PAGUDPUD BEACH: Luzon’s white sand

By: Madellyn Marcelino

Pagudpud is a big place to visit, if you are looking for the moderately excellent charms of the Philippines. It’s thought of the biggest island within the Philippines. The hills and mountains are luxuriant, the valleys productive. It lies forty five miles north of Laoag town, the metropolis, and concerning 350 miles north of Manila -- concerning the equal distance between Los Angeles and therefore the San Francisco Bay area. Creeks, streams and waterfalls splash the landscape and spill into the South China Sea. All around, the ocean and sky are afloat in varied shades of blue.

Pagudpud Beach, two hours north of Laoag town, has powder-white sand like what Cebu has or you called it Boracay, however it's laborious to inform what is bluer: the sky or the ocean. Whereas you're creating up your mind, you may conjointly take into account a stop in Pasuquin, wherever the noted biscocho (Ilocos biscuit) may be a favorite net delicacy for native guests. however do not forget to envision your watch, for whereas you play within the waters of Pagudpud, you will not notice what quantity time you've got spent on these pleasant shores, that square measure at the terribly tip of Luzon Island.

When we went in Ilocos last summer this is the last place we visited. The trip going to Pagudpud is too long. But if you’re already in this place you won’t regret anything because this place has a good view and lot of things you can do here. It is better if you will go here in summer with your family or barkadas.

Pagudpod has four completely different forms of beaches. You’ll be able to choose what beach you'll go to. Initial is Punta Azul Beach Resort. Its style blends with the natural beauty and you'll be captivated by the beautiful crystal blue water, pristine white sands at the foot of abundant mountains, rather like a hidden treasure; a paradise at the northern tip of the Philippines. Second is Hannah’s Beach Resort & Convention Center, is that the newest and most fun vacation destination in Pagudpud. The Blue lagoon, with its fascinating crystal clear waters and white sand beach, cancertainly create your keep an unforgettable and pleasurable one. Third may be a Saud Beach Resort and edifice offers nightlong accommodation wherever every space has sunset read. And last is coraciiform bird Resort was inbuilt ancient vogue with the last word base to launch your kitesurf riding vacation. Kite surf riding, windsurfing and plenty of alternative water activities is skilled here.

This is the place where you can relax and enjoy your vacation after going on a tour in Ilocos, go straight here in Pagudpud and unwind. Forget all the problems you’re encountering and start a better life. Invite your family members or friends to go here and experience a good vacation.

BUGNAY WINE: A Mild Wine With Strong Impact.

By Joel Ortega 

Wine is known for being healthy for our hearts. According to studies, wine contains a procyanidins that protects us against heart disease. And wine promotes longer lifespan, and also it protects us against certain cancers, and also improves our mental health. A glass of wine a day keeps a doctor away.

Wine is my favorite alcoholic drink. Well, I don’t really drink alcoholic beverages not because I don’t like them but because I’m allergic and I’m not really a fan of strong drinks. But when it comes to wine it doesn’t matter if I’m allergic. Because wine is really addictive but even though of course I also have to be aware of my condition and take care of myself, so I drink wine at least 1 or 2 times a week or 4 times a month or sometimes I only drink occasionally. 

Red wine is my favorite, unlike the white wine; the red wine has a bittersweet taste while white wine taste more sweet. And also I know it’s weird but whenever I drink red wine I feel strong and seductive maybe because of the spirit of the wine or because of the color of the red wine because for me the color red makes people look fierce and intimidating. So for years I’m only drinking 1 type of wine and alcoholic beverage. But these all change when my relative from Ilocos visit us. It’s Christmas and its kind of my relatives routine that whenever they come to our house they will bring foods or alcohols. Then last 2012, Christmas, my cousin brings a wine that I never taste before. It’s a Bugnay wine. 

Whenever we visit Ilocos and stop at some restaurants to eat, I always notice at their alcoholic drinks that there is Bugnay wine, but then I just ignore it because I don’t drink when I’m not at home. I heard so many good things about it; they said that taste is really good and unlike the other wines, the bugnay wine is made from a bugnay fruit or a wild cherry and not a grape. Bugnay is a fruit that is native here in the Philippines and also in Australia. It is dark plum-colored and is very sweet when ripe. This is a very small fruit that can be as tiny as a gun pellet.

