Side Views: Flight PR 2196 to Laoag

All the clouds were grey that late Saturday morning, but the flight from Manila to Laoag remained set. PAL Flight PR 2196 to Laoag was going to be on schedule...

...and the first leg of my trip up North proceeded without any hitch, despite the midday rains that seemed to get stronger every minute. Passing through isolated pockets of turbulence, the flight aboard PAL's Airbus A320 was generally smooth enough for a light nap. And in less than an hour...

...touchdown Laoag, Ilocos Norte. And somehow the rains also stopped. A sign of more good things to come. The first leg of my northern journey completed, it was then time for the drive down south, to the old colonial and historical city of Vigan.

And the drive south to Vigan, Ilocos Sur, brings me to some popular sights along the way. Like Paoay Lake, a horseshoe-shaped lake located in the municipality of Paoay. Said to be the largest lake in Ilocos Norte with a surface area of 386 hectares, with water supplied entirely by fresh groundwater and rains. A variety of local fish species inhabit the lake, including mudfish, catfish, and tilapia, as well as both indigenous and migratory birds.

One of Paoay Lake's most popular attraction is the Malacanan ti Amianan, or the Malacanan Palace of the North, a historical House Museum built by the family of former President Ferdinand Marcos. Situated majestically above the lake, the house museum is built of native hardwood, marble floors, and numerous native capiz windows for a panoramic view of the tranquil lake.

Further down south, the route leads us to the Church of Saint Augustine, more commonly known as Paoay Church, one of the oldest churches in the municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Completed in 1710 under the supervision of Agustinian friars, the historic church has been designated as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. Against the cloudy, grey skies, the church remains an imposing presence.

Influenced by the European Baroque style, the Paoay Church features massive buttresses supporting the sides of the structure. The exteriors walls have survived numerous earthquakes quite well, and remains lovingly preserved for generations to come.

Inside, enough light from the cloudy skies filter through the stained glass, creating a muted and warm glow. The mood is peaceful and tranquil, the way it has been for over 300 years.

High above, the intricate stained glass windows provide an ethereal glow, letting in just enough light, in bright and vibrant hues, to illuminate the interiors in stark contrast with the grey skies outside.

And the old church still looks as pretty as she must have looked back in 1710...

One last look at the bell tower, and it was then time for the one and a half hour drive down to Vigan...

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