Best of Ilocos Norte: Paoay Church: UNESCO Heritage site

Paoay church is famous for being one of the four remaining baroque churches in the Philippines listed as a UNESCO Heritage site. I've been able to visit San Agustin church in Intramuros, Manila when I was still in college and last year was able to visit Miag-ao Church in Iloilo when we went backpacking there. I wanted to visit Santa Maria Church in Ilocos Sur but I was not able to because of time constraints. Oh well, it will be one of the many reasons I would want to go back North, isn't it? ^_^.

Paoay Church, Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Best of Ilocos Norte: Malacanang of the North

Overlooking Paoay Lake, its facade truly mimics the image of Malacanang Palace - the President's official home in Manila. After it was built in 1977, it has been  the late President Marcos' home away from Malacanang whenever he's in Ilocos for a visit. This place has been known for the elite parties & exclusive gatherings thrown by the Marcoses for their cronies. 

Malacanang of the North, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Corregidor Island Revisited in 48 hours

10 years - it has been that long since me and my husband set foot in this tadpole-like island guarding Manila Bay. I have always wondered how this carefully crafted fortress will be like after time has taken its toll in its already war-beaten landscape and if there is something more that this small island has left to offer me after being there already? How will I feel if I stepped again in its hallowed ground? Will it be as memorable as last time?

 Finally, an opportunity to answer these questions paved its way after a decade. 

All I need to do is give another 48hrs of my life to this historical site. 

Will it still be worth my time this time around?

Corregidor island ruin - 2012

Iloilo Travelogue#10: Molo Church - the White Queen

If Jaro Cathedral serves as the Alpha Male Church of Iloilo City, Molo Church or St. Anne is definitely the Queen church. Standing sexy and tall in the heart of Molo town, with its two red-roofed belfry tower stretching high in the heavens, it is the only Gothic church in the whole country that is located outside of Manila. It is a must for all visitors to see this white church. And, yes, I said it right, it is not typo-error, this church is actually white by nature. Its walls are made up of tons of white corals that have been discolored by time, war and natural elements. It survived many strong earthquakes from the past and had served as an evacuation center for civilians during WWII. Unfortunately, one of its original towers became a Japanese machine gun nest and had to be destroyed by the American forces; shells of artillery sent its bells tumbling to the ground on March 18, 1945. Restoration was made after the war and in 1992, it was declared a National  Landmark.

Molo Church, Iloilo City

Travelogue#9: Plaza Libertad - historical Christmas Day

Among all the plazas that I've been to in Iloilo, the most historical of them all would be Plaza Libertad. This is where Spain surrendered Iloilo, its last capital in the Philippines, on December 25,1898. The recipient of this surrender was the brave revolutionary General Martin Teofilo Delgado, leader of the Western Visayas resistance force against the Spaniards.

Plaza Libertad, Iloilo City

Iloilo Travelogue#8: San Jose Church

The beauty of traveling in a Catholic country such as Philippines is that you can always find a church in almost every town where you can sit in peace and rest for a bit without the hassle of paying anything  (it's also very likely that nobody will bother you) and we all know that it's always best to drop by and ask for good solid direction from "The Man above" as much as we could, don't you think? ^_^.  Much said, in a way, churches has become my coffee shop when traveling ^_^ (having coffee time with God? now that's a thought.lol! ) Fortunately, in Iloilo, most churches are just a couple of steps away from the town's plaza -- a big plus since most of them always had a historic significance of some sort. San Jose Church is found a couple of steps away from the historic Plaza Libertad and about 10 minutes via jeepney from Museo Iloilo. The church itself is much different from any of the churches we've visited in Iloilo, for one, the materials used to build the church are not of corals or limestones but of stones and bricks giving the church its unique red color. And, much to my delight, the interior of the church is much subtle than its red facade outside. It's a beautiful surprise wrapped up in a red wrap. Check out my photos. ^_^

San Jose Church, Iloilo City

Iloilo Travelogue#6: Tigbauan Church and Plaza

One of the first interesting town that you'll pass by coming from Iloilo city is Tigbauan. I have learned that this is where the American forces together with the Philippines Commonwealth troops landed to liberate the Island of Panay from the Japanese during WWII. And, to the allied forces' surprise, they arrived in an already been freed town. The Japanese invaders were already driven out by the brave Ilonggo locals. ^_^