After years of my curiosity about Bugnay wine, finally, I can already taste it. On the moment I opened and smell the aroma of Bugnay wine I already knew that the Bugnay wine will taste good. Then I pour it on my wine glass and then I smell first to feel the aroma then I take a zip, and that’s when it hits me, Bugnay wine is my new favorite wine. Bugnay wine has this original and pleasant taste and aroma which is likened to a grape wine. And the Bugnay wine is purple like color. I’m really speechless when I first taste it, I’m really stunned. Then I take another zip, another zip and then gulp until I finished the whole bottle. I just can’t get enough of the Bugnay wine, every zip is heaven, and I’m crazy craving for it. Since then whenever my relatives from Ilocos visit us, they now always bring Bugnay wine.

Bugnay wine is really addictive and truly luscious. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves drinking alcoholic drinks or wine and I also highly recommend it to anyone who are mild drinkers because Bugnay wine is not a strong alcoholic drink that even when you already finished 5 glasses you will still not feel dizzy and drunk. Bugnay wine is a wine that anyone must taste it. Go and try Bugnay wine, you won’t be disappointed. Get lost to the luscious taste and aroma of Bugnay wine. 

DINARDARAAN: Ilocano Version of Dinuguan

By: Pauline Saballo

Kuripot. They say Ilocanos are like that. But they're not that type of people. The truth is they are only the practical type of people. They do not spend money lavishly. Instead, they only purchase the things that they need. This trait proves that Ilocanos are just efficient people who put anything into use as long as it's still working or effective. With those, I can say that wasting seems not to be a part of the Ilocano's identity.

This particular trait of Ilocanos has become part of their culture. It was even adapted when it comes to food. For instance, when a pig is slaughtered, some pig parts like the brain, intestines, feet and blood is going to be put on waste. This is probably the scenario in some parts of the Philippines or even in the world. But in Ilocos, every part has its use and every part can be a main ingredient of a particular Ilocano delicacy.

Dinardaraan is one of the delicacies in which the main ingredient is pork blood. Foreign tourists would probably find this unusual. Why would they even taste pork blood? It's disgusting right? Well to those tourists who really find this dish weird,, I must say, "Wait until you taste it."

Filipinos, like me, would surely know what dinardaraan is. It is because dinardaraan is simply dinuguan in FIlipino terms. We are all familiar with this right? It's simply pork blood stew. Some folks even call it "chocolate meat". But what is the difference between the dinadaraan of Ilocos and the usual pork blood stew (dinuguan) that FIlipinos, like me, is familiar with?

Just like any other dishes, Ilocanos managed to make dinardaraan distinct from any other dinuguan variants. DInardaraan is usually dry when you compare it to the common dinuguan. For this dish, Ilocanos prefer thick broth. It is also sometimes oily. The people of Laoag CIty even serve their dinuguan with fried pork intestines on top (see the picture on the left). Dinardaraan, being drier than the common dinuguan, managed to give off a different taste compared to the dinuguan that I'm used to. Before tasting this, I thought that it will just be the same but then it's not. It is different but in a good way.

Through dinardaraan, Ilocanos have proved everyone how practical they are. Not only when it comes to necessities but also in cooking. I personally love how Ilocanos are resourceful in cooking but still managed ot make every dish delicious. Indeed, being efficient in every way is something that Ilocanos are proud of.

LA PAZ SAND DUNES: Surfing in the sun

By Madellyn Marcelino

Do you want something new? That you’ve never experienced yet? Well, La Paz Sand Dunes is one of the best places to visit to. You don’t have to go to the Middle East countries to see a desert because here in Laoag, Ilocos Norte we have the local version of Sahara desert in Africa or the deserts found in the Middle Eastern countries. You can’t miss this enthusiasm journey in Laoag and Paoay, Ilocos Norte – the La Paz Sand Dunes adventure.

This natural surprise has been declared by the National Historical Institute as a National Geological Monument owing to its distinctive characteristics. As such, no concrete structures ought to be designed on that, and no changes on the land ought to be created. Within the entire Philippines, it's solely in Laoag town and Ilocos Norte wherever this rarity is found, and solely within the Philippines within the entire South East Asian region.

