Hidden atop the old La Azotea Building on Session Road, Oh My Gulay is not your typical restaurant. Owned by National Artist Kidlat Tahimik (Eric de Guia), it merges art, nature, and vegetarian cuisine into a unified experience.
Author: amojamoja
Researcher by choice
Wanderer by chance.
Laoag Cathedral
The story of St. William’s Cathedral, more commonly known as Laoag Cathedral, began in 1580 when the Augustinian missionaries established a parish in Laoag. The original structure was made of wood and thatch, typical of early mission churches. As the town grew, a more permanent church was planned. The stone foundations of the current structure were laid in 1612, marking the start of what would become a central feature of the city for centuries.
Sta. Monica Church of Sarrat
In the town of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, the Sta. Monica Church stands as one of the most notable landmarks in the province. Known as the largest church in Ilocos Norte, it is especially recognized for the remarkable length of its nave. Built of red bricks in a mix of Earthquake Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, the church complex also includes a convent, a belfry, and a unique brick bridge staircase called the curillo, which connects the church and convent.
Who is Gregorio Aglipay?
Gregorio Aglipay was born in 1860 in Batac, and it is here where his journey began, ultimately leading to the establishment of a national church that would challenge colonial religious dominance. Originally a Roman Catholic priest, Aglipay became known not only for his religious calling but also for his nationalist ideals. He was appointed by Emilio Aguinaldo as Military Vicar General during the Philippine Revolution, serving as a voice for Filipino clergy who had long suffered under Spanish control.
Ferdinand E. Marcos Presidential Center in Batac
The Ferdinand E. Marcos Presidential Center is housed in what was once the ancestral home of the Marcos family. The center is more than just a museum; it’s a walk-through of a highly influential—and controversial—chapter in Philippine history. As I stepped inside, I was welcomed by portraits, personal memorabilia, awards, documents, and even handwritten notes that offered a closer look at Marcos’ rise from a topnotch student and decorated World War II soldier to becoming the 10th President of the Philippines.
Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Assumption in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur
Perched atop a hill overlooking the town of Sta. Maria in Ilocos Sur, the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption stands as one of the most remarkable heritage churches in the Philippines. Tt was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, included in the Baroque Churches of the Philippines, a collection of four Spanish-era churches noted for their adaptation of European Baroque architecture to local conditions, particularly earthquakes.
St. Anne Church of Piddig
The architecture of the St. Anne Church of Piddig is inspired by the Jesuit Church of Il Gesù in Rome, built in 1568. The baroque-style façade features massive buttresses that serve as columns and volutes adorning the pediment. Inside, the original wooden pulpit remains intact, along with the central retablo displaying an image of St. Anne cradling the young Virgin Mary. Though the bell tower now stands partially in ruins, it continues to add a sense of grandeur to the site.
Chavit Singson’s Baluarte in Vigan
Vigan’s Baluarte is known primarily for its zoological park, which houses a range of animals like ostriches, camels, zebras, ponies, and deer, as well as birds, reptiles, and big cats like lions and tigers. Some of the animals are kept in enclosures, while others roam in more open areas or are featured in scheduled animal shows.
Abolition of Tobacco Monopoly Monument in Laoag
The abolition of tobacco monopoly monument was erected in 1882 by then alcalde mayor (provincial governor) Don Jose Moreno Lacalle. It was built as a gesture of thanksgiving to King Alfonso XII of Spain, who abolished the tobacco monopoly that had burdened many communities in northern Luzon since the late 1700s.
Bacarra Church
The Church of St. Andrew the Apostle, more commonly known as Bacarra Church, was founded in 1593 by Augustinian friars. It is considered one of the most significant Spanish-era churches in the Philippines. The town of Bacarra itself was established earlier, on September 18, 1590, by the Augustinians as a mission center for the Apayaos. The land was originally owned by local chieftains named Castillo and Andres Hermosa, and the church was built on the site where an Igorot chieftain named Bacsalandoc had once established his settlement.
A Stroll at Calle Crisologo
Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, is one of the most well-known heritage streets in the Philippines. Visiting it feels like stepping into a part of history that’s been carefully preserved. The street is lined with Spanish colonial-era houses, many of which have been converted into souvenir shops, restaurants, and inns.
La Virgen Milagrosa of Badoc
La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc, a centuries-old Marian statue believed to have originated from Japan during the Christian persecution in the 1600s, is enshrined in the Minor Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Badoc, Ilocos Norte. Discovered floating off the coast in 1620 alongside the Black Nazarene of Sinait, the Virgin’s statue has since become a revered symbol of faith.
Amoj In Wanderland 