Known mostly as a transit town and a gateway to the 8th wonder of the world, Nueva Vizcaya is now

making a mark with its ever growing attractions and development.

One of the most colorful and culturally diverse yet unheralded provinces in the country is Nueva Vizcaya.

Embraced by the mighty mountain ranges of the Cordillera, Caraballo, and Sierra Madre, the province is
home to 18 indigenous peoples groups which have made it their home for centuries now.

FESTIVAL:

Ammungan” is a Gaddang word which means “gathering,” while its Ilocano counterpart is “ummungan”
which also has the same meaning and is widely understood among the ethno-linguistic groups

The festival showcases the strides made by the province over the years in terms of economy, tourism,
governance and respect for indigenous peoples rights.

Celebrations drew to a close with a colorful float parade which highlighted the tourist attractions, local
products, and industries of the participating towns.

Major events were held at the Ammungan Village at the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Bayombong,
which features replicas of traditional houses of cultural communities for the municipalities. Each house
displayed sold home-grown organic agricultural produce, processed food, and ethnic souvenirs and
crafts.

FOOD:

Mrs Baker’s Restaurant and Pastry Shop

A surprising find in Bayombong, Mrs Baker’s offers a mix of FIlipino and international fares.

Kaboodle Grill and Restaurant

Boodle fights? Well Kaboodle Grill can give you that in a restaurant setting. Don’t worry, you can eat
with your bare hands still if you prefer.

All Day Exotic Resto Bar

Adventurous foodies looking for something local and exotic would be at home at All Day Exotic Resto
Bar. Must try are the crispy Abal-abal (slagubang beetle), Tateg (salagubang larvae) and the fried frogs.

Governor’s Garden Merienda Buffet

There’s a little gem of a buffet in Solano not many people are aware of. Every Friday at 4-6pm,
Governor’s Garden Hotel offer’s an extensive offering of kakanin (rice cakes), fresh and fried lumpia,
pancit and dinuguan.

G&B Buko Pie

If there’s another brand of buko pie that can rival the popular ones in Laguna and Batangas, it is G&B
Buko Pie in Nueva Vizcaya. They had been in production since 1993 and makes about 2000 pieces per
day which are usually wiped out.
CAGAYAN

When in the Philippines, and you’re looking for an easy yet breathtaking adventure up north where you
can bring your family and friends along, Cagayan Valley is a definite place to go.

CALAYAN ISLAND:

Lying in the vast blue sea in northernmost Luzon, Calayan Island is one of the most unexplored
destinations in the entire Philippine archipelago.

Here on the island, luxury can have a new dimension. Luxury in this jewel island means the ability to
discover the island’s many and varied attractions.

Calayan Island is one of the 29 towns in Cagayan province. It is neighbor to the country’s northernmost
province, the Batanes Islands.

The island is only for the brave tourists. As every islander is prone to say, "You have to pass hell before
paradise."

PALAUI ISLAND

This is Palaui Island.

Palaui Island is made up of volcanic debris, lying between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Palaui Island has no electricity, nor commercial accommodation.

Its main attraction aside from the gorgeous beaches is the 18th century lighthouse built by the
Spaniards called Farol de Cabo Engaño or Cape Engaño Lighthouse.

From this lighthouse, the best view of Palaui Island is offered.

CAVES:

The Callao caves are located in Peñablanca, Cagayan near Tuguegarao.

Peñablanca came from two spanish words “Peña” which means “rock” and “blanca” which means white
which you’ll see later on in the photos.

The only thing you have to brace for are the 183 steps going into the cave entrance.

As you go higher you’ll definitely feel it getting cooler.

The Callao caves is composed of seven chambers. Each chamber has natural light streaming in which
makes for amazing plays of texture and shadows.

OTHER CAVES THAT YOU SHOULD TRY TO VISIT:

AR-ARO CAVE

DUBA CAVE

TABACO CAVE
MARCIANO CAVE

FOODS

Pancit Batil Patong

Another specialty pancit of the Cagayan region is the Batil Patong. Batil, in the local dialect/language
means egg and patong or patung means to put on top, hence the name for the famous pancit.

CHICHARABAO

This uniquely Cagayan snack is lighter than your usual chicharon and without the crisply fried fat and
meat.

PAWA

Besides the venerated Black Virgin Mary, Piat holds another heavenly gem along its church grounds, the
sweet pawa. The bite-sized snack is made from steamed glutinous rice filled with sweetened grounded
peanuts.

YBANAG LONGGANISA

Tuguegarao’s version of the pinoy breakfast favorite, the longganisa, is made from, guess what,
carabeef.

LUMOT

And finally, lumot. Served with a host of seafood, lumot is lato’s (which they call pukpuklo, by the way)
lesser know cousin. Both are seaweeds, the former having a more algae-ish consistency.

FESTIVAL:

AGGAO NA CAGAYAN FESTIVAL

Dupaya, who was then a lover of arts and culture, designed a weeklong festival to promote social and
cultural progress and imbue a sense of pride among Cagayanos on their rich and colorful tradition and
past. The first Aggao Na Cagayan featured various activities such as civic parade, beauty pageant,
cultural presentations and agro-industrial exhibits.