Tigbauan Church, Iloilo City

Iloilo Travelogue#5: Jaro Cathedral and the old belfry tower

One of the most famous churches in Iloilo is the Jaro Cathedral. It is the parish home of the Archbishop of Jaro and  has also became the home of  the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles. This church, like the many churches across Iloilo, also served as a fortress against the Moro pirates who kidnap locals and sells them off at Mindanao. The old belfry that is actually separated from the original church served as a watchtower that will send alarms to the Jaro people in case of piratical raids. The church has lived through earthquakes, fires, and wars but the Ilonggo's love and faith in the Catholic church led on to the continuous rebuilding and effort to preserve this historical landmark.
What I love about this church is that even if you can see the obvious renovations done at some of its parts, you can still see the old church that has been there since 1874. 

Iloilo Travelogue#3: Guimbal - a feminine church and a stroll in the park

I first saw this town's well-kept plaza and its church's belfry tower from a distance while riding a jeepney on our way to see Miag-ao church. After passing the public market and reading "Guimbal" on its sign, I tugged my husband's sleeves and whispered to him - "we have to stop here if we still have time". Luckily, we were able to get back right before sundown. And, after getting off the market and passing the town's municipal hall, we walked directly towards another historical and unique Spanish church.  

Guimbal church

Iloilo Travelogue#2: Spooked then Charmed by San Joaquin town

Before I describe many things I've observed about this charming little sitio in the south, let me tell you about one of the iconic structure in this town that we've visited. It is the Campo Santo that stood in the heart of San Joaquin's cemetery; the first thing that can be seen off the road coming from Miag-ao church. My husband was not expecting that included in our itinerary to this small town is a visit to its cemetery so he was totally caught off guard when I suddenly shouted "para" (stop) to the jeepney driver who sent the vehicle running at 80kph to a quick halt in front of a spooky cemetery. Everyone stared of course but we got off as fast as we can to avoid the annoyed and shocked look of the other passengers (lol!).

 My husband was quite hesitant to enter this hallow ground and I had fun watching his reaction.

Iloilo Travelogue#1: Miag-ao Church - the Baroque experience

One of the things that I've included in my travel bucket list is to see in person those few declared UNESCO heritage sites in the Philippines. I've always known that I will feel regretful when I'm already old and gray and not be able to visit any of those 8 sites when I had the energy and chance to do so. Luckily my husband supports these wishful thoughts and he agreed to celebrate our wedding anniversary backpacking in and around Iloilo province so that we will be able to spend time together and visit one of the four baroque churches that can be found in the southern town of this nose-like province - the Miag-ao Church.

This will be the first of the few posts about our travel experiences in Iloilo. I hope you'll enjoy reading it. :)

Travel bucketlist: Visit Miag-ao church - checked

Travel Bataan: Experience The Last Stand at Mt. Samat

Everybody was enthusiastic about the long weekend because of the first ever official Chinese New Year holiday in the Philippines. Me and my husband also took advantage of the free time and went on a short trip as well. We decided to accept my sister's invitation to visit the whole family at Olongapo City and then did a side trip to one of the most historic mountain of Central Luzon, Mt. Samat of Bataan.

Travel bucketlist: Mt. Samat - checked :)

Travel San Pablo, Laguna: San Pablo Cathedral Church

Going to San Pablo City, you can never miss San Pablo Cathedral. Built in 1774 by the Augustinians, it has long been a must-see neoclassical architecture found in the very heart of busy San Pablo. We stopped by this historical structure on our way to  Lake Pandin for an eco lunch tour, the cleanest among the seven lakes of San Pablo City.^_^

From afar, you can never miss its inviting high dome and bell tower. There's a plaza on a roundabout just before you enter the church that houses the Philippine Flag as shown in the picture below but we weren't able to go there because of the heavy rain.

Batangas travel: Calatagan Lighthouse

Its geological location allows Batangas to be an efficient receiving port that can cater to hundreds of ships and ferries a day. But, unknown to many, these ferries and ships are constantly being guided to safety by the two light houses built at Batangas by the Spaniards more than one hundred years ago. One, is located at Cape Malabrigo Lobo, Batangas and the other one is located at Cape Santiago in Calatagan, Batangas.

It has been part of my to-do lists to visit lighthouses around the Philippines. I think they are important part of our history and every single one of them should be considered a National Treasure. So one Saturday morning, I woke my husband up and asked him if he wants to go to on a road trip to see a 120 year old lighthouse at Calatagan, Batangas.

