MANILA, MARCH 17, 2012 (PHILSTAR) s By Cecille Suerte Felipe -
(PHOTO - The windmills of Bangui have become popular attractions in Ilocos
Norte. FERNAN NEBRES)
MANILA, Philippines - The new tourism brand "It's more fun in the
Philippines" fits Ilocos Norte to a T because "we have more fans in the
province," Gov. Imee Marcos said, referring to the giant wind turbines in Bangui
town.
Marcos, who led the launching of Ilocos Norte's tourism campaign "Paoay
Kumakaway" recently, said Ilocanos can relate to the latest Philippine brand
since the province is home to the biggest fans in the country.
"It's more fun in the Philippines aptly describes Ilocos Norte, because we
have the biggest fans, as in electric fans – the windmills," she said. Marcos,
accompanied by her celebrity son Borgy Manotoc and her balikbayan family,
unveiled the province's new tourism slogan meant to encourage more local and
foreign tourists to spend their summer vacation in the province.
"Ilocos Norte is a land that basically has it all, from natural to man-made
attractions, sumptuous food offered by warm and fun-loving people," said Marcos
during a press conference yesterday in Quezon City.
She said the 22 towns in her province are offering various tourist
attractions.
"On top of the list are the white beaches – Saud White beach and the Blue
Lagoon at the northern tip of Pagudpud. The beaches can still provide a calming
and stress-free stay because they are not crowded," Marcos said.
"One can enjoy the sand and water without fear of invading the personal space
of tourists. Noise is kept at minimum so one can lay back and enjoy the beach
without distractions."
Imee Marcos noted that adventure and sports in Ilocos Norte are
also unique compared with other adventure hubs in the country.
She added that the province is also proud of its 84-square kilometer sand
dunes, known as the Sahara of the North and the only desert-like barren region
in the Philippines, which is best for sand boarding and 4x4 off road adventure
activities.
"Ilocos Norte is also rich in heritage sites. We have the famous baroque type
St. Augustine Church located in Paoay which was inscribed in the UNESCO World
Heritage List in 1993 and the architectural and engineering milestone of its
time – the Cape Bojeador (Burgos) Lighthouse overlooking the West Philippine
Sea, a national historical landmark and a national cultural treasure," Marcos
said.
She said Ilocos Norte is also dotted with various architectural structures
and engineering wonders from pre-Spanish up to post World War II artifacts.
Another attraction, Marcos said, is the Patapat viaduct, a concrete coastal
bridge that stretches over a kilometer, considered the fourth longest bridge in
the country.
"Ilocos Norte is also a part of the rich Philippine political history since
one of its locals was once the president of the country. To know more about the
late former President Ferdinand Marcos, a trail dubbed as 'Marcos Trail' was
established, exploring olden times at the Marcos ancestral house and viewing the
president's preserved remains," she said.
Marcos added she is also proud of the province's delicacies, including
empanada, kornik, longganisa, bagnet, and pinakbet. "Tourists can also eat the
dishes in Kangkang Café like the poki-pokie, utong, cabatiti. These are not bad
words but are innocent vegetables," Marcos said, laughing.
Chief News Editor: Sol
Jose Vanzi
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