From Vigan, we travelled another 1 1/2 bus ride going back to Laoag. Bus fare is a little cheaper (Php110.00) because we rode the typical bus aircon. Kuya Wilson, our Laoag tricycle guide, advised us if we could meet at Batac instead so we won't go back and forth from Laoag to Batac. On our way to Batac, Jan suddenly suggested that it would be much convenient for us if we travel straight to Pagudpud after our Laoag tour so that we could start our South Pagudpud tour early and by the afternoon, he could happily surf at the blue lagoon. We initially planned to stay in Isabel Suites in Laoag and upon confirming that Palm Grove Holiday Complex (where we stayed 2nights in Pagudpud) can accommodate us a day earlier than our scheduled arrival in Pagudpud, I immediately canceled our reservation in Isabel suites thru text. Sorry Isabel Suites..
We arrived in Batac at around 2:30pm and Kuya Wilson immediately greeted us at the bus stop. We first headed to Marcos Museum where the preserved body of the late President Ferdinand Marcos lies in along with his memorabilia. Entrance fee is Php50.00. Jan is a big fan of Ferdinand Marcos-- interestingly reading all the single facts and info of the late President hanged on the museum's walls. This was the tourist attraction in Laoag where we stayed long.
Wedding Photo of late Pres. Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos.
Filipiniana Dresses Collection of Imelda Marcos
Next stop is the Paoay church.. For me Paoay Church is the most remarkable tourist attraction in Laoag the first time I've been here and still took the no. 1 place for me on my second visit . The church is solemn and has a unique architecture designed for earthquakes. No wonder why it is the most favorite church of Imelda Marcos.
Then we also stopped by to the view deck of Paoay Lake before heading to Malacanang of the North which Kuya Wilson said was used to be a vacation house of Pres. Marcos. Imelda Marcos still stays here when she's in Ilocos. I didn't appreciate the mansion the first time I went here because my classmates and I were goofing around each other all the time. The vacation mansion is huge with preserved antique pieces, memorabillas and old pictures of the Marcoses.
I was surprised that Malacang of the North is also holding weddings and events. There was a wedding being romantically set up at the mansion's garden facing the Paoay lake.
Next is the Paoay sand dunes.. Kuya Wilson said that riding in a 4x4 car would be the highlight of our Laoag tour. But Jan and I we're both not a fond of sand activities. We also dont think its worth it to spend Php2500 for a ride in a 4x4 car with just the two of us. Knowing me.. I'm a boring girl. Hehe. We'd rather pay for surfing instead. Sand dunes was not included in our tour package the first time I went to Ilocos so this was basically my first time here. Being at the sand dunes made me sing Everytime by A1. If you are familiar with the song's video.. You would know what I mean. Hehe.
Our last tour in Laoag was the Sinking Bell tower located at the city proper and photoops to Laoag landmark.
Jan and I ate at Mcdo [para maiba naman] just across the Laoag landmark to fuel our body with energy for another 2hrs bus ride to Pagudpud. After our quick snack, Kuya Wilson took us to the bus terminal. Only ordinary bus travels in the afternoon going to Pagudpud. Fare is Php70.00.
Like Kuya Alex, Kuya Wilson is also informative and kind. I later learned that Ilocos local government requires tricycle drivers to attend DOT seminars due to the high demand of tourism in Ilocos. Our Laoag tricycle tour costs Php800.00 which includes transfer to airport from bus terminal. If you want to avail Kuya Wilson's Laoag tour service, you may contact him at this number 09053636635.
Like Kuya Alex, Kuya Wilson is also informative and kind. I later learned that Ilocos local government requires tricycle drivers to attend DOT seminars due to the high demand of tourism in Ilocos. Our Laoag tricycle tour costs Php800.00 which includes transfer to airport from bus terminal. If you want to avail Kuya Wilson's Laoag tour service, you may contact him at this number 09053636635.
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