I admit my trip in this desert has been one of the most unforgettable experiences because we experienced to ride an awesome ride trailing the high slope sands and sand boarding without a care of the sun burning our skin. It is more fun if you’re with your family or friends or comfortable people that love this kind of adventure.

I am so very happy after we went there because it’s totally fun!! You won’t regret everything like your expenses, time, sun burns, etc. I swear this place is good to visit with your barkadas and family. But make sure you have money because you won’t enjoy your visit here if you won’t experience any ride here.

As the La Paz Sand Dunes begin simply outside Laoag, they're just accessible from the town. The sand dunes are simply quarter-hour away by either motorized tricycle or public jeepney. It’s additionally potential to run to the seat Sand Dunes from Laoag, though it's going to take a walk of quite an hour in order to cross the complete stretch of the beach. But, it's easier if you've got your own car if you go there.

BAGOONG MONAMON: Awful Smell With Yummy Taste.

By Joel Ortega (4)

My last article is about condiments, it’s about Sukang Ilocano, one of the well-known condiments in Ilocos. If Sukang Ilocano is ONE of the FAMOUS condiments in Ilocos, Now I’m about to unveil the MOST FAMOUS condiment in Ilocos, well not just in Ilocos but in the whole Philippines. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Bagoong. 

The bagoong has a salty taste like fish sauce, but the bagoong tastes more salty and sour. And the bagoong has an awful smell; but not like crap-smell it’s just that the smell of bagoong is really strange and unusual, in other word it’s weird. You can’t really describe the smell. But don’t be fooled by this, bagoong is really good and tasty.

But my article is not just about bagoong alamang or isda, my article is about a kind of bagoong isda that is famous in Ilocos, its Bagoong Monamon. Bagoong monamon or bugguong munamon in Ilocano is an ingredient used particularly in Northern Ilocano cuisine. While bagoong monamon really don’t have any difference at the ordinary bagoong isda, the bagoong monamon is made only in Ilocos.

So, I’m an Ilocano and Ilocanos love bagoong, and call me crazy but I love bagoong more than vinegar, but I love combining them, when you combine bagoong and vinegar it will turned into a very tasty condiment. Since I was a kid, my family is already using bagoong monamon, as an ingredient to our food or as a condiment. Bagoong monamon turns the ordinary fried fish into a very special dish when we use it as a condiment. And bagoong monamon it adds more taste to our pakbet and dinengdeng (two of the famous Ilocano vegetable dish.)

But what I really love about bagoong monamon is that you don’t need food when you have bagoong monamon, you just need a rice, pour the bagoong monamon into the rice then voila you can already eat it. It will be tastier and yummier when you have tomato and onion. This is not a good food for those who are in a diet because when you combine bagoong monamon, rice, tomato and onion I will really assure you that you will eat more than one cup of rice. Because it's really taste good and yummy. 

I highly recommend not just the bagoong monamon but all the kinds of bagoong to those who people who are foreign with bagoong, especially to those people who are not Filipinos. Bagoong is truly a signature condiment of Filipinos. And it’s really a must try.

POQUI-POQUI: A Dish for Vegetarians

By Pauline Saballo

As you can see on my past blog posts, I have always talked about food, right? I always feature Ilocano viands that are perfect with rice. And those dishes are always accompanied with meat. That thought made me think. Is there an Ilocano dish that does not include meat? Is there any Ilocano dish that is best suited for vegetarian people?

As I wonder through the beautiful places of Ilocos, I successfully found an answer to that question. I heard that Ilocanos have this native dish called POQUI-POQUI. It sounds really weird, most especially for Filipino locals. (Hahahahaha) It may even look weird for some people. See the picture on the side? Thanks to those thoughts, it made me think whether I am going to eat this food or not.

What I did before trying this food was to research about it, thanks to Google. After researching about this food, I realized that this dish was pretty simple. Poqui-poqui is just an eggplant dish sautéed with onions, tomatoes and eggs. It seems similar to omelet. I even thought that I could even try cooking this at home.

