Paoay: A Town Full of Experiences, and Realizations

Without a doubt, the town of Paoay is a timeless popular tourist destination in Northern Luzon.
It’s known by its Cultural Heritage and Historical Significance. The best trademark that the
people of Paoay is being independent. As it was named Paoay. In Ilokano term, "makapaaway
kami," which literally means "we can live alone."

If you're from Metro Manila, you can travel to Paoay by

plane or bus. By plane, you must book a flight from
NAIA to Laoag International Airport. From the airport,
you can travel to Paoay via tricycles and jeepneys that
are available around the area. By bus, you can ride a
bus bound for Laoag City but there are also some buses
that can drop you off directly to Paoay. The travel time
is around 10 to 12 hours by bus. There are tricycles that
are available outside of the terminal that can take you to Paoay.

Paoay Lake Water Park is a place where you can

harness your sports skills or relax with family, friends,
and relatives. This inflatable island officially opened
on January 30, 2022 in Paoay. It is a floating island
with gigantic slides, swings, and other inflatables that
make up an obstacle course. Moreover, it offers hotel
accommodations along with a day pass. There is a food
park where you can buy different foods. The inflatable
island offers a wide range of packages, like BBQs,
barkada outings, and birthdays. The price depends on the promo or package that you choose. The
prices are – Splash (P399) for two hours, Spray (P499) for half a day, and Soaked (P599) for the
whole day.

Another tourist spot is The Malacañang of the North.

It is a presidential museum and was the residence of
the family of the late Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. It was
built by the Philippine Tourism Authority in 1977 for
the patriach's 60th birthday, and became the official
residence for the president's family when they were
staying in Ilocos Norte. The two-story mansion
overlooking the Paoay Lake, has 9 bedrooms, 2 living
rooms, and 2 dining rooms. Windows are made from capiz, while walls and floors are in
gleaming hardwoods, boasting intricate parquet. Most of the furnishings are antiques. The
Malacañang of the North is open Tuesdays to Sundays between 9 AM and 4:30 PM.

On Ilocos Norte's eastern coast, the Paoay Sand Dunes

are a well-liked geological attraction and tourist
destination. It is primarily known for being an
excellent location for sandboarding and 4x4 Jeep trips
across the sand and covers an area of around 88 square
kilometers. You can get an adrenaline rush while
driving a 4x4 across the dunes and across the rugged
terrain in this area. Sandboarding involves riding a
board down smooth, sandy slopes that lead to the
area's beach. You will also pass by a bamboo art installation that is dedicated to one of the most
well-known Filipino actresses, Nora Aunor, for her performance in the 1982 film called
"Himala." The Paoay Sand Dunes are at their most beautiful between December to May. There
are fewer chances of rainfall so the sand remains smooth and dry in these months. For a more
picturesque ride through the sand dunes, schedule your ride during blue hour or around 5 to 6
PM so you can drive across the dunes as you watch the beautiful sunset.

In this gorgeous town, resides the most significant

landmark of the past and present which is the Paoay
Church. Agriculturally featured into a unique and
strong cathedral. We cannot deny the fact that Paoay
Church was nominated as the UNESCO World
Heritage Site and was officially Inscribed in 1993 as a
National Treasure. In 2019, I traveled from San
Nicolas to Paoay. We went to Paoay Church. It was
my first time to see the UNESCO World Heritage
Site in person. Back then, I used to read about it in magazines and gaze at its pictures in awe.
Seeing the church in front of me, I can say that its pictures don't do justice to its intricate design
and timeless beauty. I took pictures just like other tourists do. Then I attended the mass. I prayed
to Him to let me claim victory for an upcoming writing contest at the division level. A few
weeks later, I went to the contest proper, and after 3 days, they announced that I had only
achieved 4th place. I needed to get one of the 1st–3rd places so that I will be able to go to the
regional level. From that moment on, I despise Paoay because I thought that my plea at Paoay
Church was not given to me. I spent 3 years carrying a gargantuan melancholy and resentment
toward Paoay. When we wrote an autobiography in our Creative Nonfiction class, I remembered
about this event in my life. I talked to my mother about it again. "You didn't lose in the
competition. You got 4th place. That's still a win. You made us very proud." My mother said this
to me. I realized that planting negativity in my heart is not good. I realized that there is a
meaningful reason why I got 4th place, and He has a greater plan that is good for me. Back then,
when I simply remember the moment I prayed and the prayer was not given to me, I used to
carry a heavy bag filled with sadness and anger. Now that I am writing this, the lump in my
throat and the sting in my eye are not there anymore. "It's better when you have a light feeling in
your heart and when you don't plant anger towards someone or something." My mother used to
say this, and she is right.

Paoay Lake Water Park. Malacañang of the North. Paoay Sand Dunes. Paoay Church. These are
the places that you can visit when you go to Paoay, Ilocos Norte. In this town, experiences that
are happy or terrible can be experienced. However, throughout your journey, there are lessons
that will forever be etched in your heart.