Case Study: Plaza del Norte, Ilocos Norte

As promised in my last post, I will be uploading for the next few days pictures of my recent trip to Ilocos Norte. It was not as special as the one I had two years ago which focused on the perspective of Spanish Colonial influences in the Philippine building design and heritage; nevertheless it became almost too nostalgic for me since a lot in our itinerary for that weekend trip was a familiar destination. Too bad that I only got to visit two churches :|

Moreover, am afraid that the trip we made (which was given as a gift) was more of political (fellowship-camaraderie-blah) in nature rather than the more reflective manner which one should have to appreciate the provincial beauty of Ilocos.

Anyways, the grueling 12-hour trip to the province was wiped away once I laid my eyes on the place we are to occupy for the next two nights. The architecture student in me churned as I feasted my eyes with the beautiful natural hills surrounding the master development. The style guiding principles and elements employed in the development was typical of the character of the buildings in the region; this is to preserve the continuity in the aesthetics of the old buildings in the region while giving it a modern twist worthy of luxury :)

Plaza del Norte (former Ilocos Norte Hotel and Convention Center) brings together the Spanish-style charm and grandeur of Ilocos with the modern design of today in its world-class amenities. The hotel features a chapel for private weddings, sprawling gardens for outdoor events, a swimming pool, hotel function room and in-room massage services. The property promises to appeal to business travelers because of its extensive facilities that are ideal for such functions and meetings. 

The location of the hotel promisesn ideal getaway for the leisure tourist because of its proximity to many historical and unique attractions such as Spanish colonial buildings, Malacanang of the North, Paoay Lake, Sand Dunes, white sand beaches of Pagudpud, Marcos-era mansions and the historical Paoay Church, considered a UNESCO heritage site.

Photos taken by Yours Truly :) For more information, check out their website here. Click another of my case study regarding Malacanang of the North here.