Patapat Viaduct: Your DIY Guide

Posted on by Loneprowler

Ilocos Norte boasts several man-made wonders. Aside from Spanish-era museums, the province also has outdoor structures. Probably, the Patapat Viaduct is the most famous among them.

Contents

Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!

Location

Address: Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Coordinates: 18.575713629220896, 120.89459367044957

Map:

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Business Hours
  • Curfew may be imposed at some point and circumstance.

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Fees
  • Entrance Fee: None

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Contact Person/Group/Website/Page

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Driving Through Patapat Viaduct

Ilocos Norte boasts several man-made wonders. Aside from Spanish-era museums, the province also has outdoor structures. Probably, the Patapat Viaduct is the most famous among them.

Patapat Viaduct, otherwise known as Patapat Causeway Bridge or Patapat Bridge, is located on the northernmost part of Ilocos Norte, with the border to Cagayan. This is the reason it was on the last part of my itinerary when I visited the province.

The causeway bridge is 1.3 kilometer long and is elevated 31 meters above sea level [1]. This concrete, two-lane elevated coastal road connects the Maharlika Highway in Ilocos Norte to Cagayan Valley. Traversing the bridge, you will easily notice that it zigzags with the contour of the hillside. Under the management of DPWH-PMO-PJHK, the bridge was erected by Hanil Development Co. Ltd. and finished and opened to traffic in October 1986 [2]. Constructed above the rocky seashore, the viaduct was engineered to solve the recurring problem of landslides in this particular part of the region [1,2]. 

Months after the construction has been finished, images of the causeway became viral in the internet. Patapat Viaduct is now a famous tourist destination in the region. It offers a majestic view of Pasaleng Bay. Moreover, the islands of Fuga and Calayan are visible to the naked eye on a clear day. Aside from causeway being the 4th longest bridge in the country, Patapat Viaduct is also located on the starting point of the Cordillera Mountain Range.

The Patapat bridge, which is constructed at the foot of the Patapat mountain, is a destination in itself as it provides a great view of West Philippine Sea.
At the end of the causeway towards the Cagayan Valley boundary, we stopped and enjoyed the beautiful scenery with the cold sea breeze on our face.
From the road, you can have a glimpse of the pebbled Patapat Beach.
The above video would give you a glimpse of the scenic viaduct.

In conclusion, Patapat Viaduct is a worthy addition to your Ilocos Norte itinerary as it offers a great view of pebbled coastal area, West Philippine Sea, and a glimpse of the beginning of the Cordillera Mountain Range while traversing the 4th longest bridge in the country.

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How to Get To Patapat Viaduct

By land. Take any bus heading to Laoag City.

  • Manila buses bound to Laoag City are Partas, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, Viron Transit, Florida Bus Line, Fariñas Trans, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines and F. Franco Transit. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips. There are tricycles and vans for hire which usually covers a group of tourist destinations in the province.
  • From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips. There are tricycles and vans for hire which usually covers a group of tourist destinations in the province.
  • GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Laoag City route. There are tricycles and vans for hire which usually covers a group of tourist destinations in the province.

By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport.

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Helpful Local Phrases
  • Good morning: Naimbag a bigat; Good afternoon: Naimbag a malem; Good day: Naimbag nga aldaw; Good evening: Naimbag a rabii
  • How are you?: Kumusta
  • Thank you: Agyamanak
  • What is your name?: Ania ti nagan mo?
  • I don’t understand: Diak maawatan
  • How do I get to…?: Kasantnu ak a makapan sadiay…?
  • One: maysa, two: duwa, three: tallo, four: uppat, five: lima, six: ennem, seven: pito, eight: walo, nine: siyam, ten: sangapulo
  • How much is this?: Sagmamano daytoy?
  • Help!: Arayat!
  • Sorry: Pakawanennak

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Other Notable Nearby Places

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References

[1] Dangerousroads.org. n.d. The winding Patapat Bridge: a paved road along the sea coast. [online] Available at: <https://www.dangerousroads.org/asia/philippines/4048-patapat-bridge.html&gt; [Accessed 23 March 2021].

