PATAPAT VIADUCT OF PAGUDPUD

Location:  Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Updated: November 2019

Note:  The original blog post has been pushed down with the recent visit on top pages

The 1.3-kilometer winding road of Patapat Viaduct

Patapat Viaduct is also called Patapat Bridge which connects the tip of Ilocos Norte province to Cagayan Valley province and it is overlooking Pasaleng Bay. It edges on the other side of the West Philippine Sea.  Along this long and winding viaduct is the Mabugabog Falls, which is a mini-hydro plant.

The northernmost edge of the viaduct

The bridge is consist of 76 number of spans allowing the passing vehicles to have a load limit of 15 tons or 15,000 kg.  It is a two-lane single carriageway (one lane per direction) with a width of 9.42 meters or 30.9 feet.  It has a design life of 45 years and was constructed by Hanil Development Co. Ltd under the overall management of DPWH-PMO-PJHK and was completed and opened to traffic in October 1986.   It rises along the town's coastal mountains, which is the starting point of the Cordillera Mountain Range. (Wikipedia)

Seated near the northernmost edge of the viaduct

Our group headed by my boss, Mrs. Lucia M. Llego, headed to this tourist attraction early morning before we settled for an overnight in one of the resorts of Pagudpud.

Below is the original blogpost:

A refreshing stop at Patapat Viaduct

The Patapat Viaduct of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte is a 1.3 km elevated concrete coastal bridge highway by 31 meters  (102 feet) above sea level constructed along winding mountainside in the northernmost section of Ilocos Norte. As per record, it is the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines where the longest is the 2.2 km San Juanico Bridge which connects Leyte to Samar. It is 16 kilometers away from Pagudpud town proper. If you happen to be here at Patapat Viaduct, then, you should not miss to experience Saud beaches where we headed next for an overnight.

This picture is through the courtesy of Pueblo Philippines

This highway is footed on the rock seashore just several meters along the picturesque mountainsides which gives motorists a spectacular view of the Pasaleng Bay. Its construction has solved the problem of landslides in the area which before was a peril to the motorists.

A photo taken at Patapat Viaduct on October 3, 2003

I still remember that wayback on October 3, 2003 when I rode in a public transport bus heading to Aparri, I asked the bus driver and the passengers that I be allowed to have a picture along the Patapat Viaduct where they all gave me a resounding “Yes” since I was only traveling that time alone. The bus conductor was the one who took the picture. This was the time after I just had my Batanes Trip and heading for Aparri heading for my Camiguin de Babuyanes Trip.

In my recent trip, we drove along this impressive view in order for us to reach Saud Beach of Pagudpud, dubbed as the Boracay of the North. Prior to this, we spent the whole morning touring at Cape Bojeador Lighthouse and Bangui Windmills. We settled in Saud Beach for a refreshing beach swim.

MARCOS MANSION AND MAUSOLEUM AND BATAC CHURCH

Location:  Marcos Avenue, Barangay 19-N Lacub, Batac City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Updated: November 2019

Note:  The original post of this blog has been pushed down with the recent ones on top pages

Just few of the memorabilia inside the museum

Indeed, there were so many improvements made of  the Marcos Mansion and Mausoleum since I first visited it way back in 2001, which is now called as the Ferdinand E. Marcos Presidential Center or formerly known as Marcos Museum and Mausoleum.

The Marcos Museum as seen along the Marcos Avenue

By the time of my recent visit, the mausoleum has been closed for viewing.  I still remember during my first visit, when we entered into the mausoleum, the remains of the late Ferdinand Marcos was inside in a glass casket and the entire room was fully airconditioned.  The funeral music seems so eerie especially when you enter alone, the lights are violet and the rest is something unusual, there is a sort of feeling of mystery.  You would really feel that someone inside with you is dead and had that ghostly feeling that he might rise from his coffin.  By the way, taking pictures inside is not allowed.

The other side of the museum

There is so much to see in the museum.  Of course, what's inside are pieces of history connected to the late president as a country leader who was in power for more then 20 years which depicted his rise and fall.

This open space connects to the mausoleum

By the time of my recent visit, different schools were having their history and cultural tour and a few were foreigners who were moving from different parts of the museum.  Taking pictures was a challenge since rarely you will have the chance to have each part without photo bombers.  Honestly, there is so much worth to capture, but you will die a thousand deaths just to achieve it with the tourists rushing in and out.

