21ST CENTURY FROM THE PHILIPPINES AND THE WORLD

REGION I: ILOCOS

Provinces: Capital

Ilocos Norte - Laog City

Ilocos Sur - Vigan City
La Union - San Fernando City
Pangasinan - Lingayen

Ilocos is a region in the Philippines, encompassing the northwestern coast of Luzon island. It’s known for its
historic sites, beaches and the well preserved Spanish colonial city of Vigan.

FACTS ABOUT REGION I

1. Region 1 was first inhabited by the aboriginal Negritos before they were pushed by successive waves of
Malay/Austronesian immigrants that penetrated the narrow coast.

2. The word Ilokano orginates from Iloko (archaic form of Yloco), the conjugation of letter i meaning of and
look meaning bay. Which means from the bay in Ilocano.

3. Majority of the population of Ilocos speaks Ilocano, the third largest spoken language in the Philippines,
although a significant number also speak Pangasinense.

4. The region has a coast and sloping extents that are prone to typhoon in the wet months, however
devastatingly hot during the dry season. This is the setting of Ilocano food. It’s salty because of the
closeness to the ocean.

A. ILOCOS NORTE

CULTURES AND TRADITIONS

1. Bain is the Ilocano trait for hiya or amor propio (sense of shame) Ilocanos fear of gossip and would
strongly avoid being envied by others.

2. It is essential to show panagdadayaw (respect for the sensitivities of others) Ilocanos tend to speak about
themselves in the humblest terms.

3. Wedding Tradition: The groom makes a Panagpudno (formal announcement) to the soon to be bride’s
parents about his intention of marrying their daughter. His parents will then visit the bride’s parents to set
the wedding date. Usually, parents consult a Planetario which is like an almanac that identifies “lucky
days”.

4. Death Tradition: To announce a death of a family member, a piece of atong wood is lit in front of the
deceased’s house. It is kept burning until after the burial. The fire is extinguished with white wine.

- Before the funeral, relatives pay respect by kissing the deceased’s hands or raising it to his/her forehead
(mano)
- Those who attended the burial in the cemetery must return to the deceased’s home by taking a different route
from the one they’ve taken to get there. Upon arrival, they must wash their faces and hands it is said to remove
the power of death.

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5. Pamulinawen Festival
- held every first week of the February. It is the Laoag City's entry for the Best Tourism Practices Contest of the
Department of Tourism. The word Laoag means “the place of light or clarity” in Ilokano and now, Laoag City is
the first class city in the province of Ilocos Norte Philippines.

- The name of the festival, Pamulinawen came from the name of a woman made popular in the classic Ilocano
song Pamulinawen. The festival aims to promote sportsmanship and camaraderie.

6. Guling-Guling Festival
- A traditional occasion that happens yearly in the month of February in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. It is held before
the Ash Wednesday or the start of the season of Lent also known as “Semana Santa”, which begins 40
days prior to Easter. It is celebrated as the last day of merry-making and enjoyment for the towns people
before the Lenten season.

- The word guling from Ilocano, means to mark or smear. The mayor would smear in the person’s forehead a
cross sign that signifies the purity. They also believe that the mark in their forehead will cleanse all of their
past sins. The cross is a white color made up of wet and white rice flour.

- This festival was introduced by the Spanish friars in the 16 th century during the olden days of the Spanish
regime. It was celebrated by the religious sector as a way of interaction with their members.

TOURIST SPOTS

1. 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 from the
cathedral.

2. Paoay Church
- A national treasure of Ilocandia and a designated UNESCO world heritage site. It was built in 1986 by the
Augustinian friars using coral bricks which can be seen from its massive walls. It is also 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.

B. ILOCOS SUR

CULTURES AND TRADITIONS

1. The native Ilocano is a weaver, wood carver and pottery expert. The Ilocano cuisine ranges from the exotic
“abu-os” (ant eggs) to vegetable broth “dinengdeng” the sticky “tinubong” to the “poqui-poqui” (eggplant
salad)

2. Pinakbet Festival
- A festival celebrating the favorite dish of the Ilocanos, “Pinakbet” featuring street dances and cooking
compettitions.

3. Viva Vigan Festival

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- This is celebrated during the first week of the month of May. It was started in 1933 by the Save Vigan
Ancestral Homes Association, Inc. (SVAHAI) to promote awareness of the value of the historic town, which
was hoped to strengthen resolve and protect this heritage site.
TOURIST SPOTS

1. Calle Crisologo, Vigan

- The most famous and major tourist magnet in Vigan, Calle Crisologo is full of Spanish-styled houses that
gives people of this generation a glimpse of the Spanish era. This street also features the prosperous
lifestyle of the said era because of the Manila-Acapulco trade.

2. Pagudgud Beach (Saud Beach)

- Also known as the Boracay of the North
- One of the finest beaches in the Philippines, Saud beach is actually what people usually refer to when they
talk about Pagudpud beach. The beach boasts of white sandy shores with a great backdrop of coconut
palm trees arrayed beautifully perfect for a humming sound and gentle breeze during one’s stay here.

C. LA UNION

CULTURES AND TRADITIONS

1. La Union is considered the surfing capital of the Philippines and known as the Garden Coast due to its
bountiful botanical gardens.

