Saint Anne Church in Piddig, Ilocos Norte

Do you want to nurture your mind to one of the notable churches of Ilocos Norte? I am talking about the Saint Anne Church in Piddig – believed to be one of the oldest structures that were built in the province.

History

In 1810, the parish was founded by Augustinian friars. The first parish priest was Fr. Isidro Champaner. During the Philippine-American War, the building was inhabited by a 5-man Filipino guerilla group who repelled early American attacks. On 19 March 1932, an earthquake toppled the top level of the bell tower. The church underwent repairs afterward. During the Japanese occupation, the convent and the sacristy together with its parochial records, furniture and statues were burned. The facade and its interior were restored in 1965. The convent was repaired and converted into a parochial school.

Architectural Structure

St. Anne Church's facade is inspired by the baroque Jesuit church of Il Gesu in Rome that was built in 1568. This likeness is seen in the massive buttresses that serve as columns and the volutes that are bordering the altar-shaped pediment. The capitals of the columns of the first level have cylindrical, inverted crenellation-like carvings that indicate a Muslim influence, while the second level has a round apex.

The original wooden pulpit and five neo classical retablos made from brick and lime are found inside the church. The central retablo contains the image of St. Anne holding Mary on her lap.

--- :)

How to get there

Traveling by land to Laoag is still one of the main ways to go to the capital of Ilocos Norte. There are several bus companies that ply routes to Laoag. Farinas Transit Company and Partas Bus Line are two of the bus companies that can get you to the city. If you choose to travel by plane, take a direct flight from Manila to Laoag via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines. Travel time is about an hour and flights are usually at night.

Piddig is just 21km from Laoag. Travel time is less than an hour.

Accommodations in Laoag are also available. There are lots of inns and hotels throughout the town offering comfortable rooms and cottages at a reasonable price.
•    Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel - Brgy. 37 Calayab, Laoag (Ilocos Norte), Ilocos Region, Philippines
•    Pamulinawen Hotel - National Highway, Brgy. 22, 2901 San Nicholas, Laoag (Ilocos Norte), Ilocos Region, Philippines
•    Plaza Del Norte Hotel and Convention Center- 15 Suba, Paoay, Laoag (Ilocos Norte), Ilocos Region, Philippines
•    Grand Octagon Resort - Airport Ave., Brgy.50, Butong, Laoag (Ilocos Norte), Ilocos Region, Philippines
•    Java Hotel - 55B Salet Gen. Segundo Avenue, Laoag City, Laoag (Ilocos Norte), Ilocos Region, Philippines