MALACANANG PALACE OF THE NORTH AND PAOAY LAKE

Location: Barangay Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Updated:  November 2019

Note: The original post of this blog has been pushed down presenting the most recent on top pages.

The spacious living room at the second floor of the mansion

The Malacanang of the North is famous as the official residence of the family of the late Ferdinand Edralin Marcos, when he was still in power, who is the 10th president of the Republic of the Philippines with his term covering the period from 1965 to 1986.  It was now maintained by the local government as a presidential museum.

The main entrance to the palace

This structure is a two-storey mansion built facing the magnificent Paoay Lake, with a total of seven spacious rooms with high architectural value where each room marvelously showcases of a specific theme of historical events from the Marcos era:  Study, Agriculture, Diplomacy, OFW (overseas Filipino workers), Culture, Nation Building and Family.

The serene Paoay Lake as viewed from the mansion

The presence of the Paoay Lake near the mansion provides a soothing feeling for any guest who will visit the place, accentuated by the evergreen spacious lawn fronting the mansion.

The mansion's facade

The mansion's facade may seem odd and old at a distance, but once you get inside and see its interior, you will be amazed of how magnificent the designs are ranging from the paintings, chandeliers, ceilings, mirror-like shiny wooden floors, furniture and fixtures and other interior elements.

Outside the mansion is the Centro Mart convenience store where guests can buy their personal needs like refreshments and snacks, condoms, pampers, ladies' napkins, etc.  There is also a cart waiting just next to the main entrance selling buco fruit.

The following pictures are the palace's interior design:

The spiraling wooden stairs to the second floor

The large capiz window overlooking the lake at the second floor

A conference hall or a dining room

Another angle picture of the room with the Paoay Church painting on the wall

This is one of  the rooms in the mansion

The living room of the mansion

The living room captured connecting to the balcony at the right overlooking the lake

Another spacious bedroom in the mansion

Still a part of the function hall

The function room taken in another angle with emphasis on the posts leading to the living room

Another bedroom of the mansion

Refreshing myself from the cool breeze coming from the lake

Our whole group headed by my boss, Mrs. Lucia Llego at the living room

Not willing to leave the mansion without a picture in this magnificent Paoay Church painting

Touring around and inside the palace would make one realize that there is a gem in this part of the Philippines showcasing a rich culture, history and architectural masterpiece.

Just a short drive away, we dropped by on the Paoay Lake's Terrazas, where this establishment have boats for rentals in case guests wanted to cruise the lake with a choice of boat pedals or kayak. 

Pedal boat and Kayak are available for rental

Savor their local specialties Ice cold halo-halo and the piping hot empanadas

Souvenirs and other local delicacies are available also can be bought here

Let's try to go down and see what is in store for us

And yes! the pedal boats and kayaks are waiting for guests to board

I think early mornings and late afternoons would be the best time to do these stuff

Below is the original blog post:

The spacious guests' lobby of the palace
Malacanang Palace of the North is also called Malacanang ti Amianan, located in Barangay 15 of Suba in Paoay of the province of Ilocos Norte, the former official residence of the President Ferdinand Marcos and his family when they are in Ilocos Norte though Marcos was born in Sarrat and they have a house in Batac. This 5-hectare property nestled partly near the banks of Paoay Lake. From its wide windows, the magnificent and cool scenery of the lake can be viewed in all its glory. When Marcos was still in power, the province was dubbed to be a “Marcos country”.

The main door of the palace turned museum

This is just one of the 29 houses the former First Family built when they were still in power till Marcos was deposed in 1986 and a few years later, this palace was transformed into a museum as part of his memorabilia.

The magnificent Paoay Lake as viewed from the palace's veranda

This palace has consistently been considered by tourists to be a part of their itinerary when visiting the Ilocos region. To maintain this museum, it is being managed by the Department of Tourism where entrance fee is charged at P20 and P10 for adults and children, respectively. It is open from 9:00 to 11:30 A.M. and 1:00 to 4:30 P.M. daily except for Mondays. Opposite this museum is restaurant and convenience store also selling souvenir items. Few local vendors are selling buco and few variety of local fruits just outside its gate.

