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ISABELA

Isabela is the second largest province of the Philippines, and the largest on the island of Luzon in land area. Its capital is the city of Ilagan. Situated within the Cagayan Valley region, it is bordered by the provinces of Cagayan to the north, Kalinga to the northwest, Mountain Province to the central-west, Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya to the southwest, Quirino and Aurora to the south, and the Philippine Sea to the east.

This primarily agricultural province is the rice and corn granary of Luzon due to its plain and rolling terrain. In 2012, the province was declared as the country's top producer of corn with 1,209,524 metric tons.

Isabela is the 10th richest province in the Philippines as of 2011. The province has four trade centers in the cities of Ilagan, Cauayan, Santiago and the municipality of Roxas.

 The Hidden Paradise of the North: Palanan Isabela

Dicotcotan Beach

How To Get There:

From the town proper, Dicotcotan Beach can be reached by renting a tricycle going to Brgy. Culasi (20 mins, P200) and then in the port charter a boat (30 mins). There is no standard rate in boat rental. You can also charter a boat from the town proper, near the St. Mary Magdalene Church. Boat ride is at least an hour.

 Locals boast that it is a three kilometer long white beach with rock formations interspersed and an impressive corals underneath. On any given day, Dicotcotan Beach can be easily turned into a private hideaway. And the local folks can provide really cheap yet delectable meals out of freshly-caught fishes and other seafood to be prepared to your liking.

Refreshing Activities:

Experience the unspoiled water and white sand beaches.

Swim with Dolphins and Sea Turtles— A well preserved seascape with a lot of biodiversity! During high tides and calm waters, you will be able to swim with tuna fish and sea turtles (pawikan). Also, Dolphins are commonly seen around the area playing together....so beautiful and clean seashore.

Off-The-Beaten Path— Mainly due to its isolated location, it can only be reached by air taxis or boats sailing on unknown dates, Dicotcotan Beach is yet another unspoiled, off-the-beaten path destination. The absence of touristy crowd and its fine white sand makes Dicotcotan Beach a truly amazing rest and rejuvenation destination

DELICACIES YOU SHOULD NOT MISS WHEN VISITING MY PROVINCE, ISABELA!

Pancit Cabagan

Pancit Cabagan is a pansit version from the town of Cabagan. It can be considered as one of the most popular food in the province. This pansit version makes use of miki noodles, Lechon Carajay, and eggs similar to that of Pancit Batil Patung. However, the eggs are boiled and not poached. Quail eggs are commonly used to make this dish.

Binallay

One of the proud delicacies of Isabela is the binallay. It is made up of glutinous rice flour covered with banana leaves and was steamed in a low heat to achieve the sticky texture of binallay. Its sauce is made up of freshly grated coconut milk and “tagapulot”(whole raw sugar). The blending of the sticky texture of the sticky rice flour cake with the sauce leaves a very soothing feeling upon tasting it

Dinengdeng

Isabelinos are also fond of eating healthy foods. They plant different kinds of vegetables in their backyard, and when the vegetables are harvested they will cook it clean and very fresh. One of the known vegetable delicacies of Isabela is the “dinengdeng” made probably with mixed vegetables like “sitaw”, “pallang”, “okra”, “patani”, “bulaklak ng kalabasa” and etc. It can also be added with fish to enrich its taste. This food gives you a great feeling of being healthy.

These foods are super delicious and very affordable. Surely, your trip to my Province will be even more fun and amazing when you tried these dishes.

NADINE KATE L. REYNO

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Pangasinan

Hundred Islands of Alaminos City is probably the most popular tourist spot in Pangasinan. It is a group of approximately 123 islands and islets scattered over Lingayen Gulf, believed to form more than two million years ago. With more than hundred islands harboring white sand beaches, caves, limestone rocks and cliffs, and rich marine life, Hundred Islands guarantee a well worth escape in this part of Pangasinan.

How to get there:

The cheapest way to get from Tuguegarao to Hundred Islands National Park is to bus via Dagupan which costs ₱750 - ₱950 and takes 7h 27m.

Things to do in Hundreds Islands:

Island Hopping

Spelunking

Fun-fishing

Parasailing

Sun Bathing

Jet Skiing

Kayaking

Diving

Banana Boat Ride

Birdwatching

Foods to try:

Alaminos Longganisa

Taste the goodness of ground pork and garlic delectably mixed with spices.

Sapin-Sapin

This famous “kankanin” made of colored layers of glutinous rice and coconut, ideal for desert.

Patupat

Have taste with the popular sticky, tasty treat wrapped in woven palm leaves and cooked in sugarcane juice.

