So Let's Gets Started!
WIKIPEDIA
Ilocos collectively refers to two provinces in the Philippines: Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. Inhabitants are called Ilocanos and they speak the language Iloko, also called Ilocano.
The Ilocos Region, containing four provinces, is named after Ilocos. 56 percent of the inhabitants of the region are Pangasinan people, who belong to a different ethnolinguistic group from the Ilocanos.
In the 330 pages “The Ilocos Heritage” (the 27th book written by Visitacion de la Torre), the boy legacy and the life of the Ilocano – are described as - "the browbeaten, industrious, cheerful, simple soul who has shown a remarkable strain of bravery and a bit of wanderlust." The Ilocano history reveals his struggles and victories – in battles for colonial independence from Spain and America, to Philippine leadership. The new Ilocano searched for greener pastures towards new lands local and foreign - Palawan, Mindanao, Hawaii, the United States and Greece. The Ilocano material culture and spirituality can be seen in the past - images of Spanish santo (saints), antique but intricate wooden furniture and quality local fiber. The native Ilocano is a weaver, wood carver and pottery expert. The Ilocano cuisine – ranges from the exotic "abu-os" (ant eggs) to vegetable broth "dinengdeng," the sticky "tinubong" to the "poqui-poqui" (eggplant salad). Ilocandia is filled with colonial churches, the legacy of Spanish Catholicism.[1]
Anyway, I'm gonna show you some of my experiences in Ilocos.
So we took a bus (Partas Bus -Cubao Station) going there and it took us like 7-8 hours. Kinda long trip but if you travel at night you will not be bored because its sleeping hours, so most of the time you'll be asleep. An hour before we arrive at my friends house it was 6 am and the sun just started to shine. The view from my window was perfect. I can see how people start their day, the fog from the dawn, the animals in the farm and the lovely smiles of the people.
Here are some of the tourist spot in Ilocos we were able to visit.
Bantay Church Bell Tower
The Saint Augustine Parish Church, commonly known as Bantay Church, is a Roman Catholic church in the Municipality of Bantay, Ilocos Sur province in the Philippines. The church is also known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity(Nuestra Señora de La Caridad) housing the miraculous image of Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Charity, crowned as the patroness of Ilocandia on January 12, 1956. The church was named after its patron saint St. Augustine of Hippo.[1]
The old historic belfry of the church known as the Bantay Tower, which served as a watchtower for pirates back in the Spanish colonial era, gave the town its name - bantay (meaning to guard). Established in 1590, the church is one of the oldest in the Ilocos Region.[1]
The church was heavily damaged during World War II and rebuilding was started in 1950. The restored façade is of Neo-Gothic design mixed with pseudo-Romanesque materials and elements. It is designed to be grandiose and reminiscent of Spanish architecture. It uses materials such as bricks and mud.[1]
The belfry sits on a hilltop overlooking a green pasture and the province of Abra. It was used as a watchtower for invading enemy forces during World Wars I and II because of its strategic location. The Bantay Church and bell tower are monumental witnesses to various atrocities and uprisings.
Malacañang of the North
Malacañang of the North was built as the official residence of the late President Marcos in Ilocos Norte. It is a two storey building which is located near the legendary Paoay lake. It is complete with bedrooms, dining area, kitchen, an office, a spacious ballroom on the second floor, and even had an olympic size swimming pool. Also, it has an expansive terrace, and beautiful garden with magnificent view of the Lake.
Malacañang ti Amianan, as the locals call it, is a birthday gift from the then first lady Imelda Marcos to her husband’s 60th birthday. It is among the properties of the family that was sequestered by the Philippine Government when President Marcos was removed from power. After 20 years under the care of the government, it was finally given back to the care of the Provincial Government if Ilocos Norte. In January 1, 2011, after restorations and renovations by the Governor, it was opened to the public as a museum.
You can take a glimpse in the life of one of the most influential families in the country for paying entrance fee of P20.
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KAPURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATION
One of the most fascinating view I've seen in Ilocos. It is located Burgos, Ilocos Norte.
Kapurpurawan came from its root word "Puraw" in Ilocano meaning White. Its a perfect name because the rock is amazingly white.
Read more..Kapurpurawan Rock
Since the place is near the beach and it's on the other side of the highway we need to walk just to see this beautiful place.
But for some elderly people or for those who cant walk for a long distance, locals provides a help using their strong and big horses.You just need to pay 50 pesos.(If I still remember it correctly)
Chavit Singson's BALUARTE
This place is one of my favorite spot. I can say that its a family friendly and pocket friendly place because there is no entrance fee to see the animals inside Baluarte. Its best for family because they can enjoy their bonding moment in a nice and amazing place. Kids and adults can enjoy Pony riding for FREE.
The fact that they dont collect any entrance fee, they still manage to keep the place CLEAN as in CLEAN! Its just amazing how Governor Chavit Singson loves his people.
Calle Crisologo, Vigan
The most famous and major tourist magnet in Vigan, Calle Crisologo is full of Spanish-styled houses that gives people of this generation a glimpse of the Spanish era. This street also features the prosperous lifestyle of the said era because of the Manila-Acapulco trade.
Bangui Windmills
When you plan to visit Ilocos, don't ever miss to visit their famous spot Bangui Windmills. These windmills have become one of the major attractions of Ilocos and have since become a symbol for Ilocos Sur. It was constructed primarily to provide electricity throughout the province. It is conveniently located at a 9 kilometer stretch farm that faces the South China Sea, the right spot for strong wind.
I really love this place, you can feel the fresh air coming from the sea. So peaceful and relaxing.
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