Ilocos Norte Capitol
Posted on August 31, 2006 - Filed Under Landmarks, Road Trip | 1 Comment
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 [...]
Read More..>>Tobacco Monopoly Monument
Posted on August 29, 2006 - Filed Under Landmarks, Road Trip | 7 Comments
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 [...]
Read More..>>Saint Williams Cathedral
Posted on August 29, 2006 - Filed Under Churches, Landmarks, Road Trip | Leave a Comment
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 [...]
Read More..>>Laoag Sinking Bell Tower
Posted on August 28, 2006 - Filed Under Churches, Landmarks, Road Trip | 1 Comment
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 [...]
Read More..>>Baluarte: Chavit’s Animalandia
Posted on August 26, 2006 - Filed Under Landmarks, Road Trip, Uncategorized | 2 Comments
One of the newer tourist spots in the city of Vigan is the Baluarte. Baluarte is actually the house of Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson. Right inside the compound are several ostriches running wild and free, ponies, birds, monkeys, and tigers. There is also a butterfly garden that houses hundred of butterflies fluttering on [...]
Read More..>>Laoag: The Sunshine City of the Philippines
Posted on August 25, 2006 - Filed Under Road Trip | Leave a Comment
Laoag, also known as the Sunshine City, is the capital of the province of Ilocos Norte.Laoag actually means “Light” in Iloko, the dialect spoken by the Ilocanos. The Ilocandia is home to several noteworthy personalities that gave color to our country’s history. Among the famous Ilocanos are: Padre Jose Burgos, couples Diego and Gabriela Silang, [...]
Read More..>>Calesa: Driving its way from the past to the present
Posted on August 24, 2006 - Filed Under Road Trip | 1 Comment
They were the Mercedes Benz and the jaguar of rich and famous during their time. They were the king of the roads a long long time before the US Jeeps came into picture. And they were the tsikot of the masses.
This is the Calesa, or the Caritela. Basically a horse-drawn carriage used to transport [...]
Read More..>>Calle Crisologo: Stepping into the street of yesteryears
Posted on August 23, 2006 - Filed Under Landmarks, Road Trip | 1 Comment
This is the most famous cobblestone street of Vigan. The street is lined with well-preserved houses with Hispanic, Chinese and Filipino influences. Many of these houses have now been turned into museum shops, cafe, or tourist inns.
Stepping into Calle Crisologo is like being transported into the Philippines’ past. Imagine the noise of the horse’s [...]
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