Poqui-poqui is indeed a simple dish. That’s what most people would think.  But don’t mock this dish! It may only have common ingredients or may not have meat, but this dish is truly delicious. When I finally decided to try this dish when I was in Ilocos, it was truly worth it. It was prepared and cooked the Ilocano way which made the dish to be sooooo yummy! I swear I am going to try to cook this dish someday and I hope that it would taste good too. J

Poqui-poqui is truly a pleasure for not only vegetarians, but for everyone. This dish made me realize that a dish can still taste good even when there’s no meat. If you think that this dish does not look good, I hope you would still try it. Why? Because it tastes reaaaaally good. And I have been saying that for a lot of times in this post. Well, that only shows you how delightful this Ilocano dish called Poqui-poqui is (even though it is only simple, meatless and unattractive at first sight).

SUKANG ILOCANO: Quiver No More.

By Joel Ortega (3)

Are you wishing and hoping to find vinegar with a fair taste? Well then worry no more because I present you one of the most well-known products of Ilocos. I present you the Sukang Ilocano. It is known for its very delicious fair taste. 

The sukang Ilocano is not new to me, even when we visit last March in Ilocos, I know already that there will be sukang Ilocano everywhere. Because when I was younger, whenever our relatives from Ilocos visit us here in Manila, they always bring Sukang Ilocos. Before, I’m not a huge fan of vinegar because I find them weird. Their aroma makes me quiver and their taste makes my stomach ache. But after tasting the Sukang Ilocano, my hate for vinegar turns into love. 

The Sukang Ilocano taste really good. The taste is not very sour. It has a fair taste that you can drink it without shaking. And the aroma is really good, because most of vinegars smell really bad. But sukang Ilocano is an exception. All the things that you are finding in vinegar are in Sukang Ilocano.

 I recommend Sukang Ilocano for those who don’t love vinegar but want to taste it. I also recommend SukangIlocano for those who have sensitive taste, because I totally assure you that this vinegar will totally satisfy your sensitive taste buds. And I highly recommend SukangIlocano for those who love vinegar and collect vinegar; this will be a perfect addition to your collection.

The search is over. Your prayer has been answered. The Sukang Ilocano is now in your hands. Go buy and try it. The ugly face that you make when you smell and taste vinegar is now gone. The Sukang Ilocano will bring smile to your faces and satisfaction. 

MARCOS MUSEUM and MAUSOLEUM: History of our late President

By: Madellyn Marcelino

The Marcos Museum and Mausoleum assimilates each the present resting and record storage place of Ferdinand Edralin Marcos. It's set within the heart of Batac town, Ilocos Norte. The depository shows record of the late president, from his stint within the militia right down to his presidency. The big and solemn sepulcher contains the glass-encased coffin within which Marcos' preserved body has been on public show since shortly when his remains were brought direct 1993.

It also one of the places we visited in Ilocos Norte. It is good to see what our late president Marcos done to our country. Even though I didn't really experience the tyranny of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos throught out the Martial Law era in our country, seeing all of those things that are quiet conflicting on what the history books and my parents have told me.

I was simply astounded once I saw his coffin there and his body within. I felt terribly shivery and the smell of the formalin welcomes you upon coming into the door. I used to be simply wondering what number of pesos were spent to preserve his body in an exceedingly long durable. It's additionally smart that his family decides to indicate publically his preserved body.

The museum of Marcos is well organized where visitors will learn his life. There is an entrance fee there that costs P50 per person and kids below 4 yrs old are free. But in Mausoleum the entrance is free and picture taking is not allowed. 

Before you go to different places in Ilocos, take a look at Marcos museum and mausoleum and learn Marcos life when he’s still alive. It is better if you brought your children here because in school it one of the teachers taught to the students. Children will understand more and their questions in mind will be answered.

DINAKDAKAN: Yummy or Yucky?

By: Pauline Saballo

Are you tired of eating the usual sisig? Are you still looking for something spicy that’s perfect for every meal? Well, here’s the solution to your problems… dinakdakan! This dish originated from Ilocos. And from the view of an Ilocano, this is one of the things that they can be proud of. But really, what’s dinakdakan? Even I do not have any idea about this dish, at first.

Well, dinakdakan is basically a pork dish. But there’s something really interesting about this, and that’s because of its main ingredients which is common to all dinakdakan dishes. These ingredients are actually grilled pig parts which include the ears, liver and the face. Aside from that, you can also include stomach and intestines in this signature Ilocano food. But there’s more! The authentic dinakdakan recipe even includes the pig brain! Now I don’t know if this food sounds delicious or disgusting.

