Top 6 Best Tourist Spots in Ilocos Norte: 2024 Itinerary, Beaches, Places to Visit

1. Pagudpud.

Pagudpud is definitely one of the top tourist destinations in Ilocos Norte. Situated at the Northern tip Luzon, Pagudpud is one of top tourist attractions and destinations in Ilocos Norte. It also claims the title: "Boracay of the North" - that's according to the tourists and travelers who experienced its beauty. Pagudpud has a similarity with Boracay from the white sand shoreline, to the crystal clear waters of the Blue Lagoon, to the relaxing and cool sea breeze, to the golden sunset, up to the remarkable activities during the day and parties in the evening.

Top 10 Best Tourist Spots in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental

The thrilling white water rafting is the main attraction and destination in Cagayan de Oro City. But, did you know that they are also  known as the "City of the Golden Friendship?" Though there's a language barrier, I totally agree that they are the city of friendship because I was able to experience such hospitality from the jeepney driver and the taho vendor I met. By the way, nothing special happened during my stay here. Since it's the center of Northern Mindanao, transportation to my next destination (Bukidnon) is not a problem. It is also the gateway to the province of Camiguin, Bukidnon, Agusan and the city of Davao.

Top 10 Best Tourist Spots in Pampanga: 2024 Places to Visit, Itinerary

1. Bacolor Church

Bacolor Church or the San Guillermo Church in Pampanga is considered as the Cagsawa of the North. More then twenty years ago, Mt. Pinatubo erupted and many municipalities were left devastated, including Bacolor, Pampanga. This church was built in 1576 and was named after Bacolor's patron saint San Guillermo Ermitaño. Destroyed by earthquakes and fire then was rebuilt in 1886.

Silay City: Historical Sites (Top Tourist Spots)

1. Balay Negrense

Balay Negrense is one of the century old houses along Cinco de Noviembre Street, Silay City. This street is remarkable because of the historical value that transpires to the people. Balay Negrense is a Hiligaynon phrase which means: Balay or a house and Negrense refers to the people living in the province of Negros. It is a century old house in Silay City owned by Victor Fernandez Gaston, the eldest son of a prominent sugar baron Yves Leopold Germain Gaston and Prudencia Fernandez. It was built between 1897 to 1901, then abandoned in the mid-1970’s, repaired by the government and was inaugurated on October 6, 1990.

Angeles Church, Pampanga: History, Location, Mass Schedule, Wedding

We were heading back to Manila when we passed by the Angeles Church, Pampanga. It was evening and we thought that this church is stunningly beautiful. So, we parked and explored the area. According to history, the first chapel of Angeles Church was established in 1812, however, the current Renaissance-style structure was built through "polos y servicios" or forced and unpaid labor under the supervision of the Spanish government from 1877 to 1896. Dubbed as "Pisamban Maragul," Kapampangan phrase for "big church" because it was the tallest church in Pampanga during that time.

The Sound of Las Piñas Bamboo Organ

If I am not mistaken, the Las Pinas Bamboo Organ was our topic when I was a in grade four in Sibika at Kultura. The subject was interesting, so the history of the Las Pinas Bamboo Organ remains fresh in my memory, even the long name of man who created this majestic organ. Fray Diego Cera Dela Vergin del Carmen, a Spanish missionary born on July 26, 1762 and was the first parish priest in Las Piñas during the Spanish era. He is the man behind this national treasure - Las Piñas Bamboo Organ. He actually came from Graus, now Huesca, a town in Spain, but still his heart loves the Philippines. F. Diego Cera is also a man of titles; he is a Musician, Architect, Organ Builder, Botanist, Physician, Painter and Geologist.

San Jose Church, Iloilo

San Jose Church is the first church in the city of Ilo-Ilo, built by the Jesuits around 1607.  But, on April 29, 1617, the Augustinians established San Jose, a house of the order. It was saved from being bombed by the Americans during World War II.  As the years goes by, some renovations were made.

Tigbauan Church, Iloilo

After Miag-ao and Guimbal, around 6 PM, we passed by the Tigbauan Church in Tigbauan, Ilo-Ilo. I already paid my fare to Ilo-Ilo City but I was amazed by the facade of the church, so I immediately got off the jeepney and had a very short visit in Tigbauan Church. In front is an open plaza and is just a few meters away from Tigbauan Municipal Hall.

San Sebastian Church, Manila

After meeting up at TIP Manila for my cap distributed by Street Style Originals, my plan was to visit Paco Cemetery but due to unfriendly weather condition, I opted to visit San Sebastian Church, just few meters away. For the second time, when I entered the church, I was still fascinated by its uniqueness; from the walls, columns, floor, glass chandeliers, cabinets and others look really stunning.

