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.
The cities that make up Ilocos Region are:

 Batac City
 Laoag City
 Candon City
 Vigan City
 San Fernando City
 Alaminos City
 Dagupan City
 San Carlos City
 Urdaneta City

About Ilocos Norte Province

To make sure you cover everything the Philippines have to offer, start right at the top! Ilocos Norte is
the perfect beginning to an exciting adventure.

The Spanish colonization in Ilocos year 1572 was never completely successful. Products such as
tobacco and basi (sugarcane wine) were monopolize by the government resulting to uprisings; Basi
Revolt being the most noteworthy. The widespread conflict throughout the region led to the division of the
old Provincia de Ilocos through Royal Decree in February 2, 1818. Ilocos Norte was born. Since then, the
province increased in prosperity. Many towns during this period built bigger stone and brick churches with
massive belfries. Under the American regime, new schools, roads, bridges, dikes, and government
buildings were constructed.

Start your adventure in Laoag, the capital of Ilocos Norte and the hub of everything Ilocano. The
World Heritage Sites and sand dunes of Paoay in the south; the famous white beaches in Pagudpud and
gigantic windmills in the north; and the verdant mountains and tribal villages in the east are at least and
hour’s drive away.

History
Long before the coming of the Spaniards, there already existed an extensive region consisting of the
present provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra and La Union) renowned for its gold mines. Merchants
from Japan and China would often visit the area to trade gold with beads, ceramics and silk. The
inhabitants of the region, believed to be of Malay origin, called their place “samtoy”, from “sao mi toy,
which literally meant “our language”.

In 1571, when the Spanish conquistadors had Manila more or less under their control, they began
looking for new sites to conquer. Legaspi’s grandson, Juan de Salcedo, volunteered to lead one of these
expeditions. Together with 8 armed boats and 45 men, the 22 year old voyager headed north.

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. As a result, they named the region “Ylocos” and its
people “Ylocanos”.

As the Christianization of the region grew, so did the landscape of the area. Vast tracks of land were
utilized for churches and bell towers in line with the Spanish mission of “bajo las campanas”. In the town
plaza, it was not uncommon to see garrisons under the church bells. The colonization process was slowly
being carried out.

The Spanish colonization of the region, however, was never completely successful. Owing to the
abusive practices of many Augustinian friars, a number of Ilocanos revolted against their colonizers.
Noteworthy of these were the Dingras uprising (1589) and Pedro Almasan revolt (San Nicolas, 1660). In
1762, Diego Silang led a series of battles aimed at freeing the Ilocanos from the Spanish yoke. When he
died from an assassin’s bullet, his widow Gabriela continued the cause. Unfortunately, she too was
captured and hanged. In 1807, the sugar cane (“basi”) brewers of Piddig rose up in arms to protest the
government’s monopoly of the wine industry. In 1898, the church excommunicated Gregorio Aglipay for
refusing to cut off ties with the revolutionary forces of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. Unperturbed, he established
the “Iglesia Filipina Independiente”. Aglipay’s movement and the national sentiment it espoused helped
restore the self-respect of many Filipinos.

“The great increase in population from 1715 to 1818 from 18,980 to 282,845 made the
administration of the province very difficult. Due to the excessive monopolies and forced labor, there were
several uprisings: first by the people of Dingras in 1589; one that was led by Pedro Almazan in 1616; the
revolt of Diego Silang in 1762-1763; by Ambaristo in 1788; by Pedro Mateo in 1808 and uprising of Sarrat
in 1815. For this reason, the division of the Ilocos into two provinces was recommended by the local
authorities. On February 2, 1818, a Spanish Royal Decree was promulgated dividing the Province of
Ilocos Norte from Ilocos Sur. Laoag City, which was then the biggest center of population, was made the
capital of Ilocos Norte.”

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.

