Yodis Phere: laoag city

Showing posts with label laoag city. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Ilocos Tour » Sinking Bell Tower and McDonalds’ Rising Golden Arch

Laoag was still slumbering when we arrived at around 5:00 am. We made a quick stop at the Laoag City Central Plaza at the foot of the magnificent Don Mariano Marcos Bridge also known as Gilbert Bridge and the third longest bridge in the Philippines. The only restaurant open was the ever-present McDonalds. It’s a good thing this McDo branch has free WiFi - literally our one hand was holding our smartphones updating status on Facebook and Twitter, the other hand was doing the most important thing in the morning, which is breakfast. (Seems crazy because Facebook and Twitter are now vying for the most-important-thing in the morning category.)

With full stomach and Facebook status updated, we are now ready for a quick plaza tour. We first checked out the St. William the Hermit Cathedral and the Sinking Bell Tower.

Defying time - St. William the Hermit Cathedral

According to the church’s historical marker, St. William the Hermit Cathedral, was first built in 1580 as a wood and thatched nipa palm chapel. The present Italian Renaissance and Baroque-style church was built between 1650 and 1700. It has stood the test of time, while silently witnessing the unfolding of Philippine history during the Spanish era. It was seriously damaged during the November 14, 1707 earthquake, partially destroyed by fire in 1843 and then completely restored. It was again damaged during the July 18, 1880 earthquake and repaired again. In 1891, the roof of the church and convent were replaced with galvanized iron.

Alpha & Omega symbol at the church entrance

The church was occupied by Pedro Almazan in 1661, revolutionaries in 1896, American forces in 1899 and Aglipayans in 1901. It was the scene of the 1932 diocesan Marian Congress and was slightly damaged during the September 7, 1983 earthquake.

The painted Cathedral

It was totally damaged when they PAINTED it. Old church walls have a quiet faded beauty, but in the case of this church, it is impossible to see now because of the modern paint. The paint obscures the architectural details and history of the church.

They should’ve leave the bullet holes and cracks on the church walls to remind us that Ilocanos have fought a war and died to save Ilocandia. I say they should’ve think twice before repainting the church that has achieved lovely old walls after many centuries.

By re-painting this cathedral, they hide its century old beauty and erased the mark of hardships of the early Philippine revolutionaries fighting for independence.

Unto Earth returnest – The Sinking Bell Tower

Around the corner, at the back of McDonalds right across Bonifacio St., in the northern end of Don Mariano Marcos Bridge and meters away from the St. William the Hermit Cathedral is the immemorial Sinking Bell Tower also called the Bantay Bell Tower. The tower is located about 85 meters away from the cathedral, a colonial church feature described as “earthquake baroque.”

View of the Sinking Bell Tower from the Cathedral

The cathedral’s Bell Tower, was previously one of the most massive and tallest in the country. Built even before the foundations of the cathedral were laid (around 1660). It is made of bricks, joined by molasses and the juice of sablot leaves mixed with lime and sand. I think that is more economical than using egg white just like what they did in constructing the Baclayon Church in Bohol.

The belfry now leans slightly to the north and has sunk half a storey since its construction, allegedly due to the 1957 earthquake and its being built on a sandy subsurface.

According to the locals, a man and a horse can go inside the tower before but now a man can no longer pass through its gate.

The new belfries

This place makes me think back about how times have changed. Commercial and modern establishments are now drowning the Bell Tower making it out of sync with the new world. You can no longer take a nice clear photo of the bell tower because electric posts are blocking the view. Aside from the fact that it is sinking, it seems like disarrayed webs of electric wires are also strangling it. Hmmm, melancholia nostaglia.

While the belfry is bidding its final farewell, slowly sinking every year, McDonalds’ golden arch and tower is happily rising, as if mockingly saying “you’re history, get lost!"

The church must stop politicking and instead exert extra effort in evangelizing because more people are having salty French fries more often than taking the bland holy bread.

Nowadays, McDonalds’ towering golden arches are the new belfries.

What do you think?

