My own Philippine Culture

Good Day! My name is Jamira Bangcola, 21, currently taking a Bachelor of Science in Tourism, major in Travel Industry in University of the Cordilleras. I was born and raised in the capital of Ilocos Norte, Laoag City.

Ilocos Norte has always been a favorite tourist destination in Region I. The province has a lot to offer from attractions, adventures, and world-class tourist spots, which is why it has been a prime destination not just among locals but also overseas tourists and visitors. 

Paoay Church

Paoay Church, a combination of local and baroque architecture is a century-old church and has been dubbed as The Magnificent Historical Icon of Ilocos  Norte. The church is a top tourist destination in the province as it displays the spectacular view of a well preserved colonial-era cultural site, The San Agustin Church, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO under the collective title Baroque Churches of the Philippines, and it was also named a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government in the year 1976.

Bagui Windmill

The windmill of Bangui, in Ilocos Norte, is a popular wind turbine farm in the Philippines. A very well-known tourist hotspot in the region for its magnificent sight in where the windmill stands tall along the shoreline adding more artistic appeal to the farm's picturesque view. It is dubbed as the giant electric fan of Ilocos Norte and it is built to purposely generate electricity through wind.  It supplies 40 percent of the electricity for the province, it was a project launched in the year 2005 and has become the symbol and pride of the north. 

Ilocos Norte is also flooded by tourists every summer to admire and experience the accentuating beauty of white sandy shores. In fact, the Saud beach in the province has made it to the Top 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World. Water as clear as the sky and pure white sand is the reason why it has gained world-class recognition as a premier beach destination.

In addition, the province is also a destination for adventure and fun. There is a lot of activity to do like 4x4 jeepney rides, ATV rides, and sandboarding while being awed by the breathtaking natural landscape of Ilocos.

The locals of Ilocos Norte are called Ilocanos and in truth, Ilocos cultural values were mostly embedded in the form of various festivals celebrations. The province alone has at least 23 festivals, which served as their traditions and cultural celebrations, and in every festival celebrated, lies the life of the Ilocano people, their gratefulness, perseverance, patience, religiosity, and resilience were all recognized through this yearly festivity occasion as each celebration marks an integral part of the sustenance of Ilocano’s to their daily living.

People of Ilocos are both charming and talented, whether it be in any form of arts such as singing, dancing, acting, or playing traditional instruments like banduria, octavina, guitars, and drums.

One best trait of being an Ilocano is being "managdayyaw" meaning, we respect the sensitivities of other people by always speaking in the humblest way possible, to avoid any mistakes and misunderstanding when talking to others. We Ilocanos are also loved to be accompanied by many people, we are friendly, generous, hospitable, and fun.