REGION I (ILOCOS NORTE, ILOCOS SUR, LA UNION, PANGASINAN)

ILOCOS
Fast Facts about Region I

 The Ilocos Region is an administrative region of the Philippines, designated

as Region I, occupying the northwestern section of Luzon.
 The region comprises four provinces: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La
Union and Pangasinan. Its regional center is San Fernando, La Union.
 It has a coast and sloping extents that are prone to typhoon in the wet months,
however devastatingly hot during the dry season.
BRIEF HISTORY

 The region was first inhabited by the aboriginal Negritos, before they were pushed by
successive waves of Austronesian immigrants that penetrated the narrow coast.
Tingguians in the interior, Ilocanos in the north, Pangasinans in the south, and
Zambals in the southwestern most areas settled the region.
 Before the administration of Ferdinand Marcos, Pangasinan was not a part of the
region.
GEOGRAPHY LOCATION

 The Ilocos Region occupies the narrow plain between the Cordillera Centrall mountain
range and the South China Sea, and the northern portion of the Central Luzon plain,
to the north-east of the Zambales Mountains.
 Lingayen Gulf is the most notable body of water in the region and it contains several
islands, including the Hundred Islands National Park. To the north of the region
is Luzon Trait.
 The Agno River runs through Pangasinan from Benguet, flowing into a broad delta at
the vicinities of Lingayen and Dagupan before emptying into the Lingayen Gulf.
DEMOGRAPHICS

 The Ilocos provinces are the historical homeland of the Ilocanos. In the 2000 Census,
the Ilocanos comprised 66% of the region, Pangasinan people 27%, and the Tagalogs
3%.
 The population of Pangasinan comprises approximately 60% of the total population of
the region.
 The population is predominantly Roman Catholic with strong adherents
of Protestantism such as the Aglipayen denomination further north of the country.
REGION I
ILOCOS NORTE
Fast Facts about Ilocos Norte

 Ilocos Norte is noted for being the birthplace of the former President Ferdinand E.
Marcos.
 Like the other provinces of the Ilocos, Ilocos Norte's economy is mostly agriculture-
based. Aside from rice, the province is a major producer of fruits, vegetables and
legumes, specifically, garlic and tomato.
  Manufacturing has become a thriving industry in the province where most of the
establishments are focused on general contracting, furniture-making, handicrafts
and metalcraft.
 Ilocos Norte is popular for its old churches and ancestral houses.
BRIEF HISTORY

 On June 13, 1572, Salcedo and his men landed in Vigan and then proceeded towards
Laoag, Currimao and Badoc. As they sailed along the coast, they were surprised to
see numerous sheltered coves (“looc”) where the locals lived in harmony.
Consequently, they named the region “Ylocos” and its people “Ylocanos”.
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

 Ilocos Norte covers a total area of 3,467.89 square kilometres

(1,338.96 sq mi)occupying the northern tip of the Ilocos Region in Luzon.
 The province is bordered by Cagayan to the extreme northeast, Apayao to the east,
and Abra to the southeast, Ilocos Sur to the southwest, the South China Sea to the
west, and the Luzon Strait to the north.
CLIMATE

 The province has two distinct seasons: dry from November to April and wet during the
rest of the year.
 Monthly average rainfall reaches 172.3 millimeters.
 Temperature averages 26.8 degrees centigrade.
FLORA AND FAUNA

 Ilocos Norte is well known for the many ornamental, medicinal and edible plants that
it produces. These plants make our home beautiful, others help cure common
diseases and some gives us nourishment as they can be cooked in so many ways.
 Ilocos Norte is also well-known for it’s tobacco industry.
 On the otherhand, Ilocos Norte has the common farms animals such as goats and
carabao.
 A rare and vulnerable bird species was found in the Northern town in Ilocos Norte
called the spotted imperial pigeon or the ducula carola which can attract international
and local bird watchers to the province.
CULTURE

 Ilocandia has a rich culture reminiscent of colonial times.

 Ilocanos are known to be hardworking and frugal, hardy in the face of adversity.
Respect and humility in everyday dealings mark the Ilocano personality; they live
simply, concentrating on work and productivity.
 Dances were mainly a reflection of the gracious ways of the Ilocano.
PEOPLE

