Philippines - Things to Do in Laoag City

With my visit to Paoay Church, my purpose in Laoag City was over and I was ready to leave the city first thing tomorrow morning to Vigan City, another UNESCO Heritage Site. Before I embarked on another bus ride, I did manage to explore Laoag City. It has more to offer than just a pit stop. Here are some of the attractions in Laoag City that you should not miss out.

1) St. William's Cathedral

Being in Philippines means exploring their churches. As I had mentioned before, this country boasts some of the finest churches in South East Asia. St. William's Cathedral in Laoag City is definitely another architecture gem. Built in 1612, the church underwent restorations a few times due to damages done by natural disaster, the latest being 1880. Its design, a mix of Earthquake Baroque and Italian Renaissance, still retains.

St. William's Cathedral

Dedicated to San Guillermo or St. William, the yellow facade and its interior are definitely a sight for sore eyes. This local church is huge, like any other historic churches in Philippines. During my visit, a evening service was being conducted and I managed to enter the church to have a look at its beautiful interior. A must visit when in Laoag City.

Service was being conducted during my visit

Philippines - Paoay Church

Paoay is a small town about an hour plus from Laoag City and not exactly in the tourist radar. Yet, this little place was the very reason why I flew to Laoag City to begin with for here in Paoay, an UNESCO Heritage Site can be found in the form of Paoay Church.

Paoay Church, an UNESCO Heritage Site

The Church of Saint Augustine, or commonly known as Paoay Church, is one of the four churches in Philippines listed under UNESCO Heritage Site. Grouped as the Baroque Churches of the Philippines, these churches have unique architectures, the localized version of the European Baroque architectures. 

After my visit at Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, I took a bus to Paoay, which was about an hour and a half ride. The bus stopped rather close to the the church, which was beneficial to me. I could see the bell tower from where I got off. 

The bell tower from afar

Once I was within close proximity to the church, I noticed something about it. It is massive. Paoay Church is not some small town church but a grand dame, commanding attentions from afar. 

One of the significant feature of the church - in fact, all the four churches listed as the UNESCO Heritage Site - is of its thick side walls. Destructive earthquakes during the 17th and 18th centuries, when the church was erected, influenced such decisions. Enormous buttresses on the side and back walls can be seen to provide supports during shaking. 

Thick walls to provide supports

Bell tower is lower and stouter in design

Another unique feature is that the church proportion is lower and wider. Paoay Church's bell tower is also designed accordingly, being lower and stouter. All these interpretations of European Baroque architecture are famous in places prone to earthquakes like Philippines and Guatemala. Hence, it is also known as the Earthquake Baroque architecture. 

Even with the whole "Mother Nature takes over" look, Paoay Church is still very much a local church, one that is still in use. Instead of being just a piece of heritage, the church remains a holy site to many as the locals still do their prayers here. The interior is simple yet majestic. 

The interior

One of the many Christ-related figurines on the wall

It has not been a waste of time going to Paoay purely for the church. I got to see such a massive structure, old it may be, still very much in the hearts of the locals.

TO BE CONTINUED

Sharing is caring. A word of advice and a piece of information.

Besides Paoay Church, another famous spot is the Paoay Lake. According to the legend, the lake used to be a prosperous town but due to the locals' materialism, God was angry and sank the town with an earthquake. Nearby the lake is the Malacanang of the North, a mansion that belongs to the Ferdinand Marcos, the 10th President of the Philippines. There is also the Paoay Sand Dunes if you are into thrilling adventures. Full disclosure, I did not go to any of these sites as I spent to much time wandering around Paoay Church.

Philippines - Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Another cultural landmark when I was in Ilocos Norte region was the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse. After Bangui Windmills, I went back out to the main road with the tricycle and waited for a bus heading back Laoag City.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is a few stop away from the windmills. Located uphill from the main road, you can hire a tricycle to bring you to the lighthouse. I had one to bring me up but after reviewing the short distance, I decided to just walk back down later on.

Base of the lighthouse

Built during the Spanish Colonial, it is still a functioning lighthouse, helping to illuminate Philippines' archipelago. The octagonal stone tower, on a clear day, is said can be seen from Bangui town.

Stairways leading to the tower

The octagonal tower

I find the lighthouse to be in well conditioned even though there are some parts that seems a bit unattended. What I like about the lighthouse is the amazing views of the Philippines' coastal line up here. The clear blue sea is just breath taking.

