The Paoay Church and the Legendary Paoay Lake ~ ILOCOS NORTE

For history-lovers and devoted catholics, a trip to Ilocos Provinces is not complete without having a stop at San Agustin Church or popularly known as Paoay Church. In fact it is one the most visited sites in Ilocos Norte. Paoay Church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, recognized and designated by the UNESCO as World Heritage Site in 1993.

 

Paoay Church was founded by Augustinian missionaries in 1694 and the construction was completed in 1894. With its distinct architectural design and structure which is evidently influenced by the European Baroque architecture, the church has withstood the test of time. Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia, said that Paoay Church is a "prime example of Earthquake Baroque architecture, which is the Philippine interpretation of the European Baroque adapted to the seismic condition of the country".

I've got to see Paoay Church for the third time already. The first time i saw its enchanting beauty was during our Highschool day's Education trip in 2001. Second was in 2004, College Educational Trip for our History Class. Third was last year, 10 years ago during our 2-day Ilocos Trip and i must say it never fails to amaze me and I'm sure other visitors too because of its undiminished beauty and unique features. 
  

The Notice of Recognition: I am a bit disappointed when i saw this notice board where i got nothing to read and the only visible is the UNESCO LOGO. The writings have faded and erased due to rain and sun exposure. Well, the local government of Paoay should always check on this because this gives information to the visitors of how important the structure appearing before their eyes is, even without searching on the net or asking the locals. I hope this had been fixed now.

 



Standing tall and firm beside the church is a 3-storey bell tower made of coral stones. It was designed few meters away from the main structure to spare the church in case of collapse. The tower also served as an observation post in 1896 for the Katipuneros during the Philippine revolution against the Spaniards, and again by the Filipino guerillas during the Japanese occupation in World War II.

It is also said that the bell tower serve as symbol of status for the locals. The bell would ring more loudly and more times during the wedding of a prominent clan that it would during the wedding of the poor. 

 

I noticed some changes when we got inside. Recent typhoons and earthquakes brought a little damage to the Church especially to its roofing and it has undergone some renovations. The original roof made of lumber, rock corals and bricks has now changed with galvanized corrugated metal roofing and there were few bats that inhabit the roof. Well, I can say it is safe and clean inside the church now.

Photo By Anthony Lorenzo

It is believe that the church's secret for earthquake survival is its enormous 24 carved buttresses supporting it on the sides and at the back.

Photos from my previous visits

During our Colleg Trip, 2003

During our Highschool Trip, 2001

MY FAVORITE PART: Camwhoring time for souvenir

 
  

 

Of course, I did my signature pose..

THE PAOAY LAKE & THE MYTH OF THE SUBMERGED VILLAGE

Perhaps, the mysteries, myths and other undocumented claims being linked to this inland lake makes it the Paoay Lake as a whole. Well, the urban legend that tells how the old rich village submerged into the flood water after a heavy rain as a punishment to the people living the place where the lake is now located may be an interesting story that had been passed from generation to generations. Some fishermen say that they have been catching fishes with gold rings and other jewelries in their mouths and bodies. These stories have consequently been associated to the extravagant living of the people that inhabited the place a long time ago.

The lake is very calm. The water seemed like untouched with little waves when blown by the air or when a bird catches a fish to eat. Most waves will soon disappear before they reach the shoreline. It is surrounded by sand that are brown in color. The lake was made a national park in June 21, 1969 and is now called The Paoay Lake National Park.

From the lake's main entrance, the "Balay Ti Amianan" or the Malacanang of the North, one of the mansions of the influential Marcos clan, is within the eye's reach. Malacanang of the North, have been opened to the public and is now one of the attractions in Paoay. Near the lake is also the Fort Ilocandia Golf & Country Club, the famous and only five-star hotel in the north filled with amenities and facilities that tourists can enjoy. Fort Ilocandia also holds The Golf Course, a world class 18-hole country club exclusively used by President Ferdinand Marcos during his time.

BANCAS FOR RENT: These small bancas (boat) can accommodate 4-5 guests who wants to try boating in the calm water of the lake. Obviously, boating is not challenging at all, but the serene water and surrounding is a perfect blend for a romantic boating experience for lovers. 

 Small kubos (small shed made of wood & thatch) have been built at the lake's entrance offering a shed for the guests to enjoy the view of the lake. This also serves as observatory shed for the people of Paoay spotting different species of birds that visit the lake to look for food. Species of birds are being recorded in a chart located inside the kubo also for public information.

OPPS, this will not be complete without these awesome pictures of us..

  

 

HOW TO GET THERE: 

FROM MANILA: Take a bus bound for Loag City. Partas, Farinas and Florida are the bus line companies that offer daily trips from Manila to Laoag City. Traveling time is approximately 11 hours. Stop at Batac City proper and take a tricycle ride going to Paoay Church. Then from Paoay Church, take another tricycle going to Paoay Lake.

SEE MORE PHOTOS, CLICK HERE!

Date of Experience: October 23, 2011
With Pamela Figuracion-Mallorca, Ton Lorenzo & Sheryl Erpelo-Lorenzo
Credits: Wikipedia, Wikipilipinas