ILOCOS ROADTRIP (Day 2 at ILOCOS NORTE) ~ MOUNTAINS&BEYOND

ILOCOS ROADTRIP (Day 2 at ILOCOS NORTE)

ILOCOS ROADTRIP (Day 2 at ILOCOS NORTE)

For the second day of our Ilocos-Visita Iglesia 3-day roadtrip, the hang-over from the previous nights’ karaoke “socials” delayed our supposed to be early trip. The group decided to stay to shake-off the booze and regain grace for the Visita Iglesia. We cooked seafood pasta, sautéed shrimp, and other local foods for our meal. Some enjoyed the water while the others had a nap. It was finally at 12noon that we’re on the road again revitalized for our mission.

On our way to Laoag City, we passed by Bacarra’s St. Andrew Parish and the Bowing Belltower. According to history, the leaning position was caused by an earthquake and was preserved by the supports placed in the remaining structure of the walls. It was another earthquake that finally destroyed the tower leaving the present look of a flattened top.

Next stop was Laoag City, the capital of Ilocos Norte, where we visited St. William’s Cathedral with the Sinking Bell Tower across the street. According to the locals, the tower sunk an inch a year due to its heavy structure that was built on a sandy foundation. One has to bow down to enter its vaulted entrance.

Then the St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church at San Nicolas.

Afterwards, we headed straight to Batac for the Immaculate Conception Church.

It was also at Batac that we tried the unique empanada de Batac cooked freshly as you order.

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Our Ilocos Norte trip was concluded by a visit to San Agustin Church of Paoay, the most photographed church of Ilocos Norte.

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Then back at Vigan, Ilocos Sur for the night. Before we signed off, we visited first the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral.

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Ilocos guide courtesy of OurAwesomePlanet:

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ILOCOS ROADTRIP (Day 1 at ILOCOS NORTE)

ILOCOS ROADTRIP (Day 2 -- A Night at VIGAN CITY)

ILOCOS ROADTRIP (Day 2 – DINNER AT CAFE LEONA, VIGAN CITY)

ILOCOS ROADTRIP (Day 3 -- A Day at VIGAN CITY)

THE 7 CHURCHES OF ILOCOS – VISITA IGLESIA 2010

Travel Date: April 2010