REGION 1

• Region I, also known as Ilocos Region, occupies the narrow plain between the Cordillera Central mountain range and the South China Sea, and also occupies the northern portion of the Central Luzon plain, to the northeast of the Zambales Mountains.
• Region I is bounded to the east by the Central Luzon region and to the south by the Cordillera Administrative Region.
• The Bike Tourism project represents a collaborative initiative between the PGLU and DOT-R1, aiming to develop new tourism offerings and boost domestic tourism, not only within the province but also across the entire region.
• This effort is geared towards establishing La Union as a safe, self-reliant, and sustainable province for its residents.
• Region I is highly susceptible to typhoons and other natural disasters due to its location in the country's typhoon belt.
• The area is renowned for producing fish sauce, bagoong, and vinegar, and is one of the nation's top producers of tobacco, corn, and rice.
• Region I is a historically significant and culturally rich area with a distinctive Filipino culture.
• Laoag International Airport, located in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, is the primary entry point to Region I.
• Tuguegarao Airport, located in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, is also a gateway to Region I, particularly to its northernmost provinces.
• Clark International Airport, located in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, is not directly connected to Region I, but is a viable alternative entry point for travelers coming from Manila.
• Ninoy Aquino International Airport, located in Pasay City, Metro Manila, is the main international gateway to the Philippines and can be used as a transit point for tourists heading to Region I.
• Port of San Fernando, located in La Union, is the busiest in the region and serves as the gateway to northern Luzon, functioning as a major trading hub with vessels carrying cargo and people to and from different parts of the country.
• The Metropolitan Cathedral of St Paul, also called Vigan Cathedral, is one of the most amazing historic sites in Vigan.
• Hundred Islands National Park of Alaminos City comprises 124 islands spread out along the Lingayen Gulf, also known as “Kapulo-puloan” or “Taytay-Bakes".
• La Union has a reputation for having the country’s most consistent waves, and a thriving surf culture has flourished in recent years.
• Cabongoan Beach and Death Pool is located in the town of Burgos and can take up to an hour from the town proper, but once you see its stretch of white sand beach and blue waters, you’ll instantly know that it was worth it.
• Ilocos Empanada is another well-loved product of Ilocos is its version of an empanada, originating in Batac, Ilocos Norte, and is now a favorite snack even in Manila.
• Vigan Longganisa is a unique and flavorful sausage hailing from the Ilocos region in the Philippines.
• Surfboards are available for rent throughout the area as well.
• Pakbet is cooked in a clay pot called “Palayok” and Anchovy sauce (bagoong isda) is used to add flavor.
• Unlike the commonly known sweet longganisa, Vigan longganisa stands out with its small and plump appearance, bold flavors, and generous use of garlic and spices.
• Urbiztondo Beach is known as the Surfing Capital of Northern Philippines, with surfing seasons typically falling from July to October and November to March.
• Pakbet or Pinakbet is a popular vegetable dish that originated from one of the northern provinces of the Philippines, Ilocos.
• Port of Poro Point, situated in San Fernando City, La Union, is strategically located near major tourist destinations in the region, such as Baguio City and the beaches of La Union, and is primarily used for cargo shipping but also has limited passenger services.
• Port of Currimao, located in Ilocos Norte, is the only natural harbor in the region, known for its deep waters, which make it ideal for large vessels, and serves as a gateway to the northern part of the Philippines and is a major source of livelihood for the people in the area.
• Port of Salomague, situated in Ilocos Sur, is a secondary port that serves as an alternative to the more crowded Port of San Fernando.
• The Bangus Festival in April is held in Dagupan, Pangasinan.
• The Bike Bros La Union's Long Jump Friendly Competition was held on the same day as the Bike and Nature Trail Tourism launch.
• The Pamulinawen Festival, held every first week of February in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, is named after the patron saint of Ilocos Norte, Our Lady of Pamulinawen.
• In today's Pangasinan, husbands and wives share household responsibilities and wives contribute to the family income to supplement their husbands' earnings.
• Charms were widely utilized for various reasons, including protecting against evil spirits and attracting good fortune.
• Ilocos Empanada is deep-fried to perfection and best, devoured as soon as it leaves the pan.
• The Binakol Festival in February is held in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.
• The Kannawidan Festival in February is held in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
• The Bac-bacarra Festival in November is held in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.
• In the traditional customs of Ilocos Norte, the young woman's marriage involves extensive negotiations between her parents and the prospective groom's family.
• Rituals were overseen by "manag-anito," priestesses who conducted ceremonies involving oracle invocation, idol worship, dream and sign interpretation, and determining favorable timings for specific activities.
• The Sillag Festival in April is held in San Fernando, La Union.
• The Bike and Nature Trail Tourism project in La Union was officially introduced on November 19, 2021, as part of the Region 1 Tourism Convention's Immersion Tour.
• Inside Ilocos Empanada, you'll typically find chopped Vigan longganisa, green papaya, mung beans, and an egg.