Sitio Remedios
posted on Wednesday, March 21, 2007
There’s a place in Currimao, Ilocos Norte, which will take your breath away. I hesitate to broadcast to the world its precious name for fear that tourists from all over the country will flood its gates, demanding a piece of the experience. But to keep this gem from you would be selfish.
Presenting Sitio Remedios.
The becoming of this heritage village, comprised of six distinct villas, was literally birthed by a medical doctor, Dr. Joven R. Cuanang, a neurologist and Medical Director at St. Luke’s Medical Center (and a Harvard graduate, to boot). Walking from its main entrance and along the pathway that is lined by its lotus pond made me feel like I was walking through a resort in Ubud, Bali; it didn't feel like I was in in Ilocos Norte. But as I was told by the groundskeeper, apparently, lotus are endemic to Paoay Lake in Ilocos Norte.
At the heart center of Sitio Remedios is a quaint church that is devoted to San Miguel, the patron saint of Currimao. Inspired by the Paoay Church, its interior is sourced entirely from Ilocano materials, and when enough visitors fill its simple wooden pews, a choir formed specifically for the church accompanies devotees through a Sunday ceremony.
Stepping out from the church is a visual experience as it reveals a wide-angle vantage point from which to see each villa, all named after the respective town from which the reconstructed ancestral home originates. The wood and furnishings of each villa - already considered scrap by their old owners – were delightfully gathered by architect Rex Hofilena, who pooled together the materials to form each of the six homes.
Ilocos Norte has modest homes compared to the grandeur of mansions in Vigan. Consequently, the villas have a quiet, humble beauty about them. Balay Piddig, affectionately called ‘kwarto ni Cecile’ after world-renowned pianist, Cecile Licad, rested within its wood paneled walls throughout her Ilocos concert tour; the room is the ‘honeymoon suite’ and houses 2-3 people comfortably.
Stand in the middle of the bungalow and you’ll realize that you’re right smack in the center of a wind tunnel, so the air-conditioning that is optional for each guest to use in all the villas simply isn’t necessary. In fact, many guests have been known to request for extra blankets at night. Balay Bacarra, made from wood salvaged from a Bacarra house, hangs artsy nude photographs by Wig Tysman, adding a modern touch to an age-old home that has been resurrected.
Ablon, Ilocano for ‘healing through touch/massage,’ is Sitio Remedios’ on-site spa, a modest space adjacent to the dining area. The restaurant on the premises serves local Ilocano fare, fresh fruit juices, and refreshing herbal drinks and teas.
Sitio Remedios is situated by the sea, and its beach-front property is a sight for sore eyes. Expect azure water, powder-soft light sand (not equal to Boracay’s but perfect nonetheless), hammocks by the watch tower overlooking the ocean, and deck chairs for those who want to do nothing but soak up the sun’s energizing rays. Or read. Or sleep the afternoon away, like I did.
For inquiries on villa reservations and prices, group outings, and weddings, please call Josue Barona at 0917-3320217 or e-mail jcb_barona@ yahoo.com.ph and/or sitio_remedios@yahoo.com. There are daily flights to Laoag International Airport, from where Sitio Remedios can fetch guests. Those just stopping-by Currimao and Sitio Remedios for a day-trip have their best bet with a day-hire jeepney/van from either Laoag or Vigan.
The becoming of this heritage village, comprised of six distinct villas, was literally birthed by a medical doctor, Dr. Joven R. Cuanang, a neurologist and Medical Director at St. Luke’s Medical Center (and a Harvard graduate, to boot). Walking from its main entrance and along the pathway that is lined by its lotus pond made me feel like I was walking through a resort in Ubud, Bali; it didn't feel like I was in in Ilocos Norte. But as I was told by the groundskeeper, apparently, lotus are endemic to Paoay Lake in Ilocos Norte.
At the heart center of Sitio Remedios is a quaint church that is devoted to San Miguel, the patron saint of Currimao. Inspired by the Paoay Church, its interior is sourced entirely from Ilocano materials, and when enough visitors fill its simple wooden pews, a choir formed specifically for the church accompanies devotees through a Sunday ceremony.
Stepping out from the church is a visual experience as it reveals a wide-angle vantage point from which to see each villa, all named after the respective town from which the reconstructed ancestral home originates. The wood and furnishings of each villa - already considered scrap by their old owners – were delightfully gathered by architect Rex Hofilena, who pooled together the materials to form each of the six homes.
Ilocos Norte has modest homes compared to the grandeur of mansions in Vigan. Consequently, the villas have a quiet, humble beauty about them. Balay Piddig, affectionately called ‘kwarto ni Cecile’ after world-renowned pianist, Cecile Licad, rested within its wood paneled walls throughout her Ilocos concert tour; the room is the ‘honeymoon suite’ and houses 2-3 people comfortably.
Stand in the middle of the bungalow and you’ll realize that you’re right smack in the center of a wind tunnel, so the air-conditioning that is optional for each guest to use in all the villas simply isn’t necessary. In fact, many guests have been known to request for extra blankets at night. Balay Bacarra, made from wood salvaged from a Bacarra house, hangs artsy nude photographs by Wig Tysman, adding a modern touch to an age-old home that has been resurrected.
Ablon, Ilocano for ‘healing through touch/massage,’ is Sitio Remedios’ on-site spa, a modest space adjacent to the dining area. The restaurant on the premises serves local Ilocano fare, fresh fruit juices, and refreshing herbal drinks and teas.
Sitio Remedios is situated by the sea, and its beach-front property is a sight for sore eyes. Expect azure water, powder-soft light sand (not equal to Boracay’s but perfect nonetheless), hammocks by the watch tower overlooking the ocean, and deck chairs for those who want to do nothing but soak up the sun’s energizing rays. Or read. Or sleep the afternoon away, like I did.
For inquiries on villa reservations and prices, group outings, and weddings, please call Josue Barona at 0917-3320217 or e-mail jcb_barona@ yahoo.com.ph and/or sitio_remedios@yahoo.com. There are daily flights to Laoag International Airport, from where Sitio Remedios can fetch guests. Those just stopping-by Currimao and Sitio Remedios for a day-trip have their best bet with a day-hire jeepney/van from either Laoag or Vigan.
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