Destinations in Ilocos Norte

Paoay Church
Church in Paoay, Philippines
Description
The Saint Augustine Church, commonly known as the Paoay Church, is the Roman Catholic
church of the municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. Completed in 1710, the
church is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted by the enormous buttresses on the sides
and back of the building.
Address: Marcos Ave, Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Opened: 1686
Length: 361′ 0″
Status: Parish church
Material: Brick
Architectural styles: Baroque architecture, Earthquake Baroque
Did you know: Paoay Church is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Lighthouse in Burgos, Ilocos Norte
Description
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse, is a cultural heritage structure in
Burgos, Ilocos Norte, that was established during the Spanish Colonial period in the Philippines.
Height: 20 m
Opened: 30 March 1892
Focal height: 118 m
Location: Burgos; Ilocos Norte; Philippines
Function: Lighthouse
Did you know: Cape Bojeador Lighthouse was declared a National Historical Landmark on
August 13, 2004 and a National Cultural Treasure on June 20, 2005 by the Philippine Government.
Patapat Viaduct
Viaduct in Pagudpud, Philippines
Description
The Patapat Viaduct is a viaduct at the municipality of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, a coastal resort
town on the northernmost tip of Luzon Island in the Philippines. The bridge is elevated 31 meters
over sea level.
Address: Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Total length: 4,265′
Location: Pagudpud
Bridge type: Viaduct
Body of water: Pasaleng Bay
Material: Concrete
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
Tourist attraction in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Noteworthy geological formation by the beach, accessible by hiking or horseback riding.

Address: Burgos, Ilocos Norte
Hours:
Open ⋅ Closes 6PM
Did you know: The best time to visit the Kapurpurawan is on early morning to avoid the harsh sun
and the crowd

Malacañang of the North

Museum in Paoay, Philippines

Description

The Malacañang of the North and is a presidential museum in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. It
was the residence of the family of Ferdinand Marcos when he was the President of the Philippines.

Address: Paoay, Ilocos Norte

Closes soon: 5PM ⋅ Opens 8AM Wed

Architectural style: Bahay na Bato

Did you know: Malacañang of the North became their official residence in Ilocos Norte, and
indeed, Ferdinand Marcos is probably the region's most famous son.

Ferdinand E. Marcos Presidential Center

Museum in Batac, Philippines

Description

The Ferdinand E. Marcos Presidential Center is a museum situated in Batac, Ilocos Norte
dedicated to former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos which also hosts the cenotaph of the former
President. The museum shows memorabilia of the late president, from his stint in the armed forces down
to his presidency.

Address: Marcos Ave, Brgy. 10-N Lacub, Batac City, 2906 Ilocos Norte

Opened: 1993

Laoag Cathedral

Catholic cathedral in Laoag, Philippines

Description

Laoag Cathedral, canonically known as Saint William’s Cathedral is a church in Laoag City, Ilocos
Norte, Philippines. The current church was built in 1612 by Augustinian friars to replace a wooden
chapel. It also serves as the seat or central church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laoag.
Wikipedia

Address: Brgy. 14, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Status: Cathedral

Archdiocese: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia

Dedication: William of Maleval

Metropolis: Roman Catholic Diocese of Laoag

Archbishop: Marlo Mendoza Peralta

Bangui Windmills

Tourist attraction in Bangui, Philippines

Address: Bangui, Ilocos Norte

Hours: Open 24 hours

Did you know: Bangui Wind Farm is a wind farm in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines.

Kabigan Falls

Tourist attraction in Pagudpud, Philippines

A rustic trail through tropical forest leads visitors to this dramatic natural waterfall.

Address: Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

MUSEO ILOCOS NORTE

Museum in Laoag, Philippines

Small museum showcasing artifacts & other items exploring local & regional culture & heritage.

Address: V. Llanes, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Hours:

Tuesday 9am–12pm, 1–5pm

Wednesday 9am–12pm, 1–5pm

Thursday 9am–12pm, 1–5pm

Friday 9am–12pm, 1–5pm

Saturday 9am–12pm, 1–5pm

Sunday 10am–5pm

Monday 9am–12pm, 1–5pm

Paoay Sand Dunes

Tourist attraction in Paoay, Philippines

Address: Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Bacarra Church
Catholic church in Bacarra, Philippines

DescriptionBacarra Church is a Roman Catholic church located in the municipality of Bacarra,

Ilocos Norte, Philippines under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laoag. The
church was founded by the Augustinians, who dedicated it to St. Andrew. Wikipedia

Address: Bacarra, Ilocos Norte

Opened: 1782

Status: Parish church

Province: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia

Archbishop: Marlo Mendoza Peralta

Diocese: Roman Catholic Diocese of Laoag

Pannzian Beach and Mountain Resort
Beach in Pagudpud, Philippines

Scenic seaside area offering a sandy beach, swimming, sunbathing & fishing in a relaxed setting.

Address: Manila North Road, Barangay Pancian, Pagudpud, 2919

Marcos Museum
Museum in Batac, Philippines

Exhibits on the former president's history & an effigy of his body displayed in his one-time home.