HERE ARE THE DETAILED POSTS ABOUT OUR Ilocandia Time Travel

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Fact Sources and Citations:

» Grele Dominique, Jouve, Lily. 2001.100 resorts in the Philippines: places with a heart “Loag and its environs” Asiatype, Inc.:96

» Peplow, Evelyn.1997.The Philippines.Sinking Bell Tower of Ilocos.McGraw-Hill: 156

» Coseteng, Alice M. L., 1931- “Eartquake Baroque” Spanish churches in the Philippines.UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, 1972

» Wikipilipinas. “St. William's Cathedral” http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=St._William%27s_Cathedral [10 April 2011]

Monday, April 11, 2011

Ilocos Tour – Laoag, City of Sunshine » Waking up in the Sparkling Gem of Ilocandia

Then I woke up, noted where I am and started thinking “Are we really in Laoag? And alive to blog about it? Fascinating!”

This is the wonder of wandering around, you hastily jump in a van, sleep and let the driver take charge of you life, dream of a far off destination and wake up in unfamiliar place. Waking up in the same place every morning is boring, so I have to take a few out-of-goddamn-Manila trips once in a while.

Having this Ilocos tour is one of my ideal backpacking trips because this part of the Philippines can take in both stunning scenery, culture and history, and city life. Ilocos is also included in the top backpacking destinations in the Philippines because it offers an unbeatable combination of urban life, significant Spanish heritage points and jaw-dropping scenery which doesn’t cost a fortune.

Morning stroll at the historic Aurora Park

Image Source: Laoag City Official Website

After sleeping during the whole 10-hour road trip, we had a quick stop at the Aurora Park located at the Laoag City Central Plaza for breakfast. I’ve been on this provincial capital before when I was assigned as MSAP Proctor in Northwestern University back in 2008 but I haven’t explored the area.

Souvenir photo of the backpackers at the Aurora Park, Ilocos Norte Capitol

We had a nice lazy stroll on that early Saturday morning where the only people on the wide streets are group of bikers and very few pedestrians. Unlike other major cities, Laoag City is easy-going and unhurried – maybe it is the direct effect of the historic sites dating back from the Spanish era around the area. Touring the place gave us time to relax from the long and tiring trip we had, making us ready for exciting activities ahead.

Being a central component city, Laoag is largest and busiest commercial center in Northern Luzon. It is located on the north bank of the Laoag River, a few kilometers from the sea and part of the North Luzon Quadrangle, which is being developed into a tourism center of the north outside Hongkong, Taiwan and even Japan.

This historic monument is the first peace pole to be erected in the Ilocos Regio (Region 1). This peace pole with a prayer written in different languages, "May Peace Prevail On Earth" is a project of the World Peace Prayer Society, a non-government organization (NGO) in affiliation with the Department of Public Information on the United Nations to help spiritually in the mission of the United Nations in attaining global peace.

The city’s Central Business District is located at the middle section of the poblacion's southern boundary and the main shopping thoroughfares are Rizal and Bonifacio Streets which run east and west of the Aurora Plaza.

Quick Facts:

Formerly called Ylagua, Ylavan, Ilauag and Ildauag in early records, laoag is the Ilocano word for “light” or “brightness.”
Laoag was founded on January 5, 1586
It had three visitas: San Nicolas, San Juan de Sahagun and Sta. Monica de Sarrat.
On June 19, 1965, Laoag was converted into a city by virtue of Republic Act No. 4584.

Laoag City is the birthplace of:

Fred Ruiz Castro (September 2, 1914-April 19, 1979) - Supreme Court chief justice and Father of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
Anastacia Giron-Tupas (August 24, 1890-September 28, 1972) - first Filipino chief nurse and superintendent of PGH School of Nursing.

Some of the tourist spots that we visited within the park are the neo-classical-style Provincial Capitol, Museo Ilocos Norte, Tobacco Monopoly Monument, Marcos Hall of Justice and the Sinking Bell Tower of St. William the Hermit Cathedral

The Classic Ilocos Norte Capitol

The Ilocos Norte Capitol (March 2011)

The Neo-Classical-style Provincial Capitol, started in 1918, was inaugurated in 1924 during the term of Gov. Florencio Castro.

