Ilocos Norte | Saint William Cathedral or Laoag Cathedral Church

One of the landmarks in the city is Saint William Cathedral also known as Laoag Cathedral Church is small but lovely inside where you find a great view of the altar and it's centrally located. This amazing cathedral was constructed in 1580 as per the plaque posted at its front area. It has wonderful historical significance. The American Forces used it during the 1898 Revolutionary War and by Diocesan Congress. The columns at the side are embellished with gold-color paint with a unique chandeliers above the ceiling. 

 

Located near the Cathedral are the sinking bell tower, fastfood like Mcdonalds infront the church, Supermarkets & Hotels. Very accessible to the center of the city. I love to go places or side trip along the way with its historical value especially when its well preserved.  Be sure you will visit this landmark when you're in Laoag City.  

 

 

A Sinking Bell Tower at The Heart of Laoag City in Ilocos Norte

As part of my 3 days trip in Ilocos Norte, I find my self touring around the city proper and check out this heritage old bell tower of Laoag City. The place is busy with tricycles, restaurants and motor speeding near the tower. You can't get good pictures without the hanging electrical wires and crowded establishments around the area.   It's hard to have a good picture of it so I ended up to take photos at the vacant lot near the school. Is it amazing to know how it is really sinking. According to the people & locals around the place, the bell tower is not actually sinking. It is just that the main roads are getting higher and higher were the times & years passing by which is a symbol of the religious heritage of the people of Laoag City. This area is just not well maintained and look like a very necessary work in progress was abandoned by the provincial government.

 

 

MassKara Festival 2014 Schedules in Bacolod City | Negros Occidental

It's another season of "Smiles". Getting more excited this year? Kampay for MassKara Festival 2014 starting this October 2014 . It's definitely more fun in the Philippines because of its unique colorful festival, great food, enjoying the hospitable and of course the smile were Bacolod folks do it so well. Behind the name of "MassKara Festival" which is "mass" for the people and "kara" for the face (City of Smile). There will be a 2 days electrifying street dance competition and it is the loudest, biggest and the grandest MassKara ever.

 

Here's the final schedule of MassKara Festival 2014

 

October 1, 2014 ( Wednesday)

*Fun MassKa-Run & Opening Salvo

*ZumbaaaKara & MassKara Night at Bacolod Public Plaza

 

October 3, 2014 (Friday)

*Grand Finals for Batang Bida -Bacolod 2014 at People's House of Bacolod Grounds(NGC)

 

October 10, 2014 (Friday)

*MassKara Queen at University of Saint LaSalle Coliseum

 

October 16, 2014 (Thursday)

*MassKara Land

 

October 17, 2014 (Friday)

*MassKara Dance

 

October 28, 2014 (Saturday) - *Main Highlight*

*MassKara Barangay Street Dance (all category)

*Bacolod City Charter Day Celebration

 

October 29, 2014 (Sunday)

*MassKara Electric Showdance

 

Expect the most colorful street parade will be jam packed with both local & foreign tourists along the roads of Bacolod City. Bookmarked this for parade routes & road closure details. Thanks! Photo source: www.facebook.com/MassKaraBacolod.

 

 

A Unesco World Heritage Site | Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte

Yes, definitely one of my favorite old church in the country and this is one of its kind because of a combination of unique architecture "Baroque Style" and amazing façade outside. It has a magnificent structure that stands still for a longest time and truly on of the world heritage named. The local government should ensure the cleanliness of the place. I like the huge bell tower at the side made out of coral stones. I wanted to go up the tower but the security said its nit possible to go up there because of the fragile stairs & the door was closed that time. Too bad! The church is in the heart of Paoay which is just 5-10 minutes ride via public jeepney in Batac highway cost you Php 10 per passenger. From Laoag City , about 30 minutes ride via public transport. I walked through the side of the church as per local they put efforts in preserving our old heritage site. Best time to go there is during sunset because the beauty of the church is really amazing and the limestone colors catches up with sun's light.

 

For a itchy traveler like me, your Ilocos Norte will not compete unless you come and visit this timeless creation while your still young. Next post will be the Laoag & Side Trip Tour.

 

 

Ilocos Norte: St Augustine's Church locally known as Paoay Church

It's been 3 years ago when we had a quick trip here in Ilocos Norte for an event in my previous company. That time, we missed to visit the incredible Paoay Church of Ilocos for some reason & a lack of time travelling this place where the church were located. I love seeing old & heritage churches in the Philippines because of it's unique architectures and I was not able to go inside because I went there on a Friday & heavy rains during the time. The church is stunning with its striking bell tower to the side and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Philippines. It's so historical and just looking at it outside gives you an  idea to search and know it's history more. Such a wonderful and my favorite church in the country so far next to Miag-ao Church in Iloilo. I was so excited to capture pictures while it's raining! Oh really heavy rains pours down. There is something special about it that make you want to sit on the grass and just stare at it. I feel like the old bricks and stone are telling me a thousand stories.

 

There is a nearby restaurant in front the church (Herencia), where you can try Ilocano food & delicacies.  It is definitely a must see place in Ilocos Norte and certainly a remarkable creation will truly amaze both local and foreign tourists.  

 

 

San Miguel Beer Oktoberfest 2014 Schedules is Now Up - UPDATED

SMB Oktoberfest 2014 Venues Schedule kick off on September 12, 2014 (Friday) | Let us celebrate & welcome "Ber Month" with San Miguel Beer which is the most popular alcoholic beverage in the country. It's definitely reminds me that we are already in our "Ber Month" & nearly about 4 months before Christmas. This is a month long beer, music festival and with performance of local artist & guest bands.  San Miguel Oktoberfest 2014 Ticket Price is Php 300 inclusive of all your favorite beers ( 1 cup SMB Pale Pilsen, 1 cup Red Horse Beer, 1 cup San Mig Light, 1 cup San Miguel Flavored Beer and 1 cup Cerveza Negra)in the Manila Kick Off, while Php 50 (with 1 cup of Pale Pilsen) in regional runs for Laguna & Cebu Kick-Off.  Please post your comments below. Happy Beer Day Everyone.

Mark your Calendar for the following dates and venues listed below:

September 12, 2014 (Friday) - *DONE*

 - Greenfield District Central Park at the back of Edsa Central in Shaw Blvd, Mandaluyong

October 3, 2014 (Friday)

 - One Mango Avenue, General Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City

October 4, 2014 (Saturday)

 - Laguna Central Greenfield City near Paseo De Santa Rosa & Nuvali, Sta Rosa , Laguna

San Miguel Oktoberfest 2014 Band Line Up & Performers: Ely Buendia, Pepe Smith, Slapshock, Greyhoundz, Wilabaliw, Razorback, 6cyclemind, Rivermaya, DJs Mars Miranda, Ace Ramos, Deuce Manila (Kat DJ & Patty Tiu), Top University Bands including RHB Muziklaban Grand Winners. Virtual sports games to be featured include Basketball, Archery, Pool, Billiards, Frisbeer, Giant Darts, Soccer, Giant Connect 4, and Giant Jenga booths for additional fun and thrill.