Ilocos Top Sites

The very first province we went to for our immersion August of last year was Ilocos. There were ten of us Mabuhay Guides who were sent there to learn the routes and visit the spectacular sights that the region had to offer. So to celebrate my first anniversary as an MG, I'm giving you a run down of the best sights to see in Ilocos.

I refuse to be committed to a countdown so I will enumerate my most favorite must see's and must try's in no particular order.

- The Museo Ilocos

The best way to understand the Ilocano psyche is to visit the Museo Ilocos. Archeological artifacts on the Ilocano way of life are aesthetically displayed for everyone's enjoyment. This includes a scaled down Ilocano home that leads to a makeshift theater where one can enjoy Ilocano music.
- The Old Churches
There are many churches that can strengthen one's belief in the Catholic faith. The massive scale of the churches as places of worship and their grandeur can be awe-inspiring:

Sta. Monica church in Sarat is where presidential daughter Irene Marcos was wed to Greggy Araneta. The event was a nationwide spectacle. A few weeks after the wedding the church was damaged partially by an earthquake that rocked Luzon.
St Paul's Cathedral in Vigan was the official seat of the diocese of Nueva Segovia. The religious influence of the Catholic church extended its reach from Manila to the north via the trappings of Catholic dogma.

The Immaculate Conception Church in Batac is a quaint church in neo-classic style with delicate architectural touches.
The San Agustin Church is one of four Philippine churches declared World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. The massive flying buttresses and its earthquake baroque style not to mention its impressive facade are some of the unique details that make the church a true landmark in Ilocos.
- Marcos Mansion/Museum
Batac is where the Marcos Mansion and Museum are located. A stone's throw away from the Ricarte Museum, the Mansion and Museum houses the mauseleum where former President Marcos' remains lie in state.
The Manision is a working household for the Marcos family when they stay in the province.
Malacanan ti Amianan
Located in Paoay, the Malacanan of the north is a stately down-sized presidential mansion replete with golf course and recreational facilities for the former strongman of Ilocos.


- Juan Luna Museum
The home of nationalist and painter Juan Luna y Novicio which has been turned into a museum. The restored home of brick showcases archives, photos and memorabilia owned by the Luna family and chronicling their rise to prominence.


- Sitio Remedios
A quaint villa in Currimao that has a "collection" of old ancestral houses restored and converted as lodging for the resort. It also features a spanish era lighthouse within the property along the rugged coastline. Ideal for weddings and honeymoons.


- Pagudpud
Ilocos Norte's pride is bolstered by the pristine white-sand beaches in Pagudpud. Resort hotels dot the coastline with various accomodations that cater to tourists' budget


- Bangui Windmills
A series of windmills that tap the windpower along the northwestern sea coast. The windmills provide a third of the electrical power demands of the Ilocos region. It has also cut the fossil fuel supply of the region considerably. The assembly of the Bangui windmills is a feat in itself with humongous barges carrying the parts to its location from the west.


- Cape Bojeador
The lighthouse used to serve the region guiding ships (mostly galleons) to safer waters. The lighthouse uses a Fresnel lens and is still operable to this day. There are ATVs that may be rented nearby should one wish to explore the locale.


- The Food
Poque-poque, cabatiti, dinengdeng and vigan longganisa are among the more famous eats one could try in Ilocos. There's also Empanada in Batac. This one is different from the empanada found in bulacan and pampanga. It's orange crust is flaky and best eaten warm. Inside is a melange of grated green papaya, vigan longganiza and a raw egg that cooks when the crusty pocket is deep-fried in boiling oil.


- Vigan
The story goes that a Japanese Imperial officer fell in love with a Filipina and pleaded to the Japanese high command that Vigan be spared from the bombing that took place in World War II. Gladly, they listened to his pleas. This is what saved Vigan from total destruction. To this day, Vigan remains a picturesque town with its Spanish colonial homes still intact.


There you have it... these are some of my favorite sites in Ilocos... There's a lot more I haven't included but hey, tomorrow's another day...