Ever so proud of the LEAD Movement, the forward-looking Ilocos Norte-based eco-adventure group of which I am one of the founding members, I congratulate my fellow-LEADers, particularly Reny Tan and Glenn Guerrero for sharing their vision of putting Ilocos Norte on the map, in respect to sandboarding adventure. They conceptualized the latest sport to experience in the Philippines, and of course, only in Ilocos, since it is only in Ilocos Norte where there is a vast stretch of sand dunes with steep slopes suitable for the adventure. Sandboarding is like any other board sport (e.g. surfing, mountainboarding, skimboarding, skysurfing, snowboarding, skateboarding, etc) except that it has to be played on sand.
The LEAD Movement prepares for another sandboarding adventure along the slopes of the La Paz sand dunes.
Ready for the drop…
The Thrill…
MC, The Man
Amidst pure natural beauty…
For inquiries and bookings, the group has already coordinated with Wen! Travel and Tours, or you may leave your questions at the comment box and I will gladly answer you back.
The LEAD Movement wishes to thank the support of Sammy Blas, Mike Diaz, Stevie Barreiro, Atty. Nesty Corpuz and the Northern Philippines Visitors Bureau “Lakbay Norte” Media tour.
The on-going 192nd foundation anniversary of the province of Ilocos Norte in the Philippines is celebrated with the Ragrag-o Festival. On February 4, 2010, a dance parade took center stage where all the festivals of the different municipalities of the province were showcased.
Ilocos Norte is a unique mix of several ethnic communities, but predominantly Ilocano.
The participants at the dance parade were school children and several grown-ups. Some showed signs of near exhaustion, but they still managed to entertain the big crowd of locals and tourists waiting on the main streets of Laoag City.
Click on any photo to view more of Blauearth’s photography onflickr.
The annual 2-week Pamulinawen Festival carnival in Laoag is the only thing that hasn’t changed over the years. It is still the same old vision on the same dusty spot close to the Padsan River… the same old rides… the same feeling it gives me — yes, I’m getting older… YEAR AFTER YEAR.
…………………….
Click on photo to view more of Blauearth’s photography onflickr.
The table napkin was made through the process of abel, an Ilocano tradition of weaving. Inabel or abel Iluko is the woven fabric, which is what the Ilocos region is also known for. Colorful inabel products come in ready-made blankets, placemats, table runners, pillow covers, towels, shawls, etc. Fabric for dresses, gowns and barongs, and other special items can be customized. ( Click on to read related post. ) You can visit the Museo Ilocos Norte, or Gameng, for more information.
Click on photo to view more of Blauearth’s photography onflickr.
I noticed a rise in the temperature the past few days. I went to the beach hoping to get a few shots. OMG, it was glorious! Summer is, definitely, earlier this 2010! It usually starts mid-February here in Ilocos. Yehey!
TIME for…
the beach,
hangin’ loose,
sundresses and flip-flops,
tall glasses of slush and watermelon smoothie,
mangoes,
chill-out music,
fun,
family,
oh, and my antiquarian floppy straw hat.
Click on photo to view more of Blauearth’s photography onflickr.
In Ilocos Norte, the economy is anchored in agriculture. Good harvest equates to good business in all sectors. And when there is money in the farmer’s pocket, there is food on the table, children are able to go to school, and peace is felt all around.
Click on photo to view more of Blauearth’s photography onflickr.
Now 12 years old, Brandon Tan (of Laoag City), who has managed to join several 4×4 events at national level, including the toughest off-road race in the Philippines to date, The Tough Track Challenge, is more bold and determined in perfecting his driving skills. His passion is evident in the video, where he finishes the most difficult ascent — the devil’s whatchamacallit? — at the Laoag Sand Dunes in La Paz.
The Bacarra Tower was built in 1828 by an Augustinian missionary, Fr. Bergier. It was originally a 50-meter high, 3-storey structure, but was ruined twice by earthquakes in 1931 and 1971 causing it to lean and lose its dome. The heavy giant bronze bell on the belfry is now lost, but the beauty of the tower has remained. Declared a National Cultural Treasure in 1973, it is one among the significant historical and architectural landmarks in the Philippines.
Click on top photo to view more of Blauearth’s photography on flickr
Ilocos Norte is not just about old churches and landmarks that bespeak its rich history. It is also proud of its abundant natural wealth – pristine beaches and untouched forests that host a high amount of biodiversity. Help save this wealth for the coming generations to enjoy.
