The Ilokanos (Ilocano: Tattao a Iloko) or Iloko people are the third largest Filipino ethnolinguistic group that

mostly reside within the Ilocos Region in the northwestern seaboard of Luzon, Philippines. Most Ilokanos
speak the Ilokano language, which has 40 dialects.
ilocano Culture

The Ilocanos are known for being hardworking, appreciative, simple and
determined. However, they are also known as stingy or kuripot. Of course, the Ilocanos being
called stingy and cheap is just treated as a joke or pun among Filipinos and not as a negative
regional stereotype. It is a regional characteristic that their Filipino brethren have grown to
understand.
Ilocano marriage
Like all Filipinos, the Ilocanos have a strong family tie. They follow the Filipino norm when it
comes to family structure wherein the father is the head of the family. The mother, on the other
hand, is the light of the home who disciplines the children and manages the house finances.
The Ilocanos have high respects to their parents, which is very evident in their marriage
traditions.
Before even planning for marriage, Ilocano children seek first the approval of both sets of
parents. The parents are to decide if they would agree to let their child marry or not. The young
man (groom) asks for his parents consent. His parents will pay the dowry and finance the
wedding.
Then, the young man formally announces (panagpudno) his intentions of marrying the young
woman to her parents. The grooms parents visit the brides parents, in which they set the date
of the wedding. In setting the date, both parents go to a planetario to learn what dates are the
good-luck days.
Another meeting is set for the wedding (palalian or ringpas) wherein the groom and his relatives
to the brides house to finalize the wedding arrangements. The families set the choice of
sponsors, the dowry, sagut (wedding dress and accessories which will be provided by the groom),
and the parawad (cash that given by the groom to the brides mother as a reward for raising his
bride).
Ilocanos value for education
The Ilocanos are not only industrious in the fields but also in schools. Most Ilocanos are literate
(can read and can right). Parents are very passionate in giving their children proper education
and will give it to them at all cost.
By having formal education, the Ilocanos believe that their children will have better opportunities
aside from farming. The Ilocano parents want to ensure that their kids will have better future and
live a better way of life.
THE ILOKANOS CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS.....
Ilocanos strive hard to make a living, difficulty is never a hindrance to their success. To and
Ilocano, hardships can easily be overcome. He believes in the value of study, industry and
patience; thus, every Ilocano family encourages the children to go to school and learn skills to
find better paying jobs and consequently, have a better life.
Most customs and traditions of the Ilocanos are influence by their frugality. From the cradle to the
grave, the Ilocano rituals reflect what they believe in.
Death to the Ilocanos means great sorrow. If the father dies, the wife dresses the deceased alone
so that her husband's spirit can tell her any messages or wish he was not able to convey when
he was still alive.
The body is placed in a coffin in the middle of the house parallel to the slats of the floor. A big log
is is then lighted in front of the houses so that the spirit of the dead will go to heaven with the
smoke. As long as the dead body is in the house, the log is kept burning to keep the evil spirit

away.
During the wake, the members of the family keep vigil. The women wear black clothes and a
black manto (handkerchief) to cover the head and the shoulders.
Before the coffin is carried out of the house all windows must be closed; No part of the house
must be touched by the coffin; otherwise the man's spirit will stay behind and bring trouble to
the family.
Family members shampoo their hair with gogo as soon as the funeral is over to wash away the
power of the dead man's spirit. Prayers are said every night for the next nine nights. After each
night's prayer, rice cakes and basi are served to all guests. The period of mourning ends on the
ninth day when relatives and friends spend the day feasting and praying. The first death
anniversary will then be another occasion for feasting and praying.
The above customs and traditions are purely Catholic rituals and practices. It does not includes
the belief of some religion in the places.

