Ilocos Tour 2015 - Paoay

One of the best places to tour in Ilocos Norte is the town of Paoay. It is full of heritage sites and home for the famous sand dunes. Our first stop was the Malacañang of the North. You may click on the photo for a bigger view.

"In a peaceful location next to the scenic Paoay Lake, the opulent former estate where the Marcos family spent their holidays is open to the public. The impressive house, with its cavernous sala, capiz-shell windows and other colonial touches, provides a glimpse into the family’s lavish lifestyle; the golf course where Marcos used to tee-off now belongs to Fort Ilocania." (source)

Teleserye pose begins now...

Ang Pamilyang Gaba..

Why?!

Beautiful painting of Paoay Church

President Marcos' desk

One of Pres. Marcos' projects which is close to my heart.

Infrastructure projects during the Marcos administration.

Then we visited the town of Paoay. The St. Agustine Parish Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During the Philippine Revolution in 1898, its coral stone bell tower was used by the Katipuneros as an observation post. More info here.

After picture taking, we're ready to eat! We tried Herencia Restaurant which is located in front of Paoay Church's plaza.

Of course we have to try their unique Pinakbet Pizza. If you don't like veggies, this is not for you.hehe

View of Paoay church from the restaurant.

Yum!

Inside Paoay Church

The roof is the only thing that is replaced.

The Church is a unique combination of Gothic, Baroque and Oriental designs. Its facade reveals Gothic affinity, its gables show Chinese elements, while the niches topping the walls suggest Javanese influence (reminiscent of the famous Boroboudur Temple).

Both sides of the nave are lined with the most voluminous stone buttresses seen around the islands. Large coral stones were used for the lower level while bricks were used for the upper levels of the church.

In Fr. Pedro Galende's book, he described the massiveness of the structure is balanced by its grace and fluidity. The church adapts the pyramidal design of the baroque style. Its details are inspired from by seal of Saint Agustine, the emblem of the king of Spain, the logo of the Pope, the “init-tao” or the sun god, and stylized Chinese clouds. (Source)

Then we visited Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in the heart of Batac City, Ilocos Norte.

And finally, the most awaited part of the tour, the tour around Paoay Sand Dunes!

We rode this 4x4 vehicle which was so much fun!!!

We stopped somewhere in the middle and tried sand surfing in one of the dunes.

Hello West Philippine Sea!

Friends forever *hart hart*

At the monument of FPJ where he filmed his popular movie, Panday.

Another monument for an iconic film starring Nora Aunor "Himala".

Leeroy New's installation sculptures behind FPJ's monument.

Read more about his work here.

Check out the next part of our tour as we head to the town of Paoay! Click here. You may also want to read the first our trip where we visted the heritage town of Vigan. Click here.