South Tour

 

            This tour starts from Sitio Remedios and proceeds southwards to the town of Badoc, hometown of the illustrious brothers, Juan and Antonio Luna.  A visit to the brick home of Juan Luna is evocative of the genteel life in Ilocos Norte at the turn of the century.  Proceeding towards Ilocos Sur, there are two churches worthy of visit.  In the Cathedral of Sinait is a miraculous crucifix and in the cathedral f Magsingal is an Ilocano-baroque altar, probably one of the most beautiful in the Ilocos region.  The visit to Vigan is a must in an Ilocano itinerary.  “Ciudad Fernandina’s” historic center is famous for its centuries old houses and cobbled stone streets.  Tours can be arranged for a visit to a carefully preserved balay-a-bato and to the Archbishop’s Palace collection of religious arts.  A calesa ride takes the visitor to a “burnay” atelier and a feel of a more romantic form of travel.  Lunch or dinner is served in the dining room of one of the houses in the mestizo district.

 

            An extended trip to the UNESCO heritage site in the Cathedral in Sta. Maria, 30 minutes further south, can be arranged.  The half hour ride is picturesque, passing thru a bridge crossing the Abra river as it joins the South Chine Sea.  (1/2 day or 1 day tour).

 

 

North Tour I

 

            This tour starts from Sitio Remedios and drives north, past the sleepy poblacion of Currimao.  The modest houses are noted for the profusion of their gardens, bursting with bright colors.  One then enters Paoay town, with its majestic Augustinian Church and tower, renowned for the east-west fusion of architecture earning for it the distinction of a UNESCO Heritage Site.  Take note of its massive buttresses for a photo-op.  Proceed to Batac, hometown of Ferdinand Marcos, and visit his mausoleum.  A popular spot in town is a visit to the numerous kiosks for “empanada”, a town specialty for merienda.  Laoag – about 20 kms away, is one of the cleanest cities in the Philippines and visitors should view its sinking tower as well as the St. William Church, an example of Ilocano baroque.  The museum, inside a tabacalera called “Gameng” is an awarded museum showcasing Ilocano household and agricultural artifacts together with a house typical of the North.  Driving west, visit the Fort Ilocandia complex, a brick structure with bougainvilleas luxuriating in its high windows and massive doors.  A photo-op in front of the massive fountains.  Driving east, one meanders to the acacia lined streets leading to Sarrat town, famous for its Church with remarkable wood trusses.  The ruins of the convent, the seat for the church-cum-government in the medieval time is mysterious and labyrinthine.  A photo-op is in the pillars where Greggy & Irene Marcos-Araneta had their wedding picture.  Lunch at La Preciosa, or Herencia de Paoay for Ilocano fare (one day tour).

 

 

North Tour II

 

            This tour starts from Sitio Remedios and is recommended for tourists who wants to explore the far-northern parts of Ilocos Norte and maybe taken the day after North Tour I.  It goes beyong Laoag, to Bacarra with its ancient church and convent ruins.  Drive through picturesque streets with a mixture of traditional houses of the 40’s and 50’s now dotted with gaily painted Italianate new houses constructed out of OCW money.  Further to Pasuquin, one can enjoy biscocho and soft drinks, for which the town is famous for.  A church ruin made from stones quarried from a nearby mountain may be visited.  The same quarry is the source for the pavements of Avenida de Azucao & Plaza de Manzanilla of Sitio Remedios.  Burgos town boasts of an ancient lighthouse lording over a forested mountain and overlooks Cape Bojeador with its craggy shores reminiscent of Batanes.  Bangui is the site of the famous windmills, picture pretty, with Bangui Bay beyond.  Past a countryside more picturesque than Bali, one reaches Pagudpod with its famous beach.  Further to the tip of Luzon, one reaches the beautiful Patapat road, rivaling the Mediterranean Riviera for it scenic splendor.  At the end of the road, hugging the mountain, is a cool spring with waterfalls.  At the end of Cordillera range, with waters tumbling to join the sea, with Batanes beyond.  Lunch stops at restaurants in Pagudpod, or a picnic in one of the coves (one day tour).

 

 

Adams Ecotour

            An ecotour to the town of Adams can be arranged.  The town situated at the foot of Cardilleras is picturesque with rolling hills, forests, waterfalls, raging rivers.  Nature sports are available.