Luzon is the largest and most populous island in the Philippines. It also refers to one of the three primary island groups in the country, and roughly divided into four sections: Northern, Central and Southern Luzon, and the National Capital Region. Among these, Northern Luzon has the most diverseĀ ethnolinguistic groups such as the Cordillerans of the highlands and Ilocanos of the lowlands.
Cordillera Administrative RegionĀ (Ilocano:Ā Rehion/Deppaar Administratibo ti Kordiliera;Ā Tagalog:Ā Rehiyong Pampangasiwaan ng Cordillera), designated asĀ CAR, is an administrative region in the Philippines situated within the island of Luzon. The only landlocked region in the insular country, it is bordered by the Ilocos Region to west and southwest, and by the Cagayan Valley Region to the north, east, and southeast. Highlighted are provinces Iāve visited for this trip.
TheĀ Ilocos RegionĀ (Ilocano:Ā Rehion/Deppaar ti Ilocos;Ā Pangasinan:Ā Sagor na Baybay na Luzon;Ā Tagalog:Ā Rehiyon ng Ilocos) is anĀ administrative regionĀ of the Philippines, designated asĀ Region I, occupying the northwestern section of Luzon. It is bordered by the Cordillera Administrative Region to the east, the Cagayan Valley to the northeast and southeast, and the Central Luzon to the south. To the west lies the South China Sea. Highlighted is the province Iāve visited for this trip.
It was first month of the year 2020 so I spent my vacation leaves on visiting Northern Luzon. This time, I went to Dominion Bus Terminal in Cubao, Quezon City to start my journey, as part of my #project81.
Cagayan ValleyĀ orĀ Region II is an official administrative region in the Philippines located in the northeastern portion of Luzon Island. It is composed of five Philippine provinces: Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino. The region hosts four chartered cities of Cauayan, Ilagan, Santiago, and Tuguegarao. Highlighted are the province Iāve visited for this trip.
I have visited some parts ofĀ Ilocos Region andĀ Cagayan Valley before so this will be my first time to visit Abra and neighboring provinces within Cordilleras. Hence, my itinerary became Northern Luzon Arch Solo Trip! Presenting my itinerary below with Bangued (Abra Capitol) as entry and Cabarroguis (Quirino Capitol) as exit point:
My Northern Luzon ArchĀ Travel Map doing clockwise route from Bangued, Abra.
HIGHLIGHTS PER REGION:
CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION designated asĀ CAR Abra šAbra Provincial Capitol šSaint James the Greater Cathedral šBangued Municipal Hall šSan Lorenzo Ruiz Shrine šBangued Town Plaza šVictoria Park
šCassamata Hill National Park
šQuintin Paredes House
šBangued Heritage Houses
šTayum Municipal Hall
šSaint Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church declared as aĀ National Cultural Treasure šGabriela CariƱo-Silang Gallery of Fine Arts
šHoly Spirit Convent (Tayum Old Municipal Hall)
šMary Barbero Park
šTeodoro Brillantes Ancestral House
šTayum Heritage Houses Apayao
šApayao Provincial Capitol
šCapitol Park Kalinga
šKalinga Provincial Capitol
šSt. Williamās Cathedral
šCapitol Park
ILOCOS REGION designated asĀ Region I Ilocos Norte
šIlocos Norte Provincial Capitol
šLaoag City Hall
šSaint Williamās Cathedral
šLaoag Sinking Bell Tower declared as aĀ National Cultural Treasure
šAurora Park
šAbolition of Tobacco Monopoly Monument and Historical Marker
šMuseo Ilocos Norte
šLaoag City Public Market
šBacarra Municipal Hall
šSaint Andrew Parish Church declared as aĀ National Cultural Treasure
šBacarra Domeless Belfry declared as aĀ National Cultural Treasure
šMuseo de Bacarra
šBacarra Public Plaza
šBacarra Heritage Houses
CAGAYAN VALLEYĀ designated asĀ Region II Cagayan šSt. Peter Metropolitan Cathedral šCagayan Museum and Historical Research Center šRizal Park Quirino šQuirino Provincial Capitol šQuirino Museum šRnB Tubikoy at Diffun
