Professional Documents
Culture Documents
NORTH
PLUS! NORTH LUZON DESTINATION MAP
BOUND
ISSUE 3
LA UNION’S
SURFING
HAVEN
SURFING HOT SPOT
OF THE NORTH
E XPLORING
CALLAO CAVE
CAGAYAN'S DEPTHS AT ITS BEST
WILD RIVER
RIDING CAGAYAN'S RAPIDS
BULACAN
GEARS UP FOR THE
ANNUAL SINGKABAN
Find everything up north - from cultural heritage sites, to excellent cuisine; from fine For inquiries, call the North Philippines Visitors Bureau at (632) 637-6798, or any
sandy beaches to cool mountain weather… it’s all there! Covering the four northern of its affiliate local Conventions and Visitors Bureaus located in Pampanga, Greater
regions of the country - Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, the Cordilleras and Central Luzon – North Clark, Greater Subic, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Pangasinan West, La Union, Baguio,
Philippines has much more to offer than people had previously imagined.
Ilocos Norte, and Cagayan North (see directory listing at the back of the magazine)
It is fast becoming the preferred destination for meetings, incentives, conventions
and exhibitions because of its great facilities and close proximity to Metro Manila. Just
a car ride away. And now, the North is even more accessible with the new North Luzon
Expressway (NLEX) and the recently opened Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).
CRUISE
CONTROL PATHWAYS
10
QUICK TIPS FOR EXPLORING
EXTREME TRAVEL CALLAO CAVE
Engaging in an extremely
Spelunking Callao Cave is not
memorable travel adventure
difficult but the experience is not
is a breeze if you follow these
compromised.
important tips.
14
CENTERSTAGE
TIME AND TIDE WAIT
IN LA UNION
26
Travelers are starting to
recognize La Union for its
surfing beach, San Juan.
16
LA UNION HOTELS
34 WILD RIVER
These hotels will make travelers
feel like they’ve never left home.
Experience W.W.R. up North
18 LA UNION’S
SURFING HAVEN
Ride the waves at the Surfing
Capital of the North.
ON THE COVER
LA UNION SURFING
40 LUNA’S
BOUNTY
An interesting
With friendly waves and more .
accessible roads, La Union encounter with La Union’s
has been a favorite destina- pebble beach in Luna
tion for surfing aficionados.
With surfing lessons and nice
resorts, La Union is a perfect
getaway for surfers and even
those who just need a break
from the bustling city life.
Photographed by
Abel Baldemor
48 NORTH NEWS
> MARIAN Voyage of Peace
> NPVB Annual Meeting
EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION
PICO Integrated Marketing Agency
PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS
Dear Friends,
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NORTH
BOUND
LILIA B. DE LIMA
GIDEON LASCO
Director General PinoyMountaineer.com
Philippine Economic Zone Authority
10 NORTHBOUND | ISSUE 3
2 ASC Ref. No. U080P052709D
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
LA UNION
Like an underdog suddenly and silently
gaining advantage, the tourism industry in
La Union has picked up in the recent years.
14 NORTHBOUND | ISSUE 3
CENTERSTAGE
1
One of the best local surfers
and surfing instructor is 27-year old
half-Australian Luke Landrigan.
Raised in the Philippines, he
represented the country in various
surfing competitions like the 1st
Asian Beach Games in Bali last
October where he bagged a silver
medal. When asked about what he
loves about La Union aside from
2 the waves, Luke shares that La
Union lifestyle is a mix of the city
and the province—“we have malls,
cinemas, golf courses, and casinos;
but we also have fresh seafood and
vegetables and zero traffic.” He also
adds that the community of surfers
in San Juan is like a big family
extending their knowledge to those
who wants to learn about surfing.
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1
Felimon “Lemon” Dines,
another surfing instructor, claims
that San Juan’s beach breaks are
more suitable for teaching surfing
than Siargao’s waves. Before sending
his students into the water, he first
demonstrates the proper positions
and stances and gives out necessary
precautions. Instructors in the area
charge PhP200/hour for a board
plus PhP200/hour for surfing 2
lessons.
