Homes of Sitio Remedios Heritage Village

Sitio Remedios is located in small town Currimao, province of Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. By air  it is accessible from Laoag International Airport via Laoag-Paoay-Currimao Road or via the national highway through San Nicolas and Batac. By land it is about 8-9 hours away from Manila and 3-4 hours drive from Baguio passing Vigan City. 

Most of the people living in Currimao depend on fishing and farming as their main livelihood. There are no major banks, shopping malls and fastfood outlets. This provincial scenery is the setting of Dr. Joven Cuanang's dream to build a heritage village by the West Philippine Sea.

After experiencing warm welcome by its very accommodating Manager Josue Raymund 'Reyboy' Barona and having fine Ilocano gastronomic experience at Balay Piddig and Balay Batac, I finally had a chance to tour the village, visiting each home. 

It was in late 2005 when the idea to create a heritage vilage was conceived. Architect Rex Hofilena submitted a sketch to Dr. Cuanang to put this dream into reality. In an effort to rescue homes about to be demolished in various parts of Ilocos Region, these were transferred to Sitio Remedios to be preserved. 

Balay Batac is the largest in the Sitio. Named after a town in Ilocos Norte famous for its sons  including Gen. Artemio Ricarte, Bishop Gregorio Aglipay and President Ferdinand Marcos, among many others. 

Let's take a look at this grand Ilocano home.

At the ground floor is a sitting area with paintings of Dr. Cuanang's parents, Mariano and Remedios rendered by National Artist Bencab (hidden). The one shown above is a portrait of Maestra Remedios by Antonio Leano.

A large mural by artist Manny Garibay honoring the bravery of Gen. Artemio Ricarte (El Vibora) hangs in the dining area.

Stairway to the second floor is flanked by antique furniture, paintings of Ilocos churches and religious icons.

At the second floor is a sitting area where paintings of Bishop Aglipay and Luna brothers, Juan and Antonio are displayed. 

Strategically positioned are elevated chairs overlooking West Philippine Sea. I haven't seen anything like this in the longest time. I can only imagine how it was like living during that time.

One of the two airconditioned bedrooms with king size bed. It has its private bathroom too.

Inside the bedroom is a reading area overlooking Plaza de Manzanilla. By choice there are no television sets instead a collection of books is provided for leisure reading.

Balay Piddig is where I stayed during my stay at Sitio Remedios. It is named after a town where the famous Basi Revolt of 1807 was waged to protest the government's monopoly of wine industry. More about Balay Piddig at my first entry - warm welcome at Sitio Remedios.

Balay Dingras is an elevated bungalow just like Balay Piddig. Dingras is one of the eastern towns in Ilocos Norte famous for its roofless church ruins and old houses.

It has a spacious front balcony  finished in cement tiles from San Nicolas, perfect for family bonding and enjoying the quiet provincial life. It can accommodate 4 guests at its two airconditioned bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom. 

Balay Bacarra is named after the town next to Laoag City famous for its centuries old church made of red bricks which has leaned over the years. This bungalow is made from wood salvaged from a home in Bacarra.

It has a living room with daybed, Filipino designed furniture, batibot chairs and chandelier soften by crocheted table cover, white draperies and pillows. It also features pictures of famous fashion photographer Wig Tysman.

The bedroom is named Kuarto ni Antonia in honor of its first occupant Antonia Bersola-Babao. The painting of Ilocano Balasang - a single or unmarried woman is a gift of National Artist Bencab to Dr. Cuanang.

Balay Radrillo is named from the Ilocano rendition of 'ladrillo' meaning brick in Spanish which adorn the front entrance of this house. 

It has a dining area.

One of the two bedrooms with king size bed and bathroom with hold and cold shower.

Second floor has a dining cum living area too with a rocking chair by the window overlooking Capilla de San Miguel.

Next home is Balay Puraw meaning white in Ilocano. Inspired by the arrival of American architecture in mid-20th century using cement balusters painted in white. This two storey affair may be rented seperately.

First floor has its own living area with paintings and portraits of Ms. Imelda Marcos (hidden).

One of the bedrooms has a single bed in iron bed frame.

King size bed topped with vintage inabel - handwoven Ilocano fabric.

This is the second floor dining cum living area. This largest bedroom is also located here with two king size beds.

What a relaxing sight! There's a daybed at the balcony overlooking Plaza de Manzanilla and Capilla San Miguel.

Balay Pasuquin is a one bedroom bungalow named after one of Ilocos Norte towns famous for biscocho, salt and ruins of ancient church.

Bedroom with king size bed facing an open garden.

What can I say? I am speechless with this outdoor shower.

Restroom with vintage furnishings.

Daybed with reading materials.

Porch with butaka chair perfect for fresh air and quiet provincial life.

I was totally inspired after going around each home of Sitio Remedios. This is one of the few private property developments in the country that focuses on heritage conservation. In a time of modern infrastructure in hotel accommodations, Dr. Cuanang did something differently - that is to build a heritage village one can only experience at Sitio. That's what makes Sitio Remedios such a uniqe destination.

If you have been to heritage towns in Taal, Batagas and Vigan, Ilocos Sur - all these places evoke the same nostalgic appeal. I am sure there are more destinations in the Phiippines - Pampanga, Laguna, Quezon, Cebu, Bohol among others that can be developed as heritage sites. Private investors who infuse heritage in their developments take pride in our being as Filipinos.

I think many of us hunger for that sense of belongingness in our past, a sense of community in a small town village, a sense of root to our family, a sense of history and heritage. In the age of fast paced urban life, how many of us really appreciate heritage and take pride in it?

Sitio Remedios Heritage Village
A Village Resort by the West Philippine Sea

Address: Barangay Victoria, Currimao, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Website: http://www.sitioremedios.ph
General Manager: Raymund Baroña
Mobile No: +63-917-332-0217
Email: sitio_manager@yahoo.com

Part 3 of 4. Next story about Sitio Remedios coming soon!

Previous entries:
Dining at Sitio Remedios Heritage Village
Warm welcome at Sitio Remedios Heritage Village