📍 Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Welcome to Paoay, Ilocos Norte, a destination that feels like a time capsule of Spanish-era elegance mixed with raw outdoor thrills. Known for its world-famous church, adrenaline-pumping sand dunes, and heartwarming Ilocano culture, Paoay is a small town with a big soul. Whether you’re a history buff, food lover, or thrill-seeker, Paoay offers an unforgettable Filipino experience!
⛪ Must-See Marvel: Paoay Church
The centerpiece of Paoay is the stunning San Agustin Church, more popularly known as Paoay Church. This 18th-century Baroque beauty is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national treasure. With its massive buttresses and rustic coral stones, it’s built to survive earthquakes and stand the test of time. Perfect for selfies, drone shots, and wedding backdrops!
🏖️ Thrill Ride: Paoay Sand Dunes
Buckle up for an extreme ride on the Paoay Sand Dunes, a natural desert landscape by the sea. This local gem is the best place in Ilocos for 4×4 rides, ATV tours, sandboarding, and cinematic shots worthy of an action movie. It’s where nature and adventure collide, and it’s legendary.
🎨 Culture and Local Life
Paoay is deeply steeped in Ilocano traditions. You’ll see antique houses, old Spanish walls, and residents who proudly preserve their customs. Locals primarily speak Ilocano, but Filipino and English are widely spoken, especially with guests. It’s the kind of town where neighbors are family, and fiestas bring everyone together.
🍲 Ilocano Eats You’ll Crave
Ready your appetite because Paoay brings the Ilocano flavor game strong:
- Bagnet – golden crispy pork belly that crackles with every bite
- Pinakbet – a flavorful vegetable dish cooked with bagoong
- Poqui-poqui – a creamy eggplant dish that’s perfect with rice
- Empanada Ilocano-style – crispy, stuffed, and spiced just right
Food here isn’t just a meal, it’s a celebration of heritage.
🎉 Festival to Remember: Guling-Guling
Every year, Paoay celebrates the Guling-Guling Festival on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Dressed in traditional attire, locals dance through the streets while marking each other’s foreheads with rice flour, a symbol of forgiveness and purity. The town transforms into a vibrant mix of faith, music, and merry-making.
🎶 The Sound of Paoay
Music in Paoay stays true to its roots. Expect traditional rondalla, kankanta nga Ilocano (Ilocano songs), and street rhythms during festivals. From church bells ringing to folk songs echoing in the breeze, the town carries its own soundtrack.
🌟 Paoay is Known For
- The iconic Paoay Church
- Action-packed Sand Dunes
- Authentic Ilocano cuisine
- The spiritual Guling-Guling Festival
- Tranquil Paoay Lake sunsets
- Rich Spanish-Filipino heritage
