The chance I recently had to revisit the Ilocos region is an achievement and well spent birthday. It is not my contemporary way of celebrating birthdays yet I consider it the most fulfilling.
To some, the rainy month of June may be inconvenient but for me, it was extraordinary. The pristine mountains and oceans of the north are more visibly glorious and our 9-hour drive was all worth it.
Another thing I missed was to go on a weaving tour where I can interact with the local weavers and learn how the various local textiles are weaved. This is one Philippine product exuding with outstanding quality. We should not miss the weaving tour when we visit Ilocos next time.
The Ilocos Region (Region 1) is made up of four provinces including Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan. The region produces varied export quality products and also runs highly in demand industries. The most famous products include rice, corn, garlic, root crops, tobacco, green grapes, dragon fruit, mangoes, sugar cane, processed meat, milkfish and well-renowned industries such as loom weaving, furniture, ceramics, iron works, garments, wind power and coal-fired power plant. I am so proud to have a bloodline from the Ilocos Region.
2018 is a year of awakening for me. If I can be excited with the rich cultures of other countries, I should also be more proud of the cultural diversity of the Philippines which is at par with other world class cultures and destinations. Every time I am tempted to boast of my little achievements, I hold back when learning about the nobility and talent our natives from the provinces can produce. If soft skills are crucial, the hard skills are highly recognized. Not everyone can articulate a hard skill with passion and wisdom but most of our locals and ethnics from the provinces do. That is why they have my high respect.
There is more to just featuring your travel escapades on Facebook or Instagram. Have you also taken the time to discover more about your roots and to learn deeply about the great culture that was instrumental in raising you up as a distinctive individual? Find the meaning and purpose for every travel. It makes us complete, and our journeys rewarding.
The love we give to our country is a manifestation that we are blessed with wisdom, strength and compassion. The hurdles are never interferences with the ways we give peace, protection and pride to our natural resources and ethnic communities who are the symbol of our uniqueness and prestige.
You can get more detailed travel guides, itinerary tips and accommodation bookings for your Ilocos tour with JITRRIE TRAVEL AND TOURS.