Mysteries of Laoag and Pasuquin

LIFESTYLE ON WHEELS – MoTourism

Last month, we witnessed how magical Abra is, https://lifestyleonwheels.com/the-magical-abra/, and our tour guide helped us out the top three reasons why Abra is so magical. He also left trivia where are the last two poles located. He shared with us that there are three remaining oldest kilometer posts. One is in Tayum, Abra. The last two are somewhat intriguing to visit. Why? Because the 2nd oldest kilometer post that still exists today is located just 109 km. ride to the brightest, vibrant, and dynamic growth center in the north. This city is unique because it’s known to surprise visitors. Any idea where it is? Yes! LAOAG.

Laoag City is best known as one of the top places to enjoy beaches, sand dunes, and historical and heritage sites. And thus, confirming that this city is a truly unique destination. FYI, being the capital of Ilocos Norte, you will expect lots of business establishments to check out including hotels, restaurants, and bars. Be reminded that social distancing and curfew are still in effect but you can still grab Inabel, Bagnet, Longganisa, Sukang Iloko, and other Ilocano products.

For sure you already “Googled” top sights to visit and Sinking Bell Tower, Malacaňang of the North, and Paoay Sand Dunes tops the list. Well surprisingly our tourist guide, Holyos Manuel, has a different recommendation for us to visit besides those frequently visited places.

Laoag Park

“Alam niyo ba, na dito sa parke ng Laoag nag dudugtong ang dalawang pinakamahahabang kalsada ng Pilipinas? ang MacArthur Highway (N2) na may habang 500 kilometro mula sa Monumento ni Bonifacio sa Caloocan ay matatapos sa pagbaba ng Gilbert Bridge hanggang sa parkeng ito at dito naman mag sisimula ang Maharlika Highway (N1) na may kahabaan na lagpas 3500 kilometro at magtatapos naman sa Siyudad ng Zamboanga.”

– Holyos Manuel, 7th time Philippine Looper

Kapitolyo, Ilocos Norte

“Alam niyo ba, na ang gusali ng Kapitolyo ng Ilocos Norte ay umedad ng isang siglo mula ng sinimulan itong gawin noong Enero 1918? halos pitong taon bago ito matapos mabuo sa pangangasiwa nila Jose Paez at Tomas Mapua. sumailalim ito sa isang renobasyon at pinalaki taong 1957. nitong Marso lamang ay ginawaran ng ‘National Historical Commission of the Philippines’ ng Pambansang Palantandaang Pangkasaysayan ang kapitolyo.”

– Holyos Manuel, 7th time Philippine Looper

2nd oldest kilometer post that still exists

The First one is in Tayum, Abra, and this 2nd oldest kilometer post that still exists today can be found at the heart of Laoag City along the Pan-Philippine Highway, Maharlika Highway, AH26. Remember we asked last time if the oldest kilometer post is just a wall of an existing store. Not exactly the photo that you can find if you “Googled” it. But you can see at the photo of our tourist, Holyos, that it is just right beside a store. What a coincidence right? 

Sinking Bell Tower. Yes, this one is a bit of a mystery and should be honorable mention in the “Alam Nyo Ba” lists of our tour guide. It is believed that the historic tower is sinking at a rate of an inch a year, though no one is completely sure why. Do you?

Now let us head up to the last, oldest existing kilometer post. Just 28 min. away from or approximately 22 km. up north from Laoag City is the coastal town of Pasuquin in Ilocos Norte. Few mysteries lie in this town but this is known for its beaches, clear sands, and falls. An apparition happened n the late 80’s to early ’90s on the beach of Puyupuyan Beach where the Grotto was erected. Another one is the shipwreck found at the same beach and is believed it sank during World War II.

Wishing Tree.

Money Tree as what is also known for, this tree might interest most of the travel buds because you can strike a pose, take selfies, and wish for a safe journey home. Mystically, this century-old Balete tree continues to attract local and foreign visitors. Visit it now and you’ll be surprised that the tree was now fenced and wishers are now prohibited to come near it to insert money on its trunk to preserve its value. Will you have guts visiting this century-old tree at midnight and wish for luck? Hmmmmm…

The last of the three oldest kilometer posts that still exists today.

Also, found along the Pan-Philippine Highway, also known as the Maharlika Highway or Daang Maharlika in Tagalog, and Dalang Halangdon in Cebuano. We can see that this oldest kilometer post is preserved to date. Have you ever wonder why this oldest kilometer post was found on this highway? For some reason, this highway is a network of roads, bridges, and ferry services that connect the islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao in the Philippines. Hmmm, that makes sense!

Our friends from Abra, Laoag, and Pasuquin made some efforts to maintain the heritage just like what the locals of Pasuquin did to the last photo visited by our tour-guide friend. Do think that is a watchtower? What do you call that structure anyway?

We are not yet done with our 7,641 ways to enjoy the islands of the Philippines, https://lifestyleonwheels.com/philippines-ride-it-in-7641-ways/, so keep riding with us.

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Article: Alex A.  Source: Holyos Manuel  Production: J AD Media

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