Go North

This summer, why don’t you break away from the usual itinerary followed by most tourists, and forego trips to crowded destinations. Be more adventurous, take the road less travelled and explore rarely visited spots. The northern provinces of Pampanga, Zambales, La Union and Ilocos beckon visitors to explore its many jewels that have remained a secret to most tourists up to this day.

Nayong Pilipino in Pampanga

The much-awaited revival of Nayong Pilipino Park and its relocation from Parañaque to Clark is among the biggest tourism developments of Pampanga for this year.

Dubbed as the country’s No. 1 popular outdoor exposition of top destinations in the land, the Nayong Pilipino Park has already opened last April 1 at the Clark Expo’s sprawling grounds with bigger and more attractions for local and foreign tourists. The formal grand opening is slated for November.

Situated in a 50-hectare outdoor museum, the 3.5 hectare colonial plaza and ancient island outdoor museum showcases the country’s cultural and age-old traditions, heritage and lifestyles.

Tourism Regional Director Ronaldo P. Tiotuico of the Central Luzon Regional Office said the Nayong Pilipino Administration led by its executive director Charito Planas has revived the park to boost travel and tourism in Pampanga.

Other attractions in the park include the tribal villages of Ifugao, Kalinga and Muslim communities. The old rotund outdoor amphitheater that can seat a thousand people will soon be ready for social gatherings and entertaining events like theaters, stage plays and cultural presentations.

A part of the complex will house the so-called Labuad village where ethnic Kapampangan crafts and artworks will be on display for sale, including a vegetable garden, restaurant and artistic paintings courtesy of notable Kapampangan artists. Also in the offing is a Kapampangan library which will be built in cooperation with Robby Tantingco of the Holy Angel University Center for Kapampangan Studies.

Included in the historical showcase and tour are the ancestral houses of Jose Rizal, Emilio Aguinaldo and Apolinario Mabini.

The former replica of the Barasoain Church has also been refurbished to be the site of religious and social gatherings like weddings, retreats and recollections, concerts and the likes. The theater and the church have a seating capacity of 500 pax each. (For details, email nayon_saclark@yahoo.com)

Subic

Another reason to keep coming back to the Freport Zone is a new luxury boutique resort called Lighthouse Marina Resort.

The new establishment takes pampering to the next level as guests are treated to extraordinary hospitality and the extra details not found in other resorts. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a cold hand towel, a refreshing cocktail, and a hot chocolate in their room. They will also to select their own choice of bath accessories before engaging in a warm, relaxing bath in their room’s cozy bathtub .

La Union

Further up north in La Union, tourists will be pleasantly surprised to find many rarely visited and unexplored attractions in this town from pilgrimage sites to beaches, zoos and a casino.

From the Oasis Country Resort, in the city of San Fernando, visitors can use this as jump-off point to the various pilgrimage destinations in the province. The hotel can make special arrangements to bring guests to these places.

Voyagers in search of spiritual renewal can flock to the Sacred Ma-Cho Temple, a holy shrine of the Chinese Filipinos’ own Virgin Mary. Full of enchanting stories, the patron is seen gazing from its hillside pedestal. The temple’s interiors, polished in red and gold lacquers, clearly marked the ingenious artisanship of our Chinoy brothers.

Ardent devotees who seek for guidance and reverence can go further to Ilocos to visit the centuries-old Sta. Maria Church Pilgrimage Site and St. Paul Cathedral.

Meawnhile, families can cherish close encounters with exotic animals and plants at the La Union Botanical and Zoological Garden.

The resort also offers tours to nearby Ilocos, Vigan and Pangasinan. The Ilocos road trip will treat tourists to an inspring and educational tour of the Naguilan wine, Bacnotan Tobacco, honey and silk worm industries. Sights to see include the Poro Point Fiesta Casino and Lighthouse, Hundred Islands and the Urbiztondo beach for some surfing lessons or swimming.

After a tiring tour, guests will be shuttled back to the Oasis Resort where they can relax in any of its well-appointed casitas and indulge in seafood feasts and other delectable cuisine.

Log on to www.oasiscountryresort.com for more information.

Ilocos Norte

When in Ilocos Norte, travelers are guaranteed of a wholesome, affordable place to stop, eat and relax at the Shorestop Inn and Restaurant.

Located on km 503 north of Laoag City, Shorestop Inn is the only one of its kind in Laoag City.

[La Union Botanical and Zoological Garden
| Barasoain Church | Expo Pilipino Wiki | Apolinario Mabini Shrine Wiki ]