TRIVIA:

The best time to visit Cagayan Valley is from January to June, before the typhoon season in the country
sets in. It’s also in June that the region holds its Agao Nac Cagayan festival, which rivals the Sinulog
Festival of Cebu in terms of grandiose.
QUIRINO

INTRO

Quirino province was blessed with diverse natural resources, such as awesome caves, rivers,
breathtaking waterfalls, mountains and valleys, forests, plantations, and minerals. It is tagged as “where
adventure begins”.

The province of Quirino is named after the sixth President of the Philippines, Elpidio Quirino and used to
be a part of the province of Nueva Vizcaya until it was separated in the year 1966.

IT IS COMPOSED OF 6 MUNICIPALITITES

AGLIPAY- “The Heart Of The Province”

CABARROGUIS – “The Golden Park Of The Province”,

DIFFUN: “Gateway To The Province Of Quirino”,

MADDELA- “Commercial Growth Center Of Quirino”,

NAGTIPUNAN- “The Land Of Origins”, SAGUDAY: – “The Rice Granary Of The Province”.

TRIVIA

Fossilized or skeletonized flower making is one of the growing medium-scale enterprises in the province.

Bars and sari-sari stores close at 10PM.

Being a land-locked province, the rivers serve as a major natural attraction.

FESTIVAL

Quirino Province celebrates its annual Festivity, dub as "PANAGDADAPUN FESTIVAL" an Ilocano word
which means assembly or the gathering of every Quirinian.

Quirinians from all over the province gather to showcase what the province is all about in the week-long
festivities.

It is celebrated every month of September which coincides with the Araw ng Quirino Foundation every
Municipality has its own festival which features their unique culture and practices.

It is being celebrated every September 7-10 of the year.

Highlights of the festival include the Street Dancing Showdown, Gitarock (Battle of the Bands), and the
Search for Mr. and Ms. Quirino.
TOURIST SPOTS

GOVERNOR’S RAPID

Why named the Governor’s Rapids? It is not owned by the governor to set aside political concerns. The
name traces back to the time of the Japanese administration where rivers serve as the thoroughfare of
the valley as road networks were still undeveloped. One day, the life of the Japanese governor was
taken by the rapids and his body could no longer be found. He might just be somewhere in the rapids.

PEOPLE

LANGUAGE: Ilocano, Ifugao, Bungkalot, Pangasinan, Kankana-ey, Tagalog, English

RELIGION: Quirino is predominantly Roman Catholic. Many also belong to the Iglesia ni Cristo,,
Aglipayan, Seventh Day Adventist, Church of Christ, among others. Some people still practice indigenous
beliefs.
ISABELA:

FESTIVAL: BAMBANTI FESTIVAL

Bambanti Festival

the official festival of the Province of Isabela

Held annually in the month of January, the award-winning festival has become a key factor in helping to
build a cultural identity for the residences of Isabela.

THE FESTIVAL aims to celebrate the province’s rich culture and tradition, it’s land, and most especially
it’s people.

The Bambanti or “Scarecrow” has become a symbol and mascot of the celebration because of its historic
ties to farmers and their crops. Symbolizing the diligence, resoluteness, and the enduring spirit of the
people of Isabela.

The annual festival consists mainly of participants from the 34 municipalities of Isabela, coming together
to compete in a variety of friendly activities.

If you want to get to know more about the thirty-four municipalities and three cities of the province,
you definitely shouldn’t miss this annual festivity.

PEOPLE

Isabela has one of the highest literacy rates in the world at 97%. Most Isabeleños, especially those in the
urban centers, speak and understand both English and Filipino.

And, of course, like in any other towns or cities, you’d fall in love more with the province of Isabela
when you meet its people.

This northern province has really nice locals that you can make friends with. They’re very much
accommodating, too, which will make any tourist feel welcome.

TRIVIA

Magat Dam, a major source of power and water supply of the Northern Luzon.

FOOD

We have no doubt that you would easily fall in love with the food in Isabela.

Everything tastes fresh—vegetables, fruits, fishes, meat.

Well, it isn’t a province known for its glorious and thriving agriculture for nothing.
We recommend that you try their savory Pancit Cabagan, delicious Moriecos, popular Pinilisa rice,
yummy monggo beans, spicy longganisa, and, of course, their delightful corn.

If you have more appetizing additions to this list, please do share them with us!

RICE BOWL OF THE NORTH

The Isabela is the second largest Province in the Philippines. It is called the RICE BOWL OF THE NORTH. It
also have the biggest corn processing facility in South East Asia.

TOURISTS SPOTS

San Matias Parish Church

The details of this church is just so gorgeous!

The San Matias Parish Church, commonly known as Tumauini Church, is a Roman Catholic church in the
municipality of Tumauini, Isabela, Philippines, within the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Diocese of
Ilagan.

Dibulo Falls

A hidden, majestic waterfalls with an enchanting beauty. Dibulo Falls is gaining popularity because of its
suspended features.

Dibulo Falls is the tallest waterfalls in the Province of Isabela located in the little town of Dinapigue —
the only secluded part of Isabela province.

Cordon, Isabela

Experience this kind of view in a foggy morning at Cordon, Isabela

Magat Dam

This spectacular view of Magat Dam

One of the largest dams in the Philippines and has two primary purposes: as a source of irrigation water
and as a provider of hydroelectric power.

Maconacon

This Little Paradise Called Maconacon

Beach anyone?