The following pictures were taken inside the museum:

It was highly obvious that compared to my first visit, the pieces of memorabilia in my recent visit were already refurbished and they all look lively and should I say "new".  Indeed, the local government has invested so much to make the whole place look like a national museum.

Known as Batac Church and now as Immaculate Conception Parish Church

Across the exit of the Marcos Museum is the famous Batac Church and now known as the Immaculate Conception Parish Church where we paid visit for a short prayer thanking for our safe journey for the day.

Below is the original blog post:

Coming from Paoay Church, we drove to the Marcos Mansion and Mausoleum in Batac City.  We arrived there passed 4:00 P.M. and it was closed already.  Fortunately, the caretaker, without us asking for it, reopened the gate of the mausoleum and the others who were waiting outside joined us inside.

The main door leading to the Mausoleum

The mausoleum is well-maintained, carpeted and airconditioned. Lights are colored violet and one may have that feeling that the room is really creepy with a background music very appropriately for the dead. Being alone inside would send one a spine-chilling feeling. Taking pictures inside the mausoleum is prohibited but the adjacent Marcos Mansion is equipped with the various old Marcos memorabilia.

Marcos portrait outside the Maoseleum

Personally, I am not a Marcos loyalist, but I give high regard to him since he is really a great person and he deserves respect like any other great men who died. With all those accomplishments, the more I respected and admired him. Whether we like it or not, he is not an ordinary person, politics aside.

Marcos' Office inside the Marcos Mansion

MARCOS MUSEUM IN SARRAT

The Marcos Museum is located in Brgy. San Agustin, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, the place where the late President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos was born on September 11, 1917 to Mariano Marcos and Josefa Edralin, both school teachers from well-to-do families. The records and pictures shown inside the museum reveal that Marcos had lived here until he was 8 years old since they (their family) moved to Batac.

Our group at the facade of the Museum

Visiting this museum was an enriching experience for one somewhat travels back in time and see what is the typical house of well-to-do family in the early 19th century pictured in a traditional 2-storey “bahay na bato” constructed in a red brick ground floor for storage and the wooden upper level, with its hardwood floor, reserved for the living quarters.

Old photographs inside the museum

The posters and old photographs displayed in the museum can tell what has transpired in the life of the Marcoses like the Marcos family tree, musical instruments, license plates of Marcos used for his cars, the furniture and fixtures used, various documents and the deep well at the back of the house on its second floor.

The deep well at the back of the second floor of the museum

This would not have been equipped as a museum had it not with the initiative of former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos to renovate it in 1977 during his husband’s (Pres. Marcos) 60th birthday. However, this has been abandoned when the Marcos were exiled to Hawaii and was restored back after that.

The deep well gives a clean water

If you want to visit this museum, then observe the time and days it is open to the public for viewing which is specifically during Mondays to Saturdays from 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon and 2:00 to 5:00 P.M.

The town of Sarrat is only 30 minutes drive west of Laoag City and is known also its exquisite old church of Santa Monica Parish Church where its belltower stands separate from the main church structure. Almost adjacent to it is a parish convent which looks very interesting.

KAPURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATIONS

Location:  Agno Road, Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Updated:  November 2019

This is such a geological wonder located along the beach where the guests can have the option of visiting the place through trekking or horseback riding.  If there is Biri Rock formation in Northern Samar, then Ilocos Norte has its very own Kapurpurawan rock formations.

The creamy white and streamlined limestone formations of Kapurpurawan

Visiting this place in the afternoon is not recommended.  It is very hot here.  As you approach the place,  its entry is almost blocked by makeshifts selling souvenir items.  Then, you have to walk down.  There is no need to have a guide, the place is not so big.

The windmills at the background

I was amazed to know that windmills are not only installed in Bangui town but also here in Burgos near the Kapurpurawan.  Since it was so hot in the afternoon of my visit, some of my colleagues did not even bother to go down from our chartered van.

Capturing the rock formation with intimacy

The entrepreneurial locals offering horseback riding were offering us a ride for a fee just to roam around which I also liked, but riding a horse would even  exposed you to the searing heat of the sun and you can not just simply hide from the shady parts of the rock formations.

The access road going to Kapurpurawan rock formations

As this one is located in the municipality of Burgos where the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is located, then, both should be scheduled one after another to save time.  The municipality of Burgos, was named after the martyred priest, José Apolonio Burgos y García, a Filipino mestizo secular priest, accused of mutiny by the Spanish colonial authorities in the Philippines in the 19th century. However, a little background would suffice for my reader’s delight. 