AbraĀ (Ilocano:Ā Probinsia ti Abra;Ā Tagalog:Ā Lalawigan ng Abra) is aĀ landlockedĀ provinceĀ of theĀ PhilippinesĀ in theĀ Cordillera Administrative RegionĀ inĀ Luzon. Its capital isĀ Bangued, and is bordered byĀ Ilocos NorteĀ on the northwest,Ā ApayaoĀ on the northeast,Ā KalingaĀ on the mid-east,Ā Mountain ProvinceĀ on the southeast, andĀ Ilocos Sur on the southwest. The name of the province originated from the story when Spaniards were successful in their attempt to penetrate the inner communities in the east by removing the obstacles, saying in SpanishĀ “Abra esos obstĆ”culos” and it was in that happening when they developed the area and established the towns and barangays. The place where they found many obstacles, they named it “Bangen” and the province they called it “Abra”. My 62nd province!Bangued, officially theĀ Municipality of BanguedĀ (Ilocano:Ā Ili ti Bangued;Ā Tagalog:Ā Bayan ng Bangued), is a 1st classĀ municipalityĀ and capital of theĀ provinceĀ ofĀ Abra,Ā Philippines. The name “Bangued” means “roadblock”. It was established as a regular town in 1598 and was made the seat of the provincial government ofĀ AbraĀ on July 25, 1861. The inauguration coincided with theĀ feast dayĀ ofĀ Saint James the Great.TheĀ Roman Catholic Diocese of BanguedĀ (Lat:Ā Dioecesis Banguedensis) is aĀ Roman RiteĀ dioceseĀ of theĀ Latin ChurchĀ of theĀ Catholic ChurchĀ in theĀ Philippines. Its territory is the whole province of Abra.Nave of the cathedralMain altarSan Lorenzo Ruiz Shrine stands a few kilometers away from the city plaza. It stands next to a cemetery, making this a mortuary chapelAncestral house of statesman Quintin Paredes
Our Lady of Victory at a viewing deck of Victoria Park. From here you can see Bangued.Lamp posts attraction at Victoria ParkAbra LandmarkAbra Miki is a type of noodle soup dish prepared with miki noodles on a rich pork and chicken stock colured with annatto seeds and topped with cripsy pork and egg. It is common in Northern Luzon particularly in the province of Abra. A variant of Pancit Miki, it is in either soupy or fried version.Masa podridaĀ are traditionalĀ FilipinoĀ shortbread cookiesĀ made from flour, salt, baking powder, brown sugar, shortening, and eggs. It has a dry crumbly texture similar toĀ half-moon cookies. The name comes fromĀ SpanishĀ for “rotten flour”.Ā Masa podridaĀ are typically eaten with coffee and other hot drinksTayum, officially theĀ Municipality of Tayum, (Ilocano:Ā Ili ti Tayum;Ā Tagalog:Ā Bayan ng Tayum), is a 5th classĀ municipalityĀ in theĀ provinceĀ ofĀ Abra,Ā Philippines. Records show that Tayum got its name after theĀ indigo plantĀ which was commonly known to theĀ IlocanosĀ asĀ Tayum-Tayum. There was a time when indigo flourished in Tayum, then a source of wealth to the Ilocanos.Parish Church of Santa Catalina de Alejandria of TayumĀ ā The church is predominantly Baroque in style. The curved pediment ends smoothly into two large volutes which seat beside two, large, urn-like finials. The pediment is surmounted by a huge, knob-like finial. To the right of the faƧade stands the four-tiered bell tower with its rectangular base and octagonal upper levels. The church of Tayum, unlike the majority ofĀ Spanish-eraĀ churches in the country, was founded and built by Secular priests to Christianize the native group Tinguians in the region during the 19th century.TheĀ Santa Catalina de Alejandria Parish ChurchĀ (Spanish:Ā Iglesia Parroquial de Santa Catalina de AlejandrĆa), commonly known as theĀ Tayum Church, is a 19th-centuryĀ BaroqueĀ church located at Brgy. Poblacion,Ā Tayum,Ā Abra,Ā Philippines.The parish church, under the patronage of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, is under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bangued.The church, together with 25 otherĀ Spanish-eraĀ churches, was declared aĀ National Cultural TreasureĀ by theĀ National Museum of the PhilippinesĀ in 2001.Old Tayum Municipal HallTeodoro Brillantes Ancestral HouseGabriela CariƱo-Silang Gallery of Fine Arts with the curator Sir Chato. This is a must-visit when you’re in Tayum, Abra. You’ll be amazed by vast collection of his father and the stories behind these art pieces, from Renoir paintings to antique furniture and many more.The bed used by Gabriela Silang when she took refuge