The Great Amianan | Paoay Church, Ilocos Norte
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paoay Church was our second destination for the day.
Earthquake Baroque
Demanding your undivided attention, the Paoay Church or Saint Augustine Church is really magnificent in its very own right. On its left side is its three layered bell tower resembling a Pagoda. It is erected at some distance from the main church as to prevent the main structure from any further damage if any earthquake happens to strike.
Sighting the inscription from the Philippine Historical Commission Marker at the main entrance:
Parish founded by Augustinian Missionaries, 1593. Cornerstone of Church laid, 1704, of convent, 1707, of tower, 1793. Used before completion and kept in repair by the joint auspices of the church and town officials. Inaugurations ceremonies, February 28, 1896. Church damaged by earthquake 1704 and 1927. Tower used as observation post by Katipuneros during the revolution. By the Guerilleros during the Japanese occupation.
The construction of the massive edifice started in 1704, and is a prime example of “Earthquake Baroque” a localized interpretation of Baroque architecture suited for the country’s seismic conditions. It has twenty four (24) large buttresses designed like flourishing vines supporting the coral stone and brick clad side walls.
The facade somewhat suggests influences from other South-east Asian countries for its pointed niches on top of large pillars. The facade is a gargantuan pediment without a portico, and is plain on the bottom part. Moreover, it is divided by cornices and pilasters in segments on the uppermost parts.
UNESCO Inscribed
The Paoay Church or Church of San Agustin is one of the four (4) Baroque Churches in the Philippines inscribed in the 1993 World Heritage Sites of UNESCO. Heritage sites such as this one that displays exceptional value and deserves protection for the benefit of the humanity.
A little farther away from the lush landscape of the centuries old church lies the Paoay marker made of fiber glass and is a must photo spot for every tourist visiting the area.
Arte Luna
Across the main road, is a photo gallery open for all and named as Arte Luna, with their latest exhibit, the Fade Into Light Series by Raul Echivarre and AP Murillo. The installation is composed of several photos of the fisherfolks of Currimao. Title loosely refers to a series of professions slowly waning into irrelevance. It is about workers staring into the inevitable but still soldiers on.
And a question from one of the exhibit panel really hit me hard: “How do you travel? Are you the type who gets the most bang of the buck by cramming as much places of interest as you can into the itinerary? Or would you rather spend time getting to know the nuances of a place?”
And then the answer came spilling out a ton of realization with the last sentence; ” ..while these two roads may diverge, it is guaranteed that it won’t be in the same yellow wood.” Changing my perception of how to travel if only given enough time not just to explore the place but also the culture.
After a short but meaningful visit to the gallery, it made me more inspired to travel the Ilocos Region.
The Sand Dunes of Paoay is really a must for anyone who visits the Ilocos Region, but with only the two of us, with a tight budget on our pockets,we chose to skip this place. We made sure that this will be our next destination on our next Ilocos trip.
How To Get There
- From Manila, take any Laoag, Ilocos Norte bound buses (Partas and GV Florida), travel time takes 9-11 hours
- Alight at Batac Junction then hail a tricycle to take you to Paoay Church
