People are Talking

Ilocos Norte has always been there, a silent presence at the northwest corner of Luzon, known as the hometown of the "Da Apo," the genius behind Martial Law. Curiously, Da Apo's legacy is more and more appreciated the farther we get from '86, with the general sentiment being "mabuti pa noon," but this can be a reflection of the disappointments that followed. Or maybe Lee Kuan Yew is right, Asians need strong leaders, even dictators, and that "too much democracy"can be a problem.

But I digress.

Lately, Ilocos Norte destinations are being featured in print and TV--places like Pagudpud, the perennial favorite; the windmills at Bangui (many thanks to Regine in sinuous garment swinging by the beach); the usual churches like Sarrat and Paoay; the Luna Shrine in Badoc (happy 150th Maestro Juan!); Fort Ilocandia; and the small resort called Sitio Remedios.

Even humble Ilocano fare with a twist is catching people's attention--the perennial pinakbet has been worked into a pizza by the Herencia Cafe in Paoay, while Saramsam in Laoag has experimented with Poque-Poque pizza, empanada negra (filled with dinuguan), among other things. C&E has come up with a bagnet pizza; while La Preciosa has people raving over abrao (vegetables in fish broth), insarabsab (grilled pig ears and cheeks-the Ilocano variation of sisig), sinanglao or paksiw (cow or goat sweetmeats in broth) and other local fare. Dawang's in San Nicolas is the turo-turo of choice, closely followed by its neighbor Lidamero's, with various grilled offerings. The livestock markets in Badoc (Wednesdays) and Batac (Sundays) are occasions for sampling kilawin (raw carabao meat with grated ginger doused with papait or bile), which can be brought to a quick boil (in which case it is called imbaliktad); lengua estofada; dinardaraan; higado; and other meat specialties.

Trip na Trip began its fifth season in September with a feature on Ilocos Norte. Sports Unlimited highlighted the surfers' paradise that is Mairaira (or Blue Lagoon) in Pagudpud. Marc Logan in TV Patrol featured the newly developed pizzas mentioned above.

U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney visited the province in mid-September, staying at the Saud Beach Resort in Pagudpud. Coincidentally, this was right after Saud Beach was acknowledged as Asia's Top Beach by an Australian travel writer. Newly-posted PROC Ambassador Song Tao made Ilocos Norte his first out of town destination; spending four days in the province.

The ZONTA Club held a regional conference in Laoag with delegates from four countries--another first for Ilocos Norte. Medical groups--orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and other specialists--have also held regional and national conventions in the province. As did the United Architects of the Philippines.

The National Historical Institute installed a marker at the century-old Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos; and marked the 150th birthday of painter Juan Luna in fitting ceremonies at his birthplace in Badoc, an event that was also honored with a commemorative stamp. The province likewise remembered the bicentennial of the Basi Revolt that started in Piddig, and the birthday of Josefa Llanes Escoda, suffragist and founder of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines.

All these activities, and the renewed interest of media, will surely augur well for tourism in the province.