[2] Kbl.org.ph. n.d. Patapat Viaduct. [online] Available at: <https://kbl.org.ph/patapat-viaduct/&gt; [Accessed 23 March 2021].

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Advertisement

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse: Your DIY Guide

Posted on by Loneprowler

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse and Faro Cabo Cape Bojeador, is located in the town of Burgos in the politically powerful province of Ilocos Norte. This hundred-year-old structure is not just a working lighthouse but also now a must-see historical tourist site.

Contents

Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!

Location

Address: Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Coordinates: 18.5122° N, 120.5977° E

Map:

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Business Hours
  • Open anytime. Curfew may be imposed at some point and circumstance.

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Fees
  • Entrance Fee: Php20.00

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Contact Person/Group/Website/Page

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Under the Piercing Lights of the Tallest and Oldest Lighthouse in the Philippines

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse and Faro Cabo Cape Bojeador, is located in the town of Burgos in the politically powerful province of Ilocos Norte. This hundred-year-old structure is not just a working lighthouse but also now a must-see historical tourist site.

The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is located atop a Vigia de Nagpartian Hill overlooking Cape Bojeador along the northern part of the West Philippine Sea. It is considered as the highest-elevated lighthouse in the Philippines and the northwesternmost in location (the northeasternmost being Cape Engaņo Lighthouse in Palaui Island, Santa Ana, Cagayan) [1].

The lighthouse was erected over a hundred years ago as part of galleon navigation. It still functions and serves ships that enter the Philippine Archipelago from the north and guide them safely away from the rocky coast of the town.

The lighthouse had been commissioned to Eng. Magin Pers Y Pers and completed the design on 1887. After a reconfiguration by the head of Lighthouse Service Eng. Guillermo Brockman, Faro de Cabo Bojeador became operational April 1890. However, it was only on 1892 that the structure was lighted. The original lighthouse lens and mechanism had been operational until damaged during the 1990 earthquake.

The whole complex is composed of three levels. The courtyard serves as the lowest level. Approximately three meters above the courtyard is the service building, the second level. This pavilion has three apartment and two offices. The walls are a combination of wood and bricks. About five meters above the pavilion is the tower, the highest level. The octagonal stone tower, being the most prominent structure in the light complex, is 65 feet (20 meters) high. The tower is built from locally-made bricks.

The road winding up to the lighthouse concludes in front of this brick structure.
From the end of the road, you can see portions of the three levels of the lighthouse complex. You need to climb these stairs dotted with plants on its sides.
From the courtyard (lowest level), you can have a glimpse of the tower and the front side of the pavilion.
Images above show the lighthouse marker, excerpts of the history of the structure, and some original equipment on display.
A pair of windows in one of the apartments in the pavilion level.
Stairs leading to the base of stone tower, the third level.
The stone tower of cape Bojeador Lighthouse, the highest elevated lighthouse in the country.
View of the West Philippine Sea from the deck on the base of the tower.

In conclusion, the operation of Cape Bojeador Lighthouse will outlast generations as it is a historical site and a tourism magnet. This is a place to go to when you love history in a beautiful landscape.

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How to Get To Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

By land. Take any bus heading to Laoag City.

  • Manila buses bound to Laoag City are Partas, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, Viron Transit, Florida Bus Line, Fariñas Trans, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines and F. Franco Transit. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips. Tell the driver/conductor to drop you at the junction to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.
  • From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips. Tell the driver/conductor to drop you at the junction to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.
  • GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Laoag City route. Tell the driver/conductor to drop you at the junction to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.

By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport.

