Saturday, August 20, 2011

Ilocos Norte

ILOCOS NORTE

Paoay Church
An old church/structure which is included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. The best known earthquake Baroque church in the Philippines. The cornerstone was laid by the Augustinian missionaries in 1704 while the cornerstone of the belfry was laid in 1973. It is said that large coral stones were used for the level of the church structure and bricks were used for the upper levels. The walls were made by the coral blocks tree sap lumber and strucco-plastered bricks are 1.67 meters (more than 3 feet) thick and are supported by 24 massive buttresses of intricate design. The church was partially destroyed by earthquakes in 1706 and 1927. In the restoration, permanent columns were built to support the ceiling. Today, this uniquely beautiful church still stands, wowing tourist with its majectic structure or Oriental Gothic and Baroque influences.
The belfry stands a few meters from the church. As in other belfries of Ilocos churches, Katipuneros used the belfry as watch tower in the 1896 revolution and guerillas of World War II also used it to check out coming enemies.
Sinking tower

Kabigan Falls
The newest and definitely the favorite destination in Pagudpod is Kabigan Falls, where cool fresh water falls 120 feet into a natural basin where visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim. Protected throughout the day by tall trees abundantly growing in one of the few remaining virgin rainforests in the Philippines, once can freely enjoy a whole day’s treat with Mother Nature’s best.
Maira-Ira Beach
Also known as the Blue Lagoon, Maira-Ira Beach is still another of the many endowments richly bestowed upon Pagudpod is the pristine and crystal-like white sand at Maira-Ira Beach. Here. Nature lovers can have a lavish and refreshing encounter with the cool water.

Cape Bojoeador Lighthouse
Also known as Burgos Lighthouse, is a cultural heritage structure in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, that was established during the Spanish Colonial period in the Philippines. It was first lit on March 30, 1892 and is set high on Vigia de Nagparitan Hill overlooking the scenic Cape Bojeador where early galleons used to sail by. After over 100 years, it still functions as a welcoming beacon to the international ships that enter the Philippine Archipelago from the north and guide them safely away from the rocky coast of the town.
Kapurpurawan White Rock
Kapurpurawan itself is like a setting foot on a piece of chalk with smooth undulating patterns akin to the waves of the sea. This unique limestone formation was formed through both sedimentation and erosion by the surrounding forces of land, wind and sea. Locals claim that the upper beak part that looks like a Sphinx or head of a sleeping dragon changes every year through natural conditions.
Dos Hermanos Island
At the heart Barangay Balaoi are two identical mountains called the Dos Hermanos Island. Old folks say that in olden times, there were two brothers who were close to each other they vowed to remain together until death. One day, they went fishing and were still at sea when they were caught by a typhoon and drowned. Because of their loyalty to each other, and to serve as an inspiration to others, they were transformed into the two mountains prominently seen in the place.


Other tourist spots in Ilocos Norte are:
Marcos Museum , Giant Windmills , Saud Beach

My Research

We were asked to make a report by our English teacher to be submitted for our midterm. I was a bit confuse as to what topic should I choose since there is she is not so strict about it. We can choose any topic that we want as long as we can at least make 20 pages for our findings. I was thinking about topics like, culture, drugs, abortion, health, and beauty at first but settled with travel destinations in the end since I know I can write more about it.
What I wrote is about the Top 10 Favorite Travel Destinations in the Philippines, its tourist spots and attractions. I believe that I'm comfortable with this niche. I chose Ilocos Norte, Manila, Cebu, Palawan, Boracay Island, Cagayan, Baguio, Davao, Camiguin Island, and Siargao Island.