We have decided to explore Paoay on the second day. Malacañang of the North is still an attraction. This was built as the official residence of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos in Ilocos Norte. It overlooks the legendary Paoay Lake. This imposing structure is now a museum being maintained by the province.
Paoay Lake is a National Park (478 hectares). Legend has it that a village lies beneath Paoay lake’s still waters. The lost village was reputedly populated by affluent families that refused to aid a beggar. Torrents of rain caused a flood that submerged the village.
St. Augustine Church (Paoay Church) was officially inscribed to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s (Unesco) World Heritage List in 1993. This was built of coral blocks and stucco-plastered bricks. The architecture style is a unique combination of gothic, baroque, and oriental.
The construction of the church started in 1704 and completed in 1894. Few meters away is the coral-stone bell tower which served as observation port by Katipuneros during the Philippine Revolution and again by the guerillas during the Japanese occupation.
In Bangui Wind Farm (North Wind Power Plant), we were beguiled by the 33-MW power generation plant consisting of 20 wind turbines connected to the Luzon grid which delivers power to the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative via Transco Laoag. This is the first of its kind in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
Sand White Beach is found in Pagudpud. (I am reminded of Boracay.) It is famous for its powdery white sand which frames the emerald water of the heart–shaped bay. The Juan Luna Museum in Badoc is a repository of the memorabilia and reproduction of the works of the famous painter.
The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos is a 120-foot concrete structure on top of the mountain. It started to send signals to ships in March 1892. The structure is an engineering and architectural wonder because it was built without steel reinforcement.
We took time also to visit Kapurpurawan Rock (white rock), a natural wonder that jutted out from a promontory extending to the sea. At the passage, I saw a massive sculpture depicting Lam-ang (Iloko folk hero) grappling with crocodile.
Our ”visita Iglesia” was made at Sta. Monica Church in Sarrat. It is the biggest church in Ilocos Norte. It was built in neo-classical style. Its baroque air is expressed by the inverted scroll on the pediment.
Shoppers are enthralled by the “pasalubong” items: “inabel” (loom weaving), “burnay” (clay jars), metal craft, “lasona” (native shallot), “sukang Iloko” (fermented sugarcane vinegar), “longganisa” (garlic flavored sausage), “chicharon baboy” (deep fried pork), and “empanada” (the Ilocano version of pastel-pan-fried stuffed dough with local ingredients to be dipped in sukang Iloko).
On our way back, we saw a big group of Imelda Marcos fans. I was told later that they greeted the celebrator happy birthday. She is 83 years old. Our visit was a coincidence. The Marcoses have been a part of history of Ilocos Norte, his story and her story. Wait for the future of their story.
Our visit in Samtoy is written in our hearts as we value the culture that is enriching and persevering. The past served as the foundation of what we have today. What we have today will determine the future.