Solo Adventure Pt 4: Historic Laoag and Adventure in Paoay

Flashback.. On the way to Pagudpud, I met a family that offered me to joined them in their Pagudpud-Laoag tour.

After having lunch at McDonalds in Laoag, we walked to St. William's Cathedral. A few meters away from the cathedral was the Sinking Bell Tower. It was apparent that the tower sunk into the ground because we can only see half of the main door. After taking pictures, we headed back to McDonald where we parked our van.

St. William's Cathedral

Sinking Tower

Sinking Tower's main door

When we were about to go out of the parking area, a car suddenly stopped in our back. We hit the car! And it turned out that it was a government car. Opppsss.. Our guide talked to the driver. After a few minutes, we headed to the Department of Public Safety office in Laoag. The incident was filed and they agreed on something. Luckily, they allowed us to leave after a short discussion to continue our tour.

bust of the late president

We stopped by the Marcos Museum with an entrance fee of Php50. We also checked out Marcos' house beside the museum and the mausoleum of the late President Ferdinand Marcos. Cameras were not allowed inside, so we just looked at his preserved body intently. Actually some people said that it is no longer the real body of the president but a wax figure. Well, we don't really know.

Ferdinand Marcos' mausoleum

Next stop was the infamous Paoay Church (Church of Saint Augustine). Founded on 1593, the church was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. By simply looking at the church, you can get ideas on how historic it is. The front area of the church was so green, which indicated that it is well-maintained.

forgive my attire, I'm no vampire.. I just don't like when it's too hot. ;-)

We headed to the Malacanang of the North. Unfortunately, visiting hour was only up to 4:30pm and we didn't make it as we arrived almost 5:00pm. At the back of the Malacanang was the Paoay Lake. Many people believed that the lake used to be a small town but was punished which made it sunk under the water. They claimed that no diver has yet to explore the lake; hence nobody can confirm nor deny the speculation.

A visit to Paoay is never complete without going to the Paoay Sand Dunes. The place was quite far but it was all worth it. The 4x4 ride cost Php2,500 - good for 4 people and for 1 hour. But we didn't intend to stay longer (my friends had a flight to catch) so we negotiated. For Php1,000 we get 20 minutes sand dunes tour and sand boarding.

The entire experience was priceless. We screamed on top of our lungs every time we passed by the hills - the ascend and descend were frightening. haha.. But it was such a fun and thrilling adventure.

4x4 ride..

I super love this activity! <3

just a portion of the sand dune hectares

After the sand dunes experience, I thought the tour was over. But we segued to Fort Ilocandia Resort & Casino, a popular resort in Ilocos. We did quick sightseeing then called it a day. On the way to my hotel in Laoag, I was lucky to witness a majestic sunset.

I wasn't able to get a good shot..

Other attractions were Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol, Aurora Park and the Tobacco Monopoly Monument. These places were just near the McDonald but I forgot to take pictures.

The entire day was filled with fun, new learning and thrill. Thanks to our guide/driver - pastor (I forgot to get your name, am sarrey). If you want to get his service, you may contact him at 09154543487.

Until next trip!






July 14, 2014