LAOAG/VIGAN

Ilocos Norte, the northwestern tip of Luzon, is wedged between the step Gran Cordillera Central in the east, the rugged Ilocos Mountains in the north east, and the Ilocos Range in the south.

The centuries old churches that dot every town of Ilocos are testimonials to the colonial past. They formed part of the nucleus of the plaza complex town planning instituted by the Spanish colonizers.

With a coastline that stretches to 90 statue miles, Ilocos Norte is blessed with rich marine life-shells, giant turtles, seaweeds, starfishes, tuna, and a variety of fishes.

Below Ilocos Norte is Ilocos Sur,Located along the western coast of Northern Luzon, bound by Abra on the northeast , Mt. Province on the east, Benguet on the southeast , La Union on the south ,and the China Sea on the west.Ilocos Sur’s topography has elevations ranging from 10 to 1,700 meters above sea level.

Through unmistakably foreign in form, the churches of Ilocos Sur reflect a distinctly Ilocano character .The hardiness and strength of the Ilocanos are reflected in the massive and sturdiness of the structures.

OLD CHURCHES. Spanish colonial churches are a must-see in Ilocos Norte. The Paoy Church, originally built between 1699-1704, displays ingenuity in the use of corals, mortar, bricks and molasses. The Loag Cathedral, massive, short and barn-like, was constructed between 1650-1700. Watch out for the Sinking Bell Tower. Dingras Church, set in the midst of expansive rice fields, was built by natives in 1680 using red bricks. Ilocos Sur’s famous churches include the St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Bantay Church, Sta. Lucia Church, and the Sinait Church.

BEACHES. Fort Ilocandia Resort and the Hotel is situated in the midst of fetching sand hills in coastal Calayab, Loag City. Some 26 kms south of Loag City is Currimao, lined with beautiful beaches dotted at times with coral’s. The White Beaches of Pagudpud, the farthest end of Ilocos Norte towards the Laog-Alacapan Road, are a veritable paradise.

MUSEUMS. Ilocos Sur’s national museum, the Padre Jose Burgos House, contains the memorabilia of the martyr-priest Jose Burgos and Ilocano artifacts and ethnic arts of the Tinggians, while the Magsingal Museum is a repository of Ilocano heritage featuring collections of pottery and porcelain artifacts.

ANCESTRAL HOUSES. Kamestizaoan District in Vigan is replete with ancestral houses with ancient tile roofs, massive hardwood floorings, balustrades, and azoteas in varying Spanish-Mexican-Chinese architectural styles.