Invigorating Ilocos

By Jade Pangilinan

SKETCHES

A trip to Ilocos Region was my last hurrah for the rainy summer season this year here in the Philippines. After being so consumed with work I decided to join my sister and her family in a road trip that took us from San Fernando, Pampanga to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte and back, in all of three days.

The last time I visited Ilocos was about five years ago when I went to see my college friends who are from the enchanting heritage city of Vigan. Vigan is actually listed among the World Heritage Sites, just like Nara and Nikko in Japan, which means that it has universal value for all mankind.

Vigan will never fail to amaze anyone, young and old alike. It is always picture perfect. From the kalesa rides that take tourists along the important historic sites especially cobble-paved Calle Crisologo with its vintage shops, to the delightful royal bibingka, yummy longganisa, and delicious empanada you could enjoy at the Plaza fronting the St. Paul’s Cathedral. Just to be in Vigan is a worthwhile experience in itself. The city is a tourist destination that every Filipino could be proud of.

On the road to Vigan stops in Candon City for their famous kalamay and in

Santa Maria for their church are necessary. The Santa Maria Church in Ilocos Sur, which sits atop a hill, is also included in the World Heritage List as one of the Four Baroque Churches of the Philippines, the others being San Agustin in Intramuros, Santo Tomas Villanueva in Miag-ao and the Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte. These churches exemplify Philippine baroque architectural genre and have universal cultural value.

North of Vigan is the province of Ilocos Norte where one could also enjoy a lot of heritage and natural spots. The Ilocos Region is very blessed with both natural and cultural resources.

In Ilocos Norte one could find Cape Bojeador lighthouse in the town of Burgos, the oldest functioning Spanish – period lighthouse in the country. In the same town is the Kapupurwan white rock formation that could be considered a geological monument.

The white sand beaches of Pagudpud at the tip of Ilocos Norte are quite legendary among travelers, comparable to that of Puerto Galera or
Boracay sans the crowd. Going to the beach in Pagudpud is relaxing and refreshing in itself because the place has a very serene atmosphere.

On the way to Pagudpud travelers might want to drop by the wind mills of Bangui which look like giant electric fans from afar but actually supply the province with electric power. This is an eco-friendly innovation which also became a tourism advantage.

Paoay Church in the town of Paoay is also a World Heritage Site. Right across the church is a cozy cafeteria that serves coffee and superb tasting pizza called the Café Herencia. Must try flavors are the Pinakbet Pizza and the Longganiza Pizza which truly reflect Ilocano culinary culture.

Three days in ilocos is really not enough to make the most of the region which really has so much to offer. It is always a welcome feast for the senses that will bring any visitor back for more.