For my next photo journal, I'm going to share with you some photos of my trip to Ilocos Norte. Here is a photo of me saying "Good bye and hope to see you again soon Vigan! Hello Ilocos Norte!" Haha.
First Stop: Ferdinand Marcos Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Batac City.
Here I saw Marcos in his deep slumber encased in glass, and learned more about the late President and all the great things that he did. Some people say he is the best President that the Philippines has ever had, although some also disagree because of past occurrences during his regime. I, for one, think that setting aside the awful events, he did great things. It's like how Mr. Olivander described Voldemort from Harry Potter; "He did great things, evil yes, but great."
Anyways, I won't delve into that anymore, since many have very strong opinions and beliefs regarding the Marcos regime. Now, I would love to share this fun fact that I learned from the Museum. Ferdinand and Imelda had an 11 day Romance. What's that you may ask? Well, to quote what I've read in the museum:
"It was a Tuesday, April 6, 1954. Ferdinand Marcos had just critiqued the passing of an omnibus budget bill. But something more momentous was about to happen. That same evening, the Solon will finally meet his muse. Instructed by her cousin, House Speaker Daniel Romualdez, Imelda and her cousin-in-law waited in the plenary while watching the fiery exchange of arguments. Later, they decided to wait in the cafeteria. After the plenary, Ferdinand went to the cafeteria and when he entered and saw Imelda, it was as if he was hit by temporary paralysis. He stood motionless staring at her. When they were finally introduced, he candidly asked her to stand up. Imelda stood up gracefully, regal, despite wearing just a housedress and slippers. This began Ferdinand’s ardent campaign to woo her. He followed Imelda when she went to Baguio with three of her wards to the Romualdez’ summer mansion for the Lenten holiday. The cold breeze and the mountain pines became witnesses to this budding romance. It was a well-orchestrated ensemble – a most opportune moment for the ‘Golden Voice of the North’ to get to know the ‘Rose of Tacloban’ better. With the audacity og a smitten man, Ferdinand presented her a marriage license for her signature. Fortunately, she acquiesced. They drove to Trinidad Valley for their civil wedding on the same day. After roughly 11 days of courtship, Imelda and Ferdinand went back to Manila as Mr. and Mrs. Marcos."
Lovely, right? It's like they had a fairy tale love story. I would love to have that too, but right now I'm kind of married to my job as a Microbiologist. I don't have a love life, yet. But, I do have a Lab life. ei? ei? haha ok, I'll stop the jokes.
Everyone knows that Imelda lived a lavish lifestyle. When you say Imelda, almost everyone thinks about shoes. I couldn't blame you. If I had that many shoes, I'd die and go to heaven then ask to be returned to my shoe heaven.
Aside from shoes, Imelda also had a lot of beautifully crafted Mestiza dresses; something she made very popular.
Second stop: Church of Paoay
I don't have much to say about the church of Paoay except that it is absolutely gorgeous! I would love to get married here someday.
Third stop: Culili Pt.Paoay Sand Dunes
This you have GOT to try if you ever visit Ilocos Norte! The heat is intense (have water prepared), but riding these 4x4s is extremely fun and exhilarating. We only availed the 30 minute ride, not the 1 hour ride. We were glad we did, because I don't think I could take another 30 minutes. I felt like my heart jumped out of my chest during one of the higher drops. It was like a roller coaster, without the seat belts. I regret not wearing the right gear for this adventure. My shoes killed me. I had sneakers on, but they didn't hold on to the floor enough while I was standing at the back of the 4x4 holding on to my life. Hahaha. Ok, I'm not making this sound good, right? But, I swear it is! I would do it again in a heart beat, that is if my heart would stay inside my chest. Just take my tips. If you're going there, be prepared. Have water with you, and wear the right gear. After this adventure, I told myself I would have to buy shoes for everything. I have hiking shoes, and sneakers, and now I think need other sporty shoes. Good thing that even if I have a busy sched, there are lots online. Just check out these babies (ZALORA also has a good selection of exercise clothing aside from the shoes) and these other babies (Adidas has great shoes. I've always been a fan. My first toddler shoes were adidas. haha)! Awesome right?
Look I'm a bunny rabbit in a 4x4!
Fourth Stop: Malacanang of the North (Malacanang ti Amianan)
The Malacanang of the North is the official residence of Marcos. It is actually a gift from Imelda to her husband. After the removal of President Marcos from power, the government took legal possession of the property, and the mansion now serves as a museum.
Lovely.
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