Photo: Manila Standard

Four things you must do during your summer stay in Ilocos Norte  It’s an eight-hour drive from the metro by land but we tell you, it’s definitely worth the long trip.

Source: Go forth and enjoy North   

San Agustin Church, also known as the Immaculate Conception Parish, is a Roman Catholic Church located in the city of Intramuros in Manila.

Source: San Agustin Church, Manila: A UNESCO World Heritage Site – Out of Town Blog

The Santa Maria Church, also called The Church of the Lady of Assumption, is a parish church located in Ilocos Sur province of the Philippines.

Source: Santa Maria Church, Ilocos Sur: A UNESCO World Heritage Site – Out of Town Blog

Christmas is the most awaited season in the Philippines with the Catholic faithful joyfully recalling the birth of Jesus Christ through religious and historical traditions. The church is usually at the center of the Christmas festivities with Filipino Catholics filling these spaces to the brim to take part in solemn celebrations.

Source: Church marvels for dawn Mass | Inquirer Business

Visita Iglesia is an annual tradition observed by Catholics during the Lenten […]

Source: Guide to Visita Iglesia 2019 – 7 Churches To Visit in Metro Manila – Out of Town Blog

Philippines – Baroque Churches of the Philippines

Want to head north?

Take a break from the big, bustling city of Manila and let the winds of the north guide you to Ilocos Norte.

The hometown of former President Marcos, Ilocos Norte is a great vacation destination for travelers. There’s lush vegetation, rich history, pristine beaches, and well –adventure!

It wouldn’t come as a surprise if this region is included as one of the top Philippine travel destinations among Filipino tourists. The place is seriously getting a lot of attention lately.

Eager to visit? Let your mind drift to the most fascinating spots in this quiet yet charming faraway town.

Malacañang of the North

The official residence of the Marcoses when the late Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. was still the president, Malacañang of the North sits on the shores of Paoay Lake and has well-tendered gardens. Former First Lady Imelda Marcos gave this house to her husband as a gift. It was one of the properties sequestered from the Marcoses after Marcos Sr. was ousted as president.

After 20 years in the care of the government, Malacañang of the North was given back to the Ilocos Norte local government.

Read more

Philippines – Baroque Churches of the Philippines

The first time I went to Ilocandia was in 2005 when we embarked on a Northern Luzon road trip covering Pagudpud, Kalinga and Cagayan. There wasn’t enough time to explore the other parts of Ilocos apart from Pagudpud so I made a promise to return.

I went back during the Holy Week of 2011, where I endured the holiday exodus and 12-hour bus ride from Manila to Laoag with the main purpose of visiting old churches. I braved the throngs of commuters, the summer heat and the uncertainties of not having a concrete plan and itinerary.

So I found myself in Laoag at noon of Maundy Thursday, and immediately fell in love with its quaintness and beauty.

I stayed in a transient room for P300 per night, it is conveniently located near the downtown. It would serve as my home for the entire trip. Dora, the owner of the room was already waiting for me when I arrived. I had my lunch with them before taking a mid-day siesta prior tony planned Visit Iglesia.

Source: Visita Iglesia in Ilocandia: Seven Churches of Ilocos

Philippines – Baroque Churches of the Philippines

Spanish colonists arrived in the Philippines in the 16th century with two main goals: getting a slice of the Pacific spice trade mainly dominated by the Portuguese, and spreading Catholicism both in the Philippines and China.

Read more