By Cristina Arzadon
Photos by Joseph Uy, Jr.
10 Places to Visit
1. Fort Ilocandia
A hotel complex with five Spanish-inspired colonial buildings finished in cool red radrillos (bricks).
2. Malacanang of the North
This turn-of-the-century-inspired edifice used to be the residence of Ferdinand Marcos in Paoay.
3. Cafe Herencia
The home of the original pinakbet and diniguan pizzas. It has a magnificent view of the world-renowned Paoay Church.
4. Sitio Remedios
A heritage resort facing the South China Sea that’s reminiscent of mid-20th century Ilocos.
5. Marcos Mausoleum
The Marcoses’ ancestral home sits in a sprawling lot in Batac City. It houses an airconditioned mausoleum where the refrigerated remains of former President Marcos have been kept since 1993.
6. San Nicolas
The “Damili” center in the North where the ancient art of terra cotta pottery still exists.
7. Pasuquin
The home of the famous Biscocho bread and the site of Ilocos Norte’s salt-making industry.
8. Burgos
The site of the tallest functional lighthouse in the Philippines. The majestic lighthouse sits on a three-level complex with sweeping vistas of the sea, rolling mountains, and the Cape Bojeador.
9. Bangui
“Home of the Green Energy.” It has placed the town on the international map after having the first commercial wind farm, a first in Southeast Asia, was built.
10. Pagudpud
“The sea paradise of the North.” Pagudpud is a two-hour ride from Laoag by private transport and less than three hours by public transport.
