Visiting the Grandeur of Paoay Church

From Malacanan Palace of the North, we hired tricycle going to the heart of Paoay where the church is located.  It was already lunch time when we arrived so decided to have our lunch first before exploring the grandeur of one of the oldest church in the Philippines.

Completed in 1710, the church is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted by the enormous buttresses on the sides and back of the building. In 1993, the church was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one best examples of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines.

Paoay church is prime example of Earthquake Baroque architecture, which is the Philippine interpretation of the European Baroque adapted to the seismic condition of the country. Aside from Baroque, the church facade also exudes Javanese architecture reminiscent of Borobudur of Java.

During the Philippine Revolution of 1896, the bell tower made of coral stone serves as observation point of the “Katipunero’s” and by Guerillera’s during the Japanese occupation in World War II.

The bell tower also served as a status symbol for the locals. The bell would ring more loudly and more times during the wedding of a prominent clan than it would during the wedding of the poor.

The buttresses are arranged by line with designs including the emblem of Spain, pope, son of god and Chinese clouds.

Before the Augustinian’s arrival, Ilocano’s are naturally born-pagan. They forced them to build the church to conform God’s act.

Until now, Paoays’ populace observes different festivals in front of the church such as Guling-guling in observance of Lenten Season.

Truly, Paoay Church is one of the heritage-rich, historical places of the north. Son plus de plaisir dans les Philippines en raison de Paoay !

Way Points :

By Land

Several bus lines serve the route including Florida Bus Line (Contact No: 731-4473, 781-5894), Partas (Contact No: 725-1740, 725-1256, 725-7303, 724-9820), Baliwag (Contact No: 524-7111, 525-1067, 525-3064, 525-6769, 525-2338, 525-2294), Fariñas (Contact No: 743-8582).

If you’re coming from Tuguegarao, GMW Liner and Florida Liner operate buses to Laoag, fare is not more than P300.00.

From Laoag you can hire tricycle going to Paoay, Sand Dunes, Malacanan of the North, Fort Ilocandia for P 500.

By Air

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly to Laoag daily from Manila, travel time is an hour. Meanwhile Sea Air flies Manila to Vigan, Ilocos Sur, only two hours away from Laoag. From Laoag International Airport, there are tricycles and public jeepneys that can take you to the city proper.