My coworkers and I planned this trip almost on a whim. There were 10 of us in total, and it was a packed itinerary squeezed over a long weekend spanning several provinces. For now, I want to talk about Ilocos Norte.

I’ll be the first to admit that I had no idea what was in store for us in Ilocos Norte; I viewed the trip as a bonding activity first and a travel opportunity last. However, after actually getting to visit the place, I was actually very pleasantly surprised to have been moved more than I thought I would be.

After our first stop to freshen up and have breakfast at the beautiful—especially during sunrise—Paoay Church, we set off for our first actual activity of the day, which was the Paoay sand dunes. There’s nothing like standing on the back of an ATV at 10 o’clock in the morning. It was a sure-fire way to wake up.

The dunes themselves excited me upon first viewing because I’ve never actually seen a legitimate sand dune. It was like the world’s most dangerous roller coaster ride, but we had fun anyway, and to say that the place was photogenic was an understatement. Something about the blank blue sky and the quality of the sand surrounding us made it seem surreal. If you’re looking for an interesting place to take pictures, this was it.

Also, don’t miss sand boarding, but be careful! If you taste sand once, you’ll never want to taste it again. Don’t ask how I know.

To go from high-octane extreme thrill rides to visiting a museum was a definite mood change, but I feel it was an appropriate one. We went to the Malacanang of the North and saw where one of the most divisive families in the Philippines used to live. I won’t go much further in this write-up, but I will say that the Marcoses knew how to live large.

The White Rocks of Ilocos Norte are significant because of two reasons: one, they are absolutely stunning, and two, they are about as north as you can get in the island of Luzon. Being surrounded by windmills on top of that, and you’ll have a place that’ll make you go, “Wow, I can’t believe I’m here!” This is especially true if you appreciate the novelty of being, again, at the northernmost point of Luzon. You have to admit; it’s pretty cool.

The windmills at Bangui Bay, however, stole the show for me. They were easily my favorite part of visiting Ilocos Norte. These giant man-made structures were standing guard against the largest thing Mother Nature can throw against us, the actual ocean. It just gives you this

refreshing perspective of how small you actually are in the grand scheme of things, and if you aren’t really into the whole existential crisis aesthetic, it’s a great place to take pictures at, too.

Overall, would I visit Ilocos Norte again? Probably not. Some places are best seen once, but am I glad I visited? Absolutely, and you’ll be, too.