Welcome to Ilocandia! ft. San Juan Ilocos Sur — #Proud Lapogueńo
Being an Ilocano is one of the things I can be proud of. Not only an Ilocono is a hospitable one which tourists are always saying. There are also so much things tourist love about Ilocos especially Ilocos Sur; its beautiful scenic views and their “one town one products”.
So Come on! Be with me as we explore some of the pride of Ilocandia!
Ilocos Sur is a province of Philippines located at Ilocos Region of Luzon. Ilocos Sur is bordered by Ilocos Norte and Abra to the north, Mountain Province to the east, La Union and Benguet to the south and the Sout China Sea to the west.
And we are now here at Tagudin, Ilocos Sur. This is actually the first municipality of the province of Ilocos Sur from the south going to the north. This photo taken is the Town hall of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur.
Some of the place where the visitors were going is its church; “St. Agustine Church”. To get there, there is an extensive road network that leads to the province from various parts of Luzon. There are several bus lines that ply the Manila-Vigan route such as Partas Co., Farińas and etc. The 405 km distance from Manila to Ilocos Sur is a comfortable and scenic seven hour ride.
Another tourist attraction which Tagudin have is its known hanging bridge — the “Ambalayat Hanging Bridge”. “Huuuh! I am a little bit scared!”….but come on! Let’s cross. This will be an adventurous one.
And here we are also, we are visiting the known “Santorini-inspired villas in Ilocos Sur” — Vitalis Villas located at Santiago Ilocos Sur. It is managed by Artstream Hospitality Management Group Inc. It’s Greek-style villas are perched on a mountain cliff, overlooking the beautiful sea and Santiago cove.
You will love the resort because of it’s romantic vibe, fine sand, cobalt blue waters, beautiful warm sunset, yummy food, and beachfront location.
Tourists also loves to visit the parish church of Sta. Maria also known as the Church of Our Lady of Assumption or “Simbaan ti Asunta” in iloco. it was built in 1810 on a narrow hill surrounded by a defensive hall wall overlooking the town proper.
This is the “pinakurat” — an iloco vinegar of Sta. Maria Ilocos Sur. is a condiment specifically Ilocos cane vinegar blended with “labuyo” chili and other spices ingredient. “Ummm! So delicious”.
“If you visit Ilocos Sur dont forget to buy this native cane vinegar of Sta. Maria”
One of the reasons tourist can’t resist to go back in Ilocos Sur is its popularly known “Bagnet”. Bagnet is one of the well-known and well-liked food of Filipinos. In other towns, bagnet is also called “sitsaron” or “chicaron,”. This is actually the One Town One Product of Narvacan Ilocos Sur.
We gonna travel also to some of interior parts of Ilocos Sur, where we will be fascinated to their hidden beauties. “Even if they are far, they are worth of visiting for.”
Our first destination is this beautiful resort known as “Bago Resort” located at Salcedo, Ilocos Sur. About 20 mins from main road (via Candon City) or about 30 mins (via Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur). This is the very first man-made pool with natural spring water in the Province of Ilocos Sur. It has two pools (for kids & adults) and is chlorine-free. The natural spring water is coming from the falls of Mount Madarang.
“Don’t hesitate to visit this. Come and be relaxed.”
Salcedo is know also as the capital harvesting place of “Rambuta” at Ilocos Sur. Rambutan is a native tropical fruit that grows in a cold place. Be indulge with its sweet and sour taste.
Aside from engaging in growing “Rambutan”, Salcedo farmers shift to grow cacao making this product as its “One Town One Product”. The by-products of this high value crop, from cacao tablea, cacao ice cream, chocolate drinks and chocolate candies.
Another mountainous town of Ilocos Sur to visit is Suyo ilocos Sur. In this to we discover this small yet captivating falls called — “Burayok Falls”. There are so many falls Suyo have namely “Sangbay Falls”, “Darawa Falls and etc.
Then after we explore some mountainous towns of Ilocos Sur, we will visit also the center of Ilocos Sur.
Then we are now at the “heart of Ilocos Sur” — Vigan City. Vigan is known as one of the wonder cities in the world. And this photo above is actually the “Calle Crisologo”, major attraction in the city.
Behind its beautiful images of antiquated houses, cobbled narrow streets, and calesas. No one would anticipate that a beautiful garden is located at the heart of Vigan City. Come and be amazed also with this tourist spot!
One of the amazing historical sites in Vigan, St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, popularly known as Vigan Cathedral, is an old church in Ilocos region located at the front of Plaza Salcedo and beside Plaza Burgos.
A visit to Vigan will not be complete without tasting its famous Vigan empanada. You can choose to sample this tasty delight in the food establishments that dot the city or the empanada stalls in the market and plazas. “Ummm.. It is really makes you to crave one.”
