Ilocos Norte - Laoag (Part I)

The name of the city "LAOAG" is a derivation of the Ilocano term "lawag", which means light/brightness.  It was probably from this premise, perhaps, that once you set foot in the place "Laoag" you would really feel light.

Setting foot in Laoag and the rest of the province of Ilocos Norte proved to be a start of a series of DIY travels planned and documented in this medium. The lightness of the place is evident as we set foot into one of the most unique airports there probably is in the country. A single story type building made of bricks and in a Spanish setting giving justice to this historical region.

Laoag Airport

Others say an unplanned trip is way better than planned ones; maybe you agree or simply disagree. Whatever your take is on the matter, planning these series of province hopping proved to be a great stress reliever and an outlet of one’s “OC-ness.”

Just like any prerequisite to a good trip is a good plan. For Laoag, coming from Manila, the option is either to get to Laoag via bus on an average of 10-12 hrs roadtrip, or a short and more convenient 1 hr airplane ride via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines. Whatever option you take, nevertheless, what is important is you reach your destination perked up and full of excitement for what’s in store ahead.

As prior arrangements were made for the accommodation, an airport set-up was also requested from Isabel Suites (c/o Mila 09176280319/ 09189035181), the place we will be calling home for the next couple of days. A van was sent to pick up the party of four and off to the hotel in the heart of the city for check-in and settling down before the day starts.

Isabel Suites is strategically located in the city which is a few minutes’ walk away from the Cathedral, the capitol and some of the famous landmarks of Laoag. What is good about Isabel Suites is its proximity to a number of convenience stores, restaurants and fast food chains in the neighbourhood. Not the perfect choice though if you have little kids and senior citizens with you as this hotel doesn’t have any elevator, and you have to take the plight of stairs to your rooms especially on the 3^rd floor. The rooms are clean but the bathroom is way too small and too tight for an adult and a kid together.

After a few minutes of unpacking, settling down and resting, the afternoon tour started off when Kuya Henie (c/o Kuya Lee 09298138352 / 09126164127) came to pick us up. We coordinated with him to give us an afternoon tour to the rest of Ilocos Norte’s must see aboard his trike. Our afternoon will be spent going around Laoag – Batac – Paoay.

The following made up our afternoon to evening list:

• Marcos Mansion and Museum
• Batac Riverside Empanadahan
• Paoay Church
• Malacañang Ti Amianan (Malacañang of the North)
• Paoay Sand Dunes
• Fort Ilocandia Sunset
• Provincial Capitol
• St. Williams Cathedral Bell Tower/ Sunken Church

Ferdinand E. Marcos' residence

Ferdinand E. Marcos' residence

Batac Riverside Empanadahan

Paoay Church

Interior of the Malacanang of the north

Malacanang of the north

Sand dunes

Our first Ilocano dinner was in a small but well known restaurant Saramsam Ylocano Restaurant and Bar. We had our share of Ilocano dishes enough to restore the energy we’ve lost for the day’s long and worthwhile afternoon.

Signing off. This is the first plotted junket I had for Ilocos Norte.