Megastructures of the north

The Windmills of Bangui, 15 of these structures stand on the Pebble Beach. (The orange speck on the right is a bulldozer, so imagine the height of this structure)
This would be the last entry for Northern Luzon adventure and would be a perfect climax for the series. When going to Pagudpod, you’ll never miss these spectacular windmills left-side of your view. It’s one of the most amazing view you’ll see up there on the north. When at the beach of Pagudpud you’ll still be able to see these afar.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse stands in Burgos, said to be the tallest lighthouse in the country.
On your right (coming from the south), amidst the mountain terrain, you’ll see the towering structure of Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos. Both mega structures, the former a new construction, and the later a true historical monument.

The windmills of Bangui towering 70 meter in height is the first of its kind in South East Asia.
The Windmills of Bangui consist of 15 towering turbines, spanning 70 meters high, with blades 40 meters long. It’s the brainchild of Ferdinand “Bong-bong” Marcos, to supply renewable energy for the Ilocos region. The development started at least a couple of years ago and still ongoing at this time. Right now it’s one massive tourist attraction in the region.
Speaking of Renewable Energy, please Vote for Renewable Energy in the Philippines Bill. The PowerSwitch! campaign is pushing for this Bill, which supports the development of renewable energy such as wind, biomass, hydro, solar and geothermal.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse’s spiral staircase. Would’ve have been a fave shot, if not for my foot getting into the picture.
Now for our last stop on our way home is Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, which is a wonder in itself. It’s quite old but I could feel a lot of history in its walls. The caretaker, was very accommodating. And what timing, there were celebreties there when we came. Manong Caretaker (we forgot to get his name) was very accommodating. He first showed us the museum. We learned that the lighthouse was completed in March 30, 1892 and used old fashion mechanism of counter-weights to rotate the light at the top. The lighthouse keeper’s job is to rotate the mechanism at the top to ensure the rotation of the light lens throughout the night. Tough job! But up to now, even if the structure suffered heavy damage during the 1990 earthquake, it is still working. Though right now it’s automated, you could see solar panels atop the house connected to the lighthouse which it takes energy from.

Wheels, ropes and machinery.
I was fascinated with the old texture of the lighthouse inside. From the steel staircase, to the windows along it and the mechanism to operate it as well. During the Spanish war, this was also used as an outpost to view incoming enemies and also serve as basecamp for soldiers.

The source of light.
Pasenya na lang ke Jericho Rosales di ko sya nakilala nung nakasalubong ko sya. Di kasi ako mahilig sa showbiz eh. Pero nung makita ko si Heart Evangelista na parating na nakaputing damit nakilala ko kasi madalas ako manood ng MYX. Akala ko Panday ang i shoot nila pero mukhang Music Video.

Windows and staircases
Tags: Bangui, Burgos, Heritage, Ilocos Norte, Lighthouses, Structures, Windmills


































January 24th, 2006 at 5:49 pm
wow! what a perfect climax for your series. ganda ng mga pics. gusto ko yung 2nd, 4th and 6th pics. gusto ko yung perspective mo sa 2nd pic, lumabas yung kataasan at kagandahan nung tower. yung 4th naman, syang nga yung paa, it would have been perfect. yung 6th naman gusto ko yung shape nung bulb and yung na form na diamond shape sa loob ng bulb… great job! sama ako sa susunod na lakad!!!
January 24th, 2006 at 11:29 pm
beautiful and strong vertical line perspective…i love the windmill shot. they almost blend into the clouds….great capture:-)
January 25th, 2006 at 12:03 am
these are what i missed the last time i trekked up north. buti na lang may preview dito. now, i’m looking forward to my next northern exposure.
January 25th, 2006 at 10:18 am
hahaha!! parang nakikita ko pa yong smile ni Heart Evangelista….
January 25th, 2006 at 7:11 pm
galing ng mga shots mo pre!
siguro di ka din papansinin ni Jericho pag-nagkita ulit kayo..haha
and bango ni Heart ..noong nakasalubong natin.
January 26th, 2006 at 5:07 pm
i’ve been reading along your ilocos trip. nice pics! i love the colros. makes me wanna go back and take a vacation at my grand parents’ home in vigan.
i should list it down on my ‘to do’s list’
January 27th, 2006 at 12:11 am
whoa! nice shot of the windmills, di ko yan nakita before ah. puro ganyan na lang din ngayon ang marami sa netherlands, there’s only 1 town that was able to preserve their ancient windmills.
July 28th, 2006 at 3:10 am
[...] Megastructures of the north [...]
July 28th, 2006 at 3:56 am
[...] outdoorexposure Says: January 24th, 2006 at 11:29 pm beautiful and strong vertical line perspective…i love the windmill shot. they almost blend into the clouds….great capture:-) [...]
August 21st, 2006 at 7:36 pm
[...] I never get tired of seeing these northern steel structures at Bangui, Ilocos Norte. These windmills are well placed along the Pebble Beach, adding to the historic attractions of the North. Fortunately, on my second visit here, we were blessed with good weather, unlike my cloudy first visit. [...]
May 1st, 2007 at 7:36 pm
[...] lighthouse is very similar to the Cape Bojeador in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, which is one of the reason I also wanted to see it. This lighthouse was built in 1886 and was [...]
June 19th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
I love bangui………and ganda ganda diba…..lub u so much
June 19th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
ang ganda…………sosyal tingna diba….we love you all
January 26th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
sumakit ang hita ko sa pag-akyat sa cape bojeador light house…
April 26th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
wow..sana mafeature sa megastructure ng natgeo ang windmill..qualified naman eh!