Tagudin: The Gateway to Ilocos Sur

I was just exiting La Union and getting ready to cross the Amburayan Bridge into Ilocos Sur. The Gateway to Ilocos Sur is the municipality of Tagudin which is about 315 kms from Manila. It’s name was from the traditional loom “tagudan”.

The Amburayan River that runs from the mountains of  Benguet and into the South China Sea serves as a natural boundary for La Union and Ilocos Sur. It was almost running dry since it is summer but I’m sure, a river this wide is a sight to behold during the rainy season. Other tourist spots..

The Bio View Deck sitting on top of the hill overlooking the bridge and the river

Just near the foot of the bridge is a small hill with a panoramic view of the Amburayan River. As I cross the bridge, I saw the view deck on top of the hill and imagined what the view is like from that height. There’s also a Chapel on the hill. As I approached the end of the bridge, I noticed that there is no access road to the top, only stairs carved on the face of the hill. Dhona wanted to see the view too. So, to be fair, we went ahead instead and hoped that someday, vehicles can go up there too.

In 2010, we also passed by this arch on our way to Baguio coming from Ilocos Norte.

After the Boundary Arch, I went to Tagudin proper to see the sundials. There are two; a replica in front of the town hall and the original at the back of St Augustine’s Church. It is open to the public and no entrance fee is collected. Sundials might not be very popular today but you’ll be amazed just how much more complex it really is. It’s definitely worth a separate post. PLUS! I noticed something is not accurate with this 172-year old historical structure that probably NO ONE has ever paid attention to! No, it’s not the time, silly! Learn about it here.

The first sundial in the Philippines.

The original sundial is between the church and the St. Augustine’s School.

The belfry of the church is at least 30 meters from the church.

I strolled in the town plaza while waiting for the clouds to clear the sky. Adjacent to the sundial in front of the town plaza is the Base Hospital Memorial Marker. It was the biggest hospital during the Philippine Liberation Campaign when the Municipal Hall served as the headquarters while big tents were setup on the town plaza and the market site.

The Base Hospital Memorial.

The town plaza and the colorful Tourism Office. They have mini sundials on sale 🙂

On the way out of Tagudin, at Brgy. Farola, is the Farola Lighthouse. It is only 3 kms from the town hall and is just after the cemetery. It is about 2-storey tall. This lighthouse was built by the ICM Missionaries headed by Mother Marie Louise De Meester. They also built the St. Augustine’s School.

Lighthouse still works.

Farola Lighthouse is like Laguna de Bay. Redundant again.

From the Tourist Map I got from the Tourism Office, I realized that the Ambalayat Hanging Bridge is on the other side of the town. I may also visit the Giant Jambala’s Fountain, Tagudin’s Yellow Market and might even get a chance to climb Bio Hill by then. I also like Tagudin’s ASAP Policy (Anti-Fixing Campaign). It means Avoid Shortcuts; Always follow Procedures. Hashtag LTO. Hashtag TryNio.

Definitely coming back for the rest of the must-see sights in Tagudin.

By 11AM, I am in Candon City (KM 340) Petron to rest and refuel. I had a Snickers bar for lunch.

First time for me to see a Centrum Gas station. I wonder if theirs is at 9 pesos per Liter.

I still have a long way to go so I really can’t rest for long. Besides, when you’re having so much fun, you don’t feel tired at all!