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.

St. Andrew Parish of Bacarra

Bowing Belltower of Bacarra 


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.

St. William’s Cathedral of Laoag City

Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag City 

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

St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church at San Nicolas

St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church at San Nicolas 

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


Immaculate Conception Church of Batac


Immaculate Conception Church of Batac

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

Batac empanada

Batac empanada, ilocos trip, ilocos road trip, ilocos tourist attractions, ilocos churches

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

San Agustin Church of Paoay, ILOCOS ROADTRIP, ilocos trip, ilocos road trip, ilocos tourist attractions, ilocos churches

San Agustin Church of Paoay 

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

St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral Vigan City, ilocos trip, ilocos road trip, ilocos tourist attractions, ilocos churches

St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral Vigan City, ilocos trip, ilocos road trip, ilocos tourist attractions, ilocos churches

St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral Vigan City, ilocos trip, ilocos road trip, ilocos tourist attractions, ilocos churches

Ilocos guide courtesy of OurAwesomePlanet:

Ilocos Guide, Ilocos Map, Map of Ilocos, Ilocos Tourist Map, Pagudpud guide, Patapat Viaduct ilocos, Patapat Bridge ilocos, ILOCOS ROADTRIP, ilocos trip, ilocos road trip, ilocos tourist attractions, ilocos churches, pagudpud ilocos, bangui windmills, ilocos windmills, kapurpurawan rock, ilocos rock, cape bojeador lighthouse, ilocos lighthouse, burgos ilocos, ilocos beautiful spots

TravelbookPH now offers online hotel reservation for small, independent and budget hotels.  For rates and availability of accommodations in the Ilocos Region, check out this link.

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Travel Date: April 2010



 

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