in Abra.Me sitting on Thai King’s throneFellow museum visitors from Ilocos SurCrossing Lagben River with Old Quirino bridge in sightIlocos NorteĀ (Ilocano:Ā Amianan nga Ilocos) is aĀ provinceĀ of theĀ PhilippinesĀ located in theĀ Ilocos Region. Its capital isĀ Laoag City. Its name originated from story when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi’s grandson,Ā Juan de Salcedo began looking for sites to conquer. As they sailed along the coast, they were surprised to see numerous sheltered coves (looc) where the locals lived in harmony. As a result, they named the regionĀ YlocosĀ and its peopleĀ Ylocanos. I first visited this way back 2012 so this is my 12th province!Laoag, officially theĀ City of LaoagĀ (Ilocano:Ā Siudad ti Laoag), is a 3rd classĀ componentĀ cityĀ and capital of theĀ provinceĀ ofĀ Ilocos Norte,Ā Philippines. It is the province’s political, commercial, and industrial hub and the location of the Ilocos Region’s busiestĀ commercial airport. The name of the city āLAOAGā is a derivation of the Ilocano term ālawagā, which means light/brightness. According to history, Laoag has a clear, blue skyline. It was from this premise, perhaps, that the place was given the name āLaoag.āAurora Park at nightIlocos Norte Provincial CapitolAbolition of Tobacco Monopoly Monument and Historical Marker – Built in 1881 as a way of thanking King Alfonso XII of Spain by the people of Laoag for abolishing the tobacco monopoly.
Laoag Cathedral, canonically known asĀ Saint Williamās CathedralĀ (Spanish:Ā Catedral de San Guillermo) is a church in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The current church was built in 1612 by Augustinian friars to replace a wooden chapel. It also serves as the seat or central church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laoag.The church is known for itsĀ Italian RenaissanceĀ design. It also has an unusual two-storeyĀ faƧade, supported by two pairs ofĀ columnsĀ on each side of the arched entrance. The top of the faƧade holds a recessedĀ nicheĀ that showcases the image of the cityāsĀ patron saint,Ā San Guillermo el ErmitaƱo. It has windows made fromĀ capizĀ withĀ wrought ironĀ screens.Belfry of San Guillermo Cathedral in LaoagĀ ā The famous āSinking Bell Towerā sinks into the ground at a rate of an inch a year. It has survived several minor earthquakes since its construction, causing scholars to label it an Earthquake Baroque style structure. The tower, built presumably after the 1707 earthquake, has a foundation of 90 metres (300Ā ft). It used to have a large clock on the towerās western face. This was declared as aĀ National Cultural TreasureĀ underĀ Watchtowers of Ilocos Norte.Like Batac and Vigan versions, Laoag empanada is also made of grated papaya, mung beans, and eggāthen wrapped in rice flour and finally, deep-fried. Stuffing withĀ longganisa can be optionalāand perhaps what spells the difference is the type of longganisa used. At JVM Sweet Empanada, it was perfectly cookedānot overdone, not flaky nor dry. The stuffing is slightly sweet, which is complemented by the remarkable vinegar.I should have tried Pancit Lusay but it was not available that time so I ordered this instead. It was savory and I liked it.Bacarra, officially theĀ Municipality of Bacarra, is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines. It was dubbed as Balikbayan Town of the Philippines, Vatican of the Philippines and home of the āDignified Domeless Bell Tower in Asiaā.The nameĀ Bacarra has two legendary origins. One legend tells of a native fisherman who was out fishing in what is now known as the Bacarra River. TwoĀ Spanish soldiersĀ promenading the place hadĀ asked the fishermanĀ about theĀ name of the place.