The convenience store and souvenir shop fronting the museum

HOW TO GET THERE

This tour package is a part of my Ilocos Sur - Ilocos Norte Trip, just refer to my earlier post of Paoay Church for it will be a big help.

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.

CAPE BOJEADOR LIGHTHOUSE

Location:  Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Updated: November 2019

For tourists, this is known to be Burgos Lighthouse or the locals call it as Faro Cabo Cape Bojeado, being located in the municipality of Burgos of Ilocos Norte where it lies on a hill overlooking the South China Sea just approximately 35 kilometers north of the City of Laoag. Unlike other lighthouses in the country, this one which was built in 1892 is still operational serving ships passing by the northern part of South China Sea.

The stairs leading to the lighthouse

As per record, this lighthouse is considered to be highest in the Philippines erected on top of a hill named Vigia de Nagparitan with an estimated total height of around 160 meters and tower height of 17 meters. The light coming from it flashes once in every minute. This was actually completed on the 30th day of March, 1892 where its design and construction was undertaken by the Engineer Magin Pers y Pers but was subsequently reconfigured and finished by the Engineer Guillermo Brockman. Its tower is octagonally-shaped and has an inner dimension of two meters and an exterior dimension of three and half meters.

November 2019 picture with the lighthouse at the background

The lighthouse as captured from its rear point taken on November 2019 visit

A lighthouse inner compound frontal shot taken in November 2019

The low-lying plains as seen from the huge window of the lighouse

Because it is the most visited lighthouse in the country due to its accessibility, its pavilion has now been transformed into a mini-museum as well as lodging for guests who wanted to stay in the place for overnight or two, though except from shared cooking facilities and water from the cistern, no other amenities are provided.

Just about to climb the lighthouse tower

How to Get There:

From Laoag/Baguio/Vigan or La union : Follow the northwestern coastal national highway that is commonly used going to Ilocos provinces until you've reached some dramatic and exhilirating view of the sea and upon reaching the town of Burgos in Ilocos Norte. There is a sign board at the right side of the highway indicating the entrance to the winding road leading to the base of cape Bojeador Lighthouse.

Relaxing on the closed huge window of the lighthouse base building

PICNIC GROVE (TAGAYTAY CITY)

I have been to Tagaytay City for a number of times since 1993 for leisure tours and seminars/retreats but it was only this time that I spent the whole day at the Picnic Grove just to unwind together with a friend. In my previous tour to this majestic destination, I used to hop from one point to another and compressed my time for a day tour or two to include: Palace in the Sky or People's Park, the Pink Sisters Convent, Tagaytay Highlands, Club Balai Isabel, Picnic Grove and some other parts of this cool city. But this time, I just stayed in one place for the whole day, that is, at the Picnic Grove.



You may wonder, how I spent the whole day in this park. Of course, there are so many activities that one can engage with in the park like: the Eco-Trail, Hanging Bridge, Zipline and Cable car, horse back riding, fish spa and the viewdeck itself offers an amazing scenery.



Of course, I did not ride in the zipline and cable car nor engaged myself in horseback riding. I find it less exciting. I stayed more time at the viewdeck and took with us some food while I was at one of the picnic huts which we rented. If one intends to stay overnight in the park, there is a hostel to accommodate guests at affordable rates.

The following information may help you to budget your visit to this cool place:

Park Entrance Fee - P50 per head (4 years old and above)

Parking Fees:

P50 - cars/jeepney/van/coaster
P100 - bus

Horseback riding is at P200 for one hour

Zipline and Cable Car rates:

One-way

P200 - Weekdays
P300 - Weekends

Two-way

P300 - Weekdays
P400 - Weekends

Cottage Rentals:

Tables - P100
Picnic Huts - P150
Family Sheds - P300
Pavilion - P500

The viewdeck can be rented for P2,500 for any function.

The park is maintained by the Local Government of Tagaytay and for more information, you may contact them at their telefax (046) 4830346.