A surf board shaper and also a
surfing instructor, 61-year-old Kazuo
Akinaga has been surfing since
1967 in different places like Japan,
California and Hawaii. After seeing
the good waves of San Juan and
meeting the hospitable locals, he left Surf Camp boasts of its
Japan 15 years ago and settled right being a one-stop surf resort
in front of the beach. Commonly
known as Aki, he taught as much as
30-40 students during his first few 3 San Fernando Airport becomes open
years in La Union. Being one of the Local resorts line the beach to international flights, La Union
pioneers of the sport in the area, he strip of San Juan to accommodate will definitely have further boost in
has helped together various surfing the visiting weekend surfers. One eco-tourism.
oganizations and competitions like of the well-known resorts is the
the first surfing club in 1986. San Juan Surf Resort, also known
as Surf Camp, owned by Brian
Landrigan, father of Luke. As a DIRECTORY
(1) Even kids try out the soft one-stop surf resort, it does not only
waves of Urbiztondo Beach (2) offer boarding and lodging but also San Juan Surf Resort (Surf Camp)
A surfer tries to take off with an Brgy. Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union
impressive surfing technique hosts a surf school and houses a surf
Tel. No.: (072) 720-0340
(3) A frequent surfer rides the shop. Another accommodation is E-mail: landrigan@sflu.com
waves of San Juan Below: Lola Nanny’s Surf Retreat, owned Website: sanjuansurfresort.com
Surfers from Manila frequent La
Union on weekends by Maria “Lola Nanny” Landrigan,
where one can buy authentic Lola Nanny’s Surf Retreat
Brgy. Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union
Australian meat pies made by Lola Mobile No.: (0915) 418-4034
Nanny herself.
With the rise of the surfing
industry, La Union is fast-becoming
a major tourist destination. Surfing
events, like the La Union Surfing
Break every October, are drawing
in surfers from different parts of the
Philippines, even different parts of
the world. Locals say that once the
BALER, AURORA
24 NORTHBOUND | ISSUE 3
PATHWAYS
A chapel inside gives emphasis to
the majestic interiors of the cave
Photographed by
MELCHOR G. LABAGALA III
EXPLORI NG
CALLAO CAVE O ut of the five more
popular caves, the
Callao Cave of Sitio Quibbal,
Brgy. Callao, in the town of
Peñablanca, has become a
favorite destination for its
accessibility. I used to see
You have not been to Cagayan it in pictures; and with its
Valley if you have not gone luxurious skylight from the top
of the chapel inside the cave
to any of its popular caves. as the common focal point of
Known as the caving capital of everything that can be seen, I
the Philippines, the province is thought of it as a majestic image
of the meeting of grandeur
home to over 300 caves. of nature and the ingenuity of
mankind.
BY C O N S TA N T I N E A G U S T I N We then decided to plan an
escapade to Cagayan Valley to
venture into the depths of Callao
Cave. Arriving in Tuguegarao City
in the evening, we took a much
needed rest after a long drive to
prepare for the spelunking activity
of the following day. As soon as the
sun was up, we packed the basic
needs for the adventure, which
included some extra shirts, bottled
water and a camera. After getting
the information on how to get to the
destination, we immediately hit the
road. Driving through the national
highway was a breeze, as well as the
road to Peñablanca. Following the
cemented path going to Quibbal
brought us directly to the entrance
of Callao Cave. For the more
P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y M I C H A E L A L I S O N A LV I A R
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JERRY CHAN
2 5
3 6
PHOTOGRAPHED BY OGGIE RAMOS
PHOTOGRAPHED BY OGGIE RAMOS
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SUBIK CLICKS
No special talents
needed to explore
this wonderful
work of nature
P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y FA R L E T VA L E
formed and provides just enough
sunlight to illuminate the chapel below.
