Did you know that?

Ilocos Norte

► The province is noted for being the birthplace of former Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos, who led an authoritarian rule over the country during the later half of his incumbency.

► 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.  

► On June 13, 1592, 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".

► 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.   


► Gregorio Aglipay established the “Iglesia Filipina Independiente”.  Aglipay’s movement and the national sentiment it espoused helped restore the self-respect of many Filipinos.

► 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.”

► For more than two and one-half centuries, the original Ilokos province remained intact until 1818 when it split into Ilokos Norte and Ilokos Sur.
 

Ilocos Sur

►In 1763, during the British occupation of the Philippines, Ilocos Sur was ruled by the British appointed governor, Ilocano freedom fighter Diego Silang, until he was shot in the back by Miguel Vicos in Vigan.
► On December 2, 1899, the Battle of Tirad Pass happened

► Ilocos Sur was founded by the Spanish conquistador, Juan de Salcedo in 1572.

► Ilocos Sur was formed when the north (now Ilocos Norte) split from the south (Ilocos Sur)

► In 1942, the Japanese Imperial forces occupied the province.

►In 1945, the province was liberated from the Japanese with the joint efforts of Filipino & American soldiers including Ilocano guerrillas.

► The 1970s were dark periods for the province as armed men known as the "saka-saka" (Ilocano, literally "bare-footed") terrorized the province; and this reign of terror resulted in the famous burning of the barangays of Ora East and Ora Centro in the municipality of Bantay. This era ended with the rise of Luis "Chavit" Singson to the governor's seat.

La Union

► A year after Adelantado Miguel Lopez de Legazpi made Manila the capital of the Philippines on June 24, 1571, the Spaniards started the colonization of Ilokos.  

► First taste of the Ilokanos’ bravery and fighting heart during a historic battle in Purao (literally, “white” and maybe due to the white sands of the beach) now known as Balaoan.

► October 29, 1849, Governor General Claveria signed the proposal (promovido) to unite the Pangasinan-Ilokos-Cordillera areas into a new province called La Union (the official name designated by Claveria himself).

► On March 2, 1850, Governor General Antonio Maria Blanco signed the Superior Decreto that founded La Union 

► La Union was the 34th province since the founding of Cebu in 1565.

► Blanco appointed on March 4, 1850 Captain Toribio Ruiz de la Escalera (Claveria’s former trusted aide de camp) as the first Gobernador Military y Politico of La Union

► Led by Manuel Bondoc Tinio, a boy general under the command of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the Spaniards were finally defeated in La Union

► Tinio acted as “de facto governor” of La Union but was later on replaced by Dr. Lucino Almeida as Presidente Provincial. 

► La Union’s first Civil Governor was facilitated in 1901.

► On January 4, 1945, the tides of war changed in La Union as Filipino-American soldiers captured Baroro Bridge in Bacnotan, a strategic bridge that connects the rest of Northern Luzon to San Fernando. The victory ensured the liberation of La Union.

Pangasinan

► They are proficient in salt-making so they call their new home Pangasinan which means “the place where salt is made.”  

► Pangasinan was among the earliest political and administrative units in the Philippines.

► It was officially conquered and colonized by D. Martin de Goiti in 1571.

► Spanish priest-historian, Fray Juan Ferrando, calls Salcedo the “first discoverer” of Pangasinan.

► Pangasinan celebrates April 5, 1580 as the official founding day of the Province of Pangasinan

► On April 5, 1572, Pangasinan was made an encomienda by the Spanish royal crown to receive instruction on the Catholic Faith, which means that Pangasinan was organized under one leadership and has identity before the Spanish royal court.  

► Eight years later, in 1580, Pangasinan was organized into a political unit under an alkalde mayor who at that time has authority as head of the province or provincial government with judicial function indicating that Pangasinan has become a province. 

► The Sual Power Plant in Sual started operating with Pangasinan as the host province, this is the largest and most effective coal-fired power plant in the Philippines servicing the Luzon grid.


Source:
Ilocos Norte. http://inorte.org/?page_id=2948
Ilocos Sur. http://www.ilocossur.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=79&Itemid=191
La Union. http://www.launion.gov.ph/page.php?7 
Pangasinan. http://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/the-province/history/

Worth Spending for!

