The Ilocos Times

By Leilanie G. Adriano & Bernard B. Ver Laoag City —The Ilocos Norte Tourism Office said the province welcomed an estimated 483,778 domestic and foreign day visitors during the Holy Week. The INTO figures represent a 5.3% increase in tourist arrivals compared to the same period last year. A Few weeks before the Holy Week, tourism stakeholders in various parts of the province has already beef up their supply for the expected influx of tourists. Report from the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO) showed a total of 483,778 visitors. These were monitored by tourist aides assigned in more than 42 tourism destinations of Ilocos Norte. “Our tourist arrivals for the Holy Week is another blockbuster considering other new destinations that we promoted this year,” said provincial tourism officer Aian Raquel referring to the sunflower farm in Piddig and the newly-inaugurated Siwawer Eco-Tourism Nature Park in Vintar which features extreme sports adventure and the

Laoag City —Ilocos Norte will be expecting around 1,500 tourism officers coming from different local government units (LGUs) in the country to attend this year’s Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) 20 th national convention on October 2 to 5. According to Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO) head Ianree Raquel, the province underwent an “extensive process” to be chosen as the venue of the annual national convention, explaining, “First, we signified our intent to host. There was a site inspection and interview presentation together with the tourism officers from the different municipalities.” This would be the first time for the province to hold the biggest annual tourism convention in the country, and it will serve as an avenue for the different LGUs to exchange insights on best tourism practices. Mr. Raquel added that INTO is still planning with the ATOP national board for the finalization of the program and list of speakers, as well as coordinating

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff Reporter Vintar , Ilocos Norte—In time for the summer season, the municipal government here launched another extreme adventure activity in the north that will surely entice both local and foreign tourists. Measuring around 230 meters, the very first bike zipline in the Ilocos region is being managed by the Vintar government led by Mayor Larisa Foronda. Located at Sitio Bucana in Brgy. Parparuroc, or about eight kilometers from downtown Laoag City, Mrs. Foronda hopes this latest tourism attraction in her hometown will awaken the town’s tourism potentials and bring in more livelihood opportunities to the locals. During the launching, provincial government tourism head Aianree Raquel has lauded the efforts of Vintar officials and those behind the realization of the project, offering something new for first time and returning visitors in the province. “We’ve seen and always know that Vintar has a very strong potential in terms of

By Bernard Ver Contributor Laoag City —The Mister International 2019 Preliminary Competition took to the ramps of the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena on February 20, 2019. Forty-one handsome males all over the world vied for the prestigious title for men's world, the Mister International Crown. On their performance, they've showcased their different styles in their national costumes, swimwear, and formal wear. Mister Australia Harrison Luna, 21, won the special award as Mister International Ilocos Norte 2019, sponsored by the Provincial Tourism Office headed by Aian Raquel. Also gracing the occasion were Alan Sim, the owner of Mister International Pageant; Carlo Morris Galang, president of Prime Events Productions Philippines Foundation Inc.; Pawee Ventura of Missosology; and Laoag councilor Handy Lao, one of the pioneering sponsors of the event in the Philippines. The Final round was held February 24, 2019 at One Esplanade in Pasay City, Manil

Ni Elizabeth M. Raquel Contributor Laoag City —TI awan kadagiti dadduma nga ili ket adda iti ili a Currimao. Ti adda kenkuana ket ti kaadda ti rocks a porpormaen dagiti dalluyon agpapan ita, maysa a nakaskasdaaw a mapaspasamak iti nasao nga ili. Ti “Coral Rock Formation” iti kadilian ti Currimao ket maysa a phenomena a di maibaga wenno mailawlawag no kasano a dumakdakkel dagiti rocks a taptapliakan dagiti naungsot a dalluyon. Kuna dagiti umili nga idi kano un-unana nga aldaw, babassit kano pay laeng dagiti rocks iti igid ti baybay. Ngem kalpasan iti sumagmamano a tawen, nadlawda kano laengen a dumakdakkelda. “Nakaskasdaaw ti idadakkel dagiti rocks,” kinuna ti maysa a residente iti asideg ti kadilian. “Kasla milagro ti ar-aramiden dagiti dalluyon a pagsidsiddaawanmi a residente iti Brgy. Pangil.” Saan met a mailaksid iti imatang dagiti opisial ti ili a Currimao maipanggep iti “rock formation” ti kadilian iti Brgy. Pangil, Currimao, Ilocos Norte. Kinunada

