The Backpack Adventures

Our adventure today takes us about 560 km north of kilometer 0 in Manila. Pagudpud is the northernmost municipality of Luzon Island. It is well known for its white-sand beaches and pristine crystal-blue waters. That's why to most people Pagudpud is just another beach destination but little do they know this place has a lot more to offer. Pagudpud arc From Laoag City, Pagudpud is a mere one to two hour bus ride away. During my first visit to Pagudpod, I left Laoag City in the afternoon after touring it and the nearby towns around it. (see: Ilocos Norte Adventure: Laoag City, Batac City, Paoay ) It was already dark when we reached the meeting place that we set up with our local guide Kuya Jomar. He drove us to our Kapuluan resort and we spent an hour discussing the tour itinerary for the next day.   Kapuluan Resort with Kuya Jomar During our briefing, I learned that the guides usually divide the tour into two. These two tours are called, Pagudpud...

Located in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, the church was built in the 1590s. Bantay Church  also is known as St. Augustine Parish Church is considered one of the oldest in Ilocos Sur. The church was named after St. Augustine the patron saint of the Augustinian Friars. Bantay Church Bantay Church details Looking closely at detail one's curious eye can see that the facade's structural design is visibly neo-classical combined with pseudo-romanesque elements. However, when you enter the edifice you would notice that the interior had been renovated and modern-day metal frames and posts are used to support its aluminum roof. Bantay Church and its beautiful belfry Bantay Church brick facade Bantay Church historical marker Bantay Church belltower Bantay Church Interior My beautiful wife at the tower What makes this church unique is the picturesque belfry located on the hilltop several meters away. The famous belfry of Bantay Church had been used by the Spanish,...

Located in Marcos Avenue in the town of Paoay in the province of Ilocos Norte, Paoay Church is listed as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.  Paoay Church is also one of the oldest and most popular Spanish colonial-era churches in the Philippines . Paoay Church Paoay Church history Formally called St. Augustine Church , Paoay Church was constructed sometime in the late 1600s and was finally completed in 1710. Paoay Church - Paoay, Ilocos Norte Paoay Church altar Paoay Church is known for its unique architectural design. It is believed that the Paoay Church is a mix of Baroque, Gothic, and Oriental architecture.  Check out the beautiful stained glass decoration Paoay Church has twenty-four massive buttresses which make it look more like a fortress than a church. The church was dubbed " Earthquake Baroque " because of the structural design that allows it to withstand the destructive power of earthquakes. Paoay Church Belltower ...

Our adventure today takes us about 483 km northwest of kilometer 0 in Manila. My blog today is quite special since I would talk about not one but three notable places in Ilocos Norte. Unlike in my previous blog  Ilocos Sur Adventure: Vigan City  where we came a bit unprepared by not contacting a guide firsthand. My wife and I decided that it would be wise to have a guide and a driver this time. Our guide and driver for the adventure is Kuya Roy. He was referred to us by our original contact (which you will meet on my upcoming posts). Kuya Roy is a very quiet man. The sad part here is he doesn't have his own phone, he shares his CP with his wife. Rest assured he could be trusted with all your gold and diamonds. Laoag City Arc  Kuya Roy  We aim to tour Laoag City and its neighboring cities and towns before pushing to Pagudpod in the afternoon. So from Laoag, we decided to go to the farthest place first then stop by whatever notable places we coul...