Wonders of Paoay, Ilocos Norte!

PAOAY, ILOCOS NORTE 

"Paoay" is a place located between Currimao and Laoag, Ilocos Norte in Northern part of the Philippines. According to the people of Paoay, which is known as the PAOAYEÑOS, the word Paoay originated from the ilocano word "makapagmaymaysa" which means nakapag-iisa/independent because Paoay back then, was a place of independency.



PAOAY ESCAPADE

PAOAY CHURCH

Paoay is rich in natural resources as well as tourist spots. One of which is the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE: St. Agustin Church popularly known as Paoay Church. It is a Roman Catholic church which was made during the Spanish Period (1521-1896). It was completed on 1710 and it is very famous because of it's distinct architecture. According to history, it was made of egg whites, bricks with corals. As we notice, most churches all over the Philippines, the bell tower was attached with the body of the church. But the bell tower of Paoay Church was isolated beside it therefore it was believed by the ancient Paoayeños that the church was earthquake proof.



PAOAY LAKE

This famous tourist spot of Paoay is located at Nagbacalan, Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Paoay Lake is a legendary place for it was believed that this was once an old town sunk in water because of the jealousy of its people.

Now, it was made into a famous tourist spot because of its legend story. Birds from other countries specifically from Taiwan, Hong Kong and China visits the lake because of its beautiful view. People of Paoay usually call the birds "Papa ducks".

MALACAÑANG OF THE NORTH

Malacañang of the North or more commonly known as "Malacañang ti Amianan" was the Marcos's official residence in Ilocos Norte and is overlooking the Paoay Lake from the back. This house was a gift from Imelda Marcos for Ferdinand's 60th birthday. As "the royal" family of the province it was sequestered and was given back after 20 years. After renovations and/or restorations the mansion was opened to the public as a museum in 2011.

SAND DUNES
The Ilocos Sand Dunes stretches along the towns of Currimao to Pasuquin. The Sand Dunes can be toured by 4x4 Rough Riding vehicle and you can also sand board for a certain price.

PAOAY FOODTRIPPING

DUDOL

This food/delicacy is proudly presents by the people of Paoay. It is useful on festivals especially during Guling-guling festival. It symbolizes sweetness of Paoay people.

PINAKBET

It is one of the most famous foods in the Ilocos Region and can be found all around the country with different kinds of vegetables added. It is a kind of vegetable stew mostly okra (ladies' fingers), eggplant, parya (bitter gourd), sitaw (string beans), tomato, sili and sometimes with a lil' bit of bagnet.

BAGNET

Also known as Chicharon Baboy or deep-fried pork meat. It is pork belly deep fried and then aired out and repeated until it reaches max crispiness.







Poqui - Poqui

It can be said that this dish is a "mashed" eggplant sauteed with onions and tomato and sometimes added with egg. It is said that the name came from the "poki" from Hawaii which means 'mash' and/or 'slice' as FIlipinos migrated there. It is also fitting as the texture of the dish is mashed.

CHICHACORN
Chichacorn are white corn kernels cooked until crunchy. It is a lil' puffed and can be bought almost anywhere in the region. It comes in different flavors like garlic,cheese,sweet and spicy and barbecue.

GULING - GULING

Guling - guling festival was introduced by the Spanish friars back in the 16th century for its parishioners to have interaction with the sectors. It is celebrated before Ash Wednesday as it is believed that it is the last day for the townsfolk to enjoy all forms of merrymaking before the Lenten Season begins. Guling came from the Ilocano word that means 'to mark/smear' and in the olden times the chieftain of the town does it.

During the celebration the people dance and parade around the center of the town. They dance folk dances such as "Sabunganay", "Paoayeña", "Ariquen-quen", "Curatsa", "Amorosa", "Pandanggo", and "La Jota" with intricate steps and hand movements (Kumintang) that depict the traits of courtesy, gentleness, patience and perseverance of the people. While the occupational dances like the "Binat-batan" and "Agab-abel" depict the traits of the people as industrious and thrifty.