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—The Royal Caribbean International, a cruise line brand founded in Norway and based in Miami, Florida, United States is expected to make its way to the Currimao International seaport this year. Xavier Ruiz, tourism officer and environment planner in Ilocos Norte confirmed this as he reported its local ground handler is currently organizing its itinerary and logistic requirements in this northern gateway of Luzon. “The local handler has already requested us to assist them for the coming of Royal Caribbean anytime this year,” said Mr. Ruiz. Last year, it may be recalled that representatives of Royal Caribbean, one of the largest shipping lines in the world conducted an ocular inspection at the Currimao seaport to check its facilities. In the official Facebook page of Royal Caribbean Philippines, agents have already announced its exciting deals to those who want to experience cruising in Asia, Alaska, Europe and

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Chinese nationals continue to dominate foreign tourist arrivals in this northern gateway of Luzon. Of the more than three million recorded day-visitors in Ilocos Norte in 2018, thousands of Chinese tourists registered the most in terms of international tourists’ arrivals, according to Xavier Ruiz, Ilocos Norte tourism operations officer. Other foreign visitors include Americans, Europeans and Koreans among others who visited the province’s major tourism attractions. In 2018, the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO) reported 3,003,963 day-visitors, or an increase of 34% tourist arrivals compared to 2017. “This is the sweet fruit of labor and the solidarity of all tourism stakeholders,” said Mr. Ruiz as he commended all tourism stakeholders and local government units (LGU) in the province for helping gather the number of tourists visiting their respective jurisdiction. Latest record of the INTO shows the U

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Ilocos Norte and Apayao are both gifted with natural wonders. So, instead of fighting over a long-time boundary dispute, Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos reached out to the people of Apayao and offered a tourism exchange program to benefit both provinces. In between aerial inspection of the southwest monsoon rain damages and delivery of relief goods to the affected residents of Adams and Carasi towns, Ms. Marcos touched down in Luna, Apayao to honor the invitation of Apayao Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr. as guest of honor and speaker during the 118 th Philippine Civil Service Month celebration in Luna. In her speech, she said the opening of the Ilocos Norte-Apayao road offers huge opportunities to both residents of Apayao and Ilocos Norte in terms of tourism development. “It is now easy to come to Ilocos Norte via Solsona-Apayao road. I invite you to come visit our province. Let us not

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Provincial tourism officials are offering low-cost tour packages in this northern gateway of Luzon at the 29 th Philippine Travel Mart, the longest running travel trade show in the country. Held at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City from August 31 to September 4, the PTM provides an avenue for various tourism stakeholders to promote their respective travel destinations. For this year, Aianree Raquel, Ilocos Norte supervising tourism operations officer said, “We’re selling ‘IlowCost’ packages and pushing promos that have added value.” Mr. Raquel explained this is the province’s way to counter the impact of inflation by encouraging everyone to visit Ilocos Norte on a budget. For as low as PHP499 per person, one can visit various attractions in the province from September 1-December 15, 2018 should they avail of this promo and make reservation with budget hotels or authorized travel

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Farm owners and tour operators in the province found themselves joining hands as they exchanged insights on how to strengthen agri-tourism industry here. In a three-day fun farms seminar workshop held at a hotel this city on July 24-26, Keneth De Gracia, tourism and training director of a Laguna farm shared several tips to turn farm sites into a “must-go” place for local and foreign tourists. “North Luzon has a big potential for farm tourism considering the high number of tourist arrivals. The market is already there,” said Mr. De Gracia citing tour operators can help these farm owners market their farms as a tourist destination. In support of the government’s rural economic development plan, the Department of Tourism (DOT) partnered with the Ilocos Norte Travel Agencies Association (INTAA) for the conduct of the seminar workshop enjoining Ilocano farm owners to venture into the exciting business of agro-tourism indus

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—As air travel demand continues to increase, the sole airline that services Manila-Laoag flights might consider opening direct flights connecting this northern gateway of Luzon to the central Visayas region. Xavier Ruiz, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Tourism Office confirmed this as talks are underway for the proposed direct flights from Cebu to Laoag and vice versa. “Since we are participating in international travel marts, we are constantly receiving a number of inquiries should airlines consider adding new flights and we are glad about it,” said Mr. Ruiz following Ilocos Norte’s latest participation in the International Travel Festival held in Cebu City last week. In 2011, Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee" R. Marcos and then Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia signed a pact for the sister-province ties between Ilocos Norte and Cebu. With the signing of the sister province bond, both local gove