The statue of the epic of Ilocos Biag ni Lam-ang

Since its exact location is along Bangui Bay, then it is also close to the Bangui Windmills. On the other hand, the term “kapurpurawan” means white since all the rock formations you will see there are all white.

This part has been closed to the visiting public

From the early times, tourists can get closer on its rock formations. However, with some people leaving marks and vandalism on these rock formations, the local tourism management has now restricted some parts of it to be at the close encounter by the tourists. They can only be viewed or taken with pictures at a distance. But you don’t have to worry since some parts of it are still open to tourists to get close and experience its natural beauty through a natural touch.

The other part of this destination

As a consolation, there is no entrance fee charged here. However,  some said some locals are collecting entrance fees as some locals would approach the guests and charge an entrance fee.  But in my observation,  Ilocos tourism would give you a ticket if you will pay an entrance fee.  In my case, nobody approached me to ask for an entrance fee. Just be reminded that since it is an open with no shades of trees around, you must take with you some covering like an umbrella and equip yourself with wrench quenching drinks since it is really hot in here. It is open from 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. in a daily basis.  Horseback riding fee is P100 for an hour.

This is the trail going to the rock formations

Captured from the elevated part of the rock formations

In case you want to try horseback riding

HOW TO GET THERE

First, from Cape Bojeador, take the Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26. Make a left turn at Kapurpurawan Rock Formation Access Road and drive straight ahead  heading to its drop-off point.

Alternatively, from Burgos City proper via Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26, turn left onto Pres. Ignacio Street.  Make a right turn at F. Garcia Street. Drive straight ahead until you reach the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation Access Road heading to its drop-off point

THE SAND DUNES OF ILOCOS NORTE

Location: Barangay Masintoc,  Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Updated: November 2019

A 4 x 4 service vehicle is provided for guests at Culili Point sand dunes adventure

On my third time of visit to Ilocos Norte, I was able to set foot on this sand dunes attraction.  So, it is obvious that on my first two visits, our group were not able to visit this since our hectic time of 3-day 2-night Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte package were to hectic.

The vast expanse of sand dunes ready boarding a 4 x 4 for an exciting adventure 

On this third visit to this place, it was closed and has not been in operation for more than three weeks already.  It means that still, I was not able to have my adventure on this exciting sand dunes.

Just a part of the sand dunes attraction

When I featured this tourist destination the first time, I had posted from two different sources as you will read it below.  And the specific location was the sand dunes of Suba, also a part of Paoay.  But the pictures I  posted in my actual visit is in Culili point of Barangay Masintoc in Paoay. Since I did not have the actual adventure, I still retain my first blog post. This was the time when I was still dreaming to visit the  place.

Read my previous post below:

Visiting the Sand Dunes of Ilocos Norte will remain a dream for me. For the four times that I have visited Ilocos Norte, limited time has barred our group from visiting this site. Unfortunately, my travel buddies were either too tired that they wanted to go back to Laoag City for a rest or simply time was not enough to include this destination in our trip. The Sand Dunes of Ilocos Norte is just one of the two must-see destinations I missed to visit during my Ilocos trips.

Enjoying the sand dunes of Paoay picture courtesy by The Huffington Post

Though I have not visited this place, I included this in my post for a one-stop reading of my blog followers about the Ilocos Norte trip package. So that, they will know that this one is another must-see attraction of Ilocos Norte.

Sand boarding at the Sand Dunes courtesy by Owen Ballesteros

As a background, the Sand Dunes of Ilocos Norte stretches widely from the municipality of Currimao in the north and curves it’s way to La Paz in Laoag City then to Suba in Paoay and lastly in Pasuquin in the south.

The home of Ilocos Norte’s Sand Dunes in Paoay is located in Suba. Suba has the most extensive and unbroken stretch of coastal sand dunes compared to the other towns of Ilocos Norte. With an extensive stretch averaging to 800 meters wide, one will fell he is like in a real desert.

A land travel from Manila up to this point is a total of 13 hours. It is recommended that tourists will also try to catch sunset here. Reading from the testimonies of some bloggers, the Sand Dunes of Ilocos Norte offer the most beautiful sunset one may ever see in his whole life. Try it for yourself.

LAOAG CITY TRIP

Location: Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Updated:  November 2019
Below is the updated post of my second visit:

Ilocos Norte Capitol Building

There is something good I feel whenever  I am in Laoag City.  I feel like I am in a city but there is still an aura of a province. The city plaza, the capitol building, the cathedral and the main thoroughfares are connected.  