Hearing all the ingredients actually makes me think if I really wanted to try this. I did try eating intestines or pig ears (on sisig) but I never thought that I would eat all of them at the same time. Even if I’m a Filipino, this sounds strange to me. If I ask you, would you even eat a dish that’s made a pig parts which you do not usually eat? Would you try eating intestines, ears, brain and the pig’s face all at the same time? I personally don’t think that many would try this dish, honestly.

But nevertheless, I still tried this dinakdakan. And I did not regret it. It tastes real good! It gives you the feeling that you will never regret eating this dish. Instead, you will try it over and over again. I do guarantee you with that. So if you happen to be in Ilocos, have time to try this authentic Ilocano dish.

A lot of people say that dinakdakan is similar to sisig. I think I can agree with that because of how it looks like at first. But it really tastes different from sisig once you have tasted it.  In my opinion, it’s because of the pig parts added to this dish (which are not usual ingredients for sisig). And also because of its original Ilocano flavor. I really salute these Ilocano people for inventing this bizarre but appetizing dish.

Dinakdakan is something that Ilocanos is truly proud of. Non-Ilocanos, like me, would even think that this dish is really weird but these Ilocano people are really certain in telling us that it’s really good. And they never failed us. This dinakdakan dish is only one of the many proofs that Ilocanos are really great in the kitchen.

BANGUI WINDMILL: Southeast Asia’s biggest wind turbines

By: Madellyn Marcelino

The windmills area unit thought-about as Southeast Asia’s biggest wind turbines. They're set in Ilocos Norte are twenty lovely windmills or wind turbines that correspond large electrical fans. Every turbine has the capability to come up with electricity up to a most of 1.65 Megawatts for a complete of twenty 24.75 Megawatts. The twenty turbines area unit lined up on associate arc manner following the boundary of national capital Bay facing the West battle of the Philippine Sea at the northwest tip of Luzon Island.

They are the one who brings electricity to the province of Ilocos Norte. It is one of a kind because only Ilocos Norte gives you a chance to see it personally. Good thing here it is very clean and the people there are so nice. You will literally feel a good ambiance and you will smell a clean air here. It will help to get lost to your problems.

When we went there last summer I was too very excited to see the windmills. It will only take an hour if you’re from the city of Ilocos Norte. When we got there we didn’t regret anything because it is worth it. You will enjoy the view and it is also near the sea which is the Pagudpod beach. There’s no entrance fee, so everyone is welcome to go and see near the windmills.

While you’re on a trip going to Bangui windmill, you will see lot of beautiful views. You won’t feel impatient while you’re on a trip. It is also fun if you go there with your family or friends. You'll enjoy your visit there if you're with your loved ones and take a good shot with the windmills.

So, what are you waiting for? Visit Bangui windmill in Ilocos now and enjoy! Share your experiences too. Your vacation in Ilocos is not complete if you won’t visit Bangui windmill. It is also near to Pagudpod beach.

ILOCOS CORNICK: Crunchiness And Tastiness

By Joel Ortega (2)

Cornick or Crunchy Corn is a dried corn. Ilocanos sell a lot of these products. It comes with different flavors such as cheese, barbeque and garlic. It is one of the famous snacks in Ilocos. Whenever Ilocanos want to eat or want to have snacks they’ll just eat cornick.

So last March, we went to Ilocos Sur to visit our relatives. It’s been years since our last visit because we’re already busy with our own lives. So when we got there we go to our relative’s house and after we tour around Ilocos Sur. And when we got tired and hungry we ate snacks, we ate cornick. Cornick is a very famous snack around the Philippines. Many snack companies here in Philippines produce cornick so whenever you’re in a mall or in a sari-sari store you’ll see a cornick.

But the cornick in Ilocos Sur is different, unlike from any other snack companies who produce cornicks. The cornick in Ilocos Sur don’t have any artificial flavors added and no preservatives.
The artificial flavors are known for being dangerous to our health including brain damage. and some snack companies do that. But here in Ilocos, the cornicks are well prepared and naturaly flavored.