Address: Batac, Ilocos Norte

GENERAL INFORMATION:

THE CAPITAL OF ILOCOS NORTE IS LAOAG CITY, WITH 3,467.89 SQ.KM, TOTAL
POPULATION OF 593,081 AND DIVISIONS OF 21 MUNICIPALITIES AND 2 COMPONENT CITIES.

THE DIALECT OR LANGUAGE USE IN THIS REGION IS ILOCANO AND PANGASINENSE

TAGALOG AND ENGLISH ARE THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS

ILOCANO IS WIDELY USED BY THE MAJORITY PEOPLE WHILE PANGASINENSE IS SPOKEN IN

THE CENTRAL TOWNS OF PANGASINAN.

LANGUAGES

ILOCANO, TAGALOG, ENGLISH,PANGASINENSE,BOLINAO

Description
An empanada is a type of pastry baked or fried in Hispanic cultures. The name comes from the
Spanish verb empanar, and literally translates as "enbreaded", that is, wrapped or coated in
bread. Empanadas are made by folding dough over a stuffing, which may consist of meat,
cheese, corn, or other ingredients

Vigan longanisa is an Ilocano sausage delicacy with plenty of garlic and spices in the
mixture. This longganisa is distinct from other native longganisa version because it is small
and plump, it is not sweet unlike the popular longganisa we used to eat. The way to
describe its taste is, it is spicy, salty, tangy and garlicky. So if you are used to the taste of
sweet meat like a traditional longganisa, then you might think twice before cooking this
sausage. To make this sausage more authentic, use sukang Iloko or native vinegar. But if
there is none available, using cane vinegar or apple cider vinegar will suffice. To make your
hearty breakfast, you can serve this with fried rice and fried egg.

Pinakbet or Pakbet is one of the popular dishes that originated mostly in the provinces here in
the Philippines. It is a vegetable dish that is cooked in Bagoong Alamang (Fermented Shrimp
Paste) or what's famous in Ilocos, Bagoong Isda (Fermented Fish Sauce).

The province of Ilocos Norte is popularly described as “Marcos Country” since it is the
birthplace of former Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos. The Marcos family remains very
popular in the province, which is evident in the number of museums and tourist sites devoted to
the former president and his family. The ancestral house in his hometown Sarrat has been
converted into a mini-museum that contains some memorabilia of Marcos’ early life.

HOW TO GET TO ILOCOS NORTE

By Plane

Airlines like Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines fly between Manila and Laoag in
Ilocos Norte. Laoag International Airport is the only airport in Ilocos Norte.Travel
time is about 1 hour. Fare is around PHP 1,900 (USD 38.31) – PHP 2,500 (USD 50.41).
From the airport, you may hire a tricycle to take you to the city proper, there is also a
jeep bound for the city proper.

By Bus
Several bus lines like Partas and Florida Bus travel between Cubao (Manila) and
Laoag (Ilocos Norte) and Manila and Vigan (Ilocos Sur). Bus fare to Vigan from
Cubao, Manila is roughly PHP 665 (USD 13.41) to PHP 805 ( USD 16.23). Bus fare
from Cubao, Manila to Laoag is PHP 805 ( USD 16.23) to PHP 965 (USD
19.46). Travel time is roughly 10 -12 hours.

The cheapest way to get from Manila to Ilocos Norte is to bus which costs ₱750 - ₱800 and takes
almost 9h 30m.

The Bin-I Cultural Group will perform several dances which showcase the unique
Filipino culture. The dances would include the Binatbatan – this is an dance
depicting the stages of loom weaving, one of the main industries in Ilocos
Norte.
The dances shows the different stages of making abel a traditional woven cloth
from the Capas Sanglay to the finished product.
Surtido Banna – is a dance that is performed during festivals. It originated
from Banna, a town in Ilocos Norte.
Ilocana A Nasudi – this is a dance that depicts the beauty, modesty and grace
of the Filipina in general.

Pamulinawen
(Stone hearted lady)
Pamulinawen
Pusok imdengam man
Toy umas-asug
Agrayo ita sadiam.
Panunotem man
 Dika pagintultulngan
Toy agayat, agruknoy ita emmam.
Issemmo diak kalipatan
Ta nasudi unay a nagan,
Ta uray sadin ti ayan,
Disso sadino man,
{Aw-awagak a di agsarday
Ta naganmo nga kasam-itan}
No malagipka, pusok ti mabang-aran
Adu nga sabsabong, adu nga rosrosas
Ti adda’t ditoy, Nena, nga mabuybuyak,
Ngem awan manlaeng ti sabali nga liwliwak
No di la dayta sudim ken imnas.
No umulogak nga mapan magmagna
Dayta raniagmo, Neneng nga gapu kenka.