Things to Buy at Ilocos Norte

Specialty:
This is a pizza topped with the different variants of  viands. 




Pasalubong:
Mouth-watering empanada, an awesome taste from outside to inside.




Souvenir:
Super cute mini-replicates of the famous toruist attractions in Ilocos Norte.





Things to buy at Ilocos Sur


Specialty:
Pinakbet a very delicious healthy food of Ilocos Sur which is from varieties of vegetables found in the province.




Pasalubong: 
In Ilocos, Longganisa is a very well-know craft in the province. It is made from local ingredients which  makes it very unique.




Souvenirs:
Bags, baskets, boxes all made from authentic materials.





Things to buy at La Union


Specialty: 
Appetizing Sinampalukang Manok!




Pasalubong:
Varieties of palatable dried fishes.




Souvenirs:
Tailor-made products that best suits your home.






Things to buy at Pangasinan


Specialty:
Pigar-pigar you'll surely love.




Pasalubong:
Exquisite Tupigs for everyone!




Souvenir:
From small to big accessories an displays Pangasinan has crafted one for you.

"Most Scenic Spots in Ilocos Region"

As I am doing this blog of mine focusing on the region of Ilocos. I am so amazed at the different places I am able to search for, though I've never been in these places the thorough study of its different spots made me love Region 1 so much. In your continues reading, you'll get to know more about the places I want to emphasize as the "Most Scenic Spots in Ilocos Region."

Ilocos Norte

Kaangrian Falls 

It is located in Paayas, Burgos, Ilocos Norte where you could take a dip and experience the massaging effect of the water of Kaangrian Falls and be refreshed with its water of care.  To give you an information about its name, the name Kaangriaan was derived from the Ilocano word “naangri” which means stinky and the reason that its was called for that for that name was that there were some bat caves so the bat droppings made it stinky in the area. However, as I further studied about the place many tourist had said there was nothing stinky on the place. As an additional information, the  water falls was discovered in the year 1998 when the local government was looking for a good water source. Now, if you are planning a trip here as an eye opener half of the road may be accessible by car and the rest would be trekking which makes the trip more exciting!

Laoag Cathedral

Canonically known as St. William Cathedral which serves as the seat or central church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laoag. It is a church in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. It was built in 1612 by Augustinian friars to replace a wooden chapel. It is well-known because of its Italian Renaissance design and the Sinking Bell Tower, which sinks into the ground at a rate of an inch a year.

The church has an unusual two-storey facade where the top of the facade holds a recessed niche that showcases the image of the city's patron saint, San Guillermo (Saint William).

This Laoag Church was originally built using lime mixed with molasses for strength, with big stones, gravel, sand and wood used for trusses made of Cogon grass then replaced by Nipa to support the roof then later the roofing was again changed to Taleb, a corrugated galvanized iron sheet made with bamboo for the church was damaged by hurricane in 1640, by earthquake in 1706, by fire in 1843. The church was restored in 1880.

Currimao's Nipa Beach

The Municipality of Currimao is located in the southwestern portion of the province of Ilocos Nort. It has unpolluted beaches and tranquil waters which cater to foreign as well as local tourists. A number of cottages have been constructed to accommodate its guests. It has its own restaurant, swimming pool, a well-designed and beautifully landscaped compound, and access to a nearby white sand beach you will surely love too.

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Ilocos Sur 

Baluarte Zoo

It was a personal zoo located at Vigan, Ilocos Sur created by Chavit Singson whose the Governor of Ilocos Sur, and former Deputy National security Advisor. Everything at Baluarte zoo is free, admission fee, pony rides and animal shows are all free to the general public. More of, feeding the animals, petting them, riding the "tiburin," a small horse-drawn carriage, and visiting our Butterfly Garden that will surely be an extraordinary adventure for you and your family. It will surely be a memorable experience specially for kids for you can be one of the animals whose roaring and whistling, indulging in the joys of the moment you're in Baluarte for its not just a zoo but its an interactive wildlife sanctuary and facility, with the breathtaking view of its dominating scenic boulders amidst trees and greens.