The cornicks here in Ilococ Sur have many flavors. The most well-known flavor of cornicks here in Ilococ is the garlic flavor. My favorite flavor is cheese and the garlic flavor is my least favorite. But this time I want to try the signature flavor of cornicks which is the garlic flavor. The cornick is very crunchy, good crunchy, and the taste is very delicious. At first eat, you’ll really taste that garlic flavor and the garlic is just an enough taste, not very strong and not very light, it’s just fair. And you will not get satiated easily. I actually ate 2 packs of cornicks because it’s really crunchy and tasty. 

So before we go home we buy more cornicks, enough for a month. Because the cornicks is very addictive and you will crave and want more once you start eating it. And because of this, I highly recommend to you all to buy and taste the Ilocos Cornicks. And I also recommend to you all to try all the different flavors of the Ilocos Cornicks. 

BAGNET: Comfort or Torture?

By: Pauline Saballo

Is it lechong kawali? Is it crispy pata? No! It’s Ilocos’ very own delicacy, BAGNET!              

Bagnet is a super delightful chunk of deep fried pork with a very crispy, blistered skin with it. Well, this bagnet was from Ilocos, of course. In Ilocos Sur, bagnet is called as it is while in the north, bagnet is called as chicharon. Despite the fact that bagnet was first a Ilocano food, we all cannot deny the fact that bagnet’s  crispy taste has captivated the stomach of every Filipino.

One thing that you cannot forget to try once you’re in Ilocos is this, the Bagnet. I am very sure of that. At first glance, it is very much like lechon kawali, right. That was my first impression too. Never did I know that it has a different taste and crispiness. Later then, I knew that it was because bagnet is fried twice. The authentic Ilocano bagnet was boiled then fried for more than 3 hours. After that, it’s going to be set aside for 15 minutes and then it’s going to be fried again. Imagine how hard it’s going to be for Ilocanos to cook bagnet. I think I could even give them an A+ for effort.

I already told you what bagnet is, right. But I haven’t told you where it came from or in short, its history. Well, here are the details. Bagnet came from the Ilocano word, “bagnettin” which means to preserve meat. Before, during the past times, there were no refrigerators available for meat preservation. So whenever Ilocano slaughter pigs, they had to boil and fry the meat. When it’s ready to be eaten, they’d re-fry it which is how bagnet existed.

Bagnet is good on its own, I promise you that. But it can also be a main ingredient of a lot of Filipino dishes. Kare-kare, binagoongan, sinigang and ebsalada would definitely be at its best if it has bagnet on it. Bagnet would surely give a new but delicious taste to all these Filipino dishes I have mentioned to you.

 

It’s very true that bagnet is a comfort food that all of us can enjoy eating. But it also brings torture. Why?  It’s because of bagnet’s high cholesterol level. Bagnet is some sort of a temptation. It’s good but it’s also bad for your health. So to those who want to eat this, beware. Too much cholesterol would be bad for your health. :)

THE MESTIZO DISTRICT: Vigan Historical Architecture

By: Madelyn Marcelino

The Mestizo District is popularly called Vigan where Vigan is the capital of Ilocos Norte and it’s the place that holds the most effective preserved historical architectures of the country. It is that the different name of an area within the Philippines that has attracted numerous foreigners from around the world.

One of the best traveler attractions of those activities was the Manila-Acapulco sailing vessel Trade wherever completely different materials were sent from Europe. The materials used are embodying bricks, pebbles and adobes. The complete village was established method back on the sixteenth century. Later, community and trade activities ensued on the person watercourse. 

Actually, they’re not original; they were the homes throughout the Spanish constitution. When you reach that place; you’ll instantly see the cobble-stoned streets that have those distinctive homes.

The Vigan Heritage Village now added modern buildings. Fast food restaurants such as McDonald’s, Jollibee, etc. can be seen in this place and you’ll be surprised that they are built just like the Spanish houses. But despite the modernization of these establishments, their architecture is still related to how the Spanish built the houses centuries ago.

It is good that until now this place is still open for the tourists. The people there are accommodating and they will respect every tourist who goes there. It is also a clean place so you will enjoy fresh air. When you’re there you will feel that you’re an old people.

There are a lot of things you can do in the Vigan Heritage Village that are truly enjoyable. It has two ways to explore the place. You can burn some fats by walking and witness the different houses built by the Spanish; or you can ride the kalesa near the Vigan Church to. If you prefer the latter, you get the opportunity to explore more on the old cultural ways of the Ilocos residents and this is more on farming.