 Ilocano, also spelled Ilokano, or Ilokan, also called Iloko, or Iloco, is the third largest
ethnolinguistic group in the Philippines.
 The growth of their population later led to much migration to neighbouring provinces,
to the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, and to Hawaii.
  In the early 21st century the Ilocano (Iloko) language was spoken by roughly 10 million
people.
ILOCOS NORTE FESTIVALS
Bacarra- Bac-bacarra Festival
Paoay- Guling-guling Festival
Laoag City- Pamulinawen Festival
Pinili- Bawang Festival
Batac City- Empanada Festival
Marcos- Pinakbet Festival
Banna- Panagabuos Festival
Dingras- Ani Festival
Solsona- Gameng Festival
Sarrat- Binakol Festival
San Nicolas- Damili Festival
Currimao- Dinaklisan Festival
Badoc- La Virhen Milagroa Festival
Nueva Era- Tadek Festival
Piddig- Basi Festival
Pagudpod- Kangayedan Festival
Bangui- Amian Festival
Burgos- Saniata Festival
Pasuquin- Panagsana Festival
Vintar- Siwawer Festival
Adams- Ginginubatan Festival
Carasi- Magdadaran Talip Festival
Dumalneg- Panagwawagi festival
CUISINES AND DELICACIES OF ILOCOS NORTE
BAGNET- The Ilocano Bagnet is also known as Chicharon Baboy or deep-fried pork meat. It
is pork belly deep-fried in its own fat. Once fried, it is air dried up to drain the fat. The process
is repeated over and over until the pork reached is maximum crispiness.
EMPANADA- The empanadas are deep fried and stuffed with green papaya, chopped up
longganisa sausages and hard boiled eggs. The orange colored dough is made of rice flour
and the color comes from the use of annatto seeds.
OKOY- These delicious treats are crispy shrimp fritters cooked in their shell in a glutinous rice
batter and shaped into a round form. These fritters are garnished with fresh shallots and a
mix of garlic and chili peppers.
PINAKBET- Pinakbet is a popular Ilocano vegetable dish that can be found all over the
country. It is a vegetable stew made with tomatoes, eggplant, string beans, okra, and bitter
gourd.
DUDOL- Dudol is made of rice flour, coconut milk, sugarcane juice and anise. The secret to
making a good dudol is to patiently and continuously stir the ingredients under a slow fire.
POGUI-POQUI- Poqui-poqui is made of grilled eggplants sauteed with onions, garlic and
tomatoes. Eggs are added and stirred with the other ingredients.
ARTS AND CRAFTS
INABEL WEAVING-Weaving the inabel requires mathematical precision. Each strand of
thread is meticulously counted & arranged according to color before it is tensioned into the
loom. And in a rhythmic pattern, the steps of the wooden pedals & the knots of each
crisscrossing weft have to move seamlessly or everything goes in a messy tangle.
BURNAY POTTERY-Pottery is an ancient art form & in Ilocos this tradition of molding
unglazed earthen jars is called “burnay”. It was originally used to age vinegar, wine &
“bagoong” or fish paste.
BELIEFS AND TRADITIONS
ATANG-An atang is a traditional food offering for the Ilocanos to ward off evil spirits. The
most common atang to ward off sickness is a rice cake or ofen called sinukat or sinuman for
Ilocanos. Atang may also be a harvest offering. And usually Atang for Ilocanos are offered for
their relatives who passed away, in order to comemorate and show that they are still important
and are still in our heart even if they are already gone.
“DAYU-DAYU”- This practice is usually done when someone go to a place that their not used
to go. Dayu actually mean go away, Bari is rooted from the Ilocano word bakir which means
a greepy or far place. Ilocanos say Dayu-dayu, bari-bari to sent out spirits that might harm
them while they are in their way going to the place they’re not used to go.
“AWIDUN (your name) , DI KA AGBATBATI(your name) “-This practice is usually done
when they are on their way going home from a greepy or far place. Ilocanos are
saying Agawidun (your name), di ka agbatbati (your name) because they believe that when
you don’t say this word while going home your souls might left behind. They are telling their
souls to come with them. Agawidun actually mean go home, and di ka agbatbati means don’t
stay there or you come with me.
GULGUL-This ilocano tradition is usually done after the burial of the member of the family
where in they wash thier head and usually done in the sea or river. It is said that this is done
in order for the family members to wash away the pain of losing someone. And to wash away
the sickness and bad luck assosiated with the death of the family member.
HOW TO GET TO ILOCOS NORTE
BY AIR

 To get to Ilocos Norte by air, you can take a 45 minute flight from Manila via Philippine
Airlines or Cebu Pacific. You will land at Laoag City International Airport, which also
receives chartered flights from China and Taiwan.
BY LAND