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Helpful Local Phrases
  • Good morning: Naimbag a bigat; Good afternoon: Naimbag a malem; Good day: Naimbag nga aldaw; Good evening: Naimbag a rabii
  • How are you?: Kumusta
  • Thank you: Agyamanak
  • What is your name?: Ania ti nagan mo?
  • I don’t understand: Diak maawatan
  • How do I get to…?: Kasantnu ak a makapan sadiay…?
  • One: maysa, two: duwa, three: tallo, four: uppat, five: lima, six: ennem, seven: pito, eight: walo, nine: siyam, ten: sangapulo
  • How much is this?: Sagmamano daytoy?
  • Help!: Arayat!
  • Sorry: Pakawanennak

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Other Notable Nearby Places

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References

[1] Web.archive.org. n.d. Burgos Ilocos Norte Philippines Online. [online] Available at: <https://web.archive.org/web/20101016095733/http://www.pasyalan.net/ilocos_norte/burgos/> [Accessed 5 March 2021].

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Burgos Wind Farm: Your DIY Guide

Posted on by Loneprowler

Burgos Wind Farm, the biggest wind farm in Southeast Asia, is also a sight to behold along the beautiful shoreline of Ilocos Norte, facing the West Philippine Sea.

Contents

Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!

Location

Address: Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Coordinates: 18.53453, 120.64787 and 18.52123, 120.67314

Map:

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Business Hours
  • Open anytime. Curfew may be imposed at some point and circumstance.

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Fees
  • Entrance Fee: None

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Contact Person/Group/Website/Page

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Under the Giant Blades of Burgos Wind Farm

Burgos Wind Farm, the biggest wind farm in Southeast Asia, is also a sight to behold along the beautiful shoreline of Ilocos Norte, facing the West Philippine Sea.

One of the Vestas wind turbine near Kapurpurawan, Burgos, Ilocos Norte.

The wind farm was constructed as Burgos I and Burgos II Wind farm projects under the developer Energy Development Corporation, an Ayala-owned company and installed by CJR Renewables. CJR Renewables installed mechanical and electrical 50 Vestas V90 3.0MW with 75-meter hub high and 90-meter rotor diameter wind turbine generators (WTG) [1]. The Burgos I project has a total of 87 MW power generated and Burgos II in, upon its completion in 146 days gave a total 150 MW power [2].

The Burgos Wind Farm is considered as the biggest wind farm in Southeast Asia. First Balfour was the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for the civil works and electrical network of the this project [3].

Wind mills are scattered along the mountainous area of Burgos, Ilocos Sur. Image sources: Lloyd Intalan, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons [left image], and Jesstine Co, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons [right image].

This amazing wind farm is located in Ilocos Norte. Located in more than 600 hectares of mountainous terrain covering Barangays Saoit, Poblacion and Nagsurot in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, the wind farm now produces about 370 gigawatt-hours of energy and avoids an estimated 200,000 tons of carbon emissions annually [3].

The Burgos Wind Farm, like the Bangui Windmills, has gathered an influx of tourists. This has helped the tourism industry of the the region, creating income generating means for tour guides, transporattion, and selling of novelty items.

As a whole, Burgos Wind Farm, like its Bangui Wind Farm, is not just a source of green energy but also generates income for locals from tourists who wants to have a look at this amazing technology.

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How to Get To Bangui Windmills

By land. Take any bus heading to Laoag City.

  • Manila buses bound to Laoag City are Partas, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, Viron Transit, Florida Bus Line, Fariñas Trans, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines and F. Franco Transit. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips.
  • From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips.
  • GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Laoag City route.

By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport.

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Helpful Local Phrases
  • Good morning: Naimbag a bigat; Good afternoon: Naimbag a malem; Good day: Naimbag nga aldaw; Good evening: Naimbag a rabii
  • How are you?: Kumusta
  • Thank you: Agyamanak
  • What is your name?: Ania ti nagan mo?
  • I don’t understand: Diak maawatan
  • How do I get to…?: Kasantnu ak a makapan sadiay…?
  • One: maysa, two: duwa, three: tallo, four: uppat, five: lima, six: ennem, seven: pito, eight: walo, nine: siyam, ten: sangapulo
  • How much is this?: Sagmamano daytoy?
  • Help!: Arayat!
  • Sorry: Pakawanennak

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Other Notable Nearby Places

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References

[1] CJR Renewables | EPC / BOP / BOS SOLUTIONS. n.d. Burgos I & II Wind Farm – CJR Renewables | EPC / BOP / BOS SOLUTIONS. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 25 January 2021″ target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>http://www.cjr-renewables.com/projects/details.aspx?id=77&title=burgos-i-ii-wind-farm&idioma=en&gt; [Accessed 25 January 2021].