An ideal Spanish-town design

In our history class, it has been said that the Spaniards would normally construct the important structures at the center of the town with government building, school, plaza and church in adjoining locations and the private houses are just located around these structures.

The sprawling town plaza

Early in the morning, the senior citizens and the joggers can be seen occupying the open plaza either to get the heat of the sun, have a healthy walk, do exercises routine, or jog around.

Capturing the Capitol Building at a distance

The open town plaza in most cases is being used as a venue for senior citizens having discussion or  endless chat where you can hear that they are sharing with each other their experiences and the most I hear is about politics and world wars of their times.

The Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag

This structure is believed to be constructed after 1707 earthquake which has a foundation of 90 meters (300 feet) which sinks into the ground at a rate of an inch a year. It is reinforced with four massive columns on each corner and a winding stairway leading to the belfry.  It used to have a large clock on the tower's western face.  Unfortunately, it is already closed to tourists.   This is just a few blocks away from the capitol building.

Saint William's Cathedral of Laoag City

This cathedral is just a walking distance from both the capitol  building  and the sinking bell tower.  This was built in 1612 by the Augustinian friars and serves as the seat or central church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laoag.

Below is the original blog post of my first visit

My first visit to Laoag City dated December 3, 2001

Laoag City is a first class city in Ilocos Norte, the northernmost city of the Philippines. The municipalities of San Nicolas, Paoay, Sarrat, Vintar, and Bacarra form its boundaries. The foothills of the Cordillera Central mountain range to the east, and the South China Sea to the west are its physical boundaries.

A photo taken at the main gate of Fort Ilocandia dated December 3, 2001

Enjoying our moment in Fort Ilocandia

Early Christmas at Fort Ilocandia

What makes Laoag City accessible to tourists is its international airport which aside from having daily flights from Manila, there are also direct flights to/from Hongkong and Mainland China. Bus travel from Manila to Laoag is approximately 12 hours.

Inside Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino

The first time I visited Laoag was in December 2001 as part of my Ilocos Sur-Ilocos Norte Trip and after that I repeated this trip package for thrice including this recent one. I had good memories of these trips and I find Laoag such a good place to stay for a vacation as it serves as the springboard to visit other tourist attractions of the province of Ilocos Norte. In fact, I stayed overnight in Laoag the day before my flight to Batanes trip.

The garden and fountain inside Fort Ilocandia

Group tours will find it easy to rent for a service vehicle to hop from one destination to another in Ilocos Norte for a minimum of two days covering all its major tourist destinations, namely: Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel and Casino, Laoag’s Sinking Bell Tower and Saint Williams Cathedral, Paoay Church, Paoay Lake and the Malacanang of the North, Paoay Sand Dunes, Marcos Mansion and Maoseleum in Batac City, Marcos Museum in Sarrat, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Bangui Wind Mills, Paraiso ni Anton, Patapat Viaduct in Pagudpud, Saud Beach of Pagudpud. One needs to have a good haggling skill to get a chartered vehicle for a day or two. For backpack travelers, a jeepney would be cheaper where you can find them in queue in bus terminals.

The facade of Java Hotel

The 18 hotels of Laoag city as you can see in this link can be a useful guide for the reservation of accommodation of visiting tourists. This link can be of great help to tourists who wish to stay in the city. Of course, the best of them all is the 5-star Hotel of the Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino located in Barangay Calayab which is outside the city proper. Within the vicinity of Fort Ilocandia is a picturesque “lagoon”. A beach is also near outside Fort Ilocandia with cheaper accommodation facilities and restaurants where backpackers will find it a better alternative.

Saint William Cathedral's altar

Another hotel in Laoag which impressed me was the Java Hotel located at Bacarra Road, Brgy. 55-B Salet Fariñas Caltex Station, Laoag City but as backpack travelers, we opted to stay at Texicano Hotel located at the corners of  Giron and Rizal Streets of the city.

The city itself showcases a taste of rich history which can be seen through its Sinking Bell Tower. The structure of this bell tower is claimed to be the most solid and tallest bell tower in the Philippines. It has a massive 45-meter (150 foot) bell tower which was built by the Augustinians in 1612. Located almost a hundred meters away from the St. William's Cathedral, the tower has sunk to the ground and leans slightly to the north.

Laoag Cathedral, canonically known as St. William's Cathedral was built in 1612 by Augustinian friars to replace a wooden chapel. It is known for its Italian Renaissance design and its Sinking Bell Tower, which sinks into the ground at a rate of an inch a year.