"To Thee I Give...." the Ilocos Norte Oblation

It was enlarged and renovated in 1957, during the administration of Antonio V. Raquiza, by adding a corridor in front to join the newer wings flanking the building.

Ilocos Norte Capitol at Sunrise

Treasures of the Museo Ilocos Norte

Museo Ilocos Norte

The Museo Ilocos, formerly the Ilocandia Museum of Traditional Costumes (inaugurated in 1977), is located at the cor. of Gen. A. Luna St. and Don Vicente Llanes Ave., beside the ~~city hall~~ (edit: Capitol). Also called Gameng (from the Iloco word meaning “treasure”), this museum is housed in the former Camarin de Tobacco de la Tabacaler or tobacco storage house and was inaugurated in 1999.

We didn't got the chance to check out the treasures inside because we dropped by too early so we just took souvenir photos outside.

Tobacco Monopoly Monument

Tobacco Monopoly Monument

The Abolition of Tobacco Monopoly Monument, along A. Bonifacio St., at the foot of Marcos Bridge, is an obelisk of clay and brick built erected in 1882 by alcalde mayor (provincial governor) Don Jose Moreno Lacalle as a gesture of thanksgiving to King Alfonso XII of Spain for abolishing the hated tobacco monopoly.

According to historical records, the Laoag area in 1788 was one of the centers of opposition to the imposition of tobacco monopoly. It is reported that “about a thousand persons” rose up in arms as a protest, and major hostilities were barely averted through the intervention of a trusted bishop.

The Marcos Hall of Justice

Marcos Hall of Justice

The Marcos Hall of Justice, also located near the bridge, was built on the site of the former Carcel Provincial. This is where the young Ferdinand Marcos was detained when accused of murder. While in jail, he studied law, topped the bar examinations and defended himself and later was acquitted by the Supreme Court.

On my next post I’ll share my thoughts on the Sinking Bell Tower.

Enjoying my pre-summer treat

Waking up in Laoag, the Philippines’ City of Sunshine and the gem of Ilocandia was one of the pre-summer treats I had this year. Summer is kicking in but Metro Manila is still a little bit gloomy and damp and having this trip, though unplanned was a necessary activity to remind me that I am not a prisoner of this dark city directly affected by climate change. I can leave whenever I want and go to a place where summer still comes in March.

HERE ARE THE DETAILED POSTS ABOUT OUR Ilocandia Time Travel

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Sources of Facts and Citations:

» Keesing, Félix Maxwell. The ethnohistory of northern Luzon. Stanford University Press, Standford Calif. p.160

» Philippine Almanac and handbook of facts. “Ilocos Norte” The university of Michigan Vol. 3. 1997: 195

» Aurora Park Historical Markers

» Laoag City Official Website. Culture and Tourism Page. http://www.laoagcity.gov.ph/ . (10 April 2011)

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Ilocos Tour » Laoag-Pagudpod-Vigan Impromptu Weekend Getaway

I say unplanned trip is way better than planned one, maybe you won’t agree. But for me, those quick getaway trips are more gripping and remarkable especially if it’s one of those arbitrary barkada gigs. That’s the beauty of randomness – always tickles our unconscious desire for chaos. We always have that hidden desire to escape routine and a wish for that sudden bump on a boring road.

Conversely, best-planned trips are always impacted by cancellations. Of course we all know how safe and sane it is to plan a vacation in advance: we save for the expected expenses, cheap resort is booked, itinerary is neatly pre-decided and vacation leave is filed. There is no way the trip could go wrong. However, I don’t know if it’s just us (I mean our backpacker group), but most of our long planned barkada gigs are always being cancelled.

We all have that occasional urge for a quick break. And at this moment, we no longer care for a neatly planned trip. I find it amazing because if we are on a getaway travel mood, we always managed a really quick preparation and an exciting itinerary. It’s group dynamics I guess, and I’m lucky I got an awesome kaladkarin group – Thanks guys!