Manang Biday
(Older Sister Biday)
Manang Biday, ilukatmo man
Ta bentana ikalumbabam
Ta kitaem toy kinayawan
Ay matayakon no dinak kaasian
Siasinno nga aglabaslabas
Ditoy hardinko pagay-ayamak
Ammon ngarud nga balasangak
Sabong ni lirio, dipay nagukrad
Denggem ading ta bibinenka
ta inkanto diay sadi daya
agalakanto’t bunga’t mangga
ken lansones pay, adu nga kita
No nababa dimo gaw-aten,
no nangato dika sukdalen,
no naregreg dika piduten,
ngem labaslabasamto met laeng
Daytoy paniok no maregregko
ti makapidot ikutannanto
ta nagmarka iti naganko
nabordaan pay ti sinampuso
Alaem dayta kutsilyo
ta abriem toy barukongko
tapno maipapasmo ti guram
kaniak ken sentimiento

Native Ilocano songs

The Ilocanos have a handful of meaningful ethnic songs. These songs narrate life stories of the native
Ilocanos, which are mostly about courtship, marriage, occupation and life.

Osi-osi—this ethnic song portrays the traditional ways of courtship.

Ayat ti Ina (Love of a Mother)—is a song that expresses how a mother loves and takes care of her child.

Napateg a Bin-I (Cherished Seed)—this song basically uses metaphors comparing a woman to a seed.

Pamulinawen (Hardened Heart)—this is the most popular Ilocano love song, which portrays a girl who
does not heed the pleading of her lover. It compares the heart of a girl to a hardened flint.

Duayya ni Ayat (Love’s Lullaby)—is a song that expresses a man’s love for his lady. The man asks the lady
to be careful in changing her mind and choosing another man.
Siasin ti Agayat Kenka (Who is in love with you?)—this song expresses an insistent love.

No Duaduaem Pay (If You Still Doing)—this is an ethnic song that gives the idea that the lover feels that
his loved one doubts him. The man asks the lady to understand him and convince her to believe that his
love is true.

Teng-nga ti Rabii (Midnight)—is a song that tells a lover who sees the image of his loved one in the
middle of the night and is awakened by her voice.

Dinak Kad Dildilawen (Do Not Criticize Me)—is an Ilocano song that expresses patriotism. This song
conveys service to love of country.

Kasasaad ti Kinabalasang (The life of a Maiden)—is an advice for the young maidens to consider carefully
their plans of getting married.

Other popular ethnic songs are Agdamili (Pot Making), which is an occupational song; andKanaganan,
which is a birthday song.

Native Ilocano dances

The Ilocano ethnic dances are mostly perfumed during rituals and celebrations.

Binigan-bigat (Every Morning)—is a courtship dance that narrates the story of a boy who is in love with a
girl from whom he asks pity.

Sileledda-ang (Grief-stricken or Laden with Sorrow)—a courtship dance showing the lover’s fondness for
each other.

Manag Biday—it is a courtship dance usually performed by young people.

Sabunganay (Banana Blossom)—it symbolizes a young lady who is still too young to be courted.

Pandanggo Laoagueña—it is a courtship dance performed by either young or old Ilocanos.

Vintareña—it is a dance performed by one or two couples in social gatherings like baptismal, wedding,
birthday, or thanksgiving parties.

Kutsara Pasuquiña—it is a dance during birthday parties and festivities.

Ilocana a Nasudi (Chaste Ilocano)—it is a dance that portrays a chaste and virtuous Ilocana. This dance may
be performed by four pairs.

Surtido Norte (Assorted Dances from the North)—this dance is a combination of different Ilocano dance steps
manifesting thrift as a trait of the people.

Rabong (Bamboo Shoot)—it is a dance glorifying the bamboo shoot as a delicacy of the Ilocanos. In Rabong,
the participants sing the lyrics themselves.

Native Ilocano songs

The Ilocanos have a handful of meaningful ethnic songs. These songs narrate life stories of the native
Ilocanos, which are mostly about courtship, marriage, occupation and life.

Osi-osi—this ethnic song portrays the traditional ways of courtship.

Ayat ti Ina (Love of a Mother)—is a song that expresses how a mother loves and takes care of her child.

Napateg a Bin-I (Cherished Seed)—this song basically uses metaphors comparing a woman to a seed.

