “white” in Ilocano, and it is the visually appealing rock formation that is the attraction that the tourists want to see.
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[12:20 PM] Okay, at first, I'm not really convinced to go...but who skips Bangui Windmill anyway??!! I'm not saying the other spots aren't as amazing but I haven't seen a windmill my whole life!
Bangui Wind Farm is a wind farm in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The wind farm uses 20 units of 70-metre (230 ft) high Vestas V82 1.65 MW wind turbines, arranged on a single row stretching along a nine-kilometer shoreline off Bangui Bay, facing the West Philippine Sea.
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[3:00 PM] From Laoag, we went straight to our accommodation which is located along Saud Beach, Pagudpud. It's an hour and a half of travel and sightseeing. Through the van's window, we can see beautiful locals and such breathtaking views!
Finally, we were welcomed by the villa's very accommodating staffs.
I'm not sure if it's completely finished now, but the last time we were at the place, it's still not fully furnished.
It's a really nice accommodation given the total price of the tour package. Although the foods aren't as tourist-friendly (which is expected anywhere, btw), still it's the best place to be!
LESSONS/TIPS:
- Always, I mean ALWAYS, bring a medicine and an umbrella/sun screen.
- H-Y-D-R-A-T-E
- Traveling during lean season has its advantages.
- Embrace cloudy skies.
- Travel LIGHT !
- No matter what, ENJOY!
Thank you for reading and get ready for Day 2! I'll see you around! 💕
Cheers,
Glaze