This sight is quite breathtaking and OLONGAPO BATAAN SUBIC BAY ZAMBALES STA. CRUZ,
CATEGORY CATEGORY FREEPORT CATEGORY ZAMBALES
worthy of being the most recognized ZONE CATEGORY
CATEGORY
image and description of Callao Cave.
Several other skylights allowing 1st Place Sta. Cruz
1st place 1st Place 1st Place 1st Place
natural rays of sunlight inside makes Water Edge Weight Lift Twilight at the Mangrove Solitude Waterscape
Tina Marie De Leon
the adventure gracious and theatrical. Diosdado Dominado Mary Ann Agustin Gary Andy Oriño Cleo Roda Nodado
Visiting the other chambers is 2nd place 2nd Place 2nd Place 2nd Place 2nd Place
Walking the Fields of
Look at Me Farmers
manageable even without guides but Parked
Kristine Dominado
Bahay Kubo Kahit Munti
Samuel De Leon Roy Van Morales Pacifico Jose Jr. Green of Golds
Don Clavo De Comer
the last two may need one though it 3rd Place 3rd Place
3rd place 3rd Place The Cross
does not require extraordinary skills in Jump Roy Van Morales Sunset at the Port Morning Wash 3rd Place
Jessica Napalan Samuel De Leon The Wood Gatherer
spelunking. Before finally taking the Jenny Ong
1st Honorable Mention
Danilo Victoriano Jr.
stairs to go down the cave, we opted to 1st Honorable Mention Full Parking 1st Honorable Mention
Taking Flight
1st Honorable Mention
Masinloc Fishermen 1st Honorable Mention
Olongapo Lighthouse Kristine Dominado
go up a little bit more to the view deck Dr. Johann Ong Michael Caballes Dr. Diosdado Dominado Morning Forms
Samuel De Leon
opposite the entrance. An old tree to 2nd Honorable Mention
2nd Honorable Mention
Mighty Egret Guarded 2nd Honorable Mention 2nd Honorable Mention
the right of the stairs stands probably The Lighthouse by Two Horses Teardrops from Heaven
Jose Lemuel Lucas
Ruins
Dr. Arvin Rolly Antipolo
2nd Honorable Mention
Fishermen
Ivy Cabardo Daniel Burrenechea
as the lone witness to the early settlers Pacifica Jose Jr.
3rd Honorable Mention 3rd Honorable Mention
of Callao Cave. After two hours of 3rd Honorable Mention
3 Krus sa Balimpuyo
3rd Honorable Mention
Migrants Lighthouse Sunset Peaceful Giant 3rd Honorable Mention
exploring, we finally decided to end Rodolfo Vicente Dr. Dale Dominado Jenny Ong Brian Gabarda Sagrada Cave
Rodolfo Vicente
An image of the our adventure and as we descended the 4th Honorable Mention 4th Honorable Mention 4th Honorable Mention 4th Honorable Mention
holy family lies stairs, we are sure that the Callao Cave Fishing Alone Montemar Sunset The Lagoon Waves and Rocks 4th Honorable Mention
Elein Castro Jaime Mendoza Jr. Sampaloc Net
inside the cave. Carlo Cesar Rodillas Joy Santos
experience is a memorable adventure Dewey Sergio
for us.
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PHOTOGRAPHED BY ROMMEL DIAZ PATHWAYS
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PATHWAYS
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
THE
ALING
blue, purple, red and yellow. The
A PEBBLE AFFAIR locals say that these stone pebbles
are used as decorations in homes and
Take home bits of the Luna’s Pebble
Beach, literally. Pebbles are sold establishments locally and also sold
for export.
LUCING
at varied amounts according to
shape,colors and quality. In stark contrast to the variety of
little and varied sizes of pebbles found
Flat Stones PhP50 / pail on the beach, a towering structure
Seven Colors PhP80 / pail along the shore of Luna becomes a
Egg Stone PhP80 / pail spectacle of interest—the Baluarte.
