We were mesmerized by the beauty of Calle Crisologo last night and before we bid goodbye to Vigan, we went back today to see this prime tourist attraction in broad daylight. It was another surreal feeling to see the cobbled pathway with less crowd compared to the other night. As the continuation of our Ilocos escapade, we will visit today Paoay Church, Plaza del Norte, and the Malacañang of the North.
the imposing Paoay Church with the massive buttresses
We left Mojia Residencia Hotel by 8:00 am at had our breakfast at Jerry’s Restaurant along the main highway.
And so here we go for the exciting trip for the day!
Paoay Church or The Saint Agustine Church. I wonder why my former boss, a Catholic devotee never included this in our Ilocos trip itinerary in 2010. So for this trip, Paoay Church was included in our list.
Paoay Church is located on Marcos Avenue in Paoay. From the parking lot, I had this initial thrill as I saw the imposing church with its Baroque architecture design. But before we get close, we had our moment of memories in the middle of the spacious front. I was so impressed with the well-manicured garden and the cobblestone pathway.
And so we stepped forward and were amazed looking at the massive structure with its beautiful curves and spires. I was so happy because I now visited the third Baroque church in the Philippines, Miag-ao Church in Iloilo as first.
At the side of the church were the massive buttresses that served as the support against earthquakes. Overall, the church had an exotic look and definitely worthy of a visit.
Plaza del Norte Hotel and Convention Center
We accidentally saw Plaza del Norte and Convention Center when we got lost looking for Sand Dunes. It was flickering hot but amidst the muggy weather, we hopped out from our van and had picture-taking in front of the hotel. We just explored the spacious front and went back to the van for our next destination.
Located in Barangay 41, Balacad, Laoag.
Malacañang of the North - Thanks to Waze apps for we were able to find Malacañang of the North easily. The two-storey mansion served as the official residence of former President Ferdinand Marcos and his family when they are in Ilocos during his term. It is said to be the gift of his wife Imelda Marcos on his 60th birthday.
The exterior structure was made of a typical prominent Filipino’s home with elevated wood on top and with a concrete foundation. It has large capiz shell windows. When we got in, we were in awe as we see how lavish the life of the Marcos family had been. The mansion was so big. The floor was made entirely of marble. The grand staircase was so stunning.
dining table
We toured the whole mansion from the elegant rooms, dining area, balcony, and garden overlooking Paoay Lake. There were several personal memorabilia of the Marcos family which includes paintings, pieces of jewelry, books, toys of the three children, and a lot more. It impressed me to see how curvaceous the twenty-four waist-lined Imelda Marcos’ in her baro’t saya. So sexy ha!
Typical Filipino wooden pieces of furniture were visible everywhere from beds, the long dining table and chairs, cabinets, console tables, and many more. There was the office of President Marcos and a section allocated for miniature models of infrastructures and projects done under Marcos’s regime.
the Grand Bedroom of the late President Marcos
Pao was in awe learning how great the late President was. He was looking intently with his huge photographs. Wishing he could be the next president? Tama ba Pao? hahaha! We spent our leisure time on the balcony and finally at the garden overlooking the lake.
This is now managed by the Department of Tourism. We bid goodbye early afternoon to what the locals called “Macalanang ti Amianan.”
Entrance fee: P20 for the adult, P10 for children.Opening hours: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tuesday to Sunday.
We skipped visiting Sand Dunes in La Paz because our kids can’t stand the hit of the stifling atmosphere. We had our lunch in Chic-boy in Laoag town proper.
Next stop – Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.