Bangus

Ocean-grown and fishpond grown bangus in Alaminos are equally plump and juicy, giving a silent promise of delicious recipes.

 Tips:

The best time to go here is from November to April or during dry months.

Mobile signal is available.

The ideal time to leave Manila is at 12 midnight to reach Barangay Lucap by 6AM and to start island hopping early.

 VANESSA MAE U. TANGONAN

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CEBU

Cebu City is the capital city of the province of Cebu and is the second city of the Philippines. It is also known as the oldest settlement established by the Spaniards in the country. It serves as the center of a metropolitan area called Metro Cebu, which includes the cities of Carcar, Danao, Lapu-lapu, Mandaue, Naga, and Talisay.

 Malapascua Island

This tiny island has a dazzlingly white bounty beach, which is one of the best in the Philippines. Time stands still as soon you step into this “Pacific Island Dream”. Malapascua Island is popular to tourists who love to swim and snorkel. Its extraordinary long white beach stretches around the southeast coast of the island facing Cebu, Leyte and Biliran.

 How to get there:

Travel time from Manila: 50 minutes.

Take a taxi from the airport to North Bus Terminal.

Travel time: 20-30 minutes.

From Cebu City North Terminal, ride a Ceres bus bound to Maya Port in Daanbantayan. The bus trip will end in Maya Port.

Travel time: 4-5 hours. Most buses are non-airconditioned so make sure to get a comfortable seat. Ride a boat from Maya Port to Malapascua.

Travel time: 45 minutes to an hour. Once in Malapascua, you can opt to walk for 15-20 minutes or ride a habal-habal to your resort.

 Activities:

There are also lots of fun activities you can do in Malapascua such as:

Scuba diving

Thresher shark watchin

Wake boarding

Volleyball

Frisbee, etc.

 This has also become a major dive centre, well known for the crowds of harvester sharks using the marine highway between Cebu and Leyte islands.

 Delicacies:

Inasal is a Cebuano term for Lechon. It can be Inasal na Manok or Inasal na Baboy (Lechon Manok or Baboy), Roasted Chicken or Roasted Swine. But the most popular and the most delicious food in Cebu is the Inasal na Baboy (Lechon Baboy). Cebu is the only place in the Philippines where you can find the most delectable Lechon.

Bulad/buwad is totally dried fish. Labtingaw is semi dried while lamayo is barely dried. The second and third are less salty and need to be frozen for storage. Fry these lightly and dip in vinegar and you’re assured of a hearty and sumptuous breakfast. By the way, the two is akin to the dibang of Batanes. These are flying fishes that are dried only for a day.

NOREEN M. NAVARRO

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Batangas

Batangas City, officially the City of Batangas is a 1st class city in the province of Batangas, Philippines. Batangas City is the largest and capital city of the Province of Batangas, Philippines. The city is also known as the “Industrial Port City of CALABARZON” and is currently classified as one of the fastest urbanizing cities of the Philippines.

Located approximately 110 kilometers or just 2 to 3 hour drive away from Metro Manila, Batangas is one of the most popular destination for weekend getaways. Surrounded by the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, and Mindoro, it offers a wide array of natural wonders like mountains, lush greeneries, and a number of beaches.

The summer season might be over but with beaches like the ones Batangas has to offer, it’s never an off-season to go on an adventure. Below are some of the best beaches in Batangas that you might want to add in your bucket list.

Tali Beach

Located in the coastal town of Nasugbu, Tali Beach is one of the many exclusive and private beaches around Batangas. This private property has 5 beaches to offer, each offering a unique but similarly spectacular scenery. The place is well maintained and visitors can enjoy an exclusive getaway away from the large crowds of tourists like in other beaches.

However this comes with a price, a night in one of Tali Beach’s rent house will set you back to around Php15,000. But fret not, some travel companies are actually offering weekend group tours at the property for almost a tenth of the 15k.

How to get there?

By public transport:

Commute from Manila to Tali

Rode a DLTB Bus in Gil Puyat-Taft Avenue bound for Nasugbu for P160. 

Alighted at the town plaza and hailed a tricycle to Tali Beach for P150 special fare.

Hire a van to enter the Tali Beach because tricycles are prohibited from entering.

Outdoor activities?

√Cliff Jumping, Scuba Diving and Water Sports

√Seize all the Instagrammable view points.

√Pack some food for a mini beach picnic

√Enjoy the privacy of the quiet beaches

√ Snorkeling is a must! Bring your snorkeling gear!