One of the most popular establishment where you will taste the delicious empanada of Vigan is here at Nanang Sion located at Heritage village. I am sure you will not just enjoy their empanada but also its ambiance for it will take you back in time — in Spanish Era because it is an old Spanish house turned into a dining space.
And there this “Vigan longanisa”, one of the reason why tourists love Vigan. Sure, you will also crave with this meaty and tasty product. It can be eaten anytime, even as a bread filling, it is traditional favored as breakfast fare together with fried eggs and steamed or fried rice. It is best dipped in Ilocos vinegar with plenty of chili, garlic and onions.
“Ummm! Come and try now this very own “One Town, One Product” of Vigan.”
Another tourist destination is this Saint Augustine Parish Church, commonly known as Bantay Church — a Roman Catholic Church of Bantay, Ilocos Sur. The church was dedicated to St. Augustine of Hippo. It is also known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity (Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Caridad) housing the miraculous image of Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Charity, crowned as the patroness of Ilocandia on January 12, 1956.
And beside of Bantay Church, this bell tower is located. The old historic belfry of the church known as the Bantay Tower, which served as a watchtower for pirates back in the Spanish colonial era, gave the town its name — bantay (meaning to guard).
Tourist love also to visit this St. Vincent Church of San Vicente Ilocos Sur. It was established in 1795. The church’s facade has two layers of columns divided by ornate architraves. It is one of the loveliest Baroque church in the province.
After witnessing the beauty of some places at the center of Ilocos Sur, we will now have some tour going to its northern part.
As you explore the northern part of Ilocos Sur, don’t miss this ilocano vinegar and native wine called “basi” — the One Town One Product of San Ildefonso Ilocos Sur. This drink is made from sugarcane juice at the historic Barangay Gongogong of San Ildefonso town where the Bantauay river is found.
You can buy “Basi” in some huts along National Highway in San Ildefonso Ilocos Sur.
Our next destination is Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur. This town is known for its product “buko pie”. Come and try this yummy,sweet, and nutritious delicacy. You can avail this product on some stalls located at Sto. Dongo plaza or on some bakery shops such as “Three Masters’ Pastries”.
And our next stop is the town of Magsingal Ilocos Sur , the “tinubong” capital of Ilocos Sur. Tinubong is a native rice delicacy favorite among the Ilocanos, which they usually serve during special occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, and New Year.
And we are now entering our next destination, my very own beloved town, San Juan Ilocos Sur. Be relaxed and enjoy as you explore the beauty of this rural place that melts everyone’s heart.
One of the tourist spot here in San Juan is the “Tapao Mountainous Resort”. It is the place perfect for those who want a calm and relaxing environment. It’s called Tapao, meaning top, because the resort is situated on top of a mountain. Sometimes, mostly during weekdays, you can visit the place when there are no customers other than you. It will feel like you own the whole place.
This is actually owned by the Sarmiento family particularly the family of our very own Hon Benjamin Sarmiento, mayor of San Juan.
Discover also this Hidden Paradise located at Malamin Ilocos Sur know as “Pikkang Falls”. The fall is located five kilometers from San Juan town proper and is accessible by a concrete road, from where it will terminate at a drop-off point in the barangay. After that, hiking is needed to go to the falls, which normally takes about twenty minutes. As few tourists are known to visit the waterfalls, its surroundings are still not yet being compromised.
As you visit San Juan Ilocos Sur, you will going to be amazed also with is Municipal Hall for it has unique design based on a buri hat as you can see its rooftop.
San Juan is known s the “Buri Capital of Ilocos Sur”. Citizens of San Juan including balikbayans and guests had their parade of the longest mat in the philippines in the year 2007.
The weavers i San Juan Ilocos Sur offer different products such as fashion bags, hats, mats and etc. yYou can avail this at some shops in San Juan.
One of the shops registered is Aleli’s Buricraft located at the front of San Juan market along National Highway, Bannuar, San Juan Ilocos Sur.
Don’t miss also to visit this historic place in San Juan known as “RSQ Techno-Park and Museum”. It is located at Brgy. Bannuar San Juan Ilocos Sur. This is put up and owned by Engr. Rolando S. Quilala.
This are some pieces which you can see here in museum:
The next town we are going to visit is the municipality of Cabugao Ilocos Sur. It is the second farthest town of Ilocos Sur. Cabugao is known as the “Bamboo Capital of IlocosSur”.
If you love beaches that are not crowded and without commercialized resorts, Sabang beach in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur is one of the best choices. You can ride colorful and beautiful boats here to enjoy the relaxing view of this place.
And we are now entering on the last tourist destination in Ilocos Sur. It’s Farthest town going to the north — Sinait, Ilocos Sur.
Tourists love to visit Sinait particularly its known St. Nicholas of Tolentino Parish — the Sanctuary of the Miraculous Statue of the Black Nazarene, fondly called by its residents as “Apo Lakay.”
“Hope you enjoyed our little trip exploring Ilocandia”… May you really visit Ilocos Sur!
