Laoag

One of the cities in Ilocos Norte Province that should be on anyone’s list is Laoag. It is classified as one of the first class cities in the Philippines and is the capital of its province. It also stands as the industrial and commercial hub of the area. Its coastline to the west is bound by the South China Sea while other borders to east are bound by the Cordillera mountain range.

Laoag is a first-class city in the Philippines’ Northern provinces. The general ambience here is a blend of historic sites dating back from the Spanish era and tropical beach comforts. Touring the place relaxes the soul and allows one to reflect on bygone days. 

The city’s name literally means ‘light’ in the local dialect. It was already known as a trading settlement even before Spanish explorers arrived in the area in 1572. Spanish Augustinian missionaries  organized a parish here in 1580. By the end of the 16th century, the outline of a settlement was drafted and the buildings, edifices, and houses were erected in the city’s present-day location.

The next major event in the city’s history came about during World War II when the Japanese invaded the Philippines in 1942. By 1945 Allied forces landed in the city and liberated the territory from the Japanese. The place was given the status of a city in 1965.

Where To Go:

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse – If you drive approximately 27miles (45 km) north away from Laoag City you’ll end up in Cape Bojeador, where one of the oldest and tallest lighthouses in the Philippines can be found. The lighthouse, built in 1892, faces the South China Sea, and if you are on a ship passing by the area, you will still see it giving out signals, a glorious reminder of ancient days gone by. 

St. William’s Cathedral – Constructed in 1612 at the behest of the Augustinian friars, the cathedral is widely recognized and praised for its architectural design, which bears a strong resemblance to the works of the Renaissance masters. One of its most notable attractions is the Sinking Bell Tower, which lowers into the ground at about an inch per year.

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Gameng Museo Ilocos Norte – There are artifacts from all the towns, including Laoag, from local handicraft, clothing, jewelry, and more. The focus of most attention is on the ancestral house. As an added bonus, you can purchase souvenirs from shops nearby.

Paoay Church - Not far from Laoag City is the town of Paoay, where you will find the Paoay Chruch, which has been duly recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its formal name is the St. Augustine Church, and it has become very popular among travelers owing to its structure, a mix of the Oriental, Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic elements. Its complex design meant hard work; indeed this cathedral took more than a century to fully complete, commencing in 1704 and finalized it 1804.

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The Bangui Wind Farm - The town of Bangui itself is quite beautiful, and its history and location are reasons enough to visit. Today however, the development of 15 wind turbines, towering over 70 meters (230 ft) is drawing even more people in. It is not unusual to spot tourists having their pictures taken near these massive structures. 

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How To Go There:

The most popular way of going to Laoag is by land. Farinas Transit offers daily trips to Laoag and the trip is usually 11-12 hours long. You can also travel by plane but flights are not regularly scheduled.

Source www.laoagboard.com

Teaser photo source worldtourist.us