Top 7 Reasons to Visit the Northern Philippines

The Northern Philippines is indeed endowed with a lot of breathtaking tourist spots and attractions. From colorful festivals, wonderful beaches, amazing churches and historical structures, mouthwatering delicacies, awesome accommodations to nice and friendly people; it is indeed gifted with rich, natural and man-made treasures. Certainly, there are so many reasons why you should go North any time of the year! Here are some of the top reasons why the Northern Philippines is your best bet come rain or shine.

1. THE NLEX

The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) is known as the “Gateway to the North”. It spans 84 kilometers of world-class expressway which connects Metro Manila to the Central and Northern Luzon regions. Built to ensure safety, convenience, and efficiency of motorists and passengers, the Manila North Tollways Corporation-operated (MNTC) expressway has 98 internationally recognized informational, directional, and warning signs along its entire stretch, as well as real-time en route travel advisories, and 24/7 CCTV cameras to monitor road conditions and ensure that you reach your Northern destination with ease.

2. COLORFUL FESTIVALS

Baguio may be known for its annual flower fest Panagbenga, or Dagupan for its Bangus Festival but there are more to Northern Philippines’ festival than meets the eye. Malolos, Bulacan has the Sto Niño de Malolos Festival, the biggest gathering of devotees to the Holy Child Jesus in the North, held every January. Kannawidan 'Ylocos' Festival in Ilocos Sur pays homage to Ilocano traditions, and include street parades, Ilocano poem writing contest, a talent night where performers sing Ilocano ballads, a dance drama, and marching band contest.

Of course, Pampanga has its world-famous Lantern Festival held every December, and Sinukwan Festival, a festival immortalizing Aring Sinukwan, god of the ancient Kapampangans where groups outdo each other in dancing to the local anthem “Atin Cu Pung Singsing”.

3. AMAZING CHURCHES

The country’s deep-rooted Christianity is mirrored in some of the country’s oldest churches located in Northern Luzon. Among them, Baguio Cathedral (Our Lady of Atonement) located atop Mount Mary Hill; Paoay Church (St. Augustine Church), a UNESCO World Heritage Site; St. William Cathedral, Laoag’s city’s landmark built in 1580; Betis Church (St. John the Apostle Parish Church) in Guagua, named a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum for its painted ceiling of murals depicting scenes from the Bible; and the San Guillermo Church in Bacolor, which doubles as a place of worship and a tourist attraction to this day with its Baroque architecture, particularly its pulpit which is intricately carved and heavily gilded in gold leaf.

4. WONDERFUL BEACHES AND WATER SPORTS

In Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, not only do the wide beaches lure you to swim but the excellent wind can give you the ultimate rush via kiteboarding and windsurfing. Zambales’ Potipot Island inspires visitors to go kayaking. Pangasinan’s Hundred Islands also boast of isolated caves, and snorkeling reefs. The more daring ones can go near and far Luzon to enjoy spectacular adventures. Deca Wakepark in Clark is a wakeboarder’s haven. Baguio has various trails which newbies and seasoned adrenaline junkies alike enjoy. Benguet also has challenging bike trails to conquer.

5. GLORIOUS FOOD

Itself a unique adventure, food in Northern Philippines is both for the banal and the adventurous. Pampanga, of course, is the food lover’s haven with Bale Datung, a popular private kitchen perfect for intimate lunch or dinner with family and friends featuring Chef Claude Tayag’s homemade creations; Susie’s pichi pichi, tibok tibok, suman, moche and sapin sapin; Aling Lucing’s Sisig; and Nathaniel’s buko pandan. The Ilocos region boasts of its Vigan longganiza and crispy ukoy and empanadas.

6. INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

Ethnic groups are known to have preserved the real culture of Filipinos. It would be good to encounter and learn more about the Aetas of Pampanga, the Igorots of the Cordillera Administrative Region, the Ilongots in the southern Sierra Madre and Caraballo Mountains on the east side of Luzon particularly Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya.

7. BEST ACCOMMODATIONS

Near or far, affordable or luxurious, North Luzon’s many hotels and accommodations await guests. From Baguio’s Camp John Hay and Baguio Country Club, to Bataan’s Las Casas Filipinas de Azucar where heritage structures are a sight to behold; to Anvaya Cove, a luxurious residential resort and private enclave that presents a balance between sustainable development and environmental preservation.

NLEX Tara na sa Norte Tourism and Travel Fair 2014

Want to know more about how you can enjoy the best of North Philippines, including its numerous travel spots and no-miss attractions? Checkout "NLEX Tara na sa Norte Tourism and Travel Fair" happening on July 25-27, 2014, at the Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City.

There will be at least 100 exhibitors expected to gather for this travel and tourism fair mounted by the Manila North Tollways Corp (MNTC) - from the corporate sector, local government units, the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) regional offices, hotels, and restaurants, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and traders, among others.

"NLEX Tara nasa Norte” will also provide a platform for the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their craft, furniture, fashion accessories, food items and other regional products and make them accessible to Metro Manila residents.

It is co-presenters are the Department of Tourism Regions 1, 2, 3 and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Glorietta and Ayala Malls, and supported by the North Philippines Visitors Bureau (NPVB), this three-day event is also supported by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Clark Development Corporation, Maynilad and PhilHydro with Cebu Pacific as the official airline partner and Philippine Daily Inquirer, media partner.

What are you waiting for? Tara na sa Norte!

Note: This is a press release. Photos by Edsel Ochoa.