1. The Sinking Bell Tower

The Sinking Bell Tower late at night | Source

If Italy has its leaning tower of Pisa, Laoag City has its own local version: the
Sinking Bell Tower. This edifice is one of the tallest bell towers in the country
and it's located in the heart of the city. As of today, it stands at 45m tall.
The tower is called a sinking tower because it's incredibly heavy, and it was
built on a sandy ground. So, the combination of the loose foundation and its
weight made it sink considerably into the ground at a rate of an inch every

year. Normally, bell towers are situated near a church. However, this tower
is far away from the cathedral.
The tower is also especially beautiful at night when it's lit up.
2. Lapaz Sand Dunes

Ever want to visit the Sahara Desert in Africa or the deserts found in the Middle Eastern
countries? Just come and visit the unique geological dessert environment found only in Ilocos
Norte the Lapaz Sand Dunes. These sand dunes, their heights ranging from 10-30 meters,
were created as a result of the interacting wind, sea, and river.
These sand dunes are accessible by tricycle or jeepney. They're only 15 minutes away from the
city proper. Due to its desert environment, it is a popular location for shooting films for both local
and international films makers alike. Notable local films include Himala and Panday, while
internationally or on the U.S. front, there are Hollywood films such as Mad Max and Born on the
Fourth of July (both starring Tom Cruise).
What to do at the sand dunes:
Go on a 4 x 4 ride
Try sand boarding
Go on an ATV ride
3. Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino

Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel | Source

The Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino is a first class hotel in Ilocos Norte,
located in Brgy. Calayab, Laoag City just 9km away from the city proper.
Its design was inspired by Spanish colonial architecture. The main building
houses a lobby, the casino, the arcades, the shopping arcade, and
restaurants.

Some things to do include:

Beach volleyball
Jet skiing
Wind gliding
Wind surfing
Archery
Horseback riding
Scuba diving
And many more!
4. Malacaang of the North

Facade of the Malacanang of the North | Source

Malacaang of the North was built as the official residence of the late
President Marcos in Ilocos Norte. It is a two-story building located near the
legendary Paoay Lake. The residence is complete with bedrooms, a dining
area, a kitchen, an office, a spacious ballroom on the second floor, and even
had an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Also, it has an expansive terrace and
a beautiful garden with magnificent views of the lake.
Currently, it operates as the Marcos Memorabilia Museum, which is open to
the public with an entrance fee of P20.00.
5. Paoay Church

Paoay Church at daytime | Source

Paoay Church is a national treasure of Ilocandia and a designated UNESCO

world heritage site. It was built in 1896 by the Augustinian friars using coral
bricks, which can be seen from its massive walls. Also, as a prime example
of a Baroque church, it brings along a picturesque view truly reminiscent of
the Spanish era, with details like enormous and magnificent buttresses on
the sides and back of the building.
From Laoag City, it is just a 30-minute ride to visit this tourist attraction in
Paoay. Once you've visited the Malacanang of the North in Suba, go straight
ahead here.
Food tip: Also, don't forget also to try the pinakbet pizza at Herencia Cafe
just in front of the church!
7. Playa Tropical Resort

The infinity pool at sunset

Playa Tropical Resort is situated in Currimao, Ilocos Norte. It's a Balinese

inspired beachside hotel haven where one can enjoy stunning sunsets and a
constant, gentle ocean breeze, with a beach where the calm waves and fine
sand reminds you of the infinite wonders of the world.
Playa Tropical also has an incredibly friendly staff, reflecting the brand of
hospitality that Filipinos are known for. The suite rooms are very clean,
large, and comfortable. The location is also close to all the popualr tourist
spots located in Batac, Paoay, and Laoag.
Guest Houses at Playa Tropical Resort | Source

8. Marcos Museum and Mausoleum

Marcos Museum and Mausoleum at Batac City | Source

Marcos Museum and Mausoleum is located in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, just a
30-minute ride from Laoag City. The museum can easily be found, as it is
near the bridge where all the public buses stop.
The museum houses memorabilia of the late President Marcos. It is
incredibly well-organized, making it a very enjoyable experience for visitors
to learn about his life. The entrance fee is P50 per person while children
under the age of four are free.
The mausoleum is on the other side of the museum and it houses the body
of the late president. Picture taking is prohibited inside here. Upon entering
the mausoleum, one will also hear Gregorian sounds. There is no entrance
fee to visit this side.
9. Juan Luna Shrine

Facade of Juan Luna Shrine at Badoc, Ilocos Norte | Source

The Juan Luna shrine is situated in Badoc, Ilocos Norte and houses the
famous Luna family's memorabilia. This includes Juan Luna's paintings,
namely his masterpiece, the Spolarium.
The house has two stories, the ground floor used to be the basement while
the second level is for the living room and bedrooms. Today, the ground
floor displays different memorabilia not only of Juan Luna but also Antonio
Luna and the rest of the family.
10. Bacarra Domeless Tower

Ruins of the Bacarra Bell Tower | Source

The Bacarra Domeless Tower is a 50-meter tower and was built in 1830, but
was damaged in 1931 by an earthquake. Another strong earthquake (with a
7.8 intensity) in 1983 caused its dome to totally go down. Thus, gaining the
romanticized title Dignified Domeless Belltower in Asia.
Bacarra is a town adjacent to Laoag City. It is just 15 mins away. Museo de
Bacarra, which houses many artifacts, is right near the Bacarra Tower.