View of the Philippines' coastal from the lighthouse

There is a small museum dedicated to the lighthouse worth a quick look if you want to know more about this building. There is no entrance fee to the lighthouse and the museum. If you happens to be in Philippines, in specific, Ilocos Norte, make sure to drop by at Cape Bojeador Lighthouse for this is one of the few accessible lighthouses in the country.

Small museum at the base of the lighthouse

*TO BE CONTINUED*

Philippines - Bangui Windmill

Many people had asked me, where did you go when in Philippines, and when I said, Laoag City, a blur look was the response. Where exactly is Laoag City and what is there to see?

Hearty breakfast, longsilog or pork sausage with fried egg and garlic rice

Well, Laoag City is in Ilocos Norte and while my main purpose is to visit the UNESCO Heritage Site, Paoay Church in Paoay about 30 minutes away, I did go to other interesting sites a bus ride or two away from the city. Not to say there is nothing to see within the city but since I was in the region, why not explore some other sites as well?

So, first stop, Bangui windmills.

I actually found out about this through a Filipino lady working in a travel fair. When I told her I was planning to go to Laoag City, she was surprised by it as not many travellers would know of this place. Then, she told me about this Bangui windmills and Pagudpud which is well known for its scenic atmosphere and as a surfing beach. She also told me about Banaue rice terrace, another UNESCO Heritage Site which was also in my itinerary originally before scraping it off due to its long distance.

Bangui town

Anyhow, after breakfast, I took a bus to Bangui town which then changed into a town jeepney to the windmills. You can find jeepneys to Bangui from Laoag City if you want some local adventure. Ask the driver to stop at Bangui windmills if you are not too sure where it is or just ask the locals. They are very friendly. 

Friendly locals in the jeepney

Beware of the tricycles around the windmills. They will say that the place is too far to walk and will offer to bring you to the site but in all honesty, it was maybe about 10 minutes walk. They charged quite heftily also. I would know for I fell for it.

I have to say that I was very much impressed by what I saw at the beach. Yes, it was on a beach where these windmills are and they looks lovely. I didn't realize that windmills exist in our region at all. I knew about the one in California (thanks to a Hong Kong series I watched growing up) and am very fascinated by it. Now, I don't have to go that far for it.

Bangui windmills

The beach was rather deserted. Not that many tourists were there on that day and I had a feeling it was not just that day itself. You have the whole stretch of beach by yourself and although it is not some well-known one, it is still quite nice and clean. However, the main attraction has to be the windmills themselves.

I saw a lot of goats in the beach

I spent about an hour there doing nothing but just taking pictures of the windmills from all available angles and spots. After that, I scanned around the souvenir stalls lining around the beach. I wonder how they can survive in this situation? I bought some key chains and fridge magnets as souvenirs.

Windmills key chains and fridge magnets

Filipinos really abide by it..the beach is really clean

p/s This is a scheduled post. I am now currently enjoying myself in Taipei, Taiwan.

*TO BE CONTINUED*

Sharing is caring. A word of advice and a piece of information.

The scenery along the journey is amazing. While heading back to Laoag City, you get to see these windmills passing right by you. Therefore, stay awake while on the road and enjoy the scenery.

Hotel Review - Hotel Texicano, Laoag

For an air-conditioned double bed room with attached bathroom and a small television, RM 58 per room per night does not sound too bad. That was the price I paid for Hotel Texicano, a simple hotel by the corner of Giron Street and Rizal Street, within walking distance to the city square. 

A simple double bed room with TV

The room itself was spacious and clean enough. However, the bathroom might not be appealing to those with an unhealthy obsession with cleanliness. As for me, I think you get what you paid and it served me well.

Bathroom

Located close to all the city attractions as well as major bus terminals, there are restaurants nearby for you to choose from. As it was late at night by the time I reached Laoag International Airport and took a free shuttle van to the hotel, I decided to simply have my dinner at a fast food restaurant few minutes away from the hotel. 

The restaurant

Friendly staffs

Lack of sleep throughout the day left me pretty much all drained. After my dinner (tocsilog or pork with fried egg and garlic rice), I went for a quick walk around the city square before heading back and rest.

*TO BE CONTINUED*