I have been to a lot of capitols in the country. A rundown of the memorable ones are that of the grandiose Capitol of Sultan Kudarat, the White-House-like Davao Oriental Capitol, the imposing columns of Negros Occidental and Leyte Provincial Capitol in Tacloban City. But these will be mismatch to the captivating beauty of the Pangasinan’s Provincial Capitol in Lingayen.
Lingayen Capitol by day, the trees that lead you to this august structure is a refreshing site
The Lingayen Provincial Capitol which was built in 1918, reconstructed in 1949 (during the time of Gov. Enrique Braganza) because it was damaged in WWII and rehabilitated last 2008 (Gov. Espino’s term). It is placed at the center of a sprawling Complex near the Lingayen beach, I was actually surprised that this capital of Pangasinan has this- so spectacular and grandiose.
Out of the 8 Philippine architectural treasures, I learned that it is the only one that can be found outside of Manila. The other 7 includes El Hogar Bldg., The Hongkong Shanghai Bank Bldg., Uychaco building, Luneta Hotel, Metropolitan Theater, Regina Building, and the University of Manila which are all located in the capital city.
A local having a chillax time with his dog at the Lingayen Capitol by night
I first saw the Capitol on the evening of our arrival in Lingayen, I just wanted to take a short walk and this elegant building just lit up the whole Capitol complex. I can still remember the music coming out of the speakers scattered throughout the park, the romantic benches, the cold Christmas breeze and a bunch of young people relaxing at the nice lawn. I don’t want to be sentimental but the feeling was nostalgic and I found myself caught into that moment.
Emo daw? NO WAY!
In the morning, Alex of CrazySexyFun Traveler and I went inside and was toured by one of Gov. Espino’s staff. Here’s some of the parts of the Capitol that captivated more of me:
Humogous wooden Seal of Pangasinan province as the lobby's centerpiece
The spiral staircase made of solid wood and steel railings speaks of elegance
The stylish Governor's Office which is designed like one of the rooms in the White House
The Provicial Council Session Hall beside the Governor's office
with Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calilim Jr.'s friendly staff
Me as the Vice Governor and Alex as my sexy secretary. *wink*
The finely sculptured eagle and floral roof designs suggest a masterly craftwork.
From the roofdeck, you can also see the Veteran’s Park, Lingayen Beach and Princess Urduja’s Palace which is the Governor’s official residence.
Thanks to the warm welcome of the Provincial Capitol staff. I have learned a lot during our 20-minute free tour inside the Capitol Building.
Napintas ti Pangasinan! (Beautiful Pangasinan) is a 5-part series that highlights my 3D/2N trip with Mica and Alex to Pangasinan Province. It was short, sweet but memorable. Here’s a rundown of my experiences (click to redirect you to your chosen article):
Awed by the beautiful Calasiao Church;
Burped at the Calasiao puto and delish Dagupan Bangus;
Captivated by the most beautiful Capitol Complex in the country;
Delighted by the friendly service at President’s Hotel; and
Enjoyed the historic Lingayen beach.
Bonus: 5 Places to Visit in Lingayen Pangasinan
it’s refreshing to see Adaptive Reuse…. unlike the Negros Capitol where the insides has lost its Old World Charm, this one is really well reconstructed and designed… love the hard wood furniture…
CORRECTION PLEASE! THE CAPITOL COMPLEX WAS RENOVATED BY GOVERNOR ESPINO LAST 2008,NOT AGBAYANI!
pasensya na Ron, what i meanth was the park pala. i already edited the post. thanks for pointing that out.
I’ve also been to many capitol buildings… and from the photos alone, this capitol is really grand! and the staircase… WOW!!!
what’s your top 5 beautiful capitols mervz?
nice post! ikaw na may sexytary! *giggles*
yep, she is! because she is crazySEXYfun traveler 🙂
maganda nga! usually, when we see great architectures of government buildings, we end up being disappointed ‘coz when we go inside, ang daming sira, sobrang luma. the lingayen capitol seemed to be well-maintained. great photos! 🙂
yes, it is.. thanks gladys coming the “great photos” comment from you, im humbled… 🙂
Ganda! I havent seen a bldg like it in the Philippines. It looks very European!
thanks man! i think its American-inspired 🙂
Well, that’s how a military governor run the government. Attitude/discipline is at play and in motion. Proud to be from that place
another proud Pangasinan local! viva Pangasinan!
I am really proud to say that I am pangasinense when the administration of our great governor AMADO T. ESPINO starts: immediatly restored all goverment agencies and all other historical places in our place. and I am really proud to say that I am an employee at the capitol building. not only the building is nice but also the employees…
BIG THANKS to our father GOVERNOR AMADO T. ESPINO JR.
VIVA PANGASINAN!!!!
NAPINTAS TI PANGASINAN!!!!
wow! i hope Gov. Espino can read this 🙂 one proud gov’t employee. kudos sir john! our country needs more people like you, proud of their work and their gov. 🙂
thank you sir for visiting pangasinan….i am looking forward for your revisit and i am hoping we `ll meet.
i dont think i will be visiting lingayen anytime soon.. next time i go to pangasinan i want to go to hundred islands again
awww! Napintas ti Pangasinan Is Ilocano not Pangasinan. Although some people here are of Ilocano descent and Ilocano-speaking, it would be most appropriate to change it to Pangasinan: “Marakep ya Pangasinan” or Bali-bali so Pangasinan or Malimgas ya Pangasinan.
yep i know that napintas is ilocano, i used it still because a lot knows napintas. only a few understands marakep and bali-bali.
anyway, i’ll make even when i visit pangasinan again, i’m scheduled to visit 100 islands next month.
Very Nice..
I personally like the capitol building of Marinduque although it seemed to have been in a state of disrepair when i visited it in 2004
i saw that already. medyo hindi naalagaan
nagpintas nga talagah met ah!wow pangasinan……
Hi James,
Your correct. Pangasinan Capitol is the most beautiful Capitol in the Philippines. I’d been there last June and it’s truly amazing.
ganda tlaga dyan walang katulad sa ganda
How do you avail of the free tour of the Capitol bldg?