St William Cathedral and Fort Ilocandia

St William Cathedral

Placed in the prime spot in the suburb of Laoag, St William Cathedral holds the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese. The creamy facade and pillars is the focal point of the Cathedral.It was constructed in 1612 by Augustinian Friars the church surpassed numerous earthquakes and hurricane. 

St William Cathedral Interior

The interior is also well kept.The capiz shell windows  serves as ventilation inside the church.I spent 15 minutes observing the features and staring on the  Retablo. So far,  the St William Altar is the most adorned altar I saw in my entire tour in Ilocos Norte.

Church Marker

  Across  the street  is the Bell Tower of Laoag.I did not feel anything special about it aside from the fact that its sinking.  It is located amidst the busy street and its quite hard to get a good shot.

Fort Ilocandia

After Laoag Church we headed to the famed Fort Ilocandia. The location is quite far from the city center. The roads that leads to the hotel are narrow with few houses along the way.Fort Ilocandia is facing  the  South China Sea  and  is surrounded by  vast sand dunes. Tourist are  allowed  to enter the hotel grounds.  The lobby is a bit unconventional as part of it is alfresco. There is a lonely chandelier that lights up the lobby.  As you move further into the alfresco part of the lobby (serves as "Kapihan" to the guest), you will then be ushered into a well manicured garden with statues scattered all over it.

Fort Ilocandia Lobby

Fort Ilocandia AL fresco Cafe

Fort Ilocandia Garden

There are no entrance fees in Fort Ilocandia however, the access is limited for non staying guests.I went to Fort Ilocandia via van and I i haven't see any public transportation in the area. 

White House of the North

 

Malacanang of the North facade

 This sophiscticated Mansion is nestled in the coastal area of Paoay  with an unobstructed view of the calm  Paoay Lake.The house is the official residence of the first family in Ilocos Norte. 

receiving area

life sized painting of the couple receiving area ground floor

dining room

Office of the former President Marcos (ground floor)

Bong-bong's room

The elegant staircase is made off solid wood adds charm to the receiving area. Everything about this mansion was splendid & refined. The ilocano influence create a beautiful balance on the house and its entice to see how lavish Marcoses live. 

Paoay Lake

Master's bedrrom on the second floor

 

extension of master's bedrrom

The master's bedroom is so huge that the room itself has two more rooms. It has a walk in closet and a receiving room. 

receiving room 2nd floor

Imee and Irene"s bedroom 

love the painting !

Malacanang of the North is located inside a subdivision in Paoay. Trike is the only public transportation that I saw in the area.

This may help =) 

. “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

have a safe trip : xo ej

Ten things to do in Vigan

Though I stayed for nearly 24 hours in Vigan. I truly enjoyed and learned a lot of history from the people that ive met. Here' a bucket list of what aret to missed if you stumble upon Vigan, Ilocos Norte. By the way, I aboard a horse drawn carriage for 2 hours which cost me P300.00 (150/hr). I strongly suggest this form of transportation not only because it doesnt have pollution but to help the locals.

1. Transport back in time as you walked on the cobblestone street of Calle Crisologo.

Calle Crisologo

2. Say a little prayer to the antique St Paul Cathedral. Situated in the center of Vigan in front of Plaza Burgos

St Paul Cathedral

3.Syquia Mansion is home of the former president Elpidio Quirino, the rustic house will give you a glimpse of the lifestyle they used to have.

4. Batay Bell Tower 15 is just minutes ride from the Heritage Village, the Belfry tower has been a silent witnessed of Vigan history since 1591

Bantay Bell Tower

5. St Augustine Church The Neo Gothic Facade makes this church unique.

St Augustine Church

6. Burgos Museum,  humble abode of one of the Martyrs Gomburza. The house of Father Burgos is home of the antiques such as his piano and harp.  

