Cape Bojeador Light House

They call it Faro Cabo Cape Bojeador, as it set majestically on a hill overlooking the South China Sea, located approximately 35 kilometres north of the City of Laoag, the lighthouse is the most accessible of all lighthouses in the north of the Island of Luzon. It was built in 1892 and is still functioning to date, serving ships passing by the northern part of South China Sea. This is one of the famouse historical landmark in the province of Ilocos Norte. It is the highest lighthouse in the Philippines above sea level on top of a hill named Vigia de Nagparitan (estimated a total height of around 160 meters high; tower height = 17 meters approximate) and is located in the town of Burgos. The Lighthouse is the most western of the lights on the northern coast of the island, and in the approach of vessels from the China coast on the northwest. It lights the bend that marks the northwestern corner of the Island of Luzon, separating it from the South China Sea and the Babuyanes Channel. Similarly, it also assists ships heading towards the ports of Salomangue in Ilocos Sur which is 87 kilometres south from the lighthouse, and Curmimao, which is 60 kilometres away in Ilocos Norte. The Light flash once in every minute. Completed on the 30th of March, 1892, the design and construction of the Lighthouse of Cape Bojeador was initially undertaken by the Engineer Magin Pers y Pers but was subsequently reconfigured and finished by the Engineer Guillermo Brockman. Built of locally made brick, the tower is octagonally-shaped and has an inner dimension of two meters and an exterior dimension of three and half meters. The mechanism fitted into the lighthouse at Bojeador was of the basic specification for all first order lighthouses (Ed, take note, this is why you were astonished to see similarity with that of the Capones Lighthouse). It contained a winding mechanism composed of a counter weight which when wound would enable the lantern supporting the lenses to rotate. The housing of the counter weight is located in the centre of the spiral staircase which when wound would drop all the way to the bottom of the stairs. It takes approximately one hour for the weight to reach a full cycle, which would enable the lantern to rotate numerous times. The job of the lighthouse keeper was to religiously wind the mechanism to ensure the continuous rotation of the lens throughout the night. This practice was subsequently stopped when the tower suffered damages during the 1990 earthquake. Compared to the Lighthouse at Cape Enga?o in Palaui Island, the Lighthouse in Cape Bojeador is in an envious position among Philippine Spanish Lighthouses. Not only does it protect one of the more treacherous bends of the vast Philippine coastline, but it has as well earned the distinction of being the most visited light station in the country. The lighthouse of Cape Bojeador today is not only a mere light station with an obvious functional use, its pavilion has now been transformed into a mini-museum as well as lodging for people seeking basic accommodation, though except from shared cooking facilities and water from the cistern, no other amenities are provided. Its tower is quite accessible and with little enticement from its friendly light keeper, accesses to its lantern and, if the winds are not that strong, the precarious perch from its overhanging balcony is possible. As a tourist attraction in a politically powerful province, the lighthouse of Cape Bojeador has ensured its preservation and protection for years to come. This is one of the must see landmarks when visiting Ilocos Norte province. Getting There: From Laoag/Baguio/Vigan or La union : Follow the northwestern coastal national highway that is commonly used going to Ilocos provinces until you've reached some dramatic and exhilirating view of the sea and upon reaching the town of Burgos in Ilocos Norte. There is a sign board at the right side of the highway indicating the entrance to the winding road leading to the base of cape Bojeador Lighthouse. Waypoint narrative by: paulperez 2005 follow paulperez on Facebook

Additional narratives: By: Cyndy_Coronado 2008 Burgos Lighthouse is also known as Cape Bojeador. Standing on the top of Vigia de Nagparitan Hill, it has served as a beacon to sea navigators for more than a century. It started operations in 1892. The structure is made of local red bricks and accented with cast iron grill work,and stands 65 feet/20 meters high, considered the highest elevated lighthouse in the country. Cape Bojeador was declared a National Treasure by the National Museum. If one wants to appreciate the Burgos Lighthouse, he must be prepared to do a lot of climbing- one has to go up the hill, climb several flights of stairs to the building, then muster enough will power to "conquer" the spiral staircase and steep,steel ladder to reach the beacon light area. I did... well, almost... I finished climbing the spiral staircase but I didn't dare go further to the beacon light area. Sayang nga, but I was already very dizzy.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Burgos has a heritage structure called the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse. It is the highest-elevated lighthouse in the Philippines and the northwesternmost in location (the northeasternmost being Cape Engao Lighthouse in Palaui Island, Santa Ana, Cagayan). It was established on March 31, 1892 under the Spanish government on a high hill overlooking the scenic Cape Bojeador, where galleons passed by. Its purpose is also to guide ships away from the rocky coasts of the town. It still continues to operate with new lenses run by solar panels. Access to the lighthouse is through a two-lane narrow concrete road that starts at the north side of the Maharlika Highway, just after passing a bridge. From there the road winds and climbs up a steep hill. Upon arrival, visitors climb a flight of concrete stairs to the perimeter wall, which offers a good view of the Cape Bojeador and South China Sea. To enter, the caretaker should be notified. Upon entering the courtyard, one can see two antique buildings on both sides and two more on the foreground. Climbing the terrace of the first building, you will pass by a short dark corridor to get to the foot of the stairs leading to the tower. Another steep flight of stairs leads to the entrance/exit door of the tower. To climb to the lens room, where a certain number of people are only allowed to do so one at a time, you will climb an antique spiral staircase to the top. The majestic lighthouse can also be seen from as far away as Pasuquin town in the south and Bangui on the east on a clear day. The octagonal stone tower, being the most prominent structure in the light complex, is 65 feet (20 meters) high. It is recommended to visit in the months of November to January, when the cold winds from winter China are felt throughout the normally hot Ilocos Region.