BIBINGKA: Royal Delicacy

By Joel Ortega (1)

There are many kinds of kakanin here in Philippines that are very delicious. And most of the kakanins are a delicacy in a certain provinces. But since we’re in Ilocos, I’m going to tell you all the kakanin delicacy of Ilocos, it is Bibingka. Bibingka is a kind of kakanin that is very famous in Ilocos. And bibingka is also one of the famous products of Ilocos.

So bibingka, what can I say about bibingka? For me bibingka is more than a kakanin because whenever I eat bibingka it’s like your being comforted. Actually whenever I’m stress or whenever I feel sad, I just eat bibingka. I’m an Ilocano so we have many bibingka in our house. There are kinds of bibingka. There is a bibingka that looks like a cake that is made in flour. And there is a bibingka that is made in glutinous rice flour. 

In our house the common is the bibingka that looks like a cake. My mom knows how to cook it because she grows up in Ilocos and also most of my aunts and uncles know how to cook it too. But when you go to Ilocos the most famous bibingka is the one that is made in glutinous rice flour. And just like what my mom or my relative cook, it’s very delicious too. When you go to Ilocos, you will see bibingka everywhere because in Ilocos there are many pasalubong stores along the road. 

That one of the good things about Ilocos, aside from the beautiful sceneries, when you get tired and hungry you can just go to or stop by at the pasalubong stores and buy snacks. Just like us, I’m from Manila and I seldom visit Ilocos because I’m busy at school. Whenever I visit Ilocos it’s either I take a bus or take a car but mostly I take a car because it’s less hassle and you can arrive at Ilocos faster. So whenever I get hungry I’ll just stop by at some of the pasalubong stores along the way, and there are many things to choose from, but of course I always choose bibingka. 

Bibingka really taste good, that sticky glutinous rice flour is really delicious. The bibingka have chees and butter at the top and that adds more to the delicious taste of bibingka. The taste of bibingka is sweet and salty; sweet because of the glutinous rice flour and salty because of the cheese and it mix well. The taste is really addictive especially when you first taste it, you’ll really crave for it. Me, I’m eating bibingka for like 9 years now, I started eating when I was 8 years old and I can still remember the first I tasted it. I was like I eat something that made stop time, well I was a kid so yeah my imagination is really wild. But I’m 17 years old now, and I can still feel that feeling, but except the “time stop” feeling because that only happens at your “first times”. 


I highly recommend bibingka not because I’m an Ilocano, but I highly recommend bibingka because I want all of you to feel that “time stop” feeling.  I really assure that even when you didn’t feel that “time stop” feeling you will still crave for the bibingka. Bibingka will be one of your favorite kakanin.

EMPANADA: The Ilocos’ Original

By: Pauline Saballo

Throughout the world, empanada is known as a bread or pastry filled with different ingredients. This bread originated in Spain and Portugal. This is probably the reason why empanadas are quite similar to tacos. This dish was carried by Portuguese and Spanish colonizers and has remained popular in several countries. The said countries were the Latin America, Indonesia, Philippines and many more. These countries adapted this dish and managed to put their own flavor on empanadas.

Empanadas are actually popular here in our country ever since it was brought by the Spaniards. Empanadas have different varieties all over the Philippines. Despite that, we cannot deny that empanadas are truly the Ilocano’s specialty. The basic Ilocano empanada has grated green papaya, longganisa, egg and bean sprouts stuffed on a rice flour (galapong) crust. Ilocano empanadas surely bring the real Filipino taste on a foreign dish.

In Ilocos, empanadas have basically two kinds just as how this province was divided. One is the Batac empanada which is served in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. The latter is the Vigan empanada, which of course, can be found on Vigan, Ilocos Sur. These empanadas have the same basic ingredients, method of preparation and way of cooking. But how are they really different from each other?

Just looking these two varieties of empanadas from outside, you can already tell one difference, the color. Batac empanada is orange in color because it uses achuete as food coloring. On the other hand, Vigan empanadas are lighter in color since it has no coloring. If you have managed to eat these two emapanadas, you could notice that the Vigan empanada has thinner and crunchier crust than the Batac emapanada. This greatly affects the taste of the empanadas.

