PAOAY CHURCH

Location:  Marcos Avenue, Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Updated:  November 2019

The region of Ilocos is known for its century-old churches built wayback the Spanish period and one of them is the famous Roman Catholic Paoay Church or as known to the locals as Saint Augustine Church. Records show that it was completed in 1710.

Facade of Paoay Church

It has a Baroque architectural design highlighted with enormous 24 huge buttresses of 1.67 meters thick (5.5 feet) on the sides and back of the building. Other than being declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the Philippine government in 1973, it has also brought honor to the country for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

The huge and massive buttresses

Its walls are made of large coral stones and bricks and its separately constructed three-storey bell tower which resembles to a pagoda is also made of coral stones. Its bell tower had served as observational post for Filipino revolutionaries against the Spaniards in 1898 and by Filipino guerillas against Japanese soldiers during World War II.

The massive coral stones and brick walls, bell tower and buttresses

The other side of the church with massive buttresses

Looking closely on its architectural design, one who has varied knowledge in architecture, can see a touch of gothic design on its beautiful façade while the gabbles reflect influence of Chinese architecture and the niches on top of the pillars and buttresses suggest Javanese influence as seen in the Borobodur Temple in Java, Indonesia.

Our group with backdrop of Paoay Church

To date, as it continues to stand proud by itself, it has proven that it survived the threats of wars, strong typhoons and devastating earthquakes. Its built foundation might have been seismographically designed to resist the destruction that an earthquake may cause.

So far, this was my third time to visit this place but what made this trip very memorable is the fact that I was with the company of masteral classmates along with few friends where while resting we dine in at the Herencia Café and feasted on their great Pinakbet Pizza while having a great view of the Paoay Church. This café is located along McArthur Street, Barangay 14, Sangladan of Paoay and you can contact them at (77) 614-0214.



Our group seated just outside Herencia Cafe

The Pinakbet Pizza at Herencia Cafe

Dining at Herencia Cafe
Recent Visit pictures:

Taken last November 2019

For thrice I have visited this place, I did not exert effort in taking pictures since my first visit was extensively detailed and I captured the best of the church and its part.

The parish convent just a walking distance from the church

During my first visit, I did not take time in looking into the convent.  But, I am sure that this is a newly built convent for it looks different compared with the odd-looking convent I saw before.

The memorable Herencia Restaurant

How can I forget Herencia Restaurant for its local specialty of its yummy  and tasty Pinakbet Pizza which leaves a good after taste each bite.  We had a dine-in here during my first visit together with my PNU Masteral classmates.  This was called Herencia Cafe during my first visit.

HOW TO GO THERE:
Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte by Car (Private Transport)

Travel time from Manila to Laoag is 12 hours. That is, if you won't consider stop overs. From NLEX, exit to SCTEX then head north to Tarlac Exit, the last exit of SCTEX. From Tarlac Exit, turn left to Sta. Rosa Tarlac Road. Turn right on MacArthur Highway.

Follow this highway northward passing through the Tarlac towns of Gerona and Paniqui, and through the towns of Pangasinan (Urdaneta, Binalonan, Pozzorubio, Sison, and Rosario).

When you reach Rosario in Pangasinan, watch out for the major fork on the road. The right road of the fork will lead you to Baguio. Take the left road going to further Pangasinan towns and Ilocos (this is still MacArthur Highway). From there you will pass by the Pangasinan towns of Sto. Tomas, Agoo, Bauang, San Fernando City, Candon, and Narvacan.

Before reaching Laoag, you will pass by the cities and towns of Ilocos Sur (Vigan, Cabugao,then Batac). Paoay is not located on National Road but only a few minutes drive from Batac. When you reach Batac town proper, drive on to Batac-Banna Road to Dewey St., turn left on Washington Street then right on Marcos Avenue. Paoay Church is at the left side. It will only take you 30 minutes tops from Batac.

Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte by Bus (Public Transport)

Partas Bus, Philippine Rabbit, Fariñas, and Dominion Bus are the most common buses that travel to Laoag. Check their travel schedule at least a day before your trip. You may charter a tricycle from Laoag to tour you around Paoay (Php250), which is a good alternative since Paoay is not on National Road.