[2] Powerinfotoday.com. n.d. EDC Commences Construction Of 0M Burgos Wind Project In Philippines. [online] Available at: <https://www.powerinfotoday.com/wind-energy/edc-commences-construction-of-300m-burgos-wind-project-in-philippines/> [Accessed 25 January 2021].

[3] First Balfour. n.d. Burgos Wind Farm – First Balfour. [online] Available at: <https://firstbalfour.com/projects/burgos-wind-farm/> [Accessed 26 January 2021].

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Bangui Windmills: Your DIY Guide

Posted on by Loneprowler
bangui windmills

Bangui Windmills, otherwise known as Bangui Wind Farm, considered the first commercial wind farm project in Southeast Asia supplying 33 MW of clean energy, is a sight to behold along the beautiful shoreline of Ilocos Norte.

Contents

Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!

Location

Address: Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Coordinates: 18.5286° N, 120.7181° E

Map:

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Business Hours
  • Open anytime. Curfew may be imposed at some point and circumstance.

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Fees
  • Entrance Fee: None

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Contact Person/Group/Website/Page

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Under the Giant Blades of Bangui Windmills

Bangui Windmills, otherwise known as Bangui Wind Farm, considered the first commercial wind farm project in Southeast Asia supplying 33 MW of clean energy, is a sight to behold along the beautiful shoreline of Ilocos Norte, facing the West Philippine Sea.

bangui windmills

The Bangui Windmills is a two phase project. Officially known as NorthWind Bangui Bay Project, Phase I was completed in 2005 as the first project in Emissions Reduction Purchase Agreement (ERPA) under the Clean Development Mechanism[1]. On the third quarter of 2008, Phase II was completed, bringing a total capacity of 33 MG output with the addition of five more turbines. It is estimated that the power generated by the wind farm provides electricity for more than 100,000 households [1].

The project was developed by the NorthWind Power Development Corporation (NWPDC) and was later partially acquired by the local Ayala Corporation, a well-known conglomerate in the Philippines[1].

Apparently, the project has contributed to the the sustainable development of the place. It has an estimated 56,788 tCO2e reduction in emission of greenhouse gases, contributes renewable energy to the national grid, boosted local tourism, and generated additional employment[2].

All in all, Ilocos Norte is becoming a local leader in green energy in the Philippines as wind farms, solar farms, and hydroelectric plants are also located in other areas. In fact, the total energy produced by wind farms alone is around 283 MW [3].

bangui windmills
Bangui Windmills along the West Philippine Sea shore, with the Burgos windmills in the background.
bangui windmills
The windmills has attracted multitude of tourists as this is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.

In conclusion, Bangui Windmills, otherwise known as Bangui Wind Farm, is not just a sight to behold along the beautiful shoreline of Ilocos Norte, as its main purpose if production of green energy.

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How to Get To Bangui Windmills

By land. Take any bus heading to Laoag City.

  • Manila buses bound to Laoag City are Partas, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, Viron Transit, Florida Bus Line, Fariñas Trans, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines and F. Franco Transit. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips.
  • From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips.
  • GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Laoag City route.

By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport.

