Parallel 8-bit Data Read/Write

While coding in VS2013 with NETMF for G400D, I am seeking any method to write/read 8-bit data from/to GPIO pins in parallel as if coding for 89C51 MCU.
Could any friend advise?

This is something we supported 10 years ago but then it was removed as it was rarely used. Can you explain why is this needed today?

Thanks. Then I consider using SPI interface instead.