Ilocos Norte - Malacaang of the North and Paoay Lake

My next stop was the Malacanang of the North, also known in the local dialect asMalacaang ti Amianan. Built as the official residence of then President Ferdinand Marcos in Ilocos Norte, it is an imposing structure that resembles a 19th Century"bahay na bato" with an overlooking view of the legendary Paoay Lake. This once a seat of power is now converted into a museum that houses several memorabilia of the former President and his family.

Stands impressively on a five hectare property in Suba, Paoay; it is complete with living areas, a dining room, bedrooms, a grand ballroom and a massive balcony on the second floor with a great view of Paoay lake.

It also has a startling grand staircase that compliments the equally elegant living rooms on the first and second floors.

The structure is very impressive despite the lapse of time and should be preserved as it has played a major role in our history. Thanks to the initiative of the incumbent Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos for spearheading the restoration of the mansion. It was re-inaugurated last January 1, 2011 and hopes to attract more tourists to the province.

TRIVIA: The Malacanang of the North is actually a "birthday gift" of then First Lady Imelda Marcos to her husband on his 60th birthday.

When in Ilocos Norte, visit Malacanang of the North for a piece of Philippine history. It is located in Barrio Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte and it's open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. A minimal fee of 30 pesos is collected for those who want to visit the place. To get there, you may also rent a tricycle from Laoag City. Please note that it is not on the national road, so it is advisable that you rent a tricycle or bring your own car.

Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel

HOTEL OVERVIEW

The only paradise and superior first class property in the north, sprawling on 77 hectares of land amidst gentle sand dunes and 9 kilometers of fine sandy beach, FORT ILOCANDIA RESORT HOTEL is situated in Barrio Calayab, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. It is 10 minutes from Laoag International Airport and 9 kilometers from Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. The Resort Hotel complex is composed of five buildings all inspired by Spanish colonial architecture and finished in cool red bricks. It has 267 rooms with private balconies offering a view of the sea and possessing the features and qualities of Ilocano century-old living quarters and constructed to accentuate the antiquity of a colonial house. Check In : 14:00 Check Out : 12:00 GMT Time : +08:00 - Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
DIRECTION

Just 45 Minutes from Kaohsiung and an hour from Manila, Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel is an ideal place for rest and relaxation as well as business trips and conventions.
NEAR BY ATTRACTION

Here are some attractions in Laoag: - Ilocos Norte Museum. 9am to 5pm closed: Mondays. Entrance: P 30. - Tobacco Monopoly. - Sand Dunes, La Paz. The only desert in the Philippines. 4x4 vehicle recommended to appreciate the desert beauty. - Sinking Belltower. - named so

because it slowly sinks into the soft soil of the city. A decade ago, the entrance was still tall enough to let a man on horseback enter. Now not even a man could enter.

Aglipay Shrine (Batac, Ilocos Norte)

Google Maps Apparently, Pres. Ferdinand Marcos is not the only prominent historical figure who callsBatac City his home. One other such figure is Gregorio Aglipay, a former Catholic priest who, due to his support for the Philippine Revolution, was excommunicated and later on founded the Philippine Independent Church aka the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI). The IFI is the third largest Christian denomination in the Philippines, after the Roman Catholic Church and the Iglesia ni Cristo. The IFI, popularly nicknamed the Aglipayan Church, was founded in 1902 and is Catholic in nature, though aligned with the Anglican Church. It has around two to four million adherents mostly in the Ilocos Region and is considered the most visible artifact of the Filipinos struggle against colonial Spain.

