Laoag

We took a tour with our tricycle driver for 800Peso (SGD$22). I have a feeling we got ripped off. 

Our tour included the following places: 

•           Fort Ilocano Resort
•           Marcos Photo Gallery & Muesuem
•           Paoay church
•           Marcos Museum & Photo Gallery

Fort Ilocandia Resort

Paoay Lake

Paoay church is one of the oldest church in Laoag. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage, it was surreal to see the church’s stone architecture. 

Paoay Church Side Entrance

Paoay Church Bell Tower

Inside Paoay Church

 This is a photo montage and commemoration of President Marco’s contribution to The Philippines as president for 20 years from 1976 – 1986. The museum is just next to the Marcos Residence, where his body lay. President Marcos and Lady Imelda were significant in The Philippines history in developing the country in their early years. They are highly revered and respected by the locals, for their contribution to the country.

“And if and when my commonwealth demands that blood, to cleanse her name of any crime, to free her hands for justice, and give her strength to face the world with pride, I will gladly shed that blood, burn in sacrifice and own whatever crime, even if its not mine.

When my motherhood calls for this holocaust, I shall lay down I shall lay down all hopes and dreams, all love and life, and for her, die a thousand deaths and more, and get live with her and in her pride.”

Ferdinand L. Marcos

1 December 1939

Marcos Photo Gallery

This picture of Marcos & Imelda struck me...

The Sinking Bell Tower has become a monument in the midst of the busy streets of Laoag. Although plagued from an earthquake, the tower stands tall and regal.

Sinking Bell Tower

Sinking Bell Tower Entrance

Vigan --> Laoag

We took a calesa ride in the morning for 3 hours with our horse (Jasmine) for 150Peso (SGD$4) per hour.

Calesa at Vigan

Our Calesa Driver

After having lunch at UNO Cafe, we took the Partas Bus to Laoag for 141Peso (SGD$4), about 1 hour bus ride. 

I didn’t really like Laoag City, probably because it just looks like a dead city, with shopfront banners but the shops are never open. We checked in at the dodgy Texicano Hotel. Dodgy as it may look, its by far the cheapest accommodation ever at 370Peso (SGD$11) per night for a double room with attached bathroom. Warning to all who are looking for homestays at Laoag City because there are barely any. Texicano Hotel is one of the bigger accommodations in Laoag City. Cheap & convenient as it maybe, don't expect anything more than a roof over your head for the night. I would give the rooms at Texicano Hotel 0.5 out of a scale of 5. I guess you can understand how bad it was. Merla & I were so glad to have left the place the next morning! 

Texicano Hotel, Laoag City

I went out to reccee the place and found a Papa Pau’s Diner about 1 street away from the hotel, decent for our dinner! That was probably the only saving grace for Laoag City that day. We sat in the non air-con area and you will find it is very nicely decorated with photo shots on the wall, and nice spotlights.

Papa Pau's Diner, Laoag City

Papa Pau's Diner, Laoag City