Archive for August, 2006
The province of Ilocos Norte was established in the year 1818. Its capital and the only city of the province is Laoag. The Provincial Capitol, the seat of the Ilocos Norte provincial government is located right in front of the Aurora Park. The building was constructed using the Neo-Classical architecture.
This ends my Cordillera-Ilocandia Tour Series. A million thanks to those who made my journey possible. Please continue to check out my blog for my other adventures
When the Spaniards discovered that the land and climate of Ilocos is perfect for growing tobacco, they forced the people to plant only tobacco and no other crop. The sakadas were also forced to sell the tobacco leaves only to the Spanish government. This has lead to numerous resistance among the locals. There were also stories of untold abuses done by the authorities. For one hundred long years, 1781 until 1881, the tobacco monopoly existed in Ilocos. A period of dark history in Ilocandia.
It was only in 1881 when King Alfonso XII lifted the tobacco monopoly. The people of Ilocos then erected the Tobacco Monopoly Momunent as a thanksgiving to the Crown of Spain for recognizing the stuggles of the Ilocano people against the Monopoly.
The tall yet graceful monument is located right at the center of Laoag City plaza, in front of the Provincial Capitol.
The Saint Williams Cathedral in the city of Laoag was built in 1580 upon the orders of the Agustinian friars. The facade is still the same that was built hundreds of years ago, but its color has already been changed. It currently has an ivory tint.
The people of Laoag celebrates the feast day of St. William every February 10, coinciding with the city’s Pamulinawen Festival.
One of the largest and the tallest bell towers in the country, the Laoag City Bell Tower stands mightily at 45 meters high. The tower was constructed upon the orders of the Agustinian friars hundreds of years ago. Just like the bell tower of Jaro, Iloilo, the Laoag Bell Sinking Bell tower is a bit far from the church. It is located approximately 85 meters away from the St. William’s Cathedral.
It is believed that during the early years, one can easily pass through the belfry’s doors. But due to the fact that the tower is sinking, one needs to stoop just to get inside the tower.
And like, its counterpart in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, the Laoag Sinking Bell Tower is still working. The bells are still being tolled to call the attention of the people to attend a prayer service.
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