One bottle
containing pebbles
of seven colors PhP50
Ravaged by time and the constant
pounding of the waves, this Spanish SISIG STORY
watchtower now stands split in two,
each half supported by concrete
beams. Back in the days of Spanish From a kariton near the foot of Eventually, the sisig became part
rule in the country, this watchtower Balibago Bridge to the train station of the local cuisine that a group of
The faithfuls of the town believe was instrumental in warning the local at Angeles and finally, to the fast young entrepreneurs opened a sisig
that the sea’s abundant blessing is a residents of the town of any imminent food restaurant at the SM malls, stall at the Paskuhan Village of San
provision from the miraculous “Lady threat from the sea. Spanish soldiers Pampangueños have followed the Fernando. Pretty soon, patrons from
of Namacpacan” to help them carry would use it as an observation post delectable taste of Aling Lucing’s nearby provinces and other cities
on a living not entirely dependent on to remain aware of possible attacks sisig since the ‘70s. would regularly troop to Pampanga to
fishing. or disturbance. Centuries later, the After peddling their meat enjoy their crispy sisig. Unfortunately,
This image of the Blessed Virgin rough surface of the Baluarte, the barbeque on the streets, Aling the Pinatubo tragedy hit the town of
Mary, requested from Spain by an bricks showing from its crack, its Lucing and husband Apung Tino San Fernando, including the stalls
Augustinian priest, was originally massive presence and historic past can Cunanan settled at a 12-square- of the Paskuhan Village. It was only
destined to make Vigan as its home still captivate any spectator. meter stand at the Angeles PNR Aling Lucing’s at Crossing that saved
when bad weather prevented it from The rush of waves along the train station, locally known that year’s Christmas.
completing its journey. The people of shoreline of Luna seems to have no as “Crossing”. Swamped with It was in 2001 when Elena Casin
Luna took it as a sign that the Blessed end. Unmindful of the scorching customers from Clark field and and Angelita Ong opened the first
Virgin has chosen to stay in their town. sun, another lady approaches to offer night club employees, Aling Lucing mall branch of Aling Lucing Sisig at
Stone pickers take to the shores a set of newly picked pebbles, and concocted the best Pampanga-style SM’s first provincial mall. After the
everyday to gather stones. One of the Baluarte stands in their midst, sisig served as a partner dish to incorporation of Aling Lucing Sisig
the huts in the area had them sorted remaining faithful to its watchful liquor. Diner, Inc. in July 24, 2001 and its
according to their shape and size. duty, however battered by time. approval by the Securities & Exchange
Interestingly, there are stones that They form a charismatic scene, true Commision in August 1, 2001, the
are shaped like eggs, there are some and reflective of the town’s way of restaurant not only served sisig but
which are flat and there are also those life—one of enduring industry and also other grill foods at affordable
that are of varied shades—gray, green, resilience. prices.
Eventually, the signature dish
reached the metro with Aling Lucing
Stonepickers stay on the Sisig branches and outlets at SM
shore all day long to gather City North, Landmark Makati,
stones and pebbles that they
peddle to visitors.
Pasong Tamo, Salcedo Makati, and
Greenhills Mall San Juan among
others. Aling Lucing’s Sisig became
the standard of all sisig recipes in the
country, thus making her the Queen
of Sisig.