√ Sunset Viewing

The place is perfect for family picnics or group retreats since you can take advantage of the privacy. Other activities you can enjoy includes snorkeling, cliff diving, and many more.

What is it known for...

Tali beach is an ideal place for someone who wants to escape the busy and stressful lifestyle of the city. Guests will enjoy the idyllic atmosphere at the beach. Dive areas can also be explored off the beach and has been recommended by seasoned divers. The area around the beach has a relaxing and refreshing ambience that will surely be loved by visitors. The cool, clear water of the beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and many other activities to try and explore.

Delicacies

Having a “Boodle Fight” with friends is a symbol of camaraderie and equality as everyone shares a variety of food laid out on banana leaves.

Don Juan Boodle House

Kainan sa Dalampasigan

This homey restaurant in Nasugbu serves a whole lot of Filipino comfort food for the whole family or barkada to enjoy, such as kare-kare, sinigang, and a bilao of fresh seafood.

SHANELEYN A. GONZALES

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ANGUIB BEACH (STA. ANA): CAGAYAN’S BORACAY OF THE NORTH

One of the finest beaches in the northeastern part of the Philippine Map, particularly  that at Sta. Ana, Province of Cagayan is no exemption, being marked as the Boracay of the North for some beach lovers. This is Anguib Beach. A clear and pristine turquoise waters with powdery and fine white sand enclave in a lush and verdant mountains which make up for the paradise that it is.

How to get there?

Option 1

Once you are in Sta. Ana, take a tricycle to San Vicente port. From here, you can rent a boat to take you to Anguib Beach.

Option 2

Ride a tricycle going to Nangaramoan Beach. Fare is around P300 for 3 to 4 persons. But if you have a car, you can go directly to Nangaramoan Beach and park your car there.

From Nangaramoan Beach, ride a boat for only P500 (day tour) and P800 (overnight). This rate is good for 8 persons.

From Brickstone or Shakeys (Tuguegarao) air-con vans ply to Santa Ana (180 Php, 3 hours) and from Sta Ana to Anguib beach one can reach by tricycle. 

Activities:

Island Hopping – There are boats in Anguib Beach and you can pay the bangkero to take you on a tour around the beach. A life jacket will be provided for safety purposes.

Swimming – Take a swim before the sun rises in the morning. This way you will enjoy the powdery white sand without getting your skin burned.

Banana Boat ride / Jet Skiing – When we went there last year,  a tourist was able to bring his own banana boat and jet ski for everyone to share.

Take a lot of photos – The Anguib Beach has a very nice view during sunset or even sun rise. You can take long walks in the morning and just enjoy the beauty of nature!

What is it known for?

Anguib Beach has become the pride of the town, as it's scenic features have earned it the nickname of Boracay of the north. The amazingly blue, clear waters of the Philippine Sea meet up with the fine, white sand along its shores. Situated in a cove, the waters are tranquil and exude serenity like no other.

continuation for:

DESIREE P. DULDULAO

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PALAUI ISLAND WITH THE BSN 1D FAM

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Cagayan

Cagayan Province is a bio-diverse province in the Cagayan Valley Region (CAR) in the Philippines. Its capital is the City of Tuguegarao. It’s bordered by mountains, has plains and valleys and different bodies of water. The largest river, Cagayan River which flows’ begins in Quirino also passes by Cagayan Province.

PALAUI ISLAND IN STA. ANA, CAGAYAN: The Hidden Paradise Up North

White Sand Beach in Palaui Island

Palaui Island was listed by CNN as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. It’s a certified eco-tourism area and where several water sports can be enjoyed by visitors and people who like fishing. The marine life of Palaui is very colorful and the island houses one of the two lighthouses built during the Spanish colonization, Cape Engano. This lighthouse is still functioning properly.

 How to Get to Palaui Island?

Make your way to Tuguegarao, the capital city of Cagayan Province.

From there, ride a bus (~P240.00 as of December 2016) or van (P250.00 as of February 2017) going to Santa Ana, travel time is around three hours.

In Santa Ana, proceed to PASAMOBA office in San Vicente port for registration and to charter a boat to the island.

San Vicente port is a short trike ride from Sta. Ana town proper (P15.00 per passenger).

 Activities:

Trek to the Picturesque Cape Engaño Lighthouse in Palaui Island

Beach Bumming at the Pristine White Sand Beach of Anguib

Meet the Locals or Trek to the Lighthouse via Punta Verde in Palaui Island

Explore Crocodile Island

Other activities: 

Check Siwangag Cove, Find the hidden waterfalls, snorkeling and scuba diving, fishing, bird watching, sunrise and sunset viewing, hiking, camping, visit Jerolinda beach and Buacag Fall (mainland Sta. Ana), see Gotan mangrove and visit manidad falls, among many other activities in Palaui Island.

