Philippine Culture and Tourism Geography
Philippine Culture and Tourism Geography
Philippine Culture and Tourism Geography
• Region 1, also known as the Ilocos Region, is located in the northwest of Luzon. It borders to the
east the regions of the Cordillera Administrative Region and Cagayan Valley, and to the south of
the Central Luzon. Located on its west is the South China Sea.
• The region is composed of four provinces, namely: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and
Pangasinan. Its regional center is San Fernando City, La Union.
ILOCOS NORTE
• Capital: Laoag City
• Ilocos Norte is noted for being the birthplace of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos
• Getting There: Laoag International Airport serves as the main gateway to Ilocos Norte. Laoag is
just 45 minute flight from Manila. By land, various bus lines serve the Manila – Laoag route for an
8 hour drive. Ilocos Norte is just 477 km north of Manila.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
1
4. MALACAÑANG OF THE NORTH
o It was built as the official residence of the late President Marcos in Ilocos Norte. It is a 2-
storey building located near the legendary Paoay Lake.
o Currently, it operates as the Marcos Memorabilia Museum, which is open to the public.
5. PAOAY CHURCH
o Paoay Church (St. Augustine Church) is a national treasure of and a designated
UNESCO world heritage site. It was built in 1896 by the Augustinian friars using coral
bricks, which can be seen from its massive walls. Also, as a prime example of a Baroque
church, it brings along a picturesque view truly reminiscent of the Spanish era, with
details like enormous and magnificent buttresses on the sides and back of the building.
8. BANGUI WINDMILL
o The Bangui Windmill is the 1st of its kind in Southeast Asia which made Ilocos Norte as
one of the few provinces that generates renewable energy.
o The windmill has 20 tri-blades that 70 meters high, with windmills spread about in an arc
formation along the Bangui Bay.
9. PAGUDPUD BEACHES
o Dubbed as the “Boracay of the North” with its white, sandy beaches
2
the amazing view of the sea and the luxuriant mountains as they cross this bridge, which
is 200 meters above sea level. It is the fourth longest bridge in the Philippines.
11. KAPURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATION
o Found in the rocky parts of Burgos, Ilocos Norte, these rock formations cannot be
classified as something common as they are formed over years and years to a formation
that you’d unexpectedly see. For some reasons, seeing Kapurpurawan Rocks makes you
realize that when nature works, it’s definitely something that no human can ever
accomplish.
ILOCOS SUR
• Getting There: There are several bus lines that ply the Manila-Vigan route. Among these are: The
Philippine Rabbit Bus Line & Partas Co., The 405 km distance from Manila to Ilocos Sur is a
comfortable and scenic seven-hour ride. The fastest way to get to Ilocos Sur is through the Laoag
International Airport in Laoag City.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
2. CALLE CRISOLOGO
o The most famous and major tourist magnet in Vigan, Calle Crisologo is full of Spanish-
styled houses that gives people of this generation a glimpse of the Spanish era. This
3
street also features the prosperous lifestyle of the said era because of the Manila-
Acapulco trade.
4. BANTAY BELFRY
o More than just a bell tower, the Bantay Belfy sits on top a hill that offers a panoramic view
of the entire Ilocos Sur. The belfry also has historical significance, because it was used
as a watchtower for pirates during the Spanish colonial era.
6. TIRAD PASS
o The Tirad Pass is where Gregorio del Pilar, the youngest Filipino general, fought against
the Americans to allow revolutionary leader Emilio Aguinaldo to escape. It is now
designated as a National Shrine.
7. BALUARTE
o There are two good reasons why you should visit Baluarte, also known as the Fortress:
first, because of its mini-zoo that serves as the home of many endemic animals in the
Philippines and second, is that it is actually owned by Mr. Chavit Singson, a well-known
politician in the country
LA UNION
4
• La Unión, "The Union" in English, was formed in 1850 when the Spanish colonial government of
Governor-General Antonio Maria Blanco merged the three southern towns of Ilocos Sur province,
the nine northern towns of Pangasinan, and the western towns of Benguet to the east (Eastern
Pais del Igorotes in the Cordilleras).
WHAT TO DO IN LA UNION?
5
PANGASINAN
• Capital: Lingayen
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
1. HUNDRED ISLANDS
o 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.
2. ENCHANTED CAVE
o 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.
3. BOLINAO FALLS
o The falls are a perfect place to unwind and be one with nature. Guests can enjoy
activities such as cliff jumping and bamboo rafting. There are also nipa huts and life vests
available for renting.
6
5. THE MINOR BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY OF MANAOAG
o Known as “Apo Baket”, the patroness of Pangasinan, the Our Lady of Manaoag is a
religious shrine with countless miraculous tales and healing powers. The devout Filipino
Catholics revered Our Lady of Manaoag as the patroness of the sick, the helpless and
the needy.
6. PATAR BEACH
o Dubbed as “The Boracay of Pangasinan” with its very long stretch of white sand beach
and crystal clear waters
o Vigan longganisa
o Pakbet
o Dinengdeng
o Ilocos empanada
o Dragon fruit - ilocos norte is dubbed as the “dragon fruit capital of the philippines”
o Puto calasiao
o Dagupan bangus
o Tupig
o Basi - a fermented alcoholic beverage made from sugarcane in the ilocos region of northern
luzon in the philippines.
o Bagoong