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Helpful Local Phrases
  • Good morning: Naimbag a bigat; Good afternoon: Naimbag a malem; Good day: Naimbag nga aldaw; Good evening: Naimbag a rabii
  • How are you?: Kumusta
  • Thank you: Agyamanak
  • What is your name?: Ania ti nagan mo?
  • I don’t understand: Diak maawatan
  • How do I get to…?: Kasantnu ak a makapan sadiay…?
  • One: maysa, two: duwa, three: tallo, four: uppat, five: lima, six: ennem, seven: pito, eight: walo, nine: siyam, ten: sangapulo
  • How much is this?: Sagmamano daytoy?
  • Help!: Arayat!
  • Sorry: Pakawanennak

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Other Notable Nearby Places

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References

[1] Vestas.com. n.d. The True Pioneer Of The Industry. [online] Available at: <https://www.vestas.com/en/about/pioneering%20the%20industry#!> [Accessed 20 December 2020].

[2] Greentelecom.co.uk. 2013. Northwind Bangui Bay Project Wind Farm. [online] Available at: <https://greentelecom.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/cfp_cer-453_philippines_wind_issue_10.pdf> [Accessed 20 December 2020].

[3] Adriano, L., 2016. ‘Green’ Energy Seen Only Option For Ilocos Norte. [online] INQUIRER.net. Available at: <https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/797713/green-energy-seen-only-option-for-ilocos-norte> [Accessed 7 January 2021].

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Bantay Watch Tower

Posted on by Loneprowler

The Bantay Watchtower is one of the most popular daytime destinations in Ilocos Sur, Philippines due to its history and religious significance as well as its alluring facade.

Contents

Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!

Location

Address: Bantay, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Coordinates: 17°34’28.9″N 120°23’13.2″E

Map:

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Business Hours
  • 0600AM-0500PM

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Fees
  • Entrance Fee: Free admission

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The Enduring Bantay Watchtower

The Bantay Watchtower is one of the most popular daytime destinations in Ilocos Sur, Philippines due to its history and religious significance as well as its alluring facade.

The watchtower is known in many names that tourist might get confused. I was one of them, haha. When I was planning to go there, I put in my itinerary the “Bantay Watchtower” and “Bantay Belfry”. To my utter shame, it is the same as what the tricycle driver explained to me, lol. The structure is called Bantay Church Watchtower, Bantay Bell Tower, Bantay Belfry, Belfry of St. Augustine Church, among others.

Bantay Watchtower is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Ilocos Sur, Philippines.

Historically, the Bantay Watchtower is of great importance to the town. Built in 1591, it was said to be the people’s watchtower, part of the community’s defense in alerting them against possible enemies [1]. Also, it became the belfry of the St. Augustine Church which was built on 1590 [2]. The grounds where the belfry stands is also said to be the same where Diego Silang and his troops fought the Spaniards in 1763 [1].

Built in 1591, you can see the int he above images the restored belfry.
An adult and child tourists at the bell level of the watchtower.

The Bantay Watchtower is also a significant religious structure. It is originally the belfry of the St. Augustine Church found within the same grounds.

Visitors will also see within St. Augustine Church the statue of Our Lady of Charity, who is Nueva Segovia’s patroness. From the church, she is said to have watched over the city over many generations [1]. 

Built in 1590, the St. Augustine Church is found within the same compound.
Visitors will also see within St. Augustine Church the statue of Our Lady of Charity, who is Nueva Segovia’s patroness. From the church, she is said to have watched over the city over many generations [1]. 

When I went there, I was expecting a place with not much tourists, lol, like what you see in most Instagram or other social media posts. So I made a comparison of a manipulated shot showing only the belfry and a shot with tourists. However, even with the number of tourists, it is still one of the places that I will suggest to visit. I was there a couple of hours before sunset and the effect of the golden sunlight later is amazing on the even more amazing structure.

Bantay Watchtower is one of the most touristed areas in Ilocos Norte. I wasn’t able to climb it because of the long queue.

Potentially, more non-local tourists will gaze upon its beauty as the provincial government boosts cruise tourism through international cruise ships to dock at Salomague Ilocos Cruise Port. 

The passengers, who came from European, Asian, American and Middle Eastern countries, arrived at Salomague Port in Brgy. Salomague, Cabugao then visited the tourist destinations here such as the Bantay Church Bell Tower, St. Paul Cathedral Church, Pagburnayan (where earthenware pots are hand-crafted), Hidden Garden, Calle Crisologo, and various National Museums in the Heritage City of Vigan [3]. The local government hoes to continue this in the future.

