Showing posts with label Ilocos Norte. Show all posts

Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines Conducts Community Based Tourism Workshop for Weavers in Ilocos Norte

Marky Ramone Go October 24, 2023

Unbeknownst to many, the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines (TPB), the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), has been conducting workshops on marketing enhancement with community-based tourism (CBT) stakeholders from several communities nationwide.

Some of the CBT participants with TPB's Alberto Gadia Jr.

Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines Read more

Paoay, Ilocos Norte | Charging at the Mad Max Vibe of La Paz Sand Dunes

Marky Ramone Go August 31, 2017

“Yohooooo, Kuya be kind to us” she shouted at the driver of the 4x4 truck as we make sure our hands were gripped into the handlebar like glue. We were just about to go over the first mound of sand almost 30 feet high when she issued that reminder. Not that kuya had a habit of giving a flying eff of slowing down, it’s just that he follows to heart the unwritten rule of the faster, the better. He then accelerated the truck into a dizzying speed, shaking the four of us huddled at the back. The engine struggled a little going to the apex of the hill but once gravity took over, hellacious yells from my female companions almost busted my eardrums. As we slid through the downhill path like one of those post-apocalyptic vehicles driven by looneys in Mad Max films, I felt a different kind of rush.

wilderness Read more

Reliving Paoay’s storied history and rich culture with Guling-Guling Festival

Marky Ramone Go April 25, 2017

Believed to have originated even before the arrival of the Spaniards, the Guling-Guling Festival morphed into a religious practice in the 16th century, when the Spanish friars attached it with the celebration of the Lenten season. Believed to have originated even before the arrival of the Spaniards, the Guling-Guling Festival morphed into a religious practice in the 16th century, when the Spanish friars attached it with the celebration of the Lenten season. Happening a day before Ash Wednesday, guling, the Ilocano word “to smear,” comes to play, when the town mayor would smudge a white cross, made from damp and white rice flour, on to a person’s forehead to indicate one’s pureness. The townsfolk believe that this ritual washes away their sins.

Paoay Church Read more

Malacañang of the North: Ageing Reminder of a Dark Regime

Marky Ramone Go May 25, 2015

Being the home province of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, who was born in Sarrat - Ilocos Province held almost the same amount of power as the ones enjoyed by the few in Manila. One true representation of it was the symbolic Malacañang of the North - which by any other name, would pass as an ordinary summer house built in true heritage fashion, highlighted by its Spanish colonial architecture.

Paoay lake Read more

Northern Pit Stop at Kapurpurawan Rock Formation | Ilocos Norte

Marky Ramone Go May 22, 2015

After a couple of days in Vigan, we proceeded to Laoag in Ilocos Norte where we stayed for another night. We visited various attractions like the Malacañang of the North, the Marcos Museum, and the historic Church of Paoay before capping it off with a wild ride over the sand dunes of La Paz. Mirroring the hectic pace of the contestants of the Amazing Race, we hustled the next day to continue our northern road trip to Pagudpud.

wilderness Read more

A Northern Roadtrip: The Baroque Church of Paoay

Marky Ramone Go May 19, 2015

Part of the collective group of Baroque Churches in the Philippines recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, Paoay Church or the Saint Augustine Church has eluded me for the longest time. Twice I have been to the province of Ilocos Norte and both times I went home without catching a glimpse of its massive facade walls. I reckon only a fool would let fly a third opportunity without seeing it up close.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites Read more

Where to Stay in Laoag City: Balay da Blas Pension House

Marky Ramone Go January 08, 2015

Balay da Blas showcases a bipolar architecture character by blending the antiquated era of traditional Ilocano interiors with an expansion wing that houses all modern aesthetics. Coming from an enjoyable stay at the rustic and charming Villa Angela in Vigan City, we keep up with the throwback vibe by asking the caretakers for a similar lodging evoking a similar feel. We were then pointed to this pleasant 13-room bed and breakfast right at the heart of Laoag City.

reviews Read more

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Unknown May 16, 2007

The summer 0f 2007 was the first time I was able to visit Ilocos Norte province. Before that, all I know about the place aside from being the home province of former President Ferdinand Marcos was that it’s about a 12-hour ride away from Manila. Together with some friends, I finally ended up in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.