Planning an unplanned Ilocandia getaway

This, ladies and gentlemen, is what happened to us last weekend. We managed to have an Ilocos tour – which includes Laoag, Pagudpud and Vigan – in just two days!

But prior to our Ilocandia getaway, we all felt slightly intimidated because of not planning in advance. We all have valid reasons - fear of costly expenditures, uncertainty of not finding a proper resort or hotel, uncomfortable and tiring road trip, skepticism on transportation (and driver’s integrity) and lots of other reasons, hassles and barkada drama. (Is that right Anjho? Ha ha)

These haunt us until the day before our trip. But this is when sharing of ideas, group consultation, commitment and a little bit of common sense comes into play.

And before we know it, we are in ILOCANDIA!!!

Ilocos Tour – Laoag – Pagudpod – Vigan Two-day Barkada Trip

I want to share here how we managed to sneak out of Manila last weekend for a two- days-only weekend getaway.

Here’s our super itinerary and a sneak peek of the places we visited

Friday, 25 March 2011 – After work

8:00 p.m. Depart Manila going to Laoag

Saturday, 26 March 2011

Morning

5:30 a.m. Arrive at Laoag City » Quick breakfast at McDo » Lazy morning stroll at Laoag City » Ilocos Norte Capitol » Sinking Belltower » Church of Laoag » Museo Ilocos Norte

9:00 Parola ng Cape Bojeador (Bojeador Lighthouse) » Bangui Windmills

12:00 Check-in at Jun and Carol Beach Cottages - Pagudpud

AFTERNOON TOUR

Tour of Ilocos Norte – Southbound » Kabigan Falls Trekking » Patapat Viaduct » Agua Grande » Kalbario Patapat Natural Park » Timamtang Rock » Bantay-Abot Cave » Blue Lagoon » Swimming at Pagudpod Beach

Dinner and Peryahan trip at Pagudpud Town Plaza

Sunday, 27 March 2011

8:00 AM Resort Check-out

Batac-Ilocos Norte Tour » Merienda at Batac Riverside Empanadahan » Marcos Museum » World Peace Center (Imelda Marcos Office) – Photo Gallery » Malacañang of the North (closed) » Quick peek at the Sand Dunes » Paoay Church

1:00 p.m. LUNCH at Grace’s Crib » VIGAN Ilocos Sur » Pagburnayan Pottery » Hidden Garden » Baluarte ni Chavit » Crisologo Street

7:00 pm Back to Manila

28 March 2011 Monday

3:00 am Arrive Manila

8:00 am Back to work

Wallet Damage:

3,000.00 Pesos each (for 7 person)

Inclusive of:

Van rental and Driver’s Service Fee: 15,000.00 Php

Resort/Room Accommodation: 2,000.00 Php per room

Other Misc. Expenses (Entrance fees, toll fee, etc.)

Meals and budget for pasalubong not included.

My Tips for an impromptu Getaway Tour

Visiting all these places in just two days is really amazing – it’s like time travel. Now here’s a few tips I can give you if one of these days, you felt you badly need a change of weekend scenery.

1. Do an ocular inspection of the place via the Internet: With the Internet and blogs, everything is at your doorstep. Collect as much information about your travel destination as you can. This would give you a preview and make you feel much comfortable and prepared for new place.

2. Always look for cheap resort/hotel: There are always cheap hotels and resorts in every Philippine travel destinations with great service than can compete with known and famous hotels – always spend extra effort on finding them.

3. Check your wallet: Last but not the least: make sure you have extra cash before you leave or a credit card might be handy. There’s always an unplanned purchases, I’m sure of that!

On my upcoming posts, I will share my experiences (and mobile photos) of each place we visited.

I will appreciate it if you could share your thoughts and experiences on having an impromptu and unplanned trips.

Until then folks, more of our Ilocos Tour soon!

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HERE ARE THE DETAILED POSTS ABOUT OUR Ilocandia Time Travel