 The best way to get to Ilocos Norte’s capital, Laoag City, by land is via bus. There are
several lines that can take you (Florida Bus Line, Partas Liner, Baliwag Transit and
Fariñas Transit) with the trip taking you up to eight to nine hours.
TOP TOURIST ATTRACTION IN ILOCOS NORTE
RIVERSIDE EMPANADAHAN
The Riverside Empanadahan is a local and tourist favorite that sells food products, souvenirs
and more. But obviously – the best selling items are the varieties of Empanada and miki. The
latter is a thick soup made up of chicken stock and meat. It has flat noodles topped with a
boiled egg, chicharon and garlic longganisa.
BANGUI WINDMILLS
Operated by the NorthWind Power Development Corporation, the Bangui Wind Farm was
commissioned by then-governor Ferdinand “Bonbbong” Marcos, Jr.. The windmills have long
been a must-see in the Ilocos Norte region, with more than 20 turbines set up along the coast
of Bangui Bay.
PATAPAT BRIDGE
As the fourth longest bridge in the Philippines, the Patapat Viaduct snakes along the North
Cordillera mountain range. It offers a breathtaking view of the West Philippine Sea and
Pasaleng Bay. Along the way, you pass by the Mabugabog Falls, the Kalbario Natural Park
and a shipwreck just beneath the waters that dates all the way back to the Japanese
occupation.
SUBA SAND DUNES
The Suba Sand Dunes were once made famous as the shooting locations for the 1982 award-
winning movie Himala (Miracle) starring Nora Aunor and the 1980 film Panday starring “King
of Philippine Movies” Fernando Poe Jr. It’s current claim to fame is that of it being the shooting
site for Bagani, a teleserye starring Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil.
KAPURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATION
Just an hour outside of Laoag city is the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, which gets its name
for the Ilocano term “puraw” which means “white”. The natural wonder fronts Bangui Bay and
is the result of thousands of years of particles deposited ashore by sea waves and wind.
LAOAG SINKING BELL TOWER
Built in 1612, the Laoag Sinking Bell Tower got its name from the fact that the bell tower is
literally sinking. Instead of having been built on firm foundation, the structure was built on soft,
sandy foundation during the Spanish occupation. Hence, year by year, the bell tower sinks
lower and lower into the ground. It was rumored that individuals used to be able to enter
horseback, now you’d have to crouch down to pass through the front entrance.
MALACANANG OF THE NORTH
Open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, the museum once served as the official residence of the
Marcos family when Ferdinand E. Marcos was president. The sprawling property has a
gorgeous view overlooking manicured lawns and Paoay Lake, and was a a gift from the former
First Lady Imelda Marcos to her late husband.
KABIGAN FALLS
One of the top tourist spots in Ilocos Norte is Kabigan Falls. From the entrance, it’s a 30-
minute trek to the 87-foot waterfall. If you don’t want to hike though, you can opt to rent a
vehicle to take you to Kabigan. After the hike, you will be rewarded with a refreshing dip and
swim. Be warned though, the water is really cold which can prove to be refreshing.
CAPE BOJEADOR
First lit in 1892, Cape Bojeador is one of the top tourist sites in Ilocos Norte. The lighthouse
is made up of bricks, a bronze cupola and the viewing gallery is surrounded by iron grill works.
Established during the Spanish occupation, it continues to light up the northwestern- point of
Luzon, welcoming ships from the north and guiding them along the rocky cliffs of Burgos.
Cape Bojeador was dubbed a National Historical Landmark in 2004 and then a National
Cultural Treasure in 2005.

SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH

With it’s gothic, oriental and baroque architecture, Paoay Church (aka San Agustin Church)
is considered of the oldest and most beautiful churches in the country. It is also a UNESCO
World Heritage Site and is a National Cultural Treasure. With its 24 carved buttresses, the
church was able to withstand several natural calamities and continues to stand strong even
after 300 years.

 ILOCOS SUR
Fast Facts about Ilocos Sur

 The province of Ilocos Sur is where the Ilocos Region's myriad of cultures and histories
converge to become a living museum of a spirited past.
 Found in the province is the historic town of Vigan, which was inscribed in UNESCO's
World Heritage List in November 1999.
 Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best preserved example of a planned
Spanish colonial town in Asia.
 Centuries-old Sta. Maria Church, declared a National Landmark, was used as a
fortress during the Philippine Revolution of 1896.
BRIEF HISTORY

 Ilocos Sur was founded by the Spanish conquistador, Juan de Salcedo in 1572. It was
formed when the north (now Ilocos Norte) split from the south (Ilocos Sur). At that time
it included parts of Abra and the upper half of present-day La Unión. The current
 boundary of the province was permanently defined through Act 2683, which was
signed in March 1917.
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

 Ilocos Sur occupies the central section of the Ilocos Region in northern Luzon. It is
bordered by Ilocos Norte to the north, Abra to the northeast, Mountain Province to the
east, Benguet to the southeast, La Union to the south, and the South China Sea to
the west. Its area of 2,596.00 square kilometres (1,002.32 sq mi) occupies about
20.11% of the total land area of Region 1.
 The topography of Ilocos Sur is undulating to rolling with elevations ranging from 10
to 1,700 metres (33 to 5,577 ft) above sea level.
CLIMATE

 The climate is generally dry as defined by the Hernandez climate classification—the

dry months are from October to May. However, the southernmost portion, Cervantes,
is humid and rain is evenly distributed throughout the year while the southeastern part
of Sugpon is drier.
 August has the most rainfall while January and February have the least.
 The mean temperature in the province is 27 °C (81 °F). January is the coldest.