40 N
NOOR
R TT H
HBBO
OUUN
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
The name singkaban is derived a mightier race, rather, this is an Madrigal Singers, Kasal: Wedding And to the maximum delight of
from the famous bamboo arc decoration affirmation that we are grateful, Expo and Bridal Fair, Bulacan Travel many Bulakeños and tourists who
usually seen in Philippine Fiestas. It humbled, and jubilant that our sense of Mart featuring the province’s premier will mark the Singkaban Fiesta
was given a deeper meaning in Bulacan pride as a province transcends time and resorts, Tatak Bulakenyo Trade in their calendars, the Provincial
where it actually originated. The fiesta generation.” Expo, Bahay Kubo-Bahay Gulay and Government will convene 21 towns
name stands for Sining at Kalinangan The week-long festivities will Disenyong Hardin ng Magagaling. and three cities in the Parada ng
ng Bulacan. Singkaban is also touted as kick-off on September 8 coinciding The younger audience will mga Karosa, Restaging of popular
the mother of all feasts in this province. with the feast day of Mother Mary certainly enjoy the nightly fireworks festivals and Street Dancing
The event is marked with band and will culminate on September 15 display, Bulacan Adventure Competition to flaunt the best
performances, concerts, cultural with the commemoration of the 111th Race: Quest for Pride, Sigaw- products, skills and talents that each
performances, street dancing, float anniversary of Malolos Congress, an Saya Cheerdance Competition, of the participating municipalities
parade, theatrical plays, trade fairs, art event that figures prominently in the Alay-Lakad, S.O.S for Biak na can offer.
and food exhibits, fireworks display, history as it paved the way for the Bato Concert, Laro ni Kenyo, La The eight-day fiesta can only
pro-environment activities and a founding of the Philippine Republic, Bulaqueña Pageant, Kenyo Run be enjoyed by witnessing and
competition and parade of talents, skills the first in Asia. Again, Indakan sa Kalye and the daily experiencing the variety of flavors
and distinctive products. By merely walking around the Katuwaan sa Hardin ng Sining. mixed and ready to be served to the
Gov. Jonjon Mendoza said busy compound of the Provincial Activities to boost the public. Hence, Governor Mendoza
this year’s theme of celebration is Capitol, visitors can bump into various marketability of the province’s invites everyone to take time to feel
“Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas, Husay exhibits including Bagong Bulakenyo distinct Tatak Bulakenyo products and celebrate with the Bulakeños
ng Bulakenyo’y Walang Kupas.” He Photo Exhibit, Dakilang Bulakenyo are also slated including Fiesta with a promise that this year’s
said, for this year, “We are not trying Exhibit Series featuring Andrea Ensaymada, Lechon Festival celebration, Todo na ang saya ng
to make an impression that we are Veneracion—the founder of Philippine and Kapit-kapit sa Pistang Inipit. Singkaban Fiesta.
NPVB
ANNUAL MEETING
MOA
MARIAN VOYAGE of PEACE
SIGNING
The Marian Voyage of Peace Badoc from Badoc, Ilocos Norte; Our
was held in Tuguegarao, Cagayan Lady of Guibang from Gamu, Isabela;
from July 26 to 28, 2009 which was Our Lady of Charity from Agoo, La
organized by the Cagayan North Union; Our Lady of Namacpacan
Convention and Visitors Bureau. from Luna, La Union; Our Lady of
As part of the three-day Marian Fatima from Valenzuela City, Metro
Voyage of Peace event, 10 Marian Manila; Nuestra Senora de Caridad
images from all over north Philippines from Bantay, Ilocos Sur; Our Lady of
were brought to Tuguegarao, Cagayan Manaoag from Manaoag, Pangasinan; MOA signing NPVB and RLC
and some neighboring towns for Our Lady of the Immaculate N O R T H P H I L I P P I N E S V I S I T O R S B UR E A U
( N P V B ) a n d R O B I N S O N S L A N D CO R P O R AT I O N
public veneration. Concepcion from Malolos, Bulacan; ( R L C) re c e n tly sign e d a M E M O R A N D UM O F
These included the Our Lady of and Nuestra Senora del Mar de Cautiva A G R E E M E N T a i m e d t o h e l p s t re n g t h e n t h e
N o rth P h ilippin e s to u rism in du stry th ro u gh
Piat from Piat, Cagayan; Our Lady of from Sto. Tomas, La Union. N P V B ’s pro gra m s a n d n e two rk o f Co n v e n tio n s
a n d V i s i t o r s B u re a u s . T h e M O A i n c l u d e s a
m e m b e r s h i p c o n t r i b u t i o n f ro m R L C , a n d i n re t u r n ,
N P V B w i l l p ro m o t e R o b i n s o n M a l l s i n N o r t h
P h i l i p p i n e s t h ro u g h i t s t o u r i s m m a r k e r s , b u s a d s ,
a n d f e stiv a l a c tiv a tio n s, a m o n g o th e r be n e f its.