In summary, Bantay Watchtower, known of many names, is one of the most famous tourist sites in Ilocos Norte because of its historical importance, religious affiliation, and its wondrous facade. Best time to go there is early in the morning or during sunset.

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How to Get There

By land. Take any bus heading to Vigan City or Laoag City.

  • Manila buses bound to Vigan City are Partas, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, Viron Transit, Florida Bus Line, Fariñas Trans, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines and F. Franco Transit. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at Bantay Watchtower.
  • From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at Bantay Watchtower.
  • GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Vigan City route. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at Bantay Watchtower.

By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport. Take any bus bound to Vigan City. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at Bantay Watchtower.

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Helpful Local Phrases
  • Good morning: Naimbag a bigat; Good afternoon: Naimbag a malem; Good day: Naimbag nga aldaw; Good evening: Naimbag a rabii
  • How are you?: Kumusta
  • Thank you: Agyamanak
  • What is your name?: Ania ti nagan mo?
  • I don’t understand: Diak maawatan
  • How do I get to…?: Kasantnu ak a makapan sadiay…?
  • One: maysa, two: duwa, three: tallo, four: uppat, five: lima, six: ennem, seven: pito, eight: walo, nine: siyam, ten: sangapulo
  • How much is this?: Sagmamano daytoy?
  • Help!: Arayat!
  • Sorry: Pakawanennak

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Other Notable Nearby Places

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References

[1] Vigan.ph. n.d. Bantay Belfry – The People’s Watchtower | Vigan.Ph. [online] Available at: <https://www.vigan.ph/attractions/bantay-belfry.html&gt; [Accessed 19 April 2020].

[2] Rivero, I., 2018. Feature: Ilocos Sur Governor Urges Residents To Use Bicentennial Stamps. [online] Pia.gov.ph. Available at: <https://pia.gov.ph/features/articles/1005634&gt; [Accessed 19 April 2020].

[3] Quimoyog, J., 2020. Ilocos Sur Gov’t To Boost Cruise Tourism This 2020. [online] Pia.gov.ph. Available at: <https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032517&gt; [Accessed 19 April 2020].

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Don Mariano Marcos Bridge: 3rd Longest Bridge in the Philippines

Posted on by Loneprowler

As rivers in Abra snakes around the province, the construction of bridges is but necessary to connect towns. One of which is the Don Mariano Marcos Bridge, one of the longest of its kind in the country.

The name of the bridge has a history, unlike other bridges being named to the place where it is located. The bridge was constructed in the early 1970s and when it was about to be completed in 1974, the Provincial Board and the Mayor’s League of Abra inked a resolution on 08 February 1974 to “name the new bridge, DON MARIANO MARCOS BRIDGE, in memory of the man, who, during those critical days of the Japanese Occupation saved a vanquished people from the mire of despair into which they were arbitrarily cast by their victors (PD 422, s. 1974).” This was then adopted as Presidential Decree No. 422, series of 1974 when it was signed on 27 March 1974.

The Don Mariano Marcos Bridge is the third longest of its kind in the country. Its total length is even longer than Calaba Bridge spanning 886.812 meters across the Lagben River connecting municipalities of Tayum and Dolores (The Philippine Star, 16 April 2017).

Gallery

Below is the Google Map of Don Mariano Marcos Bridge which crosses over Lagben River.

The bridge is painted with red, giving a warm aura during sunset.

To give justice to the beautiful scenery along the bridge, I have embedded a photo from Marc7travels website (Del Rosario, 2017) below.

Other Notable Tourist Spots in Abra

There are a lot of tourist destinations in Abra with Kaparkan Falls at the helm. Others include Kili Falls, Tayum Church, Cassamata Hill National Park, Tayum Church, Apao Rolling Hills, Sibud-Sibud Cave, Libtec Crystal Cave, Calaba Bridge, Piwek Rock Formations, Tangadan Tunnel, and many more.