BAC-BACARRA FESTIVAL
(Bacarra)
November
Bacarra Town Fiesta is celebrated in honor of St. Andrew de Apostle, the towns patron
saint. Bac-Bacarra Festival which started in 2005 is a heritage that rekindled the love and passion
of Bacarra people to revive and preserve the richness of their culture and traditions. The
legendary word bac-bacarra is a specie of freshwater fish abundant in the river during the 15th
century which gave birth to the towns name .

AMIAN FESTIVAL
(Bangui)
April 26-May 1
Baguinians celebrate in harmony and unify in thanksgiving to God because of the Amian
climate. Hence, the birth and the celebration of theAmian Festival

PANAG-ABUOS FESTIVAL
(Banna)
April
Panag-abuos Festival is the art of ant harvesting shown in a dance parade around town.
Abuos is an exotic delicacy of the residents. This event coincides with their town fiesta.

EMPANADA FESTIVAL
(Batac)
December 8-30
Batac Town Fiesta is a month long celebration in honor of the feast of the Immaculada
Concepcion (Immaculate Concepcion.

One major highlight is the Empanada Festival which is a showcase of the famous product- the
BATAC EMPANADA. With a distinct taste truly it own, the BATAC EMPANADA is made of savory
filling of grated green papaya, mongo, longganisa and egg. The dough that serves as its thin and
crisp wrapper is made of rice flour. The main feature of the EMPANADA FESTIVAL is the street
dancing which chronicles the process of preparing the delectable BATAC EMPANADA.

BADO-BADOC FESTIVAL
(Badoc)
April 16-20
Badoc Town Fiesta is celebrated in honor of the towns patron saint, St. John de Baptist.The
town promote it's products made up of corn husks and Bad-bado grass which is indigenous in its
riverbanks.

Ilocanos are generally friendly, but it will help you establish rapport with your warm
smile while talking with them. Address the men "manong", the women "manang" and
the younger ones "ading". If you need help in directions (like where is the nearest
comfort room or where to buy a specific item, etc), you can ask anyone, even children,
and they will help you.
If you'd like to take pictures of locals, out of courtesy, ask permission first (again with a
smiling face and a sincere "please"). You'll be surprised how cooperative they can be, but
don't forget to say thank you after the photo shoot. If they don't speak your
dialect/language, just motion your hand as though clicking a camera and they will
understand.
During our stopover at Bangui Public Market, I went around to observe the locals. It was
market day so I got interested on what they were selling. I asked permission from some
vendors if I could take their pictures, and they happily obliged. Same thing at the
Pagudpud. There was a Souvenir Vendors' Cooperative at Saud Beach, and I got curious
how they handcrafted some items like keychains and costume jewelry. They smiled at
me as I observed them and willingly posed for me. Children are always willing "models"
for photos, and parents often allow tourists/photographers to take their pictures.

Learn the Dialect

Though people here knows how to speak Tagalog, many of them prefer to use their own dialect
which is "Ilokano" or even English. It would be helpful to learn some few native words.
Some Pleasantries:
Naimbag nga bigat yo, Apo Good morning
Naimbag nga malem yo, Apo Good afternoon
Naimbag nga rabii yo, Apo Good evening
Naimbag nga aldaw Good day
Kumusta kayo, Apo? How are you?
Pangaasim man Please
Dios ti agngina Thank you
Umay kayto manen Come again
Wen Yes

Saan No
Apo Sir/Madame

Ilocanos are hospitable, and although the caretakers do not own Malacanang of the
North, they will oblige to let you use the CR in dire necessities :)
taste the sand or throw a coin straight to the sea
dunno the logic of doing any of these.. well .. kaya nga local custom eh. purposely, you
are tasting the sand or throwing a coin straight to the dagat ( and make a wish) or both
before you go swimming for the benefit of your tummy. you won't get tummy ache if you
do that.. We were just told. .. we did both anyway. thus..., Our tummy went well....?