FLORA AND FAUNA

PEOPLE

 Ilocano, also spelled Ilokano, or Ilokan, also called Iloko, or Iloco, is the third largest
ethnolinguistic group in the Philippines.
 The growth of their population later led to much migration to neighbouring provinces,
to the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, and to Hawaii.
 In the early 21st century the Ilocano (Iloko) language was spoken by roughly 10 million
people.
ILOCOS SUR FESTIVALS
Viva Vigan Festival
Sinait Garlic Festival
Longaniza Festival
Pinakbet Festival
Tabako Festival
Binatbatan Festival
Semana Santa
Begnas Festival
Kannawidan Festival
Vegetable Bowl Festival
CUISINE AND DELICACIES OF ILOCOS SUR
BAGNET- Bagnet is another Ilocos cuisine made with deep fried pork chunks that are
marinated with Ilocano Sauce and are served together with tomatoes, bagoong and garlic.
EMPANADA- Empanada is a taco-like delicacy made with vegetables (i.e grated papaya,
mung bean sprouts and shredded carrots) and meat fillings and wrapped in rice flour dough.
LONGGANISA-
CHICHACORN- corn-lovers out there will surely enjoy Ilocos’ Chichacorn. It is a semi-popped
style of cornick that is fried and is made from lime-treated glutinous corn.
IGADO- The Igado is an Ilocano dish made from strips of meat, liver and other internal organs
combined with bell pepper and green peas among others.
PINAKBET- Pinakbet is one of the region’s specialty that has become one of the Philippines’
national cuisine. It’s a delectable combination of eggplant, okra, green beans and squash and
other vegetables and are cooked with bagoong (a salty shrimp or fish paste.
CHICHAPOP- If you are a fan of nuts, Chichapop is definitely an Ilocos food that you need to
take home. Chichapops are somehow similar to Chichacorn but are softer and chewier.
ARTS AND CRAFTS
BURNAY MAKING- This precolonial industry introduced by Chinese settlers predates the
arrival of the Spanish conquistadores. An earlier type called mang-ging was a major export
item to Japan for tea drinking ceremonies. The local bagoong (fish sauce), sugarcane vinegar
and basi wine would not taste as good if not fermented in stoneware burnay jars. Burnay
shards are also used to produce fine grain salt.
KATTUKONG CRAFT- A status symbol in the olden days, the kattokong or gourd hat edged
with woven nito and fine bamboo slats continue to be handcrafted in barangay Bongtolan.
ABEL ILOCO- The high demand for the famous handwoven abel Iloco nearly killed the
Spanish weaving industry during the galleon trade era. Weavers in barangay Mindoro still
produce geometrically patterned blankets called binakol, while Camanggaan and other
eastern barangay have their own specialized woven products.
BELIEFS AND TRADITIONS

 Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, Ilocanos were animists who believed in spirits called
anito who were either bad or good, male or female. These anito ruled over all aspects
of the universe. For example, Litao were anitos of water, Kaibáan, also called
Kanibáan, were anitos of the undergrowth in a forest, and Mangmangkik were anitos
of trees. The Mangmangkik were often feared for causing sickness when a fellow tree
was cut down.
 To appease the Mangmangkik before cutting down a tree, the following chant was
made:
Bari Bari.
Dikat agunget pari.
Ta pumukan kami.
Iti pabakirda kadakami.
 Other ways anitos were respected and appeased were through offerings and
sacrifices to idols on platforms called a simbaan or designated caves where the anito
frequents. These offerings, called 'atang', consisted of various foodstuffs and sweets,
 as well as cigars and paan. Atang is also offered to the deceased during prayers for
the dead or on All Soul's Day.
HOW TO GET TO ILOCOS SUR
BY AIR
The nearest airport is the Laoag International Airport, in the nearby province of Ilocos Norte.
The airport caters to both international and domestic flights. The national carrier, Philippines
Airlines, have four flights each week to Laoag. A bus trip from the airport to Ilocos Sur would
take more than an hour.
BY LAND
An extensive network of roads and highways connect Ilocos Sur to other provinces in the
island. Bus trips from the country's capital, Manila, take about seven hours aboard several
bus lines like the Philippine Rabbit, Partas, and Dominion.
TOP TOURIST ATTRACTION IN ILOCOS SUR
CALLE CRISOLOGO
Unlike other travel destinations that are made popular by their landmarks and tourist
attractions, Vigan is in itself the attraction. It is a historic town that has managed to preserve
the planned Spanish colonial town, particularly in Calle Crisologo, garnering the prestigious
recognition of being part of the UNESCO’s Heritage List. Here, you will find period houses,
ancestral homes and cobble-stoned streets. With the addition of kalesas, a Filipino version of
a horse-drawn carriage, Vigan can transport you back in time.
BANTAY BELFRY
More than just a bell tower, the Bantay Belfy sits on top a hill that offers a panoramic view of
the entire Ilocos Sur. Climb the top and you’ll know why people want to visit the province. The
belfry also has historical significance, because it was used as a watchtower for pirates during
the Spanish colonial era.
CAPE BOJEADOR
If Bantay Belfry shows you the whole of Ilocos Sur, Cape Bojeador will give you an
unobstructed view of the South China Sea. It is, after all, known as the tallest lighthouse in
the Philippines that sits on top of a hill. So, there’s very little doubt that it’s overlooking the
South China Sea.
TIRAD PASS
A very significant pass for the Filipinos, the Tirad Pass is where Gregorio del Pilar, a young
general, fought against the Americans to allow revolutionary leader Emilio Aguinaldo to
escape. It is now designated as a National Shrine. If you’re up for an adventure, you can take
a road trip from Tirad Pass to Mount Timbac, where you need a 4-wheel drive to get you
through 12 river crossings on the first leg part alone.
OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CHURCH
Found in a town with the same name, the Our Lady of the Assumption Church is a designated
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. It is one of the four Spanish-era churches that is part
of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines collection, making it a must see, especially if you
have an architectural inclination.
ARCHBISHOP’S PALACE
Like most structures in Ilocos Sur, the Archbishop’s Palace also has historical features, such
as sliding capiz windows and floral decorations. But the most important part of it is the
ecclesiastical artifacts and religious relics that come from other old churches.
 LA UNION
Fast Facts about La Union

