Travel Diary, Ilocos: Of Paoay, Batac and Our Front Yard

April 27, 2017

Travel Diary, Ilocos: Of Paoay, Batac and Our Front Yard

What do you know about Ilocos?

I am an Ilocana - Manila born Filipino. My parents are originally from Ilocos. That makes me an Ilocana right? I remember going to Ilocos every summer or every May because that's the time for Paoay's festival. (Paoay is a town in Ilocos Norte) So I considered myself not a tourist of this place but an authentic Paoayeno.

So my knowledge about Ilocos is all about what it thought me for my 30 plus years of exsistence. What it's like to understand Ilocano dialect without an effort of processing too much translation in my brain is all natural like how I eat veggies everyday (except for okra and eggplant), I just kennat live without tomatoes. So what about this all becoming popular destinations in Ilocos that I haven't been to. I am sorry from all the travels that I have been. I would like to apologize Ilocos.

I just thought last last year that I should be focusing to travel in Ilocos since my mom would also go there from time to time to check out my uncle and my goal was to explore what I have not known Ilocos for.

Then I went to Ilocos twice last 2016 with my mum of course. I just stayed in my Uncle's home where the place is surrounded by trees and farm animals and we visited my relatives who live near Paoay Church, my UNESCO.

You know travelers of UNESCO, I am sceaming that you go here. I must say this is the highlight of Ilocos travel. Hahahaha!!! Yes, I am bias. But my amazement since I was a kid to this snail like church (that's what I call it) would make me want to go here everytime I am in Ilocos. Every Filipino should be proud that we have UNESCO sites like what we have in Ilocos and yes I haven't been to Iloilo but I am looking forward to see the Miag-ao Church too.

So therefore, here's what it looks like:

PAOAY Kumakaway

My parents are originally from Paoay. The church is just a walk away from my pop's ancestral house and I never thought how significant this church until I learned about UNESCO. It became more significant when I became a UNESCO traveler. More than that, this area is a treasure for me since it's part of my childhood memories.

BATAC

I would always stay in Paoay when I go to Ilocos Norte but when elders asked me to accompany them to Batac, I would oblige. So, I went one time with my mum and here's what we found while we roam around Batac.

World Peace Center

Marcos Photo Gallery

I am not really sure if this gallery is new but I went here with mom and had her picture taken. Ilocanos are supporter of the Marcoses and regardless of history, they will always remain pro-Marcos simply because of what the Marcoses has done for Ilocos. Whatever your stand is, you are always welcome to visit Ilocos anyway. (We all know how to respect one's opinion right?)