A few months ago, my friend Dominique invited me for a trip to Ilocandia, which I named The Jewel of the North. I thought of refusing at first for a few reasons. And I’m glad I didn’t. Let's just say I fell in love at first sight and after you complete reading this 3-part blog, you’ll understand why.
Our first stop in Ilocandia was Ilocos Norte’s capital, Laoag City, known as the Sunshine City because Laoag itself means “light” or “clarity”. Getting to Laoag from Manila, tourists and visitors can either take the Manila-Laoag regular flights of Cebu Pacific Air, Air Phil Express or Philippine Airlines or do the 10 to 12-hour bus ride offered by bus companies Partas, GV Florida Transport, RCJ Trans, Maria de Leon Bus or Philippine Rabbit Bus Company. For the bus trip, it’s best to travel during the evening.
At Laoag International Airport, you’ll find a bus that offers a free ride to the city center. However, the bus usually waits for the next flight to arrive, therefore if you can't wait, you can also take a tricycle for 100-120php.
Our first stop in Ilocandia was Ilocos Norte’s capital, Laoag City, known as the Sunshine City because Laoag itself means “light” or “clarity”. Getting to Laoag from Manila, tourists and visitors can either take the Manila-Laoag regular flights of Cebu Pacific Air, Air Phil Express or Philippine Airlines or do the 10 to 12-hour bus ride offered by bus companies Partas, GV Florida Transport, RCJ Trans, Maria de Leon Bus or Philippine Rabbit Bus Company. For the bus trip, it’s best to travel during the evening.
At Laoag International Airport, you’ll find a bus that offers a free ride to the city center. However, the bus usually waits for the next flight to arrive, therefore if you can't wait, you can also take a tricycle for 100-120php.
The city offers a lot of accommodations but for this trip, we chose to stay at Hotel Tiffany, a few meters walk to the city’s attractions. It is also a good piece of information to know that riding the tricycle around the city is just 11php per person.
La Preciosa
If you want a taste of authentic and great Ilocano dishes, La Preciosa is the place for you. Located at J.P. Rizal, Laoag City, it's walking distance from Laoag Park offering a bunch of choices and a really cozy atmosphere for customers. I personally recommend their dish Puqui-Puqui, a unique kind of tortang talong with lots of sliced tomato and onions, and Insarabasab, grilled pork with papaitan sauce. For foodies, Puqui-Puqui would really make you feel like you're in heaven on first taste, because that's what I felt, while Insarabasab gave the impression that it's one of the most tender pork dishes I ever had in my life. Aside, from Ilocano dishes, La Preciosa also offers the best desserts in the area.
La Preciosa
If you want a taste of authentic and great Ilocano dishes, La Preciosa is the place for you. Located at J.P. Rizal, Laoag City, it's walking distance from Laoag Park offering a bunch of choices and a really cozy atmosphere for customers. I personally recommend their dish Puqui-Puqui, a unique kind of tortang talong with lots of sliced tomato and onions, and Insarabasab, grilled pork with papaitan sauce. For foodies, Puqui-Puqui would really make you feel like you're in heaven on first taste, because that's what I felt, while Insarabasab gave the impression that it's one of the most tender pork dishes I ever had in my life. Aside, from Ilocano dishes, La Preciosa also offers the best desserts in the area.