 La Union is Also Called the Garden Coast

 American Servicemen Considered Bauang the Place for Rest and Recreation
 The Province Was a Key Point for Trading Gold
 The Surfing Hype Started Around the 80’s
 It is Home to the Famous Ma Cho Temple
BRIEF HISTORY

 La union was created by virtue of a “Superior Decreto”issued on March 2, 1850 by

Governor General Narciso Zaldua Claveria out of nine towns of Pangasinan, three of
Ilocos Sur and settlements of the Eastern Pais del Igorotes in the Cordilleras. Its
creation as a province was formally approved by a Royal Decree issued by Queen
Isabela of Spain on April 18, 1854.
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

 La Union is a province in the Philippines located in the Ilocos Region in the island
of Luzon. Its capital is the city of San Fernando, which also serves as the regional
center of the whole Ilocos Region.
 The province is bordered by Ilocos Sur to the north, Benguet to the
east,Pangasinan to the south and to the west by the shores of the South China
Sea (West Philippine Sea).
CLIMATE

 The climate is tropical in La Union. The summers are much rainier than the winters in
La Union. The climate here is classified as Aw by the Köppen-Geiger system. The
average temperature in La Union is 22.8 °C. Precipitation here averages 1356 mm.
 The driest month is February. There is 17 mm of precipitation in February. The
greatest amount of precipitation occurs in September, with an average of 243 mm.
 With an average of 24.7 °C, May is the warmest month. The lowest average
temperatures in the year occur in December, when it is around 20.3 °C.
FLORA AND FAUNA

 Located in San Fernando City, La Union, this unique botanical garden is nestled on
the hills of the city and spread out on several hectares of land. This is a sanctuary of
different plant species which can be found not just in tropical countries like the
Philippines but also in sub-tropical areas and deserts.
 There’s also an aviary and mini zoo in this place. Not only can you interact with
different animals and birds, you can also learn the importance of wildlife preservation.
Most of these animals were donated by the Department of Environmental and Natural
Resources because they want to instill in the minds of the youth the value of these
 fauna in our ecosystem. In here, you can see monkeys, doves, eagles, wild pigeons,
orioles, and a lot more.
CULTURE & PEOPLE

 Ninety-three percent of the population is Ilocano and is overwhelmingly Roman

Catholic.
 There are communities of Pangasinense in the south, Igorots in the Cordillera foothills,
and Chinese in the city.
 La Union is highly literate, with San Fernando City as the administrative, People &
Cultural, and financial center of the region.
LA UNION FESTIVALS
Dinengdeng Festival
Feast of Our Lady of Caysasay
Tabacco Festival
Baggak Festival
Pinadangan Festival
Sillag Festival
CUISINE AND DELICACIES OF LA UNION
CHULETAS- "pork ribs cooked in a marinating sauce of soy sauce and calamansi juice then
coated with flour, dipped in egg and fried"; chuleta in Spanish simply means meat chop
JUMPING SALAD- "a bowl of live shrimps you drizzle with calamansi"
ILOKANO EXPRESS- bagnet in coconut milk and chili a la Bicol express
FRIED ESPADA FISH DAING-
DINAKDAKAN- "minced pork cheeks, ears and brains cooked like sisig with soy sauce dip"
GUAPPLE BARS- Guapple bars is made from guapples grown in Lomboy Farms
ART AND CRAFT
STONE CRAFT – Stone Arts and Crafts has also been a conspicuous product of the same
town of Up-Uplas, Sudipen, La Union. They have usually produced and displayed unique
table decors, garden decors and sculptures.

BELIEFS AND TRADITIONS

BEING THRIFTY- They value money so much that most people see them as stingy, but in
truth they are just thrifty, they want to spend what they earned wisely.
MARRIAGE- Ilocanos have a very strong family tie. Just like all Filipinos, they follow all the
norm inside the house and within the family. Like the father being the head, the one who
provides and the for the family to survive, the mother being the “light of the home”, the one
who takes care of the children and manages all house finances. Plus, the Ilocanos have high
respect to their parents, which is absolutely evident in their marriage traditions.
VALUING EDUCATION- Their are not just industrious in the fields but also in schools. Most
of them are literate, and the parents are very passionate in giving their children proper
education, and would sacrifice everythimg in order to give them a good life.All this is done
because they believe that their children will have better opportunities aside from farming. And
parents will ensure that their children will have a better future than the parents have.

