Why I Fell in Love with Ilocos

Falling in love with Ilocos is not as hard as falling in love with your best friend ;p There are simply too many reasons why one can easily be enamored with this charming region.

free shuttle bus ride in Laoag

Here are the top 3 reasons why Ilocos region has captured my heart:

1. It's a hub for history and culture enthusiasts
The presence of old churches, mansions, museums, and houses of historical Philippine figures are more than enough to tell you that Ilocos region is one of the best hubs for people wanting to know better the Philippine history and culture.

sinking bell tower

Cape Bojeador

St. Augustine Church

Bantay Bell Tower

Sta. Monica Church

Paoay Church undergoing restoration

Juan Luna's birthplace

Syquia Mansion

inside the Syquia Mansion

Fort Ilocandia

Marcos Museum

2. Food is great!

Ilocos is more than just home to superbly good empanada and vinegar. I heard that their pinakbet with bagnet and bagoong is as good as the local dishes that we've tried there. So if you happen to be in Ilocos, skip the fastfood and head to their local restaurants - be it a simple carenderia or a lavish fine dining restaurant.

though not a local dish but this sizzling milkfish with black beans is surprisingly good

pancit lusay

bagnet

3. Boredom is almost non-existent

Unless you prefer to stay in a hotel/pension house/hostel for the entire day, boredom is almost non-existent in Ilocos. It's simply because you won't run out of things to do there. You can have a relaxing day at Cape Bojeador and Bangui, go nature-tripping at Kabigan Falls and Kapurpurawan Rock Formation or have an adventure-filled day at Paoay and Pagudpud.