Catherine Will Share Stories: From North to South: Invading the Ilocos Region

Stayed in Currimao Beach Resort, City of Batac. Went to Paoay Church, Sand Dunes, Malacanang of the North, Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag, Fort Ilocandia Resort, Lunch @ somewhere in Laoag (THE FOOD WAS REALLY GOOD), Cape Bojeador Lighthouse (The scenery from the lighthouse was amazing), Horseback Riding @ Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, and of course we also got to see the breathtaking Bangui Windmills, the Patapat Bridge, Bantay abot Cave and lastly we had swimming in Hannah’s Beach Resort @ Pagudpud. Day 1 was tiring yet fun and adventurous. I loved that.

Day 2 and probably the last day. We went to Batac Market to buy their very own famous longanisa. After that, we headed to Marco’s Museum. We saw the body of Marcos which really looks like a wax figure and it gave us goosebumps. Last stop for Ilocos Norte tour was the Juan Luna Shrine.

My friend Mj and I in one of the famous churches in the Philippines.

The San Agustin Church at Paoay, Ilocos Norte. I have always been amazed to see churches. I believe that churches are beautiful and amazing.

So orange. So vintage. This was my outfit during our first day in Ilocos.

My favorite shot. Paoay church is so beautiful. But others say that it becomes even more fascinating at evening.

At Sand Dunes.

Sand dunes is 15 minutes away from Paoay. It is located in Suba, Ilocos Norte. It has a very humid weather. You can go sand boarding if you want and go for a 4x4 ride. Too bad, we did not have enough money to experience it but that's okay.

It was supposed to be our (Kenneth and I) signature pose. Lol.

Ms. Imelda Marcos. @ Malacanang ti Amianan. That means Malacanang of the North.

Mr. Ferdinand Marcos

Inside the house of the Marcos's ;)

Lake outside the house. This is the view outside the palace.

This is the bedroom of Mr. and Mrs. Marcos.

@ Fort Ilocandia Resort

Fort Ilocandia Resort is a five-star hotel located at Laoag city. It is very quiet in this place. The ambiance is so peaceful. It looks very old but has an amazing architectural designs and I think, that made the FIR even more beautiful and gorgeous.

The Sinking Bell Tower

We had lunch at a small carinderia somewhere in Laoag. I can't remember the place, but it has an authentic ambiance and food was great.

I would not forget the taste of their "Pakbet with their famous bagnet". Seriously, it was very delicious. I have eaten pakbet so many times but this one is one of the most delish food I had.

Headed to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse after a sumptuous lunch.

@ Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. My first time to ride on a horse. Exciting.

Climing through the limestones barefooted.

I never thought the Bangui Windmills were amazing. I mean, when we finally saw this, it was breathtaking. Giant windmills.

DAY 2. Leaving the Ilocos Norte for Ilocos Sur.

Went first to Batac Market.

These are bagnet. Their famous delicacy.

Aside from Bagnet, Ilocos is also known for its longganisa.

Buying some longga...

Ferdinand Marcos Museum.

Juan Luna's house.

The Spolarium.

I wore a floral corset dress and to make it more appealing, I added some red scarf.

This is the bedroom of Juan Luna. Very old.

Leaving Ilocos Norte. Headed to Vigan.

Their famoes empanada. I honestly do not eat empanada because it looks so boring. lol. but when I finally tasted ilocos' empanada, I changed my mind. Their empanda consists of egg, longga, hotdog, inside. Very delish.

The Heritage Vigan.

Affordable souvenirs hanging on the wall.

Baluarte. It is a very huge place owned by Mr. Chavit Singson. It is more like of a zoo.

For the sake of experience, I volunteered myself to hold an anaconda snake. I was a bit of a nervous wreck that time because I was holding the head of the snake. Fear was conquered. I was so happy.