4 profile
language
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6 language
culture
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Kannawidan Festival 2018 street dancing competition (photo by Jasper A. Espejo)
R
egion I is rich with culture and tra-
spend the money they earned more wisely. This
They will do whatever it takes to en-
dition and in this article, I will in-
behavior is heavily affected by their environ-
sure a better future for their children.
troduce you to some of their traits
ment and the state of their living. As a matter
know them better and to know what, why, and
of fact, their homeland in Ilocos region is situ-
The wedding tradition
how things are done differently in their region.
ated between the barren lands of the Cordille-
Panagpudno (formal announcement) is made
Ilocano’s are generally or “Bain” as what
ra mountain ranges and the South China Sea.
by the groom to the parents of his soon to be
they call it, they have this sense of shame
A land blessed with agricultural benefi ts, but
bride about his intention of marrying their
(amor propio) or fear of being a topic for gos-
with the rapid growth of population every year
daughter. Then both parents of the bride and
siping hence they prefer to be humble (pa-
it is not enough to support and contain them.
groom will meet to set the date of the wedding.
nagdaw) to avoid being envied by others.
Considering that they very far to the cen-
Usually, the parents consult a “planetario” (al-
Native Ilocanos are commonly a weaver,
ter of trade industry, it is a struggle for them
manac) to pick the best day for the wedding.
wood carver and an expert in pottery. Their
to deliver their products which are mainly
Britor is another wedding tradition where
native cuisines are the vegetable broth called
fruits and vegetable because it takes hours
the guests contributes money to the newly-
“dinengdeng”, the sticky “tinubong”, “po-
to get to the capital and when they get there,
weds by either dropping them in a plate or pin-
qui-poqui” (eggplant salad) and the exotic dish
the fruits and vegetable are no longer fresh.
ning the money into the clothes of the couple.
called “abu-os” which is made on ant eggs.
And
Ilocanos prefer to be simple rather than being all fancy, they are also hardworking and
to
these the
stingy
situations traits
have of
led
Ilocanos.
The death tradition A piece of ‘Atong wood is burned in fvront
empathetic. They are mostly known for being
On valuing education
stingy or “kuripot”, although it may seem like
It is common in most Asian countries to value
ment about the death of the family member.
a negative description, they just consider be-
education because they think it is their only
The fi re is kept burning until after the buri-
ing called “kuripot” as a joke among Filipinos.
option to have a better life. Ilocanos are no
al and then extinguished by white wine.
different, they are industrious not only in the
Before the body is buried the family members
fi elds but also in schools. Many people there are
pays respect either by kissing the deceased’s
Ilocanos prefer to be simple rather than be-
literate because their parents are very passion-
hands or putting its hand to the forehead (mano).
ing all fancy, they are also hardworking and
Being stingy (kuripot)
of the deceased house to make announce-
ate and would do all just to send their children
After burial, the guests and family mem-
empathetic. They are known for being stingy
to school and eventually a proper university.
bers must take another route from the one they
or “kuripot”, although it may seem like a neg-
All of this is due to the struggles their par-
have already taken to get back to the deceased’s
ative description, they just consider being
ents experienced, they want to provide better
home and upon arrival, they must wash their
called “kuripot” as a joke among Filipinos.
opportunities for their children other than
faces to remove the said “power of death”.
They value money so much that most
staying in the fi elds and working hard under
people see them as stingy, but in fact
the heat of sun just to provide to their families.
they are just being practical and want to
8 places
places
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Paoay Sand Dunes
Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Kapurpurawan
an 88 sq km parched paradise lies adjacent to Suba Beach and one of the two most popular sand dunes sites in Ilocos Norte
Burgos, Ilocos Norte
It means white in the local dialect, which is very apt due to the color of the rock formations. The formation is surrounded by the West Philippine Sea.
Bangui Windmills Bangui, Ilocos Norte
(a.k.a. NorthWind Bangui Bay Project) It is a project by the NorthWind Development Corporation as a “practice renewable energy sources and to help reduce the greenhouse gases that cause global warming.�
places
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Bantay Church Bell Tower
Bantay, Ilocos Sur
This baroque-gothic style church was built by Augustinian Friars in 1590, it is considered as one of the oldest churches in Ilocos Sur.
Calle Crisologo Vigan, Ilocos Sur
(a.k.a. Mena Crisologo Street) A street lined with Spanish-style houses and other heritage houses belonged to prominent families in the ancient period.
Pinsal Falls
Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur
an 85-foot waterfall considered as the largest and grandest ones in the whole of Ilocos Region. Behind the main falls is a hidden cave where one can swim from.
places
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Cape Bolinao Lighthouse
Bolinao, Pangasinan
This 100-year old lighthouse was erected in 1905 by the Filipino, American and British architects and stands 107-meter tall.
Hundred Islands Alaminos, Pangasinan
(a.k.a. Kapulo-puloan or Taytay-Bakes) A total of 124 islands are dispersed along the Lingayen Gulf but one gets submerged in water during high tide.
Sunflower Maze Tayug, Pangasinan
(a.k.a. the Tayug Eco Park) The Maze presents flowers of differents kind but is only open from February to June due to seasonal changes. Taoist temple, built in 1975, is named after a Chinese deity known as the Goddess of the Sea. This is the reason why the temple is positioned facing the South China Sea.
places
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Baluarte Tower
Luna, La Union
This is a 400-year old national treasure with a 5.6-meter tall tower built to protect the Spanish colonizers against the Japanese, Chinese, and Moro pirates.
UrbiztondoBeach San Juan, La Union
This beach is famous for surfing community, (also the aspiring ones and try-outs) and party goers at beach night.
MaChoTemple San Fernando, La Union
This Taoist temple, built in 1975, is named after a Chinese deity known as the Goddess of the Sea. This is the reason why the temple is positioned facing the South China Sea.
tradition
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18 tradition
20 tradition
food
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22 food
A WALK THROUGH THE HISTORY OF ILOCOS EMPANADA The Ilocos empanada reflects history itself, since it is inspired by the Spanish empanada. Empanada is a typical snack that originated from Spain and its former Latin American colonies. An empanada is made with wheat flour and stuffed with meat, carrots, corn, cheese, and/or peppers. There’s a lot of variation with the stuffings, depending on the ingredients available in the area. As is often the case with any cultural exchange, the Spanish empanada has been modified to fit the local area’s culture and traditions. Since rice, longanisa (ground pork and molded into sausage links), papaya, mung beans, and eggs are abundant in Ilocos, these ingredients are used for the local empanada. And since baking is not a traditional way of cooking in ‘locos, the empanadas are deep-fried rather than baked. Making the Ilocos empanada is both an art and science, with many attesting to how difficult It is to make It is such a sight to behold to see the Ilocos empanada artisans creating each empanada by hand, and producing every piece into precision. The Ilocos empanada is indeed a jewel of the region, The making of an empanada is a craft on its own that must be passed from generation to generation to stay alive.
food
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24 food
food
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26 food