HOW TO GET TO LA UNION

BY CAR(SELF-DRIVE)

It took us around 5 hours to get to San Juan from Quezon City. If you live farther south like
Makati or Alabang, then it may take 6-7 hours. From Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway
(NLEx), then the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), then the Tarlac-Pampanga-La
Union Expressway (TPLEx). Exit at Pozorrubio to McArthur Highway and continue to the
bypass road of San Fernando, La Union until you reach the San Juan-San Gabriel Road.
That’s it. It’s pretty easy and straightforward, especially if you have a wifi connection and
Waze. The total amount you’ll be paying for toll is PHP 610.
BY BUS
There are several bus companies that can take you to La Union from Manila, either to the
neighboring town of San Fernando or en route to Vigan or Laoag. If your goal is to go surfing,
then it’s easiest to go directly to San Juan. As far as I know, the Partas Transportation
Company is the only bus line that offers direct routes from Manila to San Juan. It departs at
1AM and 6AM daily – from either Cubao or Pasay – and will drop you off at Sebay Surf Central
in Urbiztondo in about 5-7 hours. The fare is PHP 541 each way, and return trips to Manila
depart at 3PM and 10PM daily.
TOP TOURIST ATTRACTION IN LA UNION
URBIZTONDO BEACH
La Union is home to nearest surfing spots from Manila. Aside from good swells, this is one of
the reasons why it had become a popular destination for avid surfers and people who want to
learn the sport. Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan is the most popular surfing spot and main
tourist area. In contrast to other beaches in the Philippines, its peak season starts in October
until March when the best waves arrive.
TANGADANGAN FALLS
Take a break from the surf and enjoy a dip at Tangadan Falls. This waterfall in San Gabriel
is an easy day trip from San Juan. Tangadan Falls has a spacious plunge pool that is perfect
for swimming. You can ride a bamboo raft to the main cascade and enjoy a cool waterfalls
shower massage. Nearby, you can find two smaller waterfalls that are popular for cliff diving.
One is located on the upper level, upstream, and the other is farther downstream.
LA UNION’S COASTLINE
La Union’s coastline is blessed with glorious sunset views including Urbiztondo Beach. Go to
the rocky area on the south side of the beach for dramatic views.
FOOD TRIP AND NIGHT LIFE IN URBIZTONDO
The rise of San Juan as a popular beach getaway near Manila attracts a steady crowd of
Millenials. Urbiztondo had grown a bit of a hipster feel to it. Don’t miss the Instagram and
tummy-worthy food scene. Then, cap the night off with drinks at many beach and roadside
bars.
HALO-HALO DE ILOKO
The food scene is exciting as well in San Fernando, the capital city of La Union. Getting there
only takes 20 minutes, it’s a shame if you miss it. The most popular place to eat here is Halo
Halo de Iloko, located along Zandueta Street. They sell Halo Halo with a tasty twist. Try the
Buko Halo Halo, Ginataan nga Halo Halo or Deep Fried Halo Halo. They also serve delicious
Ilokano-fusion dishes. You might have to queue a bit before getting a table since the
restaurant is almost always full. The wait is worth it.
MA-CHO TEMPLE
While you are in San Fernando, stop over at Ma-Cho Temple, a picturesque temple found on
top a hill. It is the first Taoist temple and only one in the Philippines that is dedicated to the
Chinese sea-goddess Mazu. Some of its interesting features include the towering main
building crowned by an unusual spider-type dome, the Majestic Five Door Gate, and interiors
filled with ancient Chinese decorations. As you can imagine, a lot of people come here to get
a selfie with the sign “Macho.”
THUNDERBIRD RESORTS PORO POINT
Seeking a luxurious stay or romantic dinner? Go to Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point in San
Fernando. This Santorini-inspired resort is famous not only for its imposing white-washed
buildings and blue domes. It’s also praised for its gorgeous cliff-top location, facing a serene
sunset view of the West Philippine Sea.

BAHAY NA BATO
From San Juan, head north to the town of Luna and check out Bahay Na Bato, the newest
tourist attraction in the province. Built from stones found along Luna’s rare pebbled beaches,
the rest house sits on a peaceful property owned by Dr. Edison and Dr. Purita Chan-Noble.
In the interiors and around the grounds, you can find many interesting stone and wooden
sculptures made by Korean artist, Bong Kim.
LUNA PEBBLE BEACH
On the beachfront of Bahay Na Bato, you can find the most beautiful pebble beach that
remains in Luna. This section of the coastline is surrounded by vibrant blue waters and strong
sea waves. The town is known as the Pebble Capital of the North because of its many pebbled
beaches and big stone-picking industry.
LA UNION GRAPES FARM
Before leaving La Union, drop by the grape farms in Bauang. You can go grape-picking here
and bring the fresh harvest as pasalubong. Grape farms in the country are a surprising
discovery for most Filipinos because we have a notion that this fruit can only grow in cold
weather. There are numerous grape farms in town and many of them are open to the public.
PANGASINAN
Fast Facts about Pangasinan

 Pangasinan’s name was derived from the word “asin”.

