Batac, Home of Great Leaders?
Trip Start
Jan 12, 2008
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7
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Trip End
Jan 13, 2008
Batac, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Monday, January 14, 2008
It is the home town of many significant figures in the history of the Philippines. Among these is the former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos. It is also the birthplace of Gregorio Aglipay, the founder of the Philippine Independent Church, better known as the Aglipayan Church, and Gen. Artemio Ricarte, the "Father of the Philippine Army".
Another interesting fact is the origin of the word "Batac" which translates to "pull" in local dialect. More loosely, it refers to "the people's pulling their efforts together."
Here, we only visited Ferdinand Marcos Mansion and Mausoleum where the refrigerated remains of former Philippine President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos is displayeds glass coffin. We waited until 2 o'clock for the mausoleum to open. It was dark and cold inside, and it was scary like a haunted house. Outside the mausoleum is a mini museum that displays the memorabilia of the late president.
Walking distance from the Marcos Mansion is the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (Aglipay Shrine). Took some pictures. Then after that we went to Plaza Maestro Batac, mini mall just beside the shrine, to have our lunch at Jollibee.
After our jolli hotdog and lumpia shanghia, we hailed a motorcycle to bring us to Paoay.
