Category Archives: Tourism
Nuestra Señora de la Mantsa: The Case of the Laoag City Bell Tower ‘Apparition’
And we did it again. Ten years ago, I wondered in an essay why this Catholic Nation has produced only one saint so far while Thailand, Japan and China–all non-Christian countries–have more. Maybe, unlike Filipinos, I said then, people from … Continue reading
Michael, how could you?
The bell tower of Paoay Church is defiled by a man named Michael, or by someone deeply in love with a Michael. That this graffiti has been there for over a year disturbs me. Now, there are at least two … Continue reading
But did tourists come?
I ARGUE, dear karikna, that the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office folks are the busiest bees in this part of the world. And I argue further that their queen bee, Governor Imee Marcos is Awesome with a capital A. After the … Continue reading
Ianree kayganda
DEAR AIAN, On June 1, you took your new job as provincial tourism officer of Ilocos Norte. You left a teaching career in the university to assume a responsibility where you feel you can be of better service to society. … Continue reading
Bura vs Bora
Room 137, The Manor Hotel, Camp John Hay. I am in Baguio as I write this, but two other places are on my mind. Last month, I had the chance to join a trip to Boracay, which I first visited … Continue reading
Tina, Helen, Christian, and Mary
FOUR human beings pervade my consciousness these days, and they happen to be all mothers. First is Tina Tan, whose recent appointment as Tourism Officer of Ilocos Norte made me so happy, I almost had permanent cramps on my facial … Continue reading
Filed under Family, Filipino, Filipino Youth, Government/Politics, Heroes, Ilocos, The Good Life, Tourism
Empanada Festival awe-inspiring but untruthful
As promised, I am featuring in this column a critique written by Ianree Raquel on the Empanada Festival held recently in Batac City. Raquel, who teaches Arts and Society at the Mariano Marcos State University, is cultural coordinator of the … Continue reading
Filed under Festivals, Ilocos, Sociology, The Good Life, Tourism
A beauty contestant writes…
I AM one of the candidates of this year’s Miss ABC pageant. I know it’s very embarassing to join such pageant and eventually not having atleast any minor award, but it was fun staying with the ABC Staff for almost … Continue reading
Filed under Festivals, Government/Politics, Tourism
NO to beauty pageants… and political invocations
Not once, but twice! As with the past years, at least two beauty pageants are touted as highlights of the 2009 Pamulinawen Festival. The Search for Ms. ABC (Association of Barangay Councils) was held on February 4 at the Centennial … Continue reading
Filed under Festivals, Government/Politics, Ilocos, Religion, Sociology, The Good Life, Tourism, Traditions
Pretentious & meaningless, Pamulinawen Festival kicks off
The revelry leading to the February 10 Feast Day of St. William, patron of the city, begins today. The Laoag City Fiesta I have grown up to know was simple, dry, and forgettable. There were strings of parades, yes, but … Continue reading
My Favorite 2009 Calendar
Former UP Student Council Chair and now Ilocos Norte Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Kris Ablan sent me 3 copies of this novel calendar. More than the visual feast the calendar offers, it is my favorite because of what it represents. Kris … Continue reading
Filed under Personals, PinoyPride, Places, Revolution, Tourism
Burgis Conservation
OF COURSE, you’ve already read about the buzz created by conservationists regarding the construction of a mall in downtown Laoag. They claim that there are two Gabaldon buildings in the compound where it is to be built, and that the … Continue reading
Filed under Arts, Education, LaoagCentralElem, Polls, Tourism
Kampay!
I may have been too busy drinking gulping SanMig Light the past years that I failed to notice one good alak manufactured right here in Sunshine City Laoag. Discovered it lately through a blog entry detailing a tambay at tagay … Continue reading
Filed under Personals, PinoyPride, Rural, The Good Life, Tourism
Finally, an honest-to-goodness night market
THE LAOAG CITY NIGHT MARKET IS A BEAUTY TO BEHOLD. Anyone who has a clear pair of eyes and who has entered the city via the Laoag Padsan Bridge on a Wednesday or Friday night would attest to this. Well-lighted … Continue reading
