The Great Amianan | Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Laoag City is the home of the Sinking Bell Tower, another preserved massive edifice that really exemplifies Ilocos Norte as the Region of Grand Bell Towers.
The long tricycle ride felt like eternity as the hot and humid afternoon air were like little pins pricking our skin . Then after half an hour we were welcomed into Laoag City by the Gilbert Bridge.
A big white signage standing atop a hill from afar said it all in a Hollywood like moniker, “LAOAG CITY”.
Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag
Built in 1707, the bell tower sinks at a rate of an inch every year. This explains how only half of the door entrance of the tower is visible from the sidewalk and any normal person should duck down to enter the vaulted entrance.
Contrary to the old stories, many years ago, a man on horseback could enter the door with ease. It has a foundation of 300 feet or roughly 90 meters with 4 vertical columns on each side supporting the whole structure.
This 45 meter tower is made up of locally produced bricks joined by molasses and juice of sablot leaves mixed with lime and sand. It used to have a big clock face at the tower’s western face that is reachable through a winding staircase inside.
Laoag Cathedral
Across the street lies the main church of the sinking bell tower, the Laoag Cathedral built in 1612 by the Augustinian Friars. It showcases an Italian Reinassance style.
The Laoag Cathedral has a two storey facade composed of a main retablo and two smaller ones at both sides.
The neighboring towns also has historical ancestral homes and century old churches with detached beautiful bell towers. The distinct charm of Laoag, with its right fusion of the classic and the modern influences of Ilocano and Spanish roots, never ceases to amaze.
We had our quick lunch at the fast food inside a huge well-known grocery store across the main plaza.
Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol
As we walked along the city, we didn’t let the chance slip to not visit the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol.
At the back of the Provincial Capitol, we also happened to pass by the Ilocos Norte Museum. We went inside an old warehouse intended for the production of Basi Wine and is now renovated as a museum.
First thing we noticed is the Ilocano logo of the many rayed sun, which was taken from one of the finials taken at the back of the church of San Nicolas. The museum was not that large, but showcases much of the Ilocano culture and history.
The museum was primarily designed to instill a sense of pride for the roots of the young Ilocanos. It aims to create, among both the young and old, a feeling of belonging for their ancient homeland.
Right after a quick tour at the Museum, we rode an ordinary bus en route to Pagudpud.
Off we go to Pagudpud!
How To Get There
- From Manila, take any Laoag, Ilocos Norte bound buses (Partas and GV Florida), travel time takes 9-11 hours.
- At the Laoag City Bus Terminal, hail any tricycle to take you to the attractions of Laoag City
