Tour Manila Philippines

Ilocos Norte: synonymous with pristine white beaches, delicious pinakbet, gigantic windmills, picture-perfect lagoons, and the famous century old lighthouse — Ilocos Norte’s charms are her and hers alone. It is home to anyone who relishes the quiet and rustic, and embraces all that nature has so perfectly designed. Whether it be a long weekend travel or a planned vacation, visiting Ilocos Norte is worth all the 14-hour trip.

The Beach

Pagudpud is usually first in the Ilocos Norte Itinerary. From Laoag Airport, it’s a smooth two-hour ride that gives you a peek of what Ilocos Norte is like. Unlike in Manila, where you have to endure every minute of your trip. Pagudpud gives me the best view that will have you relishing every minute you have in the bus. Pagudpud, the last town in Ilocos Norte (coming from Manila at least), is one of the most visited parts of the region, being frequented by foreign and local tourists all-year round. Located at the northernmost trip of Ilocos Norte, this quiet town is gifted with beautiful beaches reminiscent of famous Boracay — minus the crowd and the noise. In Pagudpud, the most famous resorts are in Saud Beach. Oftentimes called the Boracay of the North, Saud Beach boasts powdery white sands, the picture-perfect palm tree-lined coastline, and the calm waters that are very popular among tourists. On rainy months, the sand is golden yellow, but at summer’s peak, it shows its powdery white charm that’s an absolute foot spa for anyone who loves walking along the shores. Sans the party music, bars, and restos, and shopping stalls, Pagudpud is purely a place of relaxation and commuting with nature. While there are inns that are wifi-capable, and there are high-end hotels complete with luxurious amenities, it cannot be denied that Pagudpud still is very provincial and relatively untouched. If you wake up early enough like at 6:00am you can even buy fresh fish straight from the fishermen’s boats all lined up at the shore. For only P50.00 to P60.00 a kilo, you can have your catch of the day and have it cooked for you by the locals.There’s no extra charge, but it’s always nice to give the folks generous tip.

A local chat with a fisherman reveals that Pagudpud’s beach coastline used to be a forest with canopies of coconut and other fruit-bearing trees. The local government had it developed to attract tourists, but certain regulations were made to preserve its rustic, non-commercial appeal. If you’re in a shopping mood, the least that you can stash are accessories — pearl necklace and earrings, beaded bangles, shell bracelets, cell phone danglers, and some locally-made home decors worth P20 to P30 each.

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If Vietnam has its pho, Thailand its tom yum and Singapore its chicken rice, what does the Philippines have? Definitely much more than adobo and balut. This country of 7,107 islands offers a wealth of amazing flavors to be savored.

When people ask what Filipino food is, the answer is it is the best fusion cuisine in the world. It’s the sum total of our cultural influences: Chinese, Malay, Arabian, Spanish and Japanese. The cuisine also boasts extreme flavors: sour, sweet, salty, spicy, but not chili spicy. But adjectives don’t do the food justice. To know Filipino food you have to taste it. Here are some of the Philippines’ most exciting dishes:

Bagnet

Hometown: Ilocos Norte

Also known as chicharon or deep-fried pork meat, bagnet is a mouthwatering homegrown delicacy juicy crunch as well as its sky-high cholesterol content. Choice cuts of pork belly are submerged in oil inside a large iron pot or sinublan. When the oil starts boiling, the skin becomes crisp yet moist — this process is repeated until the perfect texture is achieved, and the result is a fabulously tasty friend treat. Laoag is one of the biggest producers of bagnet in Ilocos Norte, but do take a leisurely ride to the seaside resorts of Pagudpud: you can have your fill of bagnet is places such as Saud Beach Resort and Kapuluan Vista Resort. Bagnet makes a great pasalubong. And when stored in the fridge, it lasts up to a week.

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