3B REST HOUSES (ANTIPOLO CITY)

The 6-feet deep swimming pool

3B Rest Houses which is located in Baltao Subdivision in Antipolo City has six units for rental and each unit has its own swimming pool. Since it is outside the city proper, guests are assured that the place is peaceful and there is privacy since each unit can be affordably exclusively rented just for one group.

Overlooking the pool from the third level

Each unit is spacious equipped with bedrooms/restrooms, kitchen with cooking facilities, comfort and shower rooms. It has a freezer where guests can store their food while they are spending time in the resort. Definitely, guests can cook because of the provision of kitchen facilities including grilling and roasting. The dining/multi-purpose hall can accommodate as many as 100 persons.

The kitchen and its facilities

Our group for instance has occupied a unit where it was equipped with three bedrooms where we rested after an exhausting swim. Others opted to stay in the dining and function hall for the videoki which is also provided. Fortunately, a part of the pool was covered with a shade and so even if it was already almost high noon, some of us still stayed in the pool for a relaxing swim.

Bedrooms with a capacity of four twin-beds

Indeed, the place is highly recommended for company outings, family outings, birthdays, weddings, and or any other special occasions. This place can be enjoyed all year round including summer where everybody wants to escape the hot temperature in the metropolis. This is the best option to go considering its proximity from Manila.

Preparing for a refreshing swim

Our group who stayed here for one day from 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. enjoyed our time as we cooked our food, alternated to have the videoki not to mention the on and off swim in the pool. We grilled fresh bangus and tilapia as well as the juicy pork and chicken barbecue. Food then was overflowing with drinks from juice, soft to hard liquors.

The dining and function hall

The dining and multi-purpose hall can be used for corporate meetings, team-building activities, conferences and events like wedding and baptismal receptions. Our group used this part of the resort not only to dine but to have our videoki and a send-off party activity.

Part of the Metro Manila cityscape can be picturesquely captured from the resthouse

Standing from any part of Antipolo City with an elevation of 156 meters or 512 feet above sea level gives one a breathtaking and rewarding sight of Metropolitan Manila which is mostly consist of low lying areas. The city lights or the amazing nightscape of the metro can be best viewed from the resort with much splendor.

The spacious balconies and view decks

Aside from the spacious multi-purpose hall, bedrooms, receiving hall and swimming pool resting podiums, two spacious balconies are also available on both sides of the rest house located at the second level. This can also serve as view decks or watch bays if parents would like to monitor how their kids are doing while at their playful swim.

The car park area

Each of the six units of the rest houses is equipped with spaces for parking since most of the guests have their own cars and vehicles with 24-hour security services so that the parked cars and vehicles will be safe.

The two identical rest house units divided by a high concrete wall

Please note that only one unit of the six rest houses for rent is featured here. Each unit may vary as to its size, facilities and even the size of the pool. The third level of all units are accessible to the parking area since the upper part is within the road level.

A proof that each room has four twin-size beds

The following are their rental rates:

3B 1-4 : Php6,000 for 11 hours
3B 5: Php7,000 for 11 hours
3B 6: Php10,000 for 11 hours (with Aircon & good for 20-30 pax)

Guests can call for reservations. Reservations are not accepted in their Facebook page.

For more details, use the following contact details:

Landline: +632.697.2793
Mobile, SMART: 0918.5011.152
Mobile, GLOBE: 0917.2570.081
Phone: 20 69727930 / 9172570081 / 09185011152

HOW TO GET THERE

Click this link for your guide.

MOUNT PALAY-PALAY CLIMB (PICO DE LORO)

Location: Ternate, Cavite Jump-off point: Magnetic Hill, Ternate, Cavite Coordinates: 14° 12.855 N; 120° 38.785 E Elevation : 664 MASL (2,178.48 feet) Days required/Hours to summit: 1 - 2 days / 4-5 hours Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3 Descriptive Summary: Pico de Loro is known for its two peaks. The first peak can be climbed with loose soil and rocks at 45 degrees inclination while the other one is a massive monolith which not all can climb except for the brave souls. It is safer to climb this peak by using a harness. It has two known jump-off points such as this Ternate side and the Nasugbu side though some would prefer to use more difficult traverse trails. I had scaled this mountain for six times already and this very recent is dated August 9, 2014 on a day-climb. Its name was derived from the beak of a parrot since the shape of its summit resembles to it. For beginners, this mountain is better climbed overnight.

