“The desire to never leave your side, the desire to
never see you again. The desire to see your face asleep on the pillow beside my
face and to see your eyes open in the morning when I lie next to you—just
watching you, waiting for you to wake up.”
- John Irving, Until I Find You
It’s really nice to
wake up in the morning realizing that God has given you another day to live and
a rare chance to relive the past. At Sitio Remedios, expect to wake up to the
sweet song of the sea and step back in time, when life was simpler and much
gentler. A rustic and charming seaside village resort facing the West
Philippine Sea, Sitio Remedios is a re-created Ilocano village typical of the Spanish
times owned by famed neurologist and art patron Dr. Joven Cuanang, and lovingly
named after his mother, Remedios.
The entrance or arco of Sitio is a replica of the brick
entrance to the patio of Badoc Church; its walkway is paved by Pasuquin
stones.
At the heart of the Sitio is a chapel dedicated to
San Miguel, patron saint of Currimao, and to the
Lady of Good Voyage - Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. Its stone buttresses are patterned after the mighty
UNESCO World Heritage Site Paoay Church. One could spend time in quiet meditation in this spiritual center.
Beside the chapel
is Plaza San Miguel, an open area dominated by a grand fountain topped
by a statue of San Miguel slaying the Devil. Such a romantic place to take a
stroll with loved ones or simply sit by the fountain.
But what makes Sitio really remarkable are the native villas designed by architect Rex Hofileña. They are
made of vintage bricks and woods salvaged from mid-century structures mostly
from the towns of Ilocos Norte. Most of them have balcony or veranda, and are
furnished with vintage Ilocano furniture – beds, dining tables, wooden sala
sets, butaca plantation chairs, antique lamps, and some provocative paintings
of Imelda Marcos. Some of the villas are named after the towns from which the
ancestral homes originated.
Balay Radrillo and Balay Puraw
Balay Batac
Balay Pasuquin
Balay Piddig
Balay Bacarra
There is a replica of a light house patterned after the Torre of Currimao.
Food served in Abrao
is another delight. With dangit and Vigan longganisa on the table, nothing
could go wrong.
The infinity swimming
pool and jacuzzi overlooking the sea, are the modern amenities in Sitio. Floating
while watching the Currimao sunset is indeed total relaxation.
The solitude of a peaceful and soothing life stimulates
a creative mind. It recharges the soul. I think John Irving couldn’t agree more.
Sitio
Remedios Heritage Village
Brgy.
Victoria, Currimao
Ilocos Norte
Tel. No.: 0917-3320217
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