Northern Escapade 2 - Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

It was an early day for us on the 2nd day of our Northern Escapade. As there were 12 of us at that time, it took us until 9:30am to finish all our morning rituals.

Feeling upbeat, we stopped at the arch welcoming us to the Province of Ilocos Norte. Apparently, everybody knows that this presents another photo-op for us. We literally took our photos in the middle of the highway. This is also where we had our first group jumpshot.

The 1st Jump Shot of the Group

In the town of Badoc, we decided to go to the Juan Luna Shrine. As the name of the place implies, it is a reproduction of the former house of one of the Philippines’ foremost painters. Entrance is free, you only have to sign the guestbook and a guide will cordially accompany you throughout your stay. From the highway, you will just have to take a left turn to the town center and then take a right turn to the street where the shrine is located.

Old pictures of Juan Luna, mementos from the history including replicas of his famous paintings such as the Spoliarium (“not Spolarium”), “El Pacto de Sangre” and the controversial “Parisian Life” complement the upper and lower floors of the place. Many consider the Spoliarium as the most important painting done by a Filipino.

Parisian Life

Thereafter, we proceeded to the town of Batac. As we wait for the mausoleum of President Ferdinand Marcos to open, we went straight to the Empanadahan on the other side of the bridge near the entrance of the mansion of the Marcoses. We really enjoyed their “empanada” and kwek-kwek much less, the sukang iloco that comes with it. We are on thrift mode at that time as we only spent P35.00 each for lunch.

Yummy Empanada

Wow

Let's eat

After getting nourished, we then made our way to the mansion of the Marcoses. Aside from the mausoleum of the late strongman, there is also a museum containing various pictures and memorabilia reflecting the more than 20-year rule of President Marcos. Again, entrance at the mausoleum, as well as at the museum is free.

Immaculate Conception Parish







Plate Nos.

#8 - as member of the House of Representative
#7 - as member of the Senate
#3 - as Senate President
#1 - as President of the Republic of the Philippines

From there, we went to the nearby town of Paoay to visit the famous St. Augustine Church (Paoay Church). This architectural marvel has been declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site and has long been regarded as one of the treasures of Ilocandia.

Paoay Church

Peek-a-boo

Movie Scene?

Located just in front of the church is the Herencia Café. It is the place regarded by many as the first to introduce the Pinakbet Pizza commercially. It really tasted very good. The distinct taste of the famous Pinakbet made it very Filipino. Their Longganisa Pizza is likewise a must-try. If the Pinakbet Pizza is their version of “Veggie’s Pizza”, the latter is the “Meat-Lover’s”, so to speak.

Longganisa Pizza

Pinakbet Pizza



Bugnay Wine

Since we paid more or less P60.00 each for the great meal, including the soda, the food is certainly cheaper when compared to the fancy Pizza Restaurants of Metro Manila.

We then went straight to the “Malacañang iti Amianan”. This former presidential mansion which has an overlooking view of Paoay Lake served as the official residence of President Ferdinand Marcos everytime he visits Ilocandia. It is surprising that the former President and the former First Lady had separate rooms. Moreso, FM’s located on the ground floor while that of Madame Imelda’s on the second floor.

Malacanang of the North

Time for another Jump Shot!!!

FM's Bed

"Welcome to my House"

A short drive thereafter, we arrived at the Fort Ilocandia, touted as the only 5-star hotel up north. Photo-ops beckon in each nook and cranny of the hotel. Although it was already my 4th time to visit the place, its façade, landscape and interior still has that aura that will make you travel back in time.

My Hunny

On the Second Floor of the Hotel is a Casino


Chasing Deers?

Fountain at the back of the Hotel

Hiyaa!!! Tigidig tigidig!

EJ, including us kids-at-heart even had the chance to play at the playground on the other side of the road. We also watched the beautiful sunset on the beach at the Western side of the hotel where people rent cottages to either while away time, enjoy the sea, or just bond with families and friends.

Yipee! Kids at heart


The Park's version of a Hanging Bridge

Kamehame Wave

Jump Shot! Even EJ participated

We all of us feeling tired and hungry after a long day, we had dinner at the Bamboo Bistro, a restobar in Laoag City located along the highway leading to Pagudpud.

To cap the night away, we sang to our hearts’ delight while Ariel strummed the guitar at the terrace of the house (located in front of a University/College) of Tita Vangie who was more than gracious to accommodate us for the second night in a row.