2. A name which indicates the union of towns from different provinces, has had an enduring history since it was
founded by the Spaniards. The composition of La Union were nine towns of Pangasinan, three of Ilocos Sur,
and villages of the Eastern Pais del Igorotes in the Cordilleras.

TOURIST SPOTS

1. Pindangan Ruin’s Blast from the Past

- San Fernando’s original name was Pindangan, and Ilocano word translated as “a place where meat is sun-
dried with salt for preservation” The Pindangan Ruins in Barangay San Vicente was once a church built by
Spanish Friars: Francisco Romero and Santiago Holarte in 1764. However, the structure made of stone thatch
was frequented and raided by Japanese, Chinese, and Moro Pirates because of its proximity to the sea.

2. The Stones of Pebble Beach

- Found in Luna, La Union, Pebble Beach is known for its colorful stones and pebbles, which are collected by
locals for selling. The natives claim that they’ve been quarrying the area for years but the supply seems to be
never ending.

D. PANGASINAN

CULTURES AND TRADITIONS

1. The term Pangasinan means “Land of salt” or “Place where salt is made” from the root word asin
meaning salt in the native language, “Pinag-asinan” The term was derived from one of the main
occupations of the people in the coastal villages which was, and still is that of making salt form the sea
water through the process of solar evaporation in well-land out beds salt.

2. Before the administration of Fedinand Marcos, Pangasinan was not part of region I.
3. Three native languages are spoken in the province: Pangasinan, Ilocano and Bolinao.

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4. The people from Pangasinan are called Pangasinense regardless of the dialect or language they speak.

5. Pangasinan Native Delicacies – Bangus instantly come to mind when some hear the word Pangasinan.
However, the province is also prominent for other delectable goods such as the sweet and colorful Puto
(rice cake) of Calasiao and the flavorful bagoong fish paste of Lingayen.

TOURIST SPOTS

1. Hundred Islands of Alaminos

- Probably the most popular tourist spot in Pangasinan. It is a group of approximately 123 islands and islets
scattered over Lingayen Gulf, believed to be formed more than two million years ago.

2. Our Lady of Manaoag Church

- The centuries-old ivory image of Our Lady of Manaoag or “Apo Baket” which is enshrined in the high altar
of the Spanish-Romanesque church is believed to be miraculous. Our Lady of Manaoag is the Patroness of
the sick, helper of the needy, and protector of crops.

REPRESENTATIVE AUTHORS OF REGION I

1. Pedro Bucaneg (March 1592 – c. 1630)

 Blind since birth, he is acknowledged author of the Ilocano epic Biag ni Lam-ang (Life of Lam-ang)
 He is considered the “Father of Ilocano Literature.” A street inside the Cultural Center of the Philippines
(CCP) complex in Pasay City, Philippines is named in his honor.
 His surname is lent to the Bucanegan, the Ilocano equivalent of the Balagtasan.

2. Manuel E. Arguilla (1990-1944)

 Born in La Union and probably the best short story writer the Philippines has ever produced.
 Arguilla is one of Paz Marquez – Benitez’s famous students, he easily outshone all his classmates even his
teacher.
 His collection of short stories, entitled How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife and other stories
(1940), won first prize in the Commonwealth Literary Contest.
 “How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife” (Literary Apprentice, 1934) is probably the most famous
Philippine short story in English. – it has the distinction of being one of very few Philippine short stories
reprinted in the internationally-recognized Story magazine. It was cited by Jose Garcia Villa in his honor roll
and also by Edward J. O’brien in the year book of the American Short Story.

REPRESENTATIVE LITERARY TEXTS OF REGION I

A. Riddles

 No sibibiag may-ayat,
No matay maibibitin
- Tabako

 Adda imbitin ko nga uging,

Tangtangaden ti ubbing
- Lumboy

 No bigat lussok,
No rabii takop
- Bintana

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B. Folksongs

TI AYAT TI MAYSA NGA UBING

Ti ayat Ti Maysa nga Ubing

Nasamsam-it ngem jasmine
Casla sabung ng apag-ucrad,
Iti bulan ti Abril
Ti ayat ti maysa a lacay
Aglalo no agcabao
Napait, napait, napait nga macasugcar
Anansa ta, o lelong
Agsapulca ti balo
Acapadpada ta ubanmo ken dayta tuppol mo
Ta bay-am a pamunutan
Ti ayat ti maysa ng ubing
Aglalo, aglalo, no adda makim-aywanen.

PAMULINAWEN

Pamulinawen, pusok indenggamman Pleae do not be upset,

Toy umas-asug, agrayo ita sadiam; That was just a joke
Panunotemman, di ka pagintutulugan It won’t happen again,
Toy agayat agrayo ita sadiam Have faith, my Darling.

(Repeat) (Repeat)

Essemo’t diak kalipatan, If you are still angry

Toy nasudi unay a nagan, Punish me completely
Uray sadin ti ayan, lugar (sandinoman) And you will expect
Awagakto nga awagan That I won’t feel bad.
(No malagipka), Pusok ti Mabang-aran.

(Repeat) (Repeat)

Pamulinawen, pusok indenggamman My love is real and

Toy umas-asug, agrbiayo ita sadiam; Not merely a joke
Panunotemman, di ka pagintutulugan My heart’s with you
Toy agayat agrayo ita sadiam Have no doubt
Toy agayat agrayo ita sadiam And if that is still not enough
That is proof of my utter love
I offer you my life.

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