 The first sunflower maze in the Philippines is in Pangasinan.
 Hundred Islands National Park is in Alaminos, Pangasinan
 The first train outside Manila.
 The Philippine National Anthem lyrics was in written in Pangasinan.
BRIEF HISTORY

 It was officially conquered and colonized by D. Martin de Goiti in 1571.

 On April 5, 1572, Pangasinan was made an encomienda by the Spanish royal crown
to receive instruction on the Catholic Faith, which means that Pangasinan was
organized under one leadership and has identity before the Spanish royal court.
 Eight years later, in 1580, Pangasinan was organized into a political unit under an
alkalde mayor who at that time has authority as head of the province or provincial
government with judicial function indicating that Pangasinan has become a province.
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

 Pangasinan territory covers a land area of 545, 101 hectares which constitutes almost
one-half (41.89%) of the total land area of the region and 1.6% of the total Philippine
area.
 It is bounded in the north by Lingayen Gulf, La Union and Benguet, in the north-east,
by Nueva Vizcaya, in the east, by Nueva Ecija and Tarlac in the south and Zambales
and China Sea in the west.
CLIMATE

 This city has a tropical climate. The is a great deal of rainfall in New Pangasinan, even
in the driest month. According to Köppen and Geiger, this climate is classified as Af.
The average annual temperature is 27.0 °C in New Pangasinan. The average annual
rainfall is 1948 mm.
 The least amount of rainfall occurs in January. The average in this month is 83 mm.
The greatest amount of precipitation occurs in August, with an average of 245 mm.
CULTURE

 The culture of Pangasinan is a blend of the indigenous Malayo-Polynesian and

western Hispanic culture, with some Indian and Chinese influences and minor
American influences. Today, Pangasinan is very much westernized, yet retains a
strong, native Austronesian background.
PEOPLE

 The Pangasinan people (Pangasinan: Totoon Pangasinan), also known as

Pangasinense, are a ethnolinguistic group native to the Philippines. Numbering about
1.50 million, they are the ninth largest ethnolinguistic group in the country.
 They live mainly in their native province of Pangasinan and the adjacent provinces of
La Union and Tarlac, as well as Benguet, Nueva Ecija, Zambales, and Nueva Vizcaya.
Smaller groups are found elsewhere in the Philippines and worldwide in the Filipino
diaspora.
PANGASINAN FESTIVALS
TALONG FESTIVAL
GALICAYO FESTIVAL
BANGUS FESTIVAL
DUMAYO FESTIVAL
PISTAY DAYAT
PUTO FESTIVAL
PATUPAT FESTIVAL
MANGUNGUNA FESTIVAL
CORN FESTIVAL
SIGAY FESTIVAL
CUISINE AND DELICACIES OF PANGASINAN
BAGUISEN- what dinuguan is called in Pangasinan; uses kamias as souring agent; the offal
is washed with detergent then boiled in guava leaves to get rid of the smell; in Barangay
Inirangan, Bayambang, they include upo slices in their baguisen
PIGAR-PIGAR- Pigar pigar, is a very popular street food in Dagupan, Philippines it’s so
popular it has its own festival. This dish is a very simple dish that is made out really thin slices
of beef and liver quickly deep-fried and served with fresh slices of onions.
SINAKOB- Sinakob is a famous dessert in Pangasinan, sometimes called panotcha or
molasses. Free from preservatives or additives, the delicacy is made entirely from sugarcane
juice.
ALAMINOS LONGGANISA- This version of longganisa is from the province of Alaminos,
Pangasinan. Unlike the Kampampangan, Tagalog or the Cebuano versions which are sweet,
this longganisa is similar to Vigan or Lucban longganisa which are refined saltiness and
garlicky in taste. But the most notable difference of this Alaminos longganisa is the yellow
color and toothpicks that divides the longganisa links. Actually they are not toothpicks but
sharpened palm leaves sticks used in making “walis tingting” or maybe bamboo sticks are
used sometimes.
PUTO CALASIAO- Puto Calasiao for those who don’t know is a type of Puto (rice cake)
shaped in small bite-sized portions and it is made out of semi-glutinous rice that is fermented
in earthen jars. A rice cake that originated in Calasiao, Pangasinan, it is considered as the
town’s “white gold” as this is one of their economic drivers in the region.
KULAMBO- Kulambo is a type of rice cake popular in Pangasinan, basically their equivalent
to tikoy made with sugar, coconut milk and glutinous rice flour. While the main ingredients are
similar, the similarity stops there as the cooking process for this one does not include
steaming and mainly cooking over stove top while laboriously mixing it until it becomes so
sticky and cooked.
ART AND CRAFT
Bolinao Mats- These mats from the buri palm are used traditionally as the liner for the
wedding dance performed by the newly wedding.In Bolinao, Pangasinan, the same buri
material is used for mat-making; a double-layered matwith one side using a tartan- or
gingham-like coloured design while the reverse is kept plain
Bamboo Crafts- In Malasiqui, Pangasinan, Barangay Pasima is known to house bamboo-
weavers. They make kaing (woven bamboo basket), bilao (woven bamboo tray), and drying
beds. In Pasima, bamboo-weaving is a way of life. It is a family affair - the kids are assigned
in weaving the basket’s base, while the mother finish the baskets. Kids aged eight start to
help in weaving, while grandmothers also do their share of weaving.