Ā Not understandingĀ what the soldier meant, jubilantly answered āBacbacarra, SeƱorā.TheĀ SpanishĀ went away with theĀ thoughtĀ thatĀ Bacarra was the name of the place. Another related story was the coining of a by-word of a farmer and his wife who were makingĀ big basketĀ calledĀ āBakarāĀ which was used asĀ rice basket. From these two legends, the Spaniards associated it with the town into its present name which is āBACARRAā, the same place where most of the BacarreƱos now live.Parish Church of Saint Andrew of BacarraĀ ā Bacarra Church was originally founded by the Augustinians and dedicated it to St. Andrew. It is known for its centuries-old and domeless leaning bell tower. The church and an adjoining convent were established in 1593. In 1973 PresidentĀ Ferdinand MarcosĀ declared the church aĀ National Cultural TreasureĀ through Presidential Decree No. 260.The three retablosThe church museum, known asĀ Museo de Bacarra, is housed in the former church convent. The two-story restored convent, which dates to theĀ Spanish colonial era, features religious artifacts from archival photos and documents and church relics and cultural artifacts mostly contributed by the people of Bacarra.Inside the museumThe Bacarra church is famous for its centuries-old, domeless or ābeheadedā belfry known asĀ Torre ti Bacarra. The structure stands three stories and 50 metres (160Ā ft) high. The original bell tower, which is detached from the main church building and made of coral bricks, was erected in 1828. However, periodic earthquakes from 1931 to 1971 caused the dome to start leaning. The entire dome was toppled by theĀ 1983 Luzon earthquake, Restoration was ongoing as I visited last January 2020.ApayaoĀ (Ilocano:Ā Probinsia ti Apayao) is a landlocked province in the Philippines in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. Its capital town is Kabugao, although the province carries out many of its operations in a new government center established in Luna.Apayao comes from apayaw, Isneg for “negotiable river,” referring to what is now called the Apayao River that runs through the mountainous area inhabited by the Isneg.The present spelling is derived from the native word’s rendering in accordance with Spanish orthography. My 63rd province!Luna, officially theĀ Municipality of Luna, (Ilocano:Ā Ili ti Luna;Ā Tagalog:Ā Bayan ng Luna), is a 2nd classĀ municipalityĀ in theĀ provinceĀ ofĀ Apayao,Ā Philippines. Its former name wasĀ Macatel, changed toĀ LunaĀ by the town’s founding father, theĀ IlocanoĀ explorer Antonino Barroga fromĀ Dingras, Ilocos Norte.CagayĆ”n (Ilocano:Ā Probinsia ti Cagayan;Ā Ibanag:Ā Provinsiya na Cagayan;Ā Itawit:Ā Provinsiya ya Cagayan;Ā Tagalog:Ā Lalawigan ng Cagayan) is aĀ provinceĀ of theĀ PhilippinesĀ in theĀ Cagayan ValleyĀ regionĀ in the northeast ofĀ Luzon Island, and includes theĀ Babuyan IslandsĀ to the north. The province bordersĀ Ilocos NorteĀ andĀ ApayaoĀ to the west, andĀ KalingaĀ andĀ IsabelaĀ to the south. Its capital is the city ofĀ Tuguegarao. The provinces name comes from Hispanicized corruption of the word katagayan, Ibanag for “place abundant with tagay trees,” in reference to the tall, abundant hardwoods along what is now called the Cagayan River (formerly RĆo Ibanag). I first visited this way back 2015 so this is my 24th province!Cagayan Museum and Historical Research Center and Rizal ParkRizal MonumentThe side view of Cagayan Museum and Historical Research CenterTuguegarao, officially theĀ City of Tuguegarao, (Ibanag:Ā Siyudad nat Tugegaraw;Ā Itawit:Ā Siyudad yo Tugegaraw;Ā Ilocano:Ā Siudad ti Tuguegarao;Ā Tagalog:Ā Lungsod ng Tuguegarao), commonly referred to asĀ Tuguegarao CityĀ or colloquially by locals asĀ Tugue, is a 3rd classĀ cityĀ and capital of theĀ provinceĀ ofĀ Cagayan,Ā Philippines. The city’s name comes from the Ibanags’ reply to the Spaniards when the latter asked for the name of the place āĀ Tuggi gari yawĀ (“this was cleared by fire”).TheĀ Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tuguegarao is an ecclesiastical territory or diocese of theĀ Catholic ChurchĀ in the Philippines.Ā TuguegaraoĀ is a river delta city that became center of the Archdiocese in the Province ofĀ Cagayan, on the island ofĀ Luzon.Its seat is located at theĀ Saint Peter’s Metropolitan Cathedral. The cathedral is an 18th-centuryĀ Baroque church, originally built byĀ Dominican friars, and is considered as one of the largest churches in theĀ Cagayan Valley.
