The Beauty of Ilocos Norte

A good friend of mine and I went to Ilocos Norte back in 2010. She was about to migrate to another country at that time, so this was some sort of a date with her before she leaves. Yiheeeee.

This was such a fun vacation since not only did we explore Ilocos Norte, we also had to experience the rich culture of the Ilokanos. Our vacation coincided with a funeral, and it was amazing how the Ilokanos have kept their tradition very well.

Of course, I took pictures!  First stop, Paoay Church!

The "baroque" style of this church left me astonished. It is not everyday that I see this kind of catholic church that looks like a temple. A must see.

Paoay church is just one of the beautiful churches in Ilocos Norte. The province boasts of huge churches built during the spanish era. Here are some of the churches I was able to visit during my short but sweet time there =) Please note though that these are just few of the so many churches in Ilocos Norte. 

Sarrat Church over here:

Meanwhile, the Laoag Church:

And finally, the Sinking Bell Tower

In the next few days, we had short trips to Paoay Lake, Malacanang of the North and Fort Ilocandia. Some of the pics:

Paoay Lake...

Malacanang of the North...

And Fort Ilocandia...

And in our last day, we had a road trip from Laoag to Pagudpod! We visited these places! =)

The lighthouse - Cape Bojeador, a feast of rustic and vintage beauty:

And a treat on top of the light house, a view of the "aparri" part of the Philippines =)

The road trip will not be complete without visiting that wondrous Bangui Windmills! I felt speechless when I saw these man-made structures.

And last stop...Pagudpod beach!

THE TRADITION...
As I mentioned earlier, aside from enjoying the picturesque views of Ilocos, we also had to attend a series of activities for a funeral. This somehow affected our initial itinerary, but it was a wonderful experience just the same. This made us see the tradition of Ilocos Norte. It is amazing that even these days, they still practice tradition.

Before the coffin gets loaded to the funeral car, a hen has to be sacrificed..

Immediate relatives wear white veil like this

Coffin will be turned around thrice before it gets loaded to the funeral car

The night after the burial, this assortment of food is prepared. It has sweets and rice cakes. There are rice, eggs and candles

The next day, the whole family goes to the river to take their "gugo" bath. 

By the way, even the river was a wonderful view.

After the bath, they go home together and eat lunch as a family. But before taking lunch, they have to put oil on their head:

and then afterwards, they have to wash their face...

Then the veils used has to be sprinkled with vinegar...

A prayer is also done before eating.

And it was finally lunch time, Ilokano dishes are really good. And it was definitely a feast!

wag kayo magulo. bagnet!!!

talap!

attack!

this is salagubang. another delicacy. I tasted it. tastes like shrimp!!! =)

There, there, there. What an interesting vacation in Ilocos Norte.

Let me wrap this blog up by some more pics!

Empanada, how can we miss this!??

Bagnet pa more!!!

Longanisa Ilokano. Yumyum

Desyerto!!

and random magandang view kung saan ka man papunta...

Finally, spontaneous tattoo!! Hindi yan henna ha =)

And me, feeling like a child in Bangui, with the rainbow, and the windmill, and the beach!

and me, again (last na talaga), fooling around in Paoay =)

By the way, on our way back to Manila - we missed the plane!!

So very unforgettable vacay in Ilocos. One day I shall come back to visit all the tourist spots there =)