VISITA IGLESIA: Old Churches in Rizal (Travel Guide)

I have been planning to visit the historical and century-old churches in Pasig and the province of Rizal and the plan became a reality; today is the perfect day and the perfect season. It is my Visita Iglesia 2018 in a backpacking style. My itinerary started with the oldest church in Pasig, then the oldest Marian church in Cainta, St. John the Baptist in Taytay, and the stunning Tanay Church with Baroque architecture. And to close our good Friday adventure, we visited the gigantic Pililla Wind Farm, also in Rizal.

Top 11 Best Tourist Spots in Romblon: 2024 Itinerary, Places to Visit

Romblon is my home town and I am very proud that I was raised in this small archipelago. My early years was surrounded by rice field, trees, and marbles, I thought the province of Romblon is composed of such but I was wrong. When I started traveling that's the time that I discovered that my home town has a lot to offer. From the untouched beaches, unexplored caves, mountains, underwater richness and may others. This article will show you how beautiful Romblon is. Allow me to introduce to you the gorgeous tourist destinations in Romblon.

Siquijor Church: A Complete Backpackers Guide

The Siquijor Church greets all the visitors as it is situated near the port. It was established in 1783 by the secular priests. It was built using coral stones and initially used cogon for roofing. What's unique about this church is the bell tower built a few meters away. Like some other old churches in the Philippines,  its convent served as the hiding place from the pirates and other invaders. Today, it is the center of Catholicism in the province but for a non-Catholic like me, this church is the living witness of the past survived by the province and its people.

Lazi Church and Convent, Siquijor

I was stunned by the appearance of Lazi Church and the convent which are the main tourist destinations in Lazi, Siquijor. The parish became independent in 1857 but the current stone structure, with neoclassical art, was completed in 1884. It was built using the sea stones, coral stones and wood. In 1972, it was declared as a national cultural heritage. Today, it is newly renovated with the walls covered with white.

TRAVEL GUIDE: MORONG CHURCH, Bataan

Morong Church or Our Lady of the Pillar Parish Church is more than 400 years old, established in 1607, which is one of the oldest churches in Bataan. Its structure was made from Coral stones, erected by the people of Morong under the Spanish Colonizer ruled the province. Based on how this church looks, the rusty color and lichen hanging on the exterior are proof that this church is considered as one of the heritage churches in Bataan. However, I did not see any Heritage or Historical markers placed here.

 

Barasoain Church: 2024 Travel Guide, History, Architecture, Mass, Wedding

Barasoain Church is also known as Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, a Roman Catholic church built in 1630 in Malolos City, Bulacan. From Bulacan Provincial Capitol, we rode in a tricycle to and alighted in front of the church. It was early in the morning so we had time to take photos without people in the background. Disadvantage? The church was open but the museum was closed. I was stunned by its structure, thus, standing in front of the facade was remarkable.

Malolos Cathedral, Bulacan

Introduction | Immaculate Conception Parish Cathedral & Minor Basilica

The Malolos Cathedral is one of the historical churches in the Philippines, located in the city, Bulacan. The construction of this church started in 1814 and was finished in 1817, under Fray. Melchor Fernández. Like most of the century-old churches in the country, this Cathedral was severely damaged by earthquakes. Today, it is the seat of the Diocese of Malolos and has been the bastion of faith for the past centuries.

Baliwag Church, Bulacan: Travel Guide, History, Mass Schedule

The gorgeous Baroque architectural design of the Baliuag Church or the Saint Augustine Parish Church is outstanding from afar. We were still inside the tricycle traveling, when I noticed the stunning brownish-golden color of the massive bell tower. Though the rear side is visible, for some reason, I was very positive that it was the church we were looking for.

Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion, Bulakan, Bulacan

It is one of the old churches located in Bulacan which is a 19th-century Neo-Byzantine-Romanesque stone church. It was declared as Marked Historical Structure of the Philippines in 2007. During Holy Week or the Lenten season, this church is the center of a famous presentation, locally called as "Dakip," a Filipino word that means to arrest or to abduct. It is a play that portrays how Jesus Christ was captured before the crucifixion.

Plaridel Church, Bulacan: Saint James the Apostle Parish Church

Plaridel Church or Quingua Church was established in 1581, that's more than four centuries ago and it is one of the oldest Hispanic churches in Bulacan. Its structure is a barn-style Baroque with Moorish ornamentation. During the British occupation (1762-1763), this church was the place where the money and jewels of San Agustin, in Intramuros, Manila, were kept. There is an octagonal chapel locally called the Simborio chapel surrounded by artistic windows. The people in this area, with the help of the local government, are preserving it's historical value. Also, "Pintakasi ng mga Caballero" or a fiesta for the horse lovers are celebrated in Plaridel, Bulacan.

 

CAMILING PARISH CHURCH: Tarlac Travel Guide

Before hiking Mt. Damas, I visited the Camiling Parish Church or the St. Michael The Archangel Parish Church in Camiling, Tarlac. This historical structure is the oldest church built in the province. It was built at around 18th century but was destroyed several times and was rebuilt in 1880s after the major earthquake. This church was the death place of General Pedro Pedroche and his soldiers who were killed by troops of Francisco Makabulos.