AT every click of the camera, Ilocos Norte seemingly romanticizes her pose, like a young lady who flirts with her suitors.

But still, she is conservative: guardians are positioned at all possible gateways, either on the shore or atop a hill.

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When national hero Juan Luna was still mastering his art skills in Badoc, a municipality of Ilocos Norte, the entire region was surrounded by towers that operated as security points against marauders. Since they now stand as tourist attractions, urban development is inevitable.

Hong Kong could probably be contagious—it’s only a 30-minute flight from Laoag International Airport.

Establishments like fast-food counters, beauty parlors, and mobile phone kiosks may have flourished in silent Laoag city, but its beauty is poised to charm, especially the camera.

“She is gorgeous to shoot,” says Manuel Villa, a freelance magazine photographer who has made three trips to the province since January. “I am captivated by the several towers.

For me, they represent tranquility and to be literal, security.

Media agencies would never be tired of the spots.”

On the first Sunday of April, Ilocos province was on the top 10 list of “postcard-worthy places in the Philippines” as chronicled on an episode of Ang Pinaka, a magazine show on QTV.

Typical set-up

The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos was the main location of singer Regine Velasquez‘ television campaign for the Department of Tourism that aimed to promote the Philippines as a historical destination.

Apart from being one of the most photographed places in the Philippines, the lighthouse still serves as a light station for seafarers. Its attic, the highest part of the building, houses the cylinder cupola and lantern—the bulb and the energy source of the tower.

From the top, a flight of stairs that resembles the letter “T”, leads to the main pavilion where the mini museum is stands.

“The station has an arrangement that is typical of lighthouses in the Philippines with light tower, living quarters (living pavilion), serviceable apartments, and enclosed courtyard.

The buildings are all erected with bricks that were baked in a kiln located at the bottom of the hill,” comments architect Manuel Noche

“As a tourist attraction in a politically powerful province, the lighthouse has ensured its preservation and protection for years to come,” he adds.

The element of air

Talk about throwing caution to the wind.

Since business investors were discouraged by the frequent power outages in the area, the National Renewable Laboratory conducted a wind source analysis and mapping study. In 1996, the team found a location for a wind farm in Bangui, a fourth
class municipality.

Now, the electric windmills provide 40 percent of the province’s energy power requirement, through Transco Laoag.

From Laoag city, a bus heads for Bangui every 20 minutes. Though the road is clear of traffic, the trip takes an hour and a half.

Shaken faith, memoirs of a ruler

Forged by 24 buttresses and a mouthful of architectural jargon, the St. Augustine Church in Paoay has recently been included in the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Former president Ferdinand Marcos also considered it a national treasure.

Called Earthquake Baroque, the church exterior is drawn from Baroque, Gothic, and Oriental concepts that have survived many calamities. Each design is painstakingly carved on coral stones.

But my mom had other thoughts: “I would pose there,” pointing to a detailed pillar of the church, “and tell my friends I have been to Angkor Wat, Cambodia.”

On our way to Paoay, we passed by Batac, known as the birthplace of Ferdinand Marcos. Between the Edralin and the Marcos ancestral homes, the mausoleum of the late president stands.

In the middle of the dome, his corpse lies preserved by a thick wax that would last for 30 years. No entrance fee is
required—no camera clicks are allowed

Fashion recession, oh really?

Ilocos Norte is a living history map: each attraction narrates a story of how the Filipinos fought for freedom. But in contrast, from here also hails the man who was considered a dictator.

Again, my mom added her own footnote to the trip.

“Who blames Imelda Marcos for owning 3,000 pairs of shoes?” she said, as she zipped her luggage and paid for the excess weight before we boarded our flight back to Cebu.