What is it known for?

Sta. Ana is the Philippine Sailfish Capital famous worldwide for its abundant marine life and is site of national and international game fishing competitions. The Cape Engaño Lighthouse in Palaui Island dates back to the Spanish Regime and is the only operational lighthouse in the northeastern coast.

Delicacies:

The best place to eat while island-hopping would be Jerolynda’s White Beach Resort and Restaurant in Mapurao, Brgy. San Vicente, Santa Ana. The delicious seafood lunch of local specialties including lobsters, prawns, lato, lumot (a type of seaweed), fish, sinigang and adobo.

 DESIREE P. DULDULAO

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Ilocos

Ilocos is a region in the Philippines, encompassing the northwestern coast of Luzon island. It’s known for its historic sites, beaches and the well-preserved Spanish colonial city of Vigan. 

 PAGUDPUD

When people talk of Ilocos, there are a few things that usually come to mind: the city of Vigan in Ilocos Sur, the Bangui Wind Farm in Ilocos Norte, and one of the country’s best beach destinations up north, Pagudpud.

Pagudpud is the northernmost town in the island of Luzon. Surrounded by waters from the West Philippine Sea, it’s a must-visit for anyone who’s headed north yet wants to stay in the island of Luzon. It’s known for its scenic views and miles upon miles of coastlines, as well as an appetite for kite boarding and surfing.

 How to get there:

Manila to Pagudpud

G.V. Florida Transport has a direct trip to Pagudpud daily, fare ranges from P750 to P970 for a travel time of around 10 hours.

Alternatively, you can take a bus or a flight to Laoag. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly to Laoag from Manila; travel time is approximately an hour.

Meanwhile, G. V. Florida, Partas , Baliwag or Fariñas Transit have daily bus departure going to Laoag, fare is around P600 – P700 and travel time is around eight hours. From Laoag, transfer to a bus or van going or passing by Pagudpud for two hours of travel time.

Tuguegarao to Pagudpud

If you’re coming from Tuguegarao, GMW Liner and Florida Liner buses bound to Laoag, Vigan or Abra pass through Pagudpud, fare is not more than P250.00.

 Activities:

What to Do in Pagudpud:

Swim, surf and see the sunset at Saud Beach

Tour Pagudpud on a trike (at least P600.00 as of January 2016) and see Kabigan Falls, Patapat Viaduct, Bantay Abot Cave and Agua Paraiso

Ride the wave and enjoy the white sand of the pristine Blue Lagoon (Maira-ira Beach)

Visit the Wind Mills of Bangui, as well as Kapurpurawan Rock Formations and Cape Bojeador Lighthouse of Burgos

Explore Adams, Curimao, Laoag, Paoay and other attractions of Ilocos Norte

Head south and check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vigan

 Delicacies:

Bagnet

No visit to Ilocos would be complete without eating bagnet — deep fried pork meat — that is the region’s signature dish. You have to try it at least once (in our case, we had it at more than 3 times in a span of 2 days, but who’s complaining?) You can find this popular dish served in most Ilocano Restaurants.

Empanadas – Striking Orange Empanadas

After falling in love with empanadas in Argentina, we could not wait to discover the traditional empanadas of Batac City. Batac is the oldest town in the Province of Ilocos Norte and was founded in 1587 by the Augustinians.

The city is famous for the Batac Empanadas, which are considered some of the best in the country. There is even an Empanada festival that takes place every year on the 23rd of June.

One of the most striking characteristics of the Batac empanada is its bright orange color. The empanadas are deep-fried and stuffed with green papaya, chopped up longganisa sausages and hard boiled eggs. The orange colored dough is made of rice flour and the color comes from the use of annatto seeds.

ISABELLE ARLETTE V. SANTOS

#ilocos #philippines #empanada #bagnet #purcom

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A snapshot of the hottest place in Luzon. And by hottest, I mean literally. I got tan lines everywhere, and getting out at 12 noon here is like locking yourself up in an oven. But anyway, what I like most about provinces is that the surroundings are more peaceful than in Manila. And the best part is that I get to ride a kalesa any time I want for only 10 pesos. Haha

Also, it’s kind of saddening that I post here very rarely now. It’s just that I have to prioritize things. I’ve been reading a shit lot and personally, Physiology stresses me out so much. Dayum.

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the best thing to have during the intense philippine summer

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hello!