LIGHTS SHOW. A joyful symphony of lights illuminates the facade and bell tower of the iconic St. Augustine Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. The lights show will be open to the public starting Thursday (Dec. 10, 2020) from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Image courtesy of Ilocos Norte Tourism Facebook Page)
LAOAG CITY – Despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Christmas in Ilocos Norte is set to be merry and bright as another iconic landmark will be light-up and open for public viewing starting Thursday (Dec. 10) from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
For a week now or since December 4, the joyful symphony lights which started to illuminate the entire facade of the neo-classical Ilocos Norte Capitol building every night continues to bring joy and excitement to Ilocanos here and abroad.
Up next is the newly-repaired Paoay Church, a component of the collective UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site inscription “Baroque churches of the Philippines”.
The lights show in Paoay will feature a medley of traditional songs of merriment and thanksgiving.
"As an icon of Ilocandia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a constant reminder of Ilokano faith and devotion and a site of pilgrimage for Christians from all over the world,” Aianree Raquel, head of the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office, said on Wednesday.
In time for the birthday celebration of Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc, the pre-light up ceremony of the Paoay Church will begin tonight followed by a thanksgiving dinner for front-liners.
To ensure a safe experience for everyone, Raquel reiterated that visiting the Paoay Church complex will be regulated.
When going there, there are traffic rules and viewing schedules to follow. Visitors are also advised to use the SafePass QR Code, wear a face mask, and always observe social distancing.
"Our light landmarks this season are designed to inspire audiences while generating economic activity around all these public activities. In one way or another, the latter is certain, but the feedback so far shows that the premium we put on inspiration is something that is not readily and easily measured against the usual analytics,” Raquel said. (PNA)
