On-Foot goes to Ilocos Norte (Part 1)

Lying in the northern tip of Luzon, Ilocos Norte is a partial reminder of the past, particularly the Marcos regime, after all this is where our former President Ferdinand Marcos was from. He’s actually still there (at least his body is) mummified and covered in wax inside an eerie air conditioned glass coffin. It seems that history in this part of the country has judged him favorably.

This is his masoleum where he is not allowed to be photographed so I can only show you the entrance. I tried to sneak a snapshot with my cellphone camera but the guard was watching me with eagle eyes.

Another remnant of the dictator is his home aptly called the Malacañang of the North. It is now reduced to a function hall open to private parties and corporate events. However, if you find any hidden treasure, you have to turn it over to the caretaker, or maybe you can just give him his cut.

This is the bedroom of the late president, seperate from the former first lady. So we can’t be sure if there was magic made on this piece of old foam. Don’t ask why they had seperate rooms.

This is the beautiful view from the Northern palace. That is Lake Paoay, which roughly translates to “independent”.

That is my cameraman/production assistant/food storer/luggage boy. Many thanks to him for shooting my non-profit show. Soon, it will make a profit.