References

Del Rosario, M. (2017). Aba! Abra! Aba! (Unlocking Abra’s landlocked beauty). Accessed on 27 June 2019 from https://www.marc7travels.com/marc7-travels-blog-entries/aba-abra-aba-unlocking-abras-landlocked-beauty.

Presidential Decree 422, series of 1974. Naming the bridge across the Abra River linking the municipalities of Tayum and Dolores, Abra, as “Don Mariano Marcos Bridge.” Accessed on 27 June 2019 from http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1974/03/27/presidential-decree-no-422-s-1974/.

The Philippine Star. (16 April 2017). Uncovering Abra. Accessed on 27 June 2019 from https://www.pressreader.com/.

Calaba Bridge: Connecting People

Posted on by Loneprowler

Bridges are primarily built to connect places with a body of water or a ravine in between. However, the case of Calaba Bridge, the longest Modular Bridge ever constructed of one Austrian company, connecting towns of Abra, has also become a tourism fixture along the Scenic Abra river.

Before its construction, the people need to cross the Abra River to go to the other side using a ferry. This, however, posed danger to the people during rainy season where the water is turbulent. Further, transporting heavy trades and goods along the river is quite expensive as well as time and effort consuming.

Project Details: Waagner-Biro

The Calaba Bridge in the Philippines is currently the longest Modular Bridge ever constructed by Waagner-Biro (2012). It measures 900 meters and covers the length of the Abra River. Further, according to the Austrian construction company, for the people of the area, the Calabra Bridge represents a great relief, because, in the past, they were restricted to using a ferry to cross the river which interrupted its service during high waters for safety reasons.

It was completed in the year 2010 under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects and now connects three municipalities across the Abra River, namely La Paz, Danglas, and Lagayan to Bangued and other parts of the province.  More importantly, the bridge serves as a primary link to the provinces of Ilocos Norte and Cagayan, and other urban centers in the region and even cuts driving hours by one hour when connecting to Laoag City International Airport (Benas, 2010) .

Gallery

Satellite image of the bridge from Google Map is seen in the embedded map below.

I took the following image as well as the header image when I visited the province in 2006. Never did I imagine that such bridge of monstrous size is connecting peoples in Abra.

The embedded image below is taken by the Austrian construction company upon its completion in 2010. (Photo source: Waagner-Biro)

To give a different view of the bridge from the two previous images, I embedded another image from Tupang Gala (2015).

Unfortunately, as the bridge has a moderate traffic when I went there, I wasn’t able to take a photo at the middle of the bridge. Here is another embedded image (Cabigas, 2014) to give justice to the allure of the bridge.

Other Notable Nearby Tourist Spots

There are a lot of tourist destinations in Abra with Kaparkan Falls at the helm. Others include Kili Falls, Tayum Church, Cassamata Hill National Park, Tayum Church, Apao Rolling Hills, Sibud-Sibud Cave, Libtec Crystal Cave, Don Mariano Marcos Bridge, Piwek Rock Formations, Tangadan Tunnel, and many more.

Reference

Benas, B. (2010). Calaba bridge links Abra, Baguio Midland Courier, 2. Accessed on 27 June 2019 from http://www.baguiomidlandcourier.com.ph/abra.asp?mode=%20archives/2010/may/5-2-2010/abra4.txt

Cabigas, E. (2014). A 900 meter bridge over stunning scenery in Abra. Accessed on 27 June 2019 from Langyaw website http://langyaw.com/2014/08/17/900-meter-bridge-stunning-scenery-abra/.

Tupang Gala. (2015). Bangued: Calaba Bridge, bridging hope for Northwestern Abra. Accessed on 27 June 2019 from Tupang gala website http://www.tupanggala.com/calaba-bridge/.

Waagner-Biro. (2012). Calaba Bridge. Accessed on 27 June 2019 from Waagner-Biro website https://www.waagner-biro.com/en/divisions/bridge-construction/references/reference/calaba-bridge.