Our reward below: The Punta de Santiago lighthouse

Travel Tagaytay: People's park

Last November, when the rain finally stopped pouring and the humid weather started coming back, my husband and I went for a short drive to Tagaytay to cool off. With no particular place in mind but not wanting to break the bank, we decided to try going up People's park, the highest point of Tagaytay.

People's park sign 2011 with missing letters - Tagaytay, Philippines

Travel Cebu: Fort San Pedro and the Dried squid

Fort San Pedro is a miniature Intramuros. Having spent my college years within the Intramuros walls, visiting this fort seems a bit ordinary to me. But, I always want to bring back good memories whenever I visit a new place so I do what is available to do at the time and that is to ------- people watch. Not to make fun of someone but to have a feel of what the people are like especially if I don't know anybody from that place. 

Plus to think that we've been walking all day, being able to sit back and relax is a big yes for me (my nephew totally agrees). The best thing about places like this is that you can easily slump anywhere and nobody will bother you. Just like the man with a balloon on the photo below.

Travel Cebu: Cebu R hotel, Sto. Nino church

 Cebu, is one of the many islands in the Philippine archipelago worth visiting for its rich history, unique traditions and its famous festivals. It is situated in the Central Visayas region and known today as an export leader when it comes to quality-made furniture.

A little history: 
When the Spaniards set foot in this island in 1521, free trading with neighboring countries such as China, Burma, Malaysia, and as far as Japan was already being practiced in the island . It already has a structured and organized government with communities or "balangays"  (now called barangays) which mostly comprises of about 60 to 100 households being headed by the "Datus" (chieftain). The "Datu" is in charge of everything from resolving disputes in their respective "balangay"  or  leading them onto battles if needed. 

The most popular known chieftain in the whole Philippines actually came from Mactan, Cebu - Lapu-Lapu. He became popular for killing the Spaniard Ferdinand Magellan when he went onshore this small island.  He was hailed a hero, the first Filipino to deter the Spanish Conquerors.

And, in his honor, one of the 4 cities of Cebu was named after him - Lapu Lapu City. 

We boarded the Cebu-Pacific plane and landed at Mactan Airport a little past noon, hailed a cab and headed off to check-in at Cebu R hotel.  Our accommodation for the night.

Travel Cebu: Colon Street, Ancestral Houses, Heritage of Cebu monument

A walk in Colon Street is a must for Cebu visitors. Being the oldest street in the Philippines, it was such a bonus for a historic buff like me to be able to do so when I was in Cebu. Another good thing when you are near this area is you can also visit the Heritage of Cebu monument or locally known as Parian monument. 

This monument showcases the whole history of Cebu; the influence of Christianity, the battles between the natives and foreigners and the continuous sought of true freedom and justice. The gate is actually locked when we first got in but the caretaker opened it up for us so we can take more pictures. There is no entrance fee but anyone can donate to help upkeep the place. 

Travel Asia: Winter in Beijing, China Part 5 (The Summer Palace)

Oh Summer Palace! This is one place that I felt we could have explored more, said to be the largest and best preserved Imperial garden in China and was designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1990. It was meant to be, as the name implies -- the Summer vacation home of the emperor or empress during ancient times.

The dominant structure here is the Yu Feng Pagoda that is set on top of a hilly ground facing Kunming lake, the lake itself was actually extended in 1750 by the Emperor QianLong to imitate the famous West Lake in HangZhou. 

As an extensive traveler, the Emperor took notes of every beautiful places he's been in China and incorporated it in the construction of Summer Palace.

view of the Yu Feng Pagoda over a courtyard

Travel Asia: Winter in Beijing, China Part 3 - Temple of Heaven

Another tourist attraction worth seeing is the Temple of heaven, another UNESCO world cultural site, which is, (could you believe) much bigger than the Forbidden City and a little smaller than the Summer Palace. The temple was built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty to offer sacrifice to the heavens for good harvest.  Like the many tourist spots in Beijing, it has an entrance fee (around CNY 20). Tip: Ask for a free map.


To get there: Travel via Subway Line 5 and get off at Tiantan Dongmen Station, leave from Exit A and you'll find the East Gate of the Park of  the Temple.

Imperial Vault of Heaven