Aside from the outer appearance, these emapanadas have some differences in the ingredients. Longganisa is a must ingredient in Ilocano empanadas, right? And these two varieties use different two types of longganisas too. Batac empanada uses Laoag longganisa which is known to be salty. On the latter part, Vigan empanada uses its very own Vigan longganisa as their trademark ingredient. When you try these two empanadas, you would notice that Vigan empanadas do not have bean sprouts unlike the Batac empanadas.

Vinegar is the official dip or sauce of the Ilocano empanadas. Even this is different when you talk about the two types of Ilocano empanadas. Batac empanada uses Laoag vinegar which is really sour and is usually served with siling labuyo in it. Vigan vinegar is of course the official dip for the Vigan empanada. It has a very strong fermented taste which can be similar to fermented alcohol.

There is this one last thing on how these two empanadas are different from each other, their variations. Vigan empanadas only has one variation wherein cabbages where included in the ingredients stuffed. On the other hand, Batac empanada has a lot of variations such as ordinary empanada (with bean sprouts, egg and papaya), special empanada (with additional longganisa), jumbo empanada which has hotdog inside, double special (has egg and has a lot of longganisa in it), and many much more.

Seeing how a foreign dish brought into the Philippines evolved as one of the Filipino delicacies, made me realize how innovative Filipinos are especially when it comes to cooking. These varieties of Ilocano empanadas are just some proofs for that. I can truly say that Filipinos, be it Ilocanos or any Filipino local, has their own way of making everything unique.

Leisure Line Launches Its Newest Website

Tourists Start to Show Interest on Ilocos

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Oct. 7, 2014 – Leisure Line Travel and Tours, a local traveling agency, has launched its newest website, leisurelineilocos.blogspot.com. The website features one of the most provinces of the Philippines, the province of Ilocos. The site shows its viewers what’s in store in Ilocos.

“Nowadays, both local and foreign tourists are looking for places where they can have adventures, have fun and relax at the same time. Ilocos is perfect for that,” said Pauline Saballo, Leisure Line’s founder and CEO. “Since Vigan, Ilocos Sur’s capital, was nominated as one of the New 7Wonders Cities, we are expecting a rise in the number of tourists that would come to Ilocos. As more people gets interested about Ilocos, we, as vacation providers, should accommodate what these people need. Whatever you need to find, tourists can learn it through leisurelineilocos.blogspot.com.”

There are a lot of places to see and a bucket of things to do once you’re in Ilocos. Leisure Line, being a company that wants the Philippines to be known in the whole world, would show the people the beautiful places in the Philippines. Ilocos is one of those. To further promote this province, we came up with a tagline: GET LOST TO ILOCOS. Since there are a lot of places to go when tourists are in Ilocos, they could get lost in finding those places, get lost by the beauty the only Ilocos brings and get lost by the activities that tourists could only experience in Ilocos.

Ilocos is one of the provinces found in Ilocos Region itself. This place is known for being so historical. A lot of structures were either built during the Spanish era or was inspired by Spanish designs. By going to Ilocos, people would feel like they have traveled back through time. Tourists can experience the fusion of the past and the present culture of the Philippines through Ilocos.

The company’s newest website features the places to see in Ilocos. A list of things to do once in you’re in Ilocos is also included in the website. Ilocos cuisines and even pasalubongs can also be seen in the websites. You can also buy Ilocano products through leisurelineilocos.blogspot.com. Also, through the site, tourists can book their own flights and reserve their hotels with the help of our industry partners. Leisure Line is always waiting for people who would like to go to Ilocos.

Leisurelineilocos.blogspot.com is made for the tourists, for them to know more about Ilocos and for their own convenience. As a traveling agency, we aim to give our customers a fun and convenient vacation. Our website is a big step for us to further achieve our goal. We hope that the website would be successful.

About the Company

Leisure Line Travel and Tours is a local travelling agency founded this 2014. Based in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Leisure Line organizes every customer’s vacation plan. We want our customers to have a fun and comfortable vacation but with a cheap value. We accompany them from the beginning, from booking their flights to going back home. These things are not possible without the help our industry partners. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino are only some of them. Our company will continue to provide customers and fun and affordable vacation that will give them memories that they would never forget.

Media Contact:

Pauline Saballo

Leisure Line Travel and Tours

pauline.saballo@gmail.com

http://leisurelineilocos.blogspot.com/