Bantay Church and Bell Tower  

St. Augustine Parish Church or popularly known as the Bantay Church and Belltower. It is one of the oldest churches of Ilocos Sur because the church was built in 1590 with a baroque and Gothic inspired architecture. This architectural design was influenced by the Europeans even though it was built under the Spanish regime. It was also built through forced labor and  this tower was used as a way to look out for Spanish soldiers attacking the place. The altar looked simple yet very classy with its gold linings and I want to keep you reminded not to forget your prayers for this church is well guided by Our Lady of Charity.

Heritage Village (Mestizo District)

 

It is listed on the UNESCO world heritage list since 2 December 1999 for it's unique spanish colonial history in Asia and the very well preserved spanish monumental buildings which where build in the 18th century.. The name "Vigan" was derived from a giant taro plant "biga" that grew abundantly along the riverbanks. Most of the materials such as adobe, pebbles, bricks and posts were brought from Europe through the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade. The construction work was done by Chinese laborers. Thus, the village's architecture reflects a unique fusion of Spanish European and Chinese culture.  _________________________________________________________________________________

La Union

Museo de Iloko 
 

The old "presidencia" of Agoo keeps the different artifacts of La Union and other pieces of cultural importance to the Ilocanos. Enjoy a time machine experience by visiting the museum where you will surely learn and love the place more by its history.


Filipino-Chinese Friendship
Macho Temple at San Fernando is believed to be the only one built with five gates. It enshrines the image of the Virgin of Caysasay, the patroness of the Filipino-Chinese residents also venerate the image of Ma-zeun shrine. The building was designed with detailed Chinese ancient decor constructed by skilled workers direct from Taiwan and Architect Diokno.

 
 Filipino-Chinese Pagoda

An amazing panoramic view of the city and the San Fernando City Bay La Union can be seen when the Pagoda is reached. It is also called as the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Park or Chinese Pagoda because it commemorates the deep bonds of friendship of the two countries ours and China, more of the long history between the Filipino and Chinese people.



Pinadangan Ruins

 

Pindangan Ruins which was derived from the Ilocano word Pindang, is a traditional method of drying fish in the area. It  is the vestige of the oldest church that was built in May 6, 1786 that symbolizes the union of two sitios, San Vicente De Balanac which is a a coastal village, and San Guillermo De Dalangdang which is a village at the foothills of mountains, they are both desiring for mutual protection. Pindangan was founded as Ministerio de San Fernando in Honor of King Ferdinand of Spain. The church was damaged due to the earthquake that occurred in the year 1892.
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Pangasinan

Hundred Islands

How difficult it is to choose which of the 7,107 islands of the Philippines to explore first but if you’d like to hit roughly 100 islands in all at once, the Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos is the place to go. You could Kayak the islands with HIETA– the Hundred Islands Eco-tourism Association. These two-million-year-old islands are dotted with plenty of caves so come on and nip your way into the caves.  Dare  to jump off a 70-foot drop and swim to the underwater cave lovingly called “Imelda.”

Our Lady of Manaoag 

It is a very famous church in the Philippines for pilgrim testimonials and tales of Our Lady of Manaoag miraculous cures and powers of intercession for other blessings from God. Our Lady of Manaoag one of the most venerated Marian images in the country. The devotees believe that the holy water and oil from the Shrine are epulotic - possessing healing powers. 

White Beach of San Fabian 

A lot of local and foreign tourist are refreshing themselves through the fresh air and water of San Fabian's White Beach because of the beauty of the sand which makes every tourist love the scenery and be excited to run to the seawater. The beach was the landing area of Lt. General Homma, Commander of the Japanese Imperial Expeditionary Forces on December 24, 1941. The beach became on the areas of operation of the Liberation Forces in Northern Luzon on January 9, 1945.

References:

http://ilocosnortetouristsjerojeka.blogspot.com/
http://www.seemyphilippines.com/2009/baluarte_zoo_vigan_city_ilocos_sur/
http://www.lagawan.info/2009/04/19/visiting-bantay-church-in-ilocos-sur/
http://www.flyphilippines.biz/attractions_launion.php
http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/services/historical.php 
http://pasyalan.blogspot.com/2006/07/san-fabian-white-beach.html