7. Pagburnayan is the old fashioned way of jar making. They're also selling miniatures jars made from Terracotta.

8. Dont forget to satisfy your tastebuds by visiting Cafe Leona Along Calle Crisologo.
9 Complete the Ilocandia experience with the authentic taste of Empanada.

souvenirs along Calle Crisologo

 10 Dont forget to buy pasalubongs and souvenirs.

Bantay Bell Tower and St Agustine Church

 One of the most notable sight in Vigan is the Bantay Bell Tower. Not far from the National Hi-way the Belfry is nestled on top of the hill with a panoramic view of Vigan . It was built  in 1591 for couple of reasons, it serves as the watch tower for possible invaders and as a bell tower for the nearby Church.

Bantay Bell Tower

A couple of yards from Bantay Bell tower is the St Agustine Church it was built in 1590.
The neo gothic style and chocolate brown  facade makes the church extraordinary among others in Ilocos Region. 

St Augustine Church Bantay, Vigan

St Augustine Church Interior

My visit to Bantay Bell Tower and St Agustine Church is included in my two hour calesa ride in the heritage town of Vigan. (150php/hr) 

the picturesque Bantay Belfry

Have a safe trip!

xo  ej

Crisologo Mansion

• Museum hours
• Donations only
• 830am-5:00pm
• Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays

Crisologo Museum along Liberation Avenue, Vigan

Owned by the well off family the Crisologo Museum used to be the ancestral house of the late Floro Crisologo and former Ilocos Sur Governor Carmeling Crisologo found along Liberation Boulevard.

office of the late congressman

table of the late congressman

Not far from the Heritage Village the house turned into a museum displays memorabilia of the family.That includes an old  pink Chevy owned by the couple with couple of gunshots when ex Governor Carmeling survived an ambush last 1961.The famed carriage used by Cesar Montano is also parked adjacent to the Chevy when he shooted the movie Rizal.

carruaje used by Cesar Montano

chevy of ex Gov Carmeling Crisologo

Similar to several  old-fashioned houses in Vigan, the ground floor serves as an office of the late Floro Crisologo.Arising his flourishing career as a congressman. Hats assortments are hanged on the wall, election posters and clothes that he wore when he was shot inside the St Paul Cathedral.

salakot

The second floor boasts the prosperous living of the family. The receiving room is so grand with exhibits of the family photos.The masters bedroom displays the perfume collections of Ex Governor Carmeling.

Living Room

Living Room 2

Master's Bedroom

Bingbong's room

guest room

While, she also has a little imelda in her with her wide variety of shoes and Filipiniana dresses.

dressing room

shoes and bags collection

The dining table is so huge found  in a pleasantly breezed room.The dirty kitchen has a vintage wooden ref and an assortment antique glassware.

dining room

dirty kitchen

antique glass wares

Though I felt a eerie looking on blood stained clothes of Congressman Floro, the place is still full of history,especially that up until now the case is still unresolved.

Burgos Museum Vigan

Burgos Museum

 The two-storey residence owned by the Burgos family is placed nearby  the provincial jail of Vigan where former president Elpidio Quirino was born

capiz shell ventana

Carruaje

kitchen utensils

Galleons

The house turned into a museum was considered as a National Landmark in the suburb. From Plaza Salcedo it may take ten minutes to reach the museum.

Veranda

Showcasing the way of life of the Burgos family Century ago.The receiving area,kitchen, dining area and bedrooms are situated in the second floor.

Living Room

Old Piano

century old Harp

century old mirror

Personal belongings and memorabilia of Father Burgos are also displayed, some are antiques statue of Mother Mary.

Dining Area

Rich with history the well maintained abode should be included in the must see attraction in Vigan.

guest room

Father Burgos Dormitorio (bedroom)

Yours truly visited the place through a horse drawn carriage included in my two-hour Vigan tour.

Tip:

• Entrance fee is Php10.00 for adult Php5.00 for student
• Museum Hours 830:am-5:00pm
• Open from Tuesday to Sundays