( S e a t e d f ro m L e f t ) V i n c e A r a n e t a , E x e c u t i v e
D ire c to r o f N P V B ; Co rn e lio M a pa Jr. , G e n e ra l
M a n a ge r o f R L C; a n d, M r. R e n a to U. T ic zo n o f
M N T C , P re s i d e n t o f N P V B .
46 47
P re side n t o f N P V B .
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SEPTEMBER 8 SEPTEMBER
VICTORY DAY
KIANGAN, IFUGAO
Annual peace commemoration
14
of the end of the WW II. FEAST OF THE
TRIUMPH OF THE
7-9
CROSS OF JESUS
SEPTEMBER SAN JOSE, TARLAC
OCTOBER
8-10 The Feast commemorates
the finding of the cross. PYESTANG TUGAK
PANAGDADAPUN Every September 14, all
monastery and basilicas, SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA
CABARROQUIS, including the Monasterio To celebrate the resilience of the people of San Fernando
QUIRINO de Tarlac, that keeps a relic during the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, Pyestang Tugak or
Presentation of 19 cultural of the true cross opens the Frog Festival is held annually by having different schools
groups residing in the silver reliquary to the public participate in the mascot parade featuring different frog
province. for veneration. images.
SEPTEMBER
8-15
SEPTEMBER
28-29
OCTOBER
BAGUIS FESTIVAL
9 OCTOBER
LA NAVAL
11
SINGKABAN 2ND UNIVERSITY ANGELES CITY, ANGELES CITY,
FESTIVAL OF THE PAMPANGA PAMPANGA
MALOLOS, BULACAN A part of the Fiestang
A religious and cultural
PHILIPPINES Kuliat, this parade
In celebration of the victory
against the Dutch in 1646, the
festival, in honor of Our ASIAN INSTITUTE is participated by people of Angeles holds a
Lady of Victory, showcasing OF TOURISM representatives from parade of the Holy Mother’s
different schools in
Malolos’ arts of the
Balagtasan, Kundiman and
CONFERENCE ON Angeles City.
image around the city.
29 12
UP AIT brings together
LGU Officials, academe
SEPTEMBER and students at the
Marikina Convention
OCTOBER
ANGELS FESTIVAL Center. Highlights of the FEAST DAY OF
SAN RAFAEL, BULACAN
event include plenary
sessions, academic paper
SENORA DEL
A yearly, week-long, street presentations, exhibits PILAR
dancing festivity featuring and a forum with National PILAR, BATAAN
various angel costumes in Artists. The feast day is celebrated
honor of Saint Rafael the every 12th day of October to
Archangel. honor the miraculous Nuestra
Señora del Pillar.
NOVEMBER
30-31 OCTOBER 27 OCTOBER 30
PANANGEDAYEW MT. PINATUBO
FIESTANG KULIAT DAGUPAN CITY TREK
BALIBAGO, Panangedayew, Pangasinan CAPAS, TARLAC
ANGELES CITY word meaning to uplift. With the native Aetas as
The celebration of Fiestang Acitvites include garden guide for the trek, anyone
Kuliat culminates with the ever show beside the Dagupan can make their way through
popular TIGITIGAN, TERAKAN Astrodome, trade fair of the trails of this world-
KENG DALAN which features Pangasinan’s pride like famous volcano.
singing and dancing in Bonuan bangus, bagoong,
the street. peanut brittle, quilted
products housewares and
locally made Christmas
decors.