Pamulinawen (Hardened Heart)—this is the most popular Ilocano love song, which portrays a girl who does
not heed the pleading of her lover. It compares the heart of a girl to a hardened flint.

Duayya ni Ayat (Love’s Lullaby)—is a song that expresses a man’s love for his lady. The man asks the lady to
be careful in changing her mind and choosing another man.

Siasin ti Agayat Kenka (Who is in love with you?)—this song expresses an insistent love.

No Duaduaem Pay (If You Still Doing)—this is an ethnic song that gives the idea that the lover feels that his
loved one doubts him. The man asks the lady to understand him and convince her to believe that his love is
true.

Teng-nga ti Rabii (Midnight)—is a song that tells a lover who sees the image of his loved one in the middle of
the night and is awakened by her voice.

Dinak Kad Dildilawen (Do Not Criticize Me)—is an Ilocano song that expresses patriotism. This song conveys
service to love of country.

Kasasaad ti Kinabalasang (The life of a Maiden)—is an advice for the young maidens to consider carefully
their plans of getting married.

Other popular ethnic songs are Agdamili (Pot Making), which is an occupational song; andKanaganan, which
is a birthday song.

Native Ilocano dances

The Ilocano ethnic dances are mostly perfumed during rituals and celebrations.

Binigan-bigat (Every Morning)—is a courtship dance that narrates the story of a boy who is in love with a
girl from whom he asks pity.

Sileledda-ang (Grief-stricken or Laden with Sorrow)—a courtship dance showing the lover’s fondness for
each other.

Manag Biday—it is a courtship dance usually performed by young people.

Sabunganay (Banana Blossom)—it symbolizes a young lady who is still too young to be courted.

Pandanggo Laoagueña—it is a courtship dance performed by either young or old Ilocanos.

Vintareña—it is a dance performed by one or two couples in social gatherings like baptismal, wedding,
birthday, or thanksgiving parties.

Kutsara Pasuquiña—it is a dance during birthday parties and festivities.

Ilocana a Nasudi (Chaste Ilocano)—it is a dance that portrays a chaste and virtuous Ilocana. This dance may
be performed by four pairs.

Surtido Norte (Assorted Dances from the North)—this dance is a combination of different Ilocano dance steps
manifesting thrift as a trait of the people.

Rabong (Bamboo Shoot)—it is a dance glorifying the bamboo shoot as a delicacy of the Ilocanos. In Rabong,
the participants sing the lyrics themselves.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNS6bDE4IqM

The ancient literature of the Ilocano consisted of songs for different occasions. The
Ilocano war song expressed the vigor and joys of the warriors coming from battle;
the dal-ot, popular among the peasants was sung during a baptismal party, a
wedding or a feast; the badeng or love song is a serenade. Pamulinawen, a popular
Ilocano love song expresses longong for a loved one.

The Ilocano are proud of their dances. One of their favorites is the kinnotan, or ants
dance, in which a group of dances gesticulates toward a person being attacked by
ants and then makes motions of scratching the man. The Kinnailongong is another
Ilocano dance showing a man and a woman sings and dances towards him, and
then dances with him.

Death tradition

The announce of death of a family member, a piece of atong wood is lit in front of
the deceased house. It is kept burning until after the burial. The fire is extinguished
with white wine. For those who attend burial in the cemetery must return to the
deceased home by taking the different route from the one they’ve taken to get
there. Upon arrival, they must wash their faces and hands, it is said to remove the
power of death.

Traditional Ilocano Handicrafts.

Weaving & Pottery. Traditional Ilocano handicrafts, like the “inabel” fabrics & “burnay” jars
are folk arts that continue to tell its tales for many hundred years now. They are not only
relevant to the northern region but also to the development of art & culture in the Philippines

Vigan considered as the Intramuros of the North retains the Spanish colonial architecture
along its narrow and cobble stoned streets known as Calle Crisologo.

Inabel hand weaving technique of the ilocos that produced using traditional looms.

Burnay unglazed earthen jar with small opening used for storage,

Pangasinan

Smoothly weaved mats made from buri or raffia leaves

Juan Luna - an Ilocano pride. His genius in painting showed the Ilocano artistry and his love of the countr

While in Rome, Luna worked on the Spoliarium. It was said that the scene in this painting was based on
the situation of the Filipinos under the Spanish government. He entered it at the National Exposition of
Fine Arts in 1884 where he won one of the three gold medals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=836zpa1fRnc manang biday

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjHEnD66rrE gaod

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usNSJ7hOadQ kalapati dance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wRMqudHENw 7 spots
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hL9KKI-44U start