Spread Some Awesome

Duration : One whole day

Budget : Some cash for entrance fee to Marcos Mansion and food budget for Fort Ilocandia

Bummers : Rainshower will cause not-so-awesome jump shots with the windmills

You’ve never been in Ilocos Norte if you haven’t seen the windmills in Bangui or took a plunge in the beach of Pagudpud.

Bangui Windmills

Unfortunately, I haven’t gone to Pagudpud so I suppose that means I only been halfway to Ilocos Norte or to half of Ilocos Norte. But I don’t think that sounds right. Or is there such a thing? Anyway, this simply means that I need to go back and let Pagudpud mesmerize me.

Before meeting with the windmills, drop by Paoay Church. Fun fact, Paoay Church was declared as a UNESCO Heritage Site and it is known as an earthquake-proof structure. When you go inside the church, you will surely be puzzled how this stone-packed structure became earthquake-proof. Maybe it was due to the great faith people have for God and to the great minds who designed and built this magnificent architecture. If you’re planning on getting married someday, I recommend you choose Paoay Church. Though it may be a little far – around 8 to 10 hours of drive from Manila, it is worth it. Of course, you don’t want your wedding to get ruined or disturbed by an earthquake eh?

Paoay Earthquake-Proof Church

Paoay Church

Along the drive to Bangui (for the windmills), you can also have a quick stop at Fort Ilocandia and Marcos Mansion. I think these two are just near each other so just correct me if I’m wrong. The Marcos Mansion served as a home to the Marcoses about three decades ago. You can have a guided tour inside the mansion and you’ll see how huge it is. I wonder how they were able to communicate back then without intercom and celphones? We got to see Imee Marcos’ room when she was a little girl. Unfortunately, Borgy Manotoc didn’t stay in that mansion so he doesn’t have his own room there as Kuya Guide told us. That would have been awesome.

Marcos Mansion

Double Decks

The Dining Hall

Eat at Fort Ilocandia. Though this place is quite pricey, the food is great and we love their complimentary bread, butter, and jam. When in Fort Ilocandia, take lots of awesome pictures as well.

Fort Ilocandia Fountain

Now, you’re ready to meet the giant windmills in Bangui. Fun fact, these windmills are also known as the NorthWind Bangui Bay Project. They help reduce global warming, no…not by providing cool and refreshing air but by providing renewable energy that provides electricity to up to 40% of Ilocos Norte. I wasn’t able to count them all but I’ll make a wild guess. I think there are about 15 awesome windmills. Be blown away and take some shots.

My Awesome Friend with Awesome Windmills

Spread some awesome..ness..

Tags: beach, nature, trip