Photo by Shubert Ciencia. (CC) Aglipay died at the age of 80 on September 1, 1940 and was given an elaborate funeral attended by officials of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. His remains lie in state at a large mausoleum called the Aglipay Shrine in downtown Batac City. This shrine is actually right across the street from the Marcos Mausoleum which I featured before. Interestingly, there is a second Aglipa

Aglipay Historic Shrine

Kullabeng, Pinili, Ilocos Norte

It is sitio kullabeng where Monsignor Gregorio L. Aglipay celebrated his 42nd Birthday at the residence of Don Ignacio Lafradez wherein many Filipino Priests were among those who are invited to grace the occasion. The issue of the abuse and discrimination of the Spanish Friars against the Filipino counter parts became the center of discussion, Mons. Aglipay led the group of the Filipino Priests in their declaration of independence from Rome and as a result they established the National Church, the Iglesia Filipina Independiente and so the first mass of the newly-born church was first celebrated in Kullabeng during said occasion. Pinili was established as a town on January 1, 1920 by virtue of EO No. 92, s.1919, which was signed by the governor general on December 20, 1919. The place was formerly covered by a thick forest where wild animals abound. In 1920, at the height of the Filipino-American War, the rebel priest, Monsignor Gregorio Aglipay, fled to the thick forest with several of his men and formed his sandatahan, to fight against the Americans who invaded the province. The Filipino soldiers under his command were weak in military tactics and almost outnumbered by the enemies. To protect soldiers from the attack of the invaders, Msgr. Aglipay ordered some of his men to climb the tallest tamarind tree on top of the hill to watch for the coming of the American forces. When the watchers saw that there was something unusual they reported it to the hiding soldiers, so that they would be ready to fight. This was how the place was used during the war. For protection, the priest ordered the settlers to build their houses nearer to each other. There were three factors that made Pinili (means selected) the name of the town: 1. General Gregorio Aglipay selected it as the place of refuge for his army; 2. The place was inhabited only by selected people; and 3. The place was chosen as the site of the poblacion because of its historical value. Aglipay Shrine in Batac Aglipay died at the age of 80 on September 1, 1940 and was given an elaborate funeral attended by officials of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. His remains lie in state at a large mausoleum called the Aglipay Shrine in downtown Batac City. This shrine is actually right across the street from the Marcos Mausoleum. Batac is one of the oldest towns in Ilocos Norte. It was founded by the conqiustador Juan de Salcedo in 1577, shortly after he had consolidated Spanish rule in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. It is the birthplace of Gregorio Aglipay, the co-founder of the Philippine Independent Church, better known as the Aglipayan Church, and Gen. Artemio Ricarte, the Father of the Philippine Army.

Paoay Sand Dunes,

Countries such as Morocco and Dubai are famous for their natural sand dunes. But did you know that the Philippines have its own 52 square mile of this God-given wonder?

The Ilocos Sand Dunes Stretches encompasses the towns of Currimao through to Pasuquin in Ilocos Norte. The La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag City is one of the more popular sand dune destinations in Ilocos Norte. But more recently, the PAOAY SAND DUNES is remarkably gaining popularity to tourists travelling up north.

To start your Paoay Sand Dunes Adventure, hire a 4x4 Rough Riding vehicle at the base of the site. A fleet of these 4x4s are at your disposal and a professional driver will be your guide to the vast sand dunes. For 1,500php for a maximum of 5 people per car, the driver will tour the group at the Sand dunes for 30 minutes. Sightseeing and photo sessions can be done for this package.

For the more adventurous type, rent the 4x4 for an hour which will then include sand boarding and thrilling drops on steep sand ridges that will make you scream in excitement. Hold on to the steel bar while standing on the 4x4 for the most exciting adventure in Paoay. The sand ridges can go as high as 10-20ft at the most, while the most thrilling ride is the rollercoaster, where a series of sand hills will make you hold on to that bar of steel for dear life.

After these rides, try sand boarding where a plank of wood is your equipment to slide over sand folds in the vast landscape. It has the same discipline as skate boarding, such as balance is the key to the sport. My first try was, of course (with my inborn uncoordinated self), a fall but it was not painful at all. The soft sand is your cushion and your defense to the fear of trying again. If you do it once and get over the fear, I can assure that youll do it over and over again. It was that much fun! The hardest and most tiring aspect of the sport? Going up again the sandy slope after sliding down, but this will not prevent you to try and try until you do it perfectly. This package will cost 2,500php.

After the thrill, the guide will then drive the group down to the beach shores along the sand dunes. It is a perfect way to end a beautiful and exhilarating adventure. Plan your trip either in the early morning to welcome the sunrise (open as early as 5am) or late afternoon (5-6pm) to glory on the sunset not only because its marvelous but also to avoid the heat of the afternoon sun that can reflect to the sand.

The Paoay Sand Dunes Adventure is not one to be missed up north. For reservations, contact the Paoay Off-Roaders and Adventure Group here:

Gilbert Santos, +63 928 9473518