BELIEFS AND TRADITIONS

Reverence for Mary- Pangasinan indigenous beliefs proscribed worship of a supreme
deity, Ama Gaoley, which aligned with the Catholic concept of one true God.
Dominican missionaries taught the Pangasinans about the Virgin Mary, whom the
were able to relate to the goddess mother of Ama Gaoley. The Dominicans
consecrated the Pangasinan province to Our Lady of The Most Holy Rosary of
Manaoag, and the Pangasinans show deep devotion to her. Almost all homes
feature an image of the Virgin Mary of Manaoag and all Pangasinan churches have
an altar dedicated to her. The town of Manaoag and its cathedral are considered
the Catholic Mecca of Luzon.
Reverence for Saints and Souls- Pangasinans, like Catholics worldwide, honor their dead on
All Saints Day, November 1, and All Souls Day, November 2. Dressed in traditional burial
clothes and carrying lighted candles, Pangasinan cantore, or singers, stop at neighbor's
homes where they receive sweetened rice cakes as rewards for their singing.
Christmas and Holy Week- Oral traditions also are an important part of Pangasinan
Christmas and Holy Week traditions. The Pangasinan Christmas aligondo, or carol,
is made up of 142 quatrains and is believed to be the longest Christmas carol in
the Philippines. The song, which relates the story of the Magi, is sung by both men
and women and takes about 90 minutes to perform. Holy Week traditions include
religious services, processions and the chanting of the "pasyon," or passion. The
pasyon is performed over the course of three nights between Holy Wednesday and
Good Friday and relates Biblical history from Cr eation to Jesus's Passion,
Resurrection and death.

HOW TO GET IN PANGASINAN

BY LAND
Pangasinan is accessible from Manila by land. Riding a local bus line to Pangasinan takes 4-
5 hours. Victory Liner has a daily direct route to Alaminos and Bolinao from four terminals in
Metro Manila (Pasay, Caloocan and two in Cubao). Five Star Bus Company has regular daily
trips to Dagupan, San Carlos, and Alaminos from their depots in Cubao and Pasay. Viron
Transit has daily trips to Dagupan, Tayuf, and San Carlos. Bus lines such as Partas Bus
Lines, Farinas Trans, Viron Transit, and Dominion Bus Lines pass through some
municipalities of Pangasinan (Rosales, Villasis, Urdaneta City, Binalonan, Pozorrubio,
and Sison) on the way to San Fernando, Vigan, Laoag, or Abra.
TOP TOURIST ATTRACTION IN PANGASINAN
HUNDRED ISLANDS
Composed of more than a hundred small islands and islets in the Lingayen Gulf, Hundred
Islands is one of the most popular tourist spots in Pangasinan. Its most visited islands are
Governor’s Island, Quezon Island, Marcos Island and Children’s Island.
SKY PLAZA
Located at the eastern part of Pangasinan, Sky Plaza is a public park and view deck where
visitors can enjoy sweeping scenes of Natividad and its neighboring towns.It is also the jump-
off point to the short but challenging trek up Ayat ni Apo Jesus, a pilgrimage site featuring a
Christ the Redeemer statue standing on top of a hill.
PATAR BEACH
Dubbed as “The Boracay of Pangasinan” with its very long stretch of white sand beach and
crystal clear waters, Patar Beach is a must have in your itinerary. Don’t miss the romantic
sunset view here.
SUNFLOWER MAZE
Dare to try a maze challenge at the first ever sunflower maze in the Philippines by Allied
Botanical Corporation. The farm also features parts where visitors are allowed to a pick-and-
pay treat to harvest their fresh crops.
DEATH POOL
Would you dare dive into the so called “Death Pool” in Cabongaoan Beach? It was a term
humorously coined by the locals to describe the natural swimming pool that forms near the
beach whenever the tide comes in and fills it with saltwater.
ENCHANTED CAVE
Enchanted Cave is one of the must-visit attractions in Bolinao, Pangasinan. The entire place
is stunning since it’s like a huge coral reef that emerged from underwater. However, there are
certain areas inside the caves that are restricted from tourists.