Burgos Ilocos Norte's Kapurpurawan rock formation

 

Kapurpurawan rock formation

     Another tourist attraction in Ilocos Norte is this extraordinary wonder of nature called Kapurpurawan rock formation. Its name “Kapurpurawan” was derived from an Ilocano word which means whiteness as depicted from its color. 

Pagudpud Casa Victoria Beach Resort

Welcome to Pagudpud!

     When we reached the Arc of Pagudpud our excitement heightened even more because we are already near the beach and this was the most expected part of our trip, especially the kids, they kept on talking about swimming and playing on the beach since the time we left Manila, that every time we go to our destination which was often located near a beach they kept on asking if we were already in Pagudpud.

Electrifying images of Windmills in Bangui Ilocos Norte

Bangui windmills

      I wasn't electrocuted here in these photos which caused my hair to raise like crazy, it was the strong winds that caused my hair to go unruly and fly in every direction which the wind leads them to.  I came near one of those 20 windmills in Bangui, which is 70 meters high that resembles a gigantic electric fan.  They are situated near a shoreline that's why getting near its foot is already a struggle because a mixture of sea splash and wind will hit your skin, that's why even though the sun is already at its peak, you can't feel the heat when you are beside the windmill.

A towering view of Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

         Our last destination in our first day Ilocos itinerary is this old lighthouse in Burgos which is one hour drive from where we came, at Malacanang Palace of the North located in Paoay.    

Grandiose Malacanang Palace of the North

The colossal house of the former President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos in Ilocos Norte

     This has been the second home of the First family of the Philippines during the reign of former Ferdinand Marcos, who was known as an Ilocano, born and raised in Ilocos Norte and reigned as president for twenty years from 1965 until such time that his government has toppled down in 1986 by the new administrator former President Corazon C. Aquino.  When the new government took place, some of the wealth of the Marcoses has been sequestered, which was deemed as an ill gotten wealth and was turned over to the government for administration, and one of which is this grandiose palace as called in Ilocano as "Malacanang ti Amianan", in English it means "Malacanang of the North".  

In the desert of Paoay Ilocos Norte

Paoay Sand Dunes  

     Ilocos already have it all. From heritage sites, nice beaches, good food and also a desert, yes that’s right!

Museum of the Marcoses in Ilocos Norte

   From Vigan City and right after Laoag City, Batac is another two hour land travel where the old house of the Marcoses has been transformed into  a museum and mausoleum of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. 

Vigan Ilocos Sur: An aura of cultural heritage

Calle Crisologo

  When we set foot in Vigan, it seems we were brought in a different time zone looking at those old buildings and structures that are reminiscent of the Spanish era way back centuries ago when life back then was so laid back, adding to the scene are the old mode of transportation during their time which is called "Kalesa", a carriage with a horse. 

3 days Ilocos tour – Vigan, Paoay, Burgos and Pagudpud

An itinerary guide for a 3 day tour in Ilocos which starts off with Vigan tour    

 
  This is the memorable vacation I had this year, because not only I have with me my family, but together with my friends with their families also.  This trip has been long been planned since last quarter of last year that every time we have a get together this Ilocos trip has been brought over our discussions as our next itinerary until we were able to finalize the date when everyone can join, and so the set date was last February 22 to February 25.