Treasure of Ilocandia (BACARRA)

BACARRA DOMELESS BELL TOWER 


A destination often missed by travelers bound north is the town of Bacarra. Not everyone knew what this underrated town possesses like the monumental platform that once placed Bacarra on the maps and the recently unveiled attraction that gave more color in the town’s history. Let’s take a detour and get to know a little more about Bacarra  in our Road Trip to Ilocos Norte 4: Bacarra Bell Tower & Museo de Bacarra.

Old Spanish-Baroque churches and bell towers have been among the most visited tourist destinations in the Philippines where majority are Catholics. Undeniably, every proud Catholics in every town take pride in their stunningly beautiful churches and the stories behind it, just like how the Bacarreños are proud of theirs.

BSED I-B STUDENTS A.Y 2015-2015

\Bacarra treasures the early 19th century Torre Ti Bacarra , or Bacarra Tower that once towered over all the bell towers in the Philippine islands. With the tower’s original design, a 16 x 16 meter base and at 50 meters high, it once reigned as the highest bell tower in the Philippine islands until it was trembled by 2 earthquakes that brought down the top most level. Though not the highest anymore, curious travelers still drop by town to see what’s left of Bacarra Tower that was declared a National Cultural Treasure. Instead of cleaning up the mess left by devastation, debris were left untouched which gave more character to Bacarra’s pride. Rather, walkways, plants, and trees, were added to beautify the the tower and the church across it.

SOURCE: BIYAHERONGBARAT.COM

TALUGADING a sagot ti NAMARSUA (Pottery of San Nicolas)

CULTURAL HERITAGE, PASINGKEDAN!

The town of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte is known for its clay pots called Banga. In  addition, there are also other products like bricks, tiles, garden pots, jar coin bank, Lusob (braces in making a well) and many more. Banga has an important role in the lives of the Ilocanos. It is a part of their tradition and culture. They use it to cook Pinakbet (an Ilocano dish assorting vegetables), they start the funeral parade with a ceremony, the Ilocanos smash it to kill the chicken underneath  before the casket leaves the gate of the house. 

When entering to the town it directs us to the main urban area which one is perceived by the elegance of an ancient tower stocked like cooking pot, the church and the convent made out of bricks and lime. And in the heart of the town also situated the town plaza which was gardened with beautiful ornamental plants with benches around its corners for the locals and visitors to enjoy the sight while sitting down or cooling off from the a dazzling walk.

The traditional procedure of pottery making in Ilocos Norte is called Damili. In fact, the people of San Nicolas celebrates the Damili Festival by December 26-30. The Sirkulo  is  a land mark showing the main products of San Nicolas, it is locate on the center of the road. You may see it before entering the town proper.

 The pottery products are transported to neighboring towns and being sold during market days. the prize ranges from Php15 - Php300.

SAN NICOLAS PARISH CHURCH NI SAN NICOLENO!

 The old Roman Catholic Church, the beautiful San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish Church which was built in 1701, speaks of the numerous people who kept the Catholic faith alive despite the turmoil of the past 400 years brought about by calamities that destroyed the church building.

 Source: Wind-master-artist-kanutowoong.blogspot.com

 

Pride of the North! (Paoay Sand Dunes and St. Augustine Parish church)

spell great- I L O C O S N O R T E

PAOAY SAND DUNES

Countries such as Morocco and Dubai are famous for their natural sand dunes. But did you know that the Philippines have its own 52 square mile of this God-given wonder?

The Ilocos Sand Dunes Stretches encompasses the towns of Currimao through to Pasuquin in Ilocos Norte. The La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag City is one of the more popular sand dune destinations in Ilocos Norte. But more recently, the PAOAY SAND DUNES is remarkably gaining popularity to tourists travelling up north.

To start your Paoay Sand Dunes Adventure, hire a 4x4 Rough Riding vehicle at the base of the site. A fleet of these 4x4s are at your disposal and a professional driver will be your guide to the vast sand dunes. For 1,500php for a maximum of 5 people per car, the driver will tour the group at the Sand dunes for 30 minutes. Sightseeing and photo sessions can be done for this package.

After this ride, try sand boarding where a plank of wood is your equipment to slide over sand folds in the vast landscape. My first try was, of course (with my inborn uncoordinated self), a fall but it was not painful at all. The soft sand is your cushion and your defense to the fear of trying again. If you do it once and get over the fear, I can assure that you’ll do it over and over again. It was that much fun! The hardest and most tiring aspect of the sport? Going up again the sandy slope after sliding down, but this will not prevent you to try and try until you do it perfectly. This package will cost 2,500php.

After the thrill, the guide will then drive the group down to the beach shores along the sand dunes. It is a perfect way to end a beautiful and exhilarating adventure. Plan your trip either in the early morning to welcome the sunrise (open as early as 5am) or late afternoon (5-6pm) to glory on the sunset not only because it’s marvelous but also to avoid the heat of the afternoon sun that can reflect to the sand.

The Church of Saint Augustine of Paoay, Ilocos Norte 

 

 The Church of Saint Augustine, commonly known as the Paoay Church, started its constructions in the year 1694 and was completed in 1710 in the province of Ilocos Norte. It is a supreme model of an Earthquake Baroque church which is designed to withstand earthquakes as Philippines’ has a reputation of an earthquake-prone country during that time.
Ever since I've been stung by the travel bug, I have been wanting to see Paoay Church. Just seeing the photos of this church in the internet and different SNS makes me wonder what more does it looks like up close and in-person. That's why when me and my friends booked a flight to this province, Paoay Church is one of the spots I've been looking forward to see. And when I was there already, it doesn't disappoint me. The beautiful structure and the mix of Gothic, Baroque and Oriental designs of this church makes me fall in love with it. This is by far the number 1 church on my list.

 

Paoay church was built using bricks, tree sap, and lumbers but what makes it special and strong is, it is mainly built using coral stones/rocks. Huge coral stones were used in the lower portion of the church to have a great hold of its weight. Its bell tower, although it is separated from the main building, is also made in coral stones. With its striking look and architectural design, Paoay Church was proclaimed as one of UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Philippines which took part in 1993. Other Baroque Churches in the Philippines which are recognized by UNESCO are the following: Nuestra Señora dela Asunción in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila, and Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo.

Source: Geejay Travel Blog