NaveMain retabloKalinga is a landlockedĀ provinceĀ in theĀ PhilippinesĀ situated within theĀ Cordillera Administrative RegionĀ inĀ Luzon.Its capital is Tabuk and borders Mountain Province to the south, Abra to the west, Isabela to the east, Cagayan to the northeast, and Apayao to the north.The province’s name is derived from theĀ IbanagĀ andĀ Gaddang noun “kalinga”, which means “enemy”, “fighter”, or “headtaker”. My 64th province!Tabuk, (Ilocano:Ā Siudad ti Tabuk), officially theĀ City of Tabuk, or simply referred to asĀ Tabuk City, is a 5th classĀ cityĀ and capital of theĀ provinceĀ ofĀ Kalinga,Ā Philippines. The name of Tabuk evolved from the word āTOBOGā, the name of a living stream with cool and fresh water flowing from Sitio Paligatto in Barangay Balawag down to the Chico River. The areas traversed by this stream were also called TOBOG. Tabuk came by mistaking letter G for C (Tobog to Toboc) and letter A for letter O, thus Taboc. Then finally in later years, they preferred the spelling from the letters OC to letters UK to form the present T A B U K.TheĀ Apostolic Vicariate of TabukĀ is aĀ Latin RiteĀ CatholicĀ missionaryĀ pre-diocesan jurisdiction in theĀ PhilippinesĀ covering the provinces ofĀ KalingaĀ andĀ ApayaoĀ in northernĀ Luzon.Inside the cathedralQuirinoĀ (Ilocano:Ā Probinsia ti Quirino) is a landlocked province in the Philippines located in the Cagayan Valley region in Luzon and named after Elpidio Quirino, the sixth President of the Philippines. Its capital is Cabarroguis.The name “Quirino” itself was ultimately derived from the Latin Quirinus, meaning “armed with a lance.” My 65th province!Elpidio Rivera QuirinoĀ (bornĀ Elpidio Quirino y Rivera; November 16, 1890 ā February 29, 1956) was aĀ FilipinoĀ politician of ethnicĀ IlocanoĀ descent who served as the sixthĀ President of the PhilippinesĀ from 1948 to 1953.Cabarroguis, officially theĀ Municipality of Cabarroguis, is a 3rd classĀ municipalityĀ and capital of theĀ provinceĀ ofĀ Quirino,Ā Philippines. The newly created municipality of Cabarroguis was named in honor of the late Congressman of Nueva Vizcaya, Honorable Leon Cabarroguis.Tubikoy is a rice cake made from a mix of tupig, bibingka at tikoy. According from Romulo Dumale, “tubikoy” was made accidentally but turned out to be a delicious product. Ito is made of flour, rice flour, brown sugar, margarine, fresh coconut meat, milk and cheese. It is also important in the process of making tubikoy the choice of coconut to be used, which should be of moderate consistency.
For delicacies and souvenirs within the regions visited, see below articles:
Ben Goes Where 
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