View Pico De Loro Trail in a larger map

Pico de Loro Water Falls

My stressful work schedule has barred me from having travels. But since August 8, 2014 is my birthday and it was Friday, I opted to climb alone in Pico de Loro the following day, August 9, 2014.

Breathing fresh air along Magnetic Road

August 9, 2014 was such a perfect weather as started my day boarding a city airconditioned bus transport from Starmall Edsa-Shaw to Coastal Mall Central Terminal for 45 minutes (5:30 to 6:15 A.M.) at P27. At exactly 6:32 A.M., I boarded a bus from the said terminal heading for Ternate town reaching there at 7:42 A.M. for P81 or a travel duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Resting after a leisurely jog along Magnetic Road

From Ternate town, I rented a tricycle going to the DENR Registration site which was from 7:40 to 8:10 A.M. or 30 minutes including pictorials along Magnetic Road and the entry point to Puerto Azul costing P40 per head.

None of the Climbers were known to me

Since it was just a day climb, I did not bother to invite for somebody to have my buddy. After all, I can trek fast I am alone and I seldom take a rest. Though, along the trail, climbers are so cordial to greet each other. I did not stay long in the water falls and I did not take a fresh bath there. It was cold then.

The 360 degrees scenery from the Shoulder

I paid for the registration of P25 per head and started trekking from the jump-off point at 8:30 A.M. and I was at the water falls at 10:10 A.M. or 1 hour and 40 minutes trekking. Normally, this water falls becomes dry during summer.

The scenery overlooking the rugged coastline of Batangas from the summit

I left the water falls at 10:25 A.M. and arrived at the shoulder of the mountain at 11:35 A.M accounting for 1 hour and 10 minutes trekking. I stayed longer there for our lunch.

The monolith peak as viewed from the other peak

I left the shoulder at 12:35 Noon and was at the summit at 1:10 P.M. It was cold at the summit that I decided not to stay long till I started to descend at 1:35 P.M. and was at the shoulder at 2:10 P.M. The trail going down is slippery and loose clay is difficult to lock-in your foot in any given point.

The vast expanse of the Batangas side as viewed from the other peak

The jubilant climbers on the death-defying monolith



A few groups dared to scale the monolith. The foot of the monolith was crowded with climbers who wanted to scale it. Each group wanted to have a group picture with the photographer on the other peak. Being alone, I contented just savoring the cool air at the summit.

The eager climbers waiting for their turn to scale the monolith

Scaling the monolith is quite challenging and requires to have a fearless spirit but once you conquered it, that would be a personal record of achievement. I still remember the first time I scaled it in 1998, in our Millennium Climb which marked the 100 years independence day of the Philippines. It was quite memorable and my first time to climb Pico de Loro.

Descending the summit in loose dry clay and small rocks

After descending the stiff and loose rocks of from the summit, I rested at the shoulder till 2:25 P.M. and resumed the trek reaching Camp 1 at exactly 3:25 P.M. There was a 5-minute rest and resumed the trek arriving at the DENR Registration site at 4:15 P.M. Clean-up followed in the existing shower facility and left at exactly 5:00 P.M. boarding a tricycle with the same fare rate at P40 and arrived at the Ternate bus terminal at 5:35 P.M.

I caught the bus which left at 6:00 P.M. at the Coastal Mall bus terminal at 7:10 P.M. I was home in my Mandaluyong residence at 9:40 P.M.

My expenses for this climb is summarized as follows:

SN	Particulars	Amount
1.	Round Trip bus fare within Metro Manila	54
2.	Round Trip bus fare from Coastal Mall to Ternate town and vice versa	162
3.	Round Trip Tricyle fare from Ternate town to DENR Registration Site and vice versa	80
4.	Registration Fee - DENR	25
5.	Registration Fee at Camp 1	20
6.	Dinner at the DENR Registration Site with Halo-halo	75
7.	Food provision including trail food, breakfast, pack lunch and mineral water	186
	TOTAL	602