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Retired Philippine Air Force Col. Ricardo Nolasco Jr., owner of Hannah’s Beach Resort and Convention Center in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte passed away on Wednesday evening, July 11, 2018. He was 67. “He did not survive an open-heart surgery,” said Ronald Dominguez, spokesperson of the largest resort at Brgy. Balaoi in Pagudpud. Known as the architect behind the transformation of Pagudpud town as a premiere destination of the north, Mr. Nolasco put up Hannah’s Beach Resort in what was originally meant as a family vacation resort. The rest is history when it expanded into more than 300-room executive villas and cabanas, with on-going infrastructure developments and set up various amenities. As a result, hundreds of domestic and foreign tourists visit here daily. The resort is on a cliff by the beach, which provides a spectacular view of the sparkling blue lagoon. “Yesterday will go down my lifeline as one

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Pagudpud , Ilocos Norte—The municipal government here shuttered at least 20 homestays for allegedly violating the Clean Water Act. Pagudpud mayor Marlon Sales confirmed this as he reported that they formed a joint inspection team from the local government unit and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to closely monitor the implementation of the Clean Water Act and other related local ordinances. Specifically, Mr. Sales said they found some homestay establishments which are directing their kitchen wastes to the sea. “Let’s help make Pagudpud clean. This is for all of us to ensure a sustainable tourism and environment,” Mr. Sales said citing these homestay establishments and restaurants will not be able to operate again if they will not comply with the provisions of the law. Depending on the gravity of the offense, said the local government closed tourism establishments ranging from 15 to 30 days. The LGU gave t

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter BADOC, Ilocos Norte—Residents here sang and danced in joy as they chanted, “Viva La Virgen Milagrosa” following the crowning of the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary carrying infant Jesus in her arms. Pope Francis mandated the crowning. More than a liturgical ritual, the people of Ilocos Norte, mostly composed of Catholics acknowledged the significance of the pontifical coronation as a show of love and devotion to Mary, revered as “queen of heaven and earth, a protector and inspiration” to mankind. For church historian like Father Danilo Laeda, who is also a native of Badoc, he said Ilocos Norte’s devotion to the miraculous image of the Blessed Virgin Mary began in the 1980s. Catholics believed she chose her enshrinement at the St. John the Baptist Parish here. Since then, several accounts of miraculous healing started and the people of Badoc and Ilocos Norte exalted for joy for the ultimate show of unity among govern

By Bernard Ver Contributor The pontifical crown of La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc features an immaculate depiction of cascading ocean waves—a tribute to the waters that brought the image of the Blessed Virgin to the Ilocanos. Inspired by the fortified buttresses of the St. Augustine Church of Paoay and St. John the Baptist Church of Badoc, the band of the crown displays stylized volutes. Also included in the band is the elaborate shell motif that pays homage to St. John the Baptist, patron of the town of Badoc. The vertical bands holding the orb depict Ilocos garlic, tobacco leaves and flowers—major cash crops of Ilocos Norte, and the bado-badoc grass, where Badoc got its name. Noli Principe Manalang . A native of Bocaue, Bulacan, Mr. Manalang is an architecture graduate from University of Santo Tomas in Manila. He was a recipient of the Freeman Fellowship Grant of Vermont Studio Center, VT, U.S.A. in 2004 and has won numerous painting competitions in the Philippines. He is

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Badoc , Ilocos Norte—This town unveiled a marker of the pontifical coronation of La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc on June 29, 2018. Just like during the pontifical coronation of the blessed Mother, Cesar Jade Raquel, Badoc municipal tourism officer said the unveiling ceremony drew hundreds of Catholic faithful from the different towns of the province and in nearby provinces. With the unveiling of the marker at the St. John the Baptist Parish, the church containing the enshrined La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc, Mr. Raquel expressed optimism the number of visitors here will further increase due to the so-called ‘faith tourism.’ Gifted with heritage churches and natural landmarks, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte through its Ilocos Norte tourism office acknowledged there is a growing interest in faith tourism here as several travel agents are offering some tour packages regarding this purpose. As this developed, Mr.

The 2017 La Milagrosa Fluvial Procession (Alaric Yanos and Reu Dawner Flores) Badoc, Ilocos Norte —Ilocos Norte’s provincial patroness, La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc, is set for her pontifical coronation on May 31, 2018, highlighting the annual La Milagrosa provincial fiesta and further boosting the ongoing bicentennial celebration of the province. The second fluvial procession featuring several bancas along the coast of the La Milagrosa Chapel and cove at Brgy. La Virgen Milagrosa, this town at 4:00p.m. on May 26, 2018 will precede the coronation. “This is not just a celebration and parade, but also an act of thanksgiving to the Almighty accompanied with devout prayer,” shared Jade Ceasar Raquel, Badoc tourism officer. The procession ends with a reenactment of how La Milagrosa came to be the provincial patroness: old storied narrate that she to have arrived floating in a